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A guide to fun things to do in Chicago this weekend.

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Chicago culture and cars make for good entertainment! This weekend, Monster Jam, an indoor action-packed motorsports show, will make its way to Allstate Arena in Rosemont. 

The big picture: If you're into cars and live action, you will want to watch these skilled drivers race and twirl in the air. 

State of play: While auto fans won't see a return of NASCAR at Grant Park this summer, Monster Jam might scratch a similar itch with teams driving 10.5-foot-tall cars in races, skills challenges and doughnut and freestyle competitions.

Guests can also participate in the fun by casting votes on their phones. 

The Jam will feature eight teams competing for the Arena Championship Series Central title. 

Classroom Crusher FMX. Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment.

If you go: Get there early to catch a pit party for guests ahead of every show. 

Times vary, Friday-Sunday at Allstate Arena in Rosemont. 

What we're watching: Which winner will earn a spot in the Monster Jam World Finals in Salt Lake City, Utah, during the Fourth of  July weekend.

Monster Jam roars into Rosemont's Allstate Arena this weekend

Inside the Chicago motorsport show happening this weekend

Classroom Crusher. Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment

Chicago culture and cars make for good entertainment! This weekend, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Monster Jam" data-vars-click-url="https://www.monsterjam.com/en-us/" data-vars-content-id="5c96b74a-030e-4353-b629-1a4c4eaaca56" data-vars-headline="Monster Jam roars into Rosemont&#x27;s Allstate Arena this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.monsterjam.com/en-us/" target="_blank">Monster Jam</a>, an indoor action-packed motorsports show, will make its way to Allstate Arena in Rosemont. The big picture: If you&#x27;re into cars and live action, you will want to watch these skilled drivers race and twirl in the air. State of play: While auto fans won&#x27;t <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="see a return of NASCAR at Grant Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/18/nascar-chicago-street-race-paused-2026" data-vars-content-id="5c96b74a-030e-4353-b629-1a4c4eaaca56" data-vars-headline="Monster Jam roars into Rosemont&#x27;s Allstate Arena this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/18/nascar-chicago-street-race-paused-2026" target="_self">see a return of NASCAR at Grant Park</a> this summer, Monster Jam might scratch a similar itch with teams driving 10.5-foot-tall cars in races, skills challenges and doughnut and freestyle competitions.<ul><li>Guests can also participate in the fun by casting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="votes on their phones" data-vars-click-url="https://www.judgeszone.com/?_gl=1*1xp3yvg*_ga*MTQ3NTEyODY5Ni4xNzcxOTM5NzMx*_ga_MC09NLJBZ4*czE3NzIwMzczMjIkbzMkZzEkdDE3NzIwMzkwMTEkajU5JGwwJGgw*_gcl_au*MTIyMTkzNDI0NS4xNzcxOTM5NzMx*_ga_XBYLHWGKH7*czE3NzIwMzczMjIkbzMkZzEkdDE3NzIwMzkwMTIkajU4JGwwJGgw" data-vars-content-id="5c96b74a-030e-4353-b629-1a4c4eaaca56" data-vars-headline="Monster Jam roars into Rosemont&#x27;s Allstate Arena this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.judgeszone.com/?_gl=1*1xp3yvg*_ga*MTQ3NTEyODY5Ni4xNzcxOTM5NzMx*_ga_MC09NLJBZ4*czE3NzIwMzczMjIkbzMkZzEkdDE3NzIwMzkwMTEkajU5JGwwJGgw*_gcl_au*MTIyMTkzNDI0NS4xNzcxOTM5NzMx*_ga_XBYLHWGKH7*czE3NzIwMzczMjIkbzMkZzEkdDE3NzIwMzkwMTIkajU4JGwwJGgw" target="_blank">votes on their phones</a>. </li><li>The Jam will feature eight teams competing for the Arena Championship Series Central title. </li></ul><figure><img alt="Classroom Crusher FMX." height="853" id="bd2ee50d-a91d-4aa3-ba36-477778ef6da4" src="https://images.axios.com/5GwJN7J1LP2tkhehHhpvgardmd8=/2026/02/24/1771964770531.jpg" width="1280"/><figcaption>Classroom Crusher FMX. Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment.</figcaption></figure>If you go: Get there early to catch a pit party for guests ahead of every show. <ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets start at $32" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/monster-jam-freestyle-mania-presented-by-rosemont-illinois-02-27-2026/event/04006306E0503ABA" data-vars-content-id="5c96b74a-030e-4353-b629-1a4c4eaaca56" data-vars-headline="Monster Jam roars into Rosemont&#x27;s Allstate Arena this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/monster-jam-freestyle-mania-presented-by-rosemont-illinois-02-27-2026/event/04006306E0503ABA" target="_blank">Tickets start at $32</a>.</li><li>Times vary, Friday-Sunday at Allstate Arena in Rosemont. </li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: Which winner will earn a spot in the Monster Jam World Finals in Salt Lake City, Utah, during the Fourth of July weekend.

