Riot Fest, Twin Peaks and more Chicago weekend picks
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It's not time to move all your weekend plans inside just yet.
State of play: Outdoor shopping, music and food fests will keep that summer feeling flowing.
Yes, but: For those eager to stay snug inside away from the elements, this weekend is a good one.
Here are some spots we're checking out this weekend.
Carrie's picks:
🏔️ Is there a more perfect pairing than "Twin Peaks" and the Music Box? Musician, composer and former projectionist Daniel Knox created the five-day fest TWIN PEAKS: Moving Through Time to celebrate David Lynch's cult classic. You can see outtakes and ads from the early '90s in between episodes. I hope to see many Laura Palmers walking down Southport this weekend. | Music Box Theatre | $35+ | Friday-Tuesday
🛍️ A good neighborhood yard sale is so Chicago — like a block party with shopping! There's music, drinks and good conversation. This weekend is a double whammy with the Lakewood Balmoral Yard Sale and West Andersonville Neighbors Together Yard Sale. | Saturday, 9am-4pm
🪕 Flotsam's floating river circus feels very "Station Eleven." Which, I must admit, I stopped watching because early scenes of Chicago during a pandemic felt a little too close to home in 2021. Literally. But! Musicians, circus performers and puppeteers drifting by on a raft while I sit in a park sounds like a lovely way to spend an evening. | Centennial Park in Lincolnwood, Ping Tom Park in Chinatown and the Riverwalk | Friday-Monday, 6pm
Justin's picks:
🎸 Riot Fest returns to Douglass Park this weekend with three full days of live music. If I'm braving the crowds, it's to see some local heroes! I'm getting my spot Friday for Matt Skiba and Alkaline Trio. The emo-punk band was founded in Chicago in 1996 and cut its teeth at places like Metro and Fireside Bowl. They'll no doubt be amped to play for the hometown crowd. If you get there early Sunday, check out Little Village's Large Mouth, who won a local contest to perform. Hat tip to Oliver Mendoza (percussion), who isn't just a mean musician, but a good softball player, too. 😉 | Douglass Park | Friday-Sunday
🎹 Booker T. Jones from Booker T. & the M.G.'s is coming to the West Loop! Yes, that Booker T. Jones! The 81-year-old is the last surviving member of the band after Steve Cropper died last year. I don't know the set list, but I'm guessing this is a pretty amazing opportunity to hear the 1962 hit "Green Onions" played live. | Garcia's | $53 and up | Friday 8:30pm
🥟 I've been waiting all year for the World Dumpling Festival. Sample dumplings from around the globe, including several Chicago restaurants, plus live performances. Proceeds benefit the Chicago Cultural Alliance. | Wrightwood Park | $10+ | Saturday 11am-10pm, Sunday 11am-8pm