Things to do in Chicago this weekend: Panda Fest, house music and more
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Mucca Pazza performing at Fitzgerald's. Photo: Monica Eng
First Dolly Parton, then Tim Curry and Yayoi Kusama? It's been a rough week. We could all use some weekend distractions, huh?
Here's how we plan to enjoy ourselves around Chicago.
Carrie's picks:
🧑🩰 Dance used to be a more regular part of my calendar, but somehow it fell out of rotation. Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project's "Dancing the Archive: Embodied Histories, Collective Power" sounds like the perfect reemergence into the beautiful art form. | Starts at $35 | Harris Theater | Friday, 7pm
📷 A photography class and walk through Logan Square on a Friday afternoon? For $1o?! Sign me up! I may even get some soft serve at Middlebrow after. | Dodd Camera Chicago | Friday, 1pm
🏈 Chicago State is making history this year as the only NCAA Division 1 football program in the city. Football fan or not, it's a real Chicago battle when the Cougars take on Roosevelt University (Division II) this weekend. | Tickets start at $32 | SeatGeek Stadium | Saturday, noon
Monica's picks
🥁 As a lover of marching bands and brass, I can't pass up the Edgewater Music Fest featuring both the delightfully unhinged Mucca Pazza and Lowdown Brass Band along with dozens of other acts, food and vendors. | Free | Broadway from Thorndale to Ardmore | Friday-Sunday
🐼 I'm intrigued by Chicago's first Panda Fest, billed as the nation's biggest Asian food fest. The weekend promises 300 Asian food vendors, crafts, live performances and 15-foot inflatable pandas! What? | $12.79 | Butler Field | Friday-Sunday
🐄 Since I couldn't make it to the state fair in Springfield this year, I am eyeing three options this weekend:
- Will County Fair in Peotone, which I find charming and conveniently close.
- Corn Fest in DeKalb because it reminds me of the corn celebrations that used to start the school year in Urbana.
- DuQuoin State Fair because I think it's wild that Illinois has two state fairs. Plus, I love that the main stage features Wiz Khalifa on Saturday and Night Ranger next weekend.
Justin's picks
🍳 While it's not an event per se, Friday is the last day for the iconic Wishbone restaurant. People have been lining up for one last brunch before it closes after 36 years in business. | 161 N. Jefferson St. | Friday, Aug. 28, 8am-3pm
🖼️ Kusama was a groundbreaking artist, and her mirrored installations are truly breathtaking. I road-tripped to Cleveland just to see an exhibit in 2018. You have a rare chance to see the late artist's work in Chicago with an upcoming fall exhibit at Wrightwood 659. But this weekend, head to the WNDR Museum, which features her immersive installation "Love is Calling."
- And you better hurry: The museum announced last week it's closing its doors after Labor Day. | WNDR Museum | West Loop | Details
🎥 I'm super excited about the Brett Neveu X 2 double feature at Facets, featuring two films based on plays by Chicago playwright Brett Neveu. "The Earl" was directed by filmmaker Jim Sikora, while "Eric Larue" was directed by actor Michael Shannon. Neveu, Sikora and Shannon will all be there for a post-film discussion. | $30 and up | 1517 W. Fullerton Ave. | Saturday, 6pm | Details
🕺🏿 There is no denying Chicago's claim to house music, and it's celebrated this weekend with the Chicago House Music Festival and Conference. It's not just a festival; it's also a meeting place for Househeads looking to catch up on the latest vibes. | Free | Millennium Park and Chicago Cultural Center | Thursday-Sunday, 10am-7pm