Culture

Guides

Food and Drink

Things to Do

Mark the Year of the Fire Horse with art, music and food this Lunar New Year. Here are a few ways to celebrate in Chicago this weekend. 

Stop by this annual outdoor celebration for traditional performances and giveaways. The parade kicks off at 1pm.

10:30am–4pm at Argyle and Sheridan in Uptown

Experience dances and cultural traditions, including performances by the Lane Tech High School Vietnamese Club and K-pop dance by Elivy Dance Institute. 

1–5pm Saturday in the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier

Shop from a variety of local community vendors for light bites, art and accessories. 

11am–3pm Saturday at Uni Uni and Haibayo in Uptown

Grab an apron for this cooking lesson. There will also be free food and drink samples and photo-ops. 

Noon–6pm Saturday–Sunday at Gangnam Market in West Town

Dine at this Chinese restaurant with friends, authentic food and maybe some good luck. 

5:30–9pm Monday at Phoenix Restaurant in Chinatown

Where to celebrate Lunar New Year in Chicago this weekend

From dances to dumpling classes, here's where to ring in the Year of the Fire Horse in Chicago.

Animated illustration of a paper lantern with a silhouetted horse design on it. The horse is galloping.

Mark the Year of the Fire Horse with art, music and food this Lunar New Year. Here are a few ways to celebrate in Chicago this weekend.

Music

Neighborhoods

St. Patrick's Day is one of the liveliest weekends in Chicago.

The vibe: From the downtown and neighborhood parades, the river dyeing and, of course, the food and drink specials, here's how to celebrate Chicago style.

Make your way downtown to watch Plumbers Local 130 transform the river green.

10am Saturday. Be sure to get there early to grab a good spot.

The annual parade's theme is inspired by "Da Pope," Leo XIV, with a special guest of honor, the Shannon Rovers Irish Bagpipe Band.

Noon Saturday on Columbus Drive in the Loop.

The nearly 50-year-old neighborhood parade features floats and performances repping the Southwest Side, with marching bands, a grand marshal and even a queen.

Noon Sunday at 103rd and Western in Beverly.

St. Paddy's Day is not just for South Siders. Also an Irish enclave in Chicago, these neighborhoods gather for their own celebration.

Noon Sunday at Neola and Raven in Norwood Park.

First Lady St. Patrick's Day Clover Cruise

Hop aboard for a two-hour ride along the green river, complete with a corned beef sandwich and live bagpipe performance.

Two-hour rides starting at 10am Saturday.

Shamrockin' at the Pier 2025. Photo: Courtesy of Navy Pier

Bar hop and celebrate on the lakefront, from Margaritaville to Offshore Rooftop, with drink specials and entertainment.

Photo: Courtesy of Raised | An Urban Rooftop Bar

Skip the crowd for an elevated view to watch the water turn emerald.  There will also be an Irish-inspired buffet, themed cocktails and a live DJ. 

8:30am-noon at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown off the Riverwalk.

Dine in for bottomless brunch, music, and green beer.

Saturday and Sunday at the Fairmont Chicago in Lakeshore East.

Sip tropical cocktails with an Irish twist, like the Jameson Mai Tai ($18).

Friday-Tuesday at Three Dots and a Dash in River North.

