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NOTE: As of 2019 the maintenance of events data here has been largely discontinued now that other systems have finally grown adequate such as FaceBook and Metromix and Reader and Timeout and Do312.

Saturday 2024.05.18

Armed Forces Day. 3rd Saturday in May Yearly.

Day to honor the U.S. combined armed forces.
Fest at Navy Pier with recruiters and demos and USO.
defenselink.mil/afdbedno.com/holidays INFO SHARE

Fun Bands at the Beer Garden nightly. All ages. Free UNCONFIRMED

navypier.org/explore/live-entertainment/live-musicNavy Pier, 312/595-7437 (PIER), 600 E Grand. Miller Beer Garden at the Tip.
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* FINAL Great Parker Rummage Sale. -Sunday Yearly. All ages. Free Sa 9a-4p, Su 10a-4p UNCONFIRMED

Winding down after NEARLY THIRTY YEARS!
fwparker.org/page/event-detail?pk=10014745Francis W. Parker School, 773/353-3000, 330 W Webster.
fwparker.org MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

LakeView Mayfest (since 1996). -Sunday Yearly. 18+ $10 (donation) Fr 5-10p, Sa-Su 10a-10p UNCONFIRMED

Food, music, merchants, major bands late, pet contest. Thousands attend, basic beer tents.
773/665-4682 starevents.comLakeview, 3100 N Ashland. At Barry.
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Long Grove Chocolate Fest. -Sunday Yearly. All ages. Free 10a-6p UNCONFIRMED

Freshly made chocolate dipped everythings; fruits, popcorn, donuts, martinis, etc. Chef demos, specialty shops, two entertainment stages. Well managed popular family event in a lovely town.
Historic Long Grove, 847/634-0888, Route 83 and Old Route 53, Long Grove. North Suburban.
visitlonggrove.com MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

CircEsteem Spring Circus (since 2002). Sa/Su -2024.05.19 Yearly. All ages. $8-16 2p UNCONFIRMED

"Watch in awe as the kids of the Chicago Youth Circus share their amazing talents." featuring a variety of classic acts.
circesteem.orgAlternatives, 773/732-4564, 4730 N Sheridan. East of Red Line Lawrence or Wilson Stops.
alternativesyouth.org MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

"Twisted" Saturdays 21+ $0 -11p, $5 -1a, $7+ 9:30p-5a.

"Meet and mingle with a truly diverse crowd. Dress up or dress down... this is the place to be what you want to be!"
Berlin, 773/348-4975, 954 W Belmont. Near Red line Belmont stop.
berlinchicago.com MAP PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE

Vaudezilla! Saturdays 18+ $20 10:30p UNCONFIRMED

One-of-a-kind burlesque, drag, and aerial acts ranging from classic Vegas-style showgirls to cutting-edge gender-non-conforming performance artists.
Vaudezilla.comStage 773, 773/327-5252, 1225 W. Belmont. Near Racine.
stage773.com MAP INFO SHARE

Sunday 2024.05.19

National Restaurant Association show (since 1920!). -Tuesday Yearly. UNCONFIRMED

The other NRA, trade only, dress code enforced.
312/853-2525 restaurant.orgMcCormick Place, 2301 S Lake Shore. North AND South buildings.
mccormickplace.com MAP PHOTOS SHARE

Shavuot. Jewish holiday. -2024.05.21 Yearly. Two nights, sunset to sunset. UNCONFIRMED

Commemorates the revelation of the Torah at Sinai. Date varies each year.
chabad.org/holidays/Shavuot INFO SHARE

Wolff's Flea Market (since 1991). Sundays All ages. $1 Most weeks. 6a-3p UNCONFIRMED

500 market spaces. Clean, comprehensive, entertaining, with free parking, food and restrooms.
847/524-9590 wolffs.comAllstate Arena, 847/635-6601, 6920 Mannheim Rd, Rosemont.
allstatearena.com MAP TICKETS PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Bark In The Park (since 1995). 5k walkathon w/ dogs benefiting Anti-Cruelty. Yearly. All ages. $15-25 Registration from 7a. 9a-?a UNCONFIRMED

Snax, canine performers, entertainment, more. Registration fills. Thousands participate.
312/644-8338 barkinthepark.orgSoldier Field, 312/235-7000, 1410 S Museum Campus Dr. Stadium Green.
soldierfield.net MAP TICKETS PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE

Vintage Garage. 3rd Sundays $? 11a-6p UNCONFIRMED

100 vintage and antique dealers.
847/579-9079 vintagegaragechicago.com5051 N Broadway Uptown between Foster and Argyle.
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Model Rocket Launching (since 1963). 3rd Sundays All ages. Free 2-5p UNCONFIRMED

