Sep 12, 2024 - Things to Do
Chicago weekend events: Mexican Independence Day, Englewood Music Fest, Tems
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Mexican Independence Day parade in Chicago. Photo: Xinhua/Liu Yifang via Getty Images
This weekend, celebrate Mexican tradition and culture, attend a music festival on the South Side and catch Grammy winner Tems in concert.
1. 🇲🇽 Mexican Independence Day celebrations
Mexican Independence Day is on Monday but will be celebrated all over Chicago this weekend.
Here are a few of the parades and festivals in honor of the occasion:
- 🪩 El Grito: This celebration will take place 2–10pm Saturday and Sunday in Grant Park. It will feature mariachi bands, ballet folclórico, authentic Mexican food, a carnival for kids and local vendors market. Tickets start at $10
- 🎉 Little Village Parade: Over 400,000 people are expected to gather for this event featuring folkloric dancing, mariachi and other cultural performances. The parade steps off at noon Sunday at the Little Village Arch on 26th Street and Albany Avenue. Free
- 🪅 Mexican Patriotic Parade: This 85th annual parade organized by the Mexican Patriotic Club kicks off at 1pm Sunday on 87th and Commercial Ave. Free
2. 🎶 Englewood Music Fest
- Visit Chicago's South Side for this outdoor festival featuring local vendors, art activities and live performances by Lenny Williams, Kelly Price, Waka Flocka and more from noon-7pm at Kennedy-King College's baseball field on 64th and Halsted Street. Free ticket here
3. 🎨 Lakeview Festival of the Arts
- Enjoy live music and over 120 artists 11am-7pm Saturday and Sunday at this outdoor art festival on the city's North Side along Broadway Belmont to Hawthrone. Free
4. 🎤 Tems
- Watch this Nigerian Grammy Award winning artist as she takes the stage at 7:30pm Sunday at Aragon Ballroom. Tickets start at $126
5. 📖 South Side Lit Fest
- Stop by Bridgeport's first literature festival for a meet and greet with authors including Arionne Nettles and Liz Mason and publishers from 11am-4pm Saturday at Richard J. Daley Public Library. Free
- If you go: This event is suggested for readers 13 and older.
6. 🥣 Quaker Oats Fest
- Calling healthy foodies of all ages to enjoy an afternoon of nutritional learning and fun as the Quaker Oats Fest returns to the city from 11am-3pm Sunday at Navy Pier's Festival Hall.
- If you go: Guests will have the opportunity to meet celebrity chef Carla Hall.