Chicago weekend events: Summer Smash, Ribfest, Juneteenth Village Fest
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Rapper Lil Yachty performs at Summer Smash 2023. Photo: Brandy Leigh
This weekend in Chicago, see a star-studded lineup at Summer Smash, attend a three-day barbecue fest or celebrate Juneteenth in Douglass Park.
1. 🍋 Lyrical Lemonade's Summer Smash
Famed Chicago rapper Chief Keef is set to headline this year's Summer Smash music festival.
Why it matters: The influential MC will return after a 10-year hiatus from performing in Illinois.
- The star-studded lineup includes Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, Big Sean, Mick Jenkins, Bia and Lil Yachty.
Behind the scenes: The event is produced annually by Chicago-based companies SPKRBX and Lyrical Lemonade.
Dig in: This year's food lineup will be the largest to date with over 25 vendors including local staples like Harold's, Portillo's, Manny's Deli and Ricobene'.
Our thought bubble: "Summer in Chicago is unmatched. Fan or not, many are anticipating the return of Chief Keef," Axios' Moyo Adeolu writes.
When: 3–11pm tomorrow, 1–11pm Saturday, 1–10pm Sunday
Location: SeatGeek Stadium
Cost: Starting at $150 for a one-day pass, $385 for three days.
- Parking passes are $130 for three days
2. 🌭 Taste of Randolph
- Enjoy three days of live entertainment and food from over 16 restaurants on Randolph St. in West Loop. $10 donation suggested
- When: 5–10pm Friday; noon–10pm Saturday and Sunday
3. 🍖 Ribfest
- Head over to North Center for 50,000 pounds of pork, more than 20 food vendors, live music on two stages, and a kid's area with bounce houses at this three-day barbecue fest. $10 donation suggested
- When: 5–10pm Friday; noon–10pm Saturday and Sunday
4. ✊🏿 Juneteenth Village Fest
- Common, Dead Prez and Domani headline this family-friendly festival in Douglass Park noon–8pm Saturday featuring carnival rides and games, food, and live music from local acts. Free
5. 😂 Seth Meyers
- The Evanston native and TV host will perform four shows at The Vic Theatre 7pm and 9:30pm Friday and Saturday. Tickets start at $58
6. 🍝 Eataly Loves Chicago
- This global Italian market is coming to Pioneer Court 10am–7pm Saturday for pop-up cooking classes, giveaways and tastings. Free
7. 🎵 Kenny Chesney
- The chart-topping country singer will headline with Zac Brown Band, Megan Moroney and Uncle Kracker at Soldier Field 5pm Saturday. Tickets start at $93