Deeply validates geekness. All skill levels. BYOL (Bring Your Own Launcher). Northern Illinois Rocketry Association hosted. Held away from population centers, only a few launches a year.
nirarocketry.orgEast Branch Forest Preserve, Off Glen Ellyn Road near Army Trail Road, Glendale Heights. Use I-355.
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Chicago Bike Polo. Sundays All ages. Free 3-?p UNCONFIRMED

Pickup games in decommissioned tennis courts.
facebook.com/groups/311538882232633Garfield Park, S Central Park Blvd at W Monroe St.
chicagoparkdistrict.com MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

New Fox cartoons. Sundays All ages. Free 6p UNCONFIRMED

May include Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob's Burgers, Last Man on Earth, more.
thesimpsons.comFOX. fox.com TIMES MAP PHOTOS INFO SHARE

Monday 2024.05.20

Monday Night Ride. Mondays All ages. Free 10p UNCONFIRMED

Extraordinary long and late ride for the young and/or hearty. Leaves about 11pm, unplanned route may exceed 30miles from start point, dissipating near dawn.
facebook.com/MondayNightRideChicagoLincoln Monument, 1601 N Clark. Behind Chicago Historical Museum.
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Tuesday 2024.05.21

Start of Gemini. Astrological sign, the twins. Yearly.

astrology.com INFO SHARE

Chi Hack Night. Tuesdays All ages. Free 6-10p UNCONFIRMED

"Volunteers create web apps with open data to improve transparency, efficiency, and decision-making for governments and our democracy."
chihacknight.org1871, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza. 12th Floor.
1871.com MAP SHARE

Millennium Park Movies. Tuesdays All ages. Free 6:30p UNCONFIRMED

bedno.com/movies/parks?pritzJay Pritzker Pavilion, 312/742-1168, 55 N Michigan. Millennium Park, Downtown.
millenniumpark.org MAP SHARE

Wednesday 2024.05.22

Sweets & Snack Expo (since 1884). National Confectioners Association. -Thursday Yearly. 9a-5p UNCONFIRMED

Candy industry or connected only.
703/790-5750 allcandyexpo.comMcCormick Place, 2301 S Lake Shore. Lakeside Center.
mccormickplace.com MAP PHOTOS SHARE

South Park NEW EPISODE. Wednesdays All ages. Free 9p UNCONFIRMED

22nd season.
southparkstudios.comCOM. On cable.
comedycentral.com TIMES MAP INFO SHARE

Friday 2024.05.24

* International Mister Leather competition (since 1979). -Monday Yearly. UNCONFIRMED

Huge leather market, events all day, hot parties at select clubs, tough tourists. Registration Thursday, opening Friday, Pre-judging Saturday, finals Sunday, party at House of Blues.
imrl.comCongress Plaza Hotel, 312/427-3800, 520 S Michigan.
congressplazahotel.com MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Bands at Montrose Beach. Daily. -2024.09.01 Yearly. All ages. Free 7p UNCONFIRMED

Plus beers, cocktails, dining.
facebook.com/TheDockatMontroseBeachMontrose Beach, 200 W Montrose Harbor Dr.
thedockatmontrosebeach.com MAP SHARE

Disclaimer.

My mom the attorney would want me to remind you that no Bedno accepts any liability whatsoever for your use of any information presented here, as-is, at your own risk, ad infinitum, etc etc.
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Sunday 2024.05.26

Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival (since 1985). Yearly. $? 12-10p UNCONFIRMED

Continuous live acts, beloved local bands, food, beer, shopping.
chicagoevents.com/events/belmont-sheffield-music-festBelmont and Sheffield. Belmont train stop.
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* Memorial Day Parade (since 1870). Yearly. All ages. Free 12p UNCONFIRMED

150 units, a dozen bands, veterans distributing flags and poppies, some 25000 participants expected. Wreath laying ceremony at 11a. Note that Grant Park features a statue of General Logan, who first officially recognized this day.
tinyurl.com/chiparadesState Street from Lake to Van Buren.
cityofchicago.org PHOTOS INFO SHARE

Monday 2024.05.27

Memorial Day. Last Monday in May Yearly.

