May 9, 2024 - Things to Do

Chicago weekend: Mother's Day events and Cabaret Week

Analis Bailey

Illustration of a mom tulip hugging a kid tulip bud. — Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios

This weekend in Chicago, check out Mother's Day events across the city, a soul food brunch, Chicago Cabaret Week, Black Coffee at Open Air and more.

💃 Take Mom out

Mother's Day is Sunday, and there's still time to reserve special plans for the women in your life.

Here are six happenings:

🚢 Chicago Mother's Day Dinner Cruise: Enjoy a 2.5-hour cruise on the Chicago River with a three-course meal and DJ, 6:30–9pm Sunday. Other brunch and afternoon cruises are available that day. View full schedule here. Tickets start at $165.

⚾ Mother's Day and Family Sunday at Chicago Dogs: Get players' autographs before the game and score $3 bottomless popcorn and fountain drinks 3pm Sunday at Impact Field in Rosemont. The first 1,000 moms to enter will get a free pink Chicago Dogs hat. Tickets start at $9.

🫖 Mother's Day Tea at the Ritz-Carlton: Dine on finger food, desserts and teas 11am and 2pm Saturday and Sunday on the 12th floor of the Ritz-Carlton. Tickets are $85. Select times here.

The Cheney Mansion in Oak Park will have a spring-themed Pretty in Pink Mother's Day Tea 11–12:30pm Sunday. Tickets start at $42 (one ticket covers two people).

🎡 Mother's Day Family Festival: Eat fair food, ride carnival rides and visit a petting zoo 4pm Friday, 2pm Saturday and 1pm Sunday in Bridgeview. Tickets are $13.50 for one or $55 for six.

🛍️ Dear Mama — A Mother's Day Pop-Up Market: Shop gifts from over 15 local vendors and make your own flower bouquet noon–4pm Saturday at Sketchbook Brewing Co. in Skokie. Free.

More ideas: Check out these 12 new Chicago-area brunch spots.

More things to do this weekend in Chicago

🎵 Black Coffee at Open Air

The Navy Pier's summer concert series, Open Air, kicks off this weekend with a show from Grammy-winning DJ and producer Black Coffee 4pm Friday at East End Plaza. VIP tickets are available for $186; general admission is sold out.

🏳️‍🌈 Soul Food Brunch

Eat free soul food and listen to house music and two panel discussions about Black queer equity in the Chicago area 11am–1pm Saturday at Wilson Abbey. Free.