More Top Picks Best Laser Pointers For Presentations
player ready...This is one of Chicago summer’s best weekends of things to do, with Pitchfork, ComplexCon, block parties from the Silver Room and the Art Institute, Tacos Y Tamales Fest and plenty more.
Pitchfork Music Festival
Another year, another crowded Union Park weekend. Soon, Haim, the Isley Brothers, Robyn, Mavis Staples, Pusha-T, Soccer Mommy and more will play to fans and sweaty newcomers as Pitchfork Music Festival returns for its 14th year this weekend. Organizers expect about 20,000 attendees per day, all eager to hear just over 40 acts span three stages. Before you grab your fanny pack and head out the door, check out our do’s and don’ts to remember for the music festival. Gates at noon, acts at 1 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., $95 single-day, $185 three-day; pitchforkmusicfestival.com
ComplexCon
Culture shopping/showcase extravaganza ComplexCon lands in Chicago this weekend for its first-ever event here. The renowned convention offers a chance to shop from many in-demand brands who will have vendor booths, many carrying special merchandise. Even cooler, many of the vendors are from Chicago, some of the coolest creators around. The festival also features panels, performances, prizes and after-parties. It’s a massive pop-culture convention that skews more hypebeast than geek-chic. 11 a.m. Saturday-8 p.m. Sunday, McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Drive, $80 single-day GA, $135 two-day GA; eventbrite.com
Taste of Korea
The third annual Taste of Korea Chicago Festival doesn’t skimp on its entertainment, with two days full of Korean food and drink, live performances from musicians and dancers, plus a bunch of activities, merchandise and giveaways. Musical duo Year of the Ox headlines the performers, while the main event is a chance to compete in the international Changwon K-POP World Festival competition as either a singing or dancing champion. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Old Orchard Shopping Mall, west lot, 4999 Old Orchard Road, enter on Lavergne Avenue, Skokie, free, donations appreciated; eventbrite.com
AIC Block Party
Get ready for a block party, Art Institute-style. The AIC will host its second annual Block Party this weekend, with a full day of performances, discussions, storytelling and art-making workshops. All of the events will take place in and around the museum grounds. This year’s theme examines the lifespan of artwork, the ways it changes, moves, grows and functions. The evening ends with a special show by Chicago’s Jamila Woods; the concert requires an extra ticket. Party 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, concert 7 p.m. Sunday, Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., $10-$25 for party, $10-$20 for concert; artic.edu/events
Mexican Indigenous Music Festival
Enjoy a chance to share in Mexican cultural heritage at this weekend’s Mexican Indigenous Music Festival. The event celebrates the diverse indigenous communities of our neighboring southern country through performances of music and dance, as well as displays of clothing and other handicraft. The indigenous musical performers hail from across Mexico, including Tabasco, Michoacán and Mexico City. 4-8 p.m. Sunday, Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., free; oldtownschool.org
Silver Room Block Party
Head to the annual Silver Room Block Party for a fun, culture-filled way to enjoy the weather. The outdoor fest held in Hyde Park will be full of music, art, dancing and community — to celebrate cultural diversity, self-expression and be a platform for artists and musicians. Experience the neighborhood and the block party, as food and retail vendors line the streets and locally owned stores host DJs and prop open their doors to welcome visitors. This family-friendly event also hosts a kids zone and youth basketball games. Noon-10 p.m. Saturday, 53rd and Harper Court, $10 suggested donation; silverroomblockparty.com
After-party for Tacos Y Tamales Festival
The Tacos Y Tamales Festival will be serving some fantastic food Friday night in Pilsen, then some good times at its official after-party, which features additional eats and DJs Classic Crow, Dave C and Presto moving the dance floor. 10 p.m.- 2 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Simone’s, 960 W. 18th St., no cover; simonesbarchicago.com/events-calendar
Night Out at the Zoo
More Top Picks Best Tablets For Reading Pdfs
Sorry, kids — this one’s just for the adults: Lincoln Park Zoo’s Night Out at the Zoo opens after-hours for live DJs, games, giveaways, free carousel rides, plus food and drink vendors. And did we mention no kids? 6:30-11 p.m. Saturday, Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, $25-$35; eventbrite.com
Endless $4.25 martinis
Apparently, this week has been martini week, so hopefully you’ve been living your best martini life. Don’t worry if you haven’t, though — Tortoise Supper Club is offering a chance to make up for lost time, pouring endless $4.25 martinis with any lunch or dinner purchase through Sunday. You have the option to go with gin or vodka from Minnesota’s Prairie Organic Spirits. It doesn’t have to be a three-martini meal, but at least you could afford to make it one if you want! Through closing Sunday, Tortoise Supper Club, 350 N. State St., $4.25 per martini with lunch or dinner entree; tortoisesupperclub.com
Nicole Blackwood and Natalie Wade contributed.