Legal Holiday. Honors United States military personnel who died in wars. Formerly called Decoration Day, observed since the civil war. Parades, flags fly at half mast, ceremonies at veteran's graves. Major picnic and veg-e-q day.
dmoz.org/Society/Holidays/Memorial_Dayusmemorialday.org PHOTOS INFO SHARE

*** Bike The Drive (since 2002). Yearly. All ages. $35+ 5:30a-10:15a UNCONFIRMED

Ride on L.S.D., closed to cars. Tens of thousands participate. Pre-reg and ID and cash and helmet required. Vendors and parties after.
312/42-PEDAL bikethedrive.orgUpper Hutchinson Field, Columbus and Balbo. Near Buckingham Fountain.
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Bittersweet. Monthly. 21+ Free 10p-4a UNCONFIRMED

DJs Philly Peroxide and Scary Lady Sarah spins goth club classics and new dark alternative music & video.
Berlin, 773/348-4975, 954 W Belmont. Near Red line Belmont stop.
berlinchicago.com MAP PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE

Wednesday 2024.05.29

FIREWORKS!!! Sa/We -2024.08.31 Yearly. All ages. Free We 9:30p, Sa 10:15p UNCONFIRMED

Visible anywhere near the lake.
navypier.org/explore/fireworksNavy Pier, 312/222-9328, 600 E Grand. Take the free trolley.
navypier.com MAP PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE

Thursday 2024.05.30

Ascension Day. Yearly. UNCONFIRMED

A Christian holiday, 40 days after easter. Commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ to heaven.
christianity.about.comwikipedia.org/wiki/Feast_of_the_Ascension INFO SHARE

Atomic Sketch Event (since 2008). Live Art. Last Thursdays 21+ Free 6-10p UNCONFIRMED

Established and emerging artists of various disciplines display, create and sell original new works at bargain prices. Drop-in artists welcome.
facebook.com/atomicsketchGreen Eye Lounge, 773/227-8851, 2403 W. Homer St. Near Blue Line Western.
greeneyelounge.com MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Friday 2024.05.31

* World No Tobacco Day (since 1988). Leave the pack behind. Yearly.

Sponsored by the World Health Organization.
who.int/campaigns/no-tobacco-day/2014 INFO SHARE

Critical Mass (since 1997). Last Fridays All ages Free 5:45p.

THE monthly gathering of bicyclists making our presence known downtown. Unplanned route gently winds a dozen miles or more. Thousands attend in good weather. Includes music, hipsters, athletes, show bikes, so much more. Skaters welcome.
Bedno.com/bikeDaley Plaza, 773/486-4861, 50 W Washington. Under the Picasso (giant rusty bird), at Dearborn, SW of State&Lake train stop.
chicagocriticalmass.org MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Saturday 2024.06.01

Farmers Markets (since 1980). Fresh and charming. -2024.10.31 Yearly. All ages. Free. UNCONFIRMED

Mo: Loyola; Tu: ColumbusPark, FederalPlaza, LincolnSquare; We: Andersonville, GreenCity, Lawndale, Pullman, Ravenswood; Th: Daley Plaza, Argyle, Austin, GarfieldPark, HydePark; Sa: Division&Dearborn, Edgewater, GarfieldPark, HornerPark, more; Su: Glenwood&Morse, IndependencePark, LoganSquare, WickerPark, Pilsen, PortagePark;
chicagofarmersmarkets.usVarious city locations.
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Maifest. -Sunday Yearly. 18+ $10 (donation) Th 5-9:30p, Fr 5-11p, Sa noon-11p, Su noon-10p. UNCONFIRMED

German food, music, merchants, major bands, thousands attend.
mayfestchicago.comLincoln Square, 4700 N Lincoln. Near Western and Leland, brown line stop.
lincolnsquare.org MAP PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE

Movies in the Parks (since 2001). -2024.09.12 Yearly. All ages. Free At Dusk. UNCONFIRMED

bedno.com/movies/parksVarious Chicago parks.
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Pleasant Outdoor Concerts almost daily. -2024.09.17 Yearly. UNCONFIRMED

Ravinia, 847/266-5100, 400 Iris Lane, Highland Pk. Served by Metra.
ravinia.org MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

"Do Division" fest. -Sunday Yearly. All ages. $5 Fr 5pm, Sa+Su 12-10p UNCONFIRMED

Local street faire, sidewalk sale, live music (by Empty Bottle), kid stuff, diverse chow, beer, chess, etc.
312/850-9390 do-divisionstreetfest.com1851 W Division Ashland to Damen.
westtownchamber.org MAP PHOTOS INFO SHARE

* Full Moon Fire Jam. Monthly. All ages. Free 6:30-9:30p UNCONFIRMED

Gathering for fire spinners, fire jugglers, hoopers, breathers, etc. Practice, networking, and outstanding performances, with drum circle backing. Many hundreds of spectators attend.
Estimated 2021 schedule:
2021.04.27 Tuesday
2021.05.26 Wednesday
2021.06.24 Thursday
2021.07.22 Thursday **
2021.08.22 Sunday
2021.09.20 Monday
2021.10.20 Wednesday.
fullmoonjam.org4960 N Simonds Dr Betwix Foster and Lawrence in grass near lake.
bedno.com/firejam MAP PHOTOS INFO SHARE

Sunday 2024.06.02

LaGrange Pet Parade (since 1947). Yearly. All ages. Free 9:30a-11a UNCONFIRMED

Old and light-hearted parade includes participant's animals of all sorts.
lagrangepetparade.orgE Cossitt Ave at S LaGrange Rd, LaGrange.
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57th Street Art Fair (since 1949). Yearly. Sa 11a-6p, Su 10a-5p UNCONFIRMED

Midwest's oldest juried fair. Gentle and genuine. Some very fine works, many ethnic.
773/493-3247 57thstreetartfair.org57th from Kenwood to Woodlawn.
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Madonnarama. 1st Sundays 21+ Free 10p-4a.