Sip one of Ireland's most famous exports while enjoying local bands, photo ops and giveaways!

Friday-Tuesday at Guinness Brewery in the West Loop. 

Where to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Chicago

St. Patrick's Day in 2019. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Patrick&#x27;s Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/09/a-very-chicago-st-paddys-day-treat-green-beer-chips" data-vars-content-id="8ac240d0-8f6f-43d7-9d5d-3c21243ad310" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate St. Patrick&#x27;s Day in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/09/a-very-chicago-st-paddys-day-treat-green-beer-chips" target="_self">St. Patrick&#x27;s Day</a> is one of the liveliest weekends in Chicago.The vibe: From the downtown and neighborhood parades, the river dyeing and, of course, the food and drink specials, here&#x27;s how to celebrate Chicago style.

Holidays

Throughout February,  we've been showcasing sites and monuments that reflect Black history and culture in Chicago. Here's our last site of the month. 

A popular gathering space for community. 

A hidden pathway: Can you guess the Chicago landmark?

Can you guess this Chicago Black historic site ?

Throughout February, we&#x27;ve been showcasing sites and monuments that reflect Black history and culture in Chicago. Here&#x27;s our last site of the month. Where am I today? Here are a few hints:<ul><li>Just a few blocks south of Mag Mile.</li><li>A popular gathering space for community. </li><li>Over 100-years old.</li><li>A place you can let go. </li></ul><div><iframe name="opinionstage-widget" alt="Opinion Stage Embed" src="https://www.opinionstage.com/api/v2/widgets/308f565e-b428-4cea-a24b-e09f3703b326/iframe" data-opinionstage-iframe="308f565e-b428-4cea-a24b-e09f3703b326" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="embed-poll" data-vars-asset-id="308f565e-b428-4cea-a24b-e09f3703b326" data-vars-content-id="94d8c6b7-10ce-4df1-a094-9faa5583bc1f" width="100%" height="800" allow="fullscreen" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" class="gtmView" referrerPolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><div style="display:none"></div></div>

History

Women's History Month marks a time to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of women locally and globally.

The big picture: Throughout March, events across Chicago will bring women together to celebrate, connect and uplift each other. We've rounded up a few ways to celebrate around the city.

Experience an evening of music from Chicago Sinfonietta and performances by Deeply Rooted Dance Theater led by an all-women cast. 

7pm Friday at Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville and 7pm Saturday at Harris Theater in the Loop.

Shop and support local women-owned businesses, from fashion, beauty, home goods and more.

Noon-6pm, every Saturday this month at Navy Pier.

Sail along Lake Michigan as you vibe to R&B music and mingle with friends.

Sunday 1:45-6pm, leaving from Burnham Harbor S. Dock at Museum Campus.

Stitching Stories: International Women's Day Special

Connect with the community through an afternoon of storytelling, art and an open mic session.

2-4pm Sunday at Heritage Museum of Asian Art in Bridgeport. 

Hop on this bus with local historian Shermann "Dilla" Thomas to learn about the women who made history in Chicago and beyond.

Times vary. March 21-22 at Chicago Women's Park & Garden in the South Loop. 

Sample a variety of wines throughout the evening and hear from wine and spirits expert Regine Rousseau.

Celebrate women with a dance party open to all! The best retro-dressed guest will receive a prize. You can also expect food and drag performances.

6-9pm March 31 at Moe's Cantina in River North. 

How to celebrate Women's History Month in Chicago

From wine tasting to pop-ups, here's how Chicago is marking Women's History Month this March.

Illustration of a woman walking up history books like they are stairs. 

Women&#x27;s History Month marks a time to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of women locally and globally.The big picture: Throughout March, events across Chicago will bring women together to celebrate, connect and uplift each other. We&#x27;ve rounded up a few ways to celebrate around the city.

Moyo Adeolu

Featured stories

Where to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Chicago

How to celebrate Women's History Month in Chicago

Monster Jam roars into Rosemont's Allstate Arena this weekend

A hidden pathway: Can you guess the Chicago landmark?

Where to celebrate Lunar New Year in Chicago this weekend