All Madonna music and videos all night with DJ Riley York. Classics, rare tracks, remixes, etc.
Berlin, 773/348-4975, 954 W Belmont. Near Red line Belmont stop.
berlinchicago.com MAP PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE

Wednesday 2024.06.05

* World Environment Day. Reflect on global environmental concerns. Yearly.

Anniversary of first UN Conference on Human Environment in 1972.
un.org/events INFO SHARE

Movieoke (since 2008). 1st Wednesdays Occasionally. 21+ $? 9p UNCONFIRMED

Read along to perform, over 200 scenes to choose from.
twitter.com/ChicagoMovieokeWhistler, 773/227-3530, 2421 N Milwaukee.
whistlerchicago.com MAP TICKETS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE

Thursday 2024.06.06

Chicago Underground Film Festival (since 1994). Packed series with many gems, shorts, features, speakers. -Sunday Yearly. UNCONFIRMED

See event website for schedule.
cuff.orgLogan Theatre, 773/342-5555, 2646 N Milwaukee.
thelogantheatre.com MAP PHOTOS INFO SHARE

D-Day. Yearly.

Anniversary of 1944 Allied troops invasion of Normandy France.
gofrance.about.com/travel/gofrance/msubdday.htm INFO SHARE

Friday 2024.06.07

Southside Critical Mass. 1st Fridays All ages Free 5:45p UNCONFIRMED

A fun, free, group bike ride.
facebook.com/SSCritMassNichols Park Plaza, 1300 E 55th St. At Kimbark.
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Tributosaurus. Monthly. 21+ $25 7p UNCONFIRMED

"The Jurassic beast with multiple musical faces. A different band every month, featuring local music celebrities."
tributosaurus.comMartyrs', 773/404-9494, 3855 N Lincoln.
martyrslive.com MAP TICKETS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE

Saturday 2024.06.08

Andersonville Midsommarfest (since 1966). Nice Swedish-ish neighborhood party. -Sunday Yearly. All ages. $5 (donation) 11a-10p UNCONFIRMED

Dozens of vendors, ethnic food, assorted bands, pet parade, family activities come, in a great shopping area.
773/728-2995 starevents.comAndersonville, Clark from Foster to Balmorol.
andersonville.org MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Sunday 2024.06.09

Wells Street Art Festival (since 1975). Over 250 fine artists, food, music. Yearly. $0-5 10a-10p UNCONFIRMED

See site for band schedule.
chicagoevents.com773/868-3010, Wells between North and Division.
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Wednesday 2024.06.12

* Artists of the Wall Festival (since 1994). Bands, vendors, artists, neighbors. -Sunday Yearly. All ages. $30+ Always sells out. 8:30a-8p UNCONFIRMED

Participants paint over 100 mural segments from Pratt to Morse (spaces sell out). Some prizes, mostly fun. One of my ABSOLUTE favorite fests! Blade/bike path, good parks and beach, good bands and acts, veggie friendly and near a Heartland branch. Judging 2pm Sunday.
artistsofthewall.comLoyola Park, 1230 W Greenleaf. Around 6900 N on the lake.
rogerspark.com MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Custer Fair (since 1972). Big happy art/music/food/fun fair. -Sunday Yearly. All ages. $1 suggested donation. 10a-9p UNCONFIRMED

Evanston's largest and oldest outdoor event known for diverse and unique features. Kid friendly. "fest of chompin' stompin' and shoppin' isn't just any old street fair." - Chicago Sun Times.
847/328-2204 facebook.com/custerfairDowntown, 847/328-22100, 600 Main St, Evanston. CTA Main St. Purple line and Metra Main Street Stops.
cityofevanston.org MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Friday 2024.06.14

Group Skate. Fridays 21+ Free 7:30p UNCONFIRMED

Intermediate through advanced bladers come join the monthly group skate. Be able to skate some near traffic and do a distance of 10-12 miles. Helmet required, other protective gear and water recommended. Weather permitting.
Bedno.com/skateDaley Plaza, 50 W Washington. At Dearborn.
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Ongoing

WAY too much great theater and comedy and dance to cover.

Pickup Reader and NewCity and TimeOut magazines.
Hundreds of city locations.
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