Get us in your inbox

Search
Greetings from Chicago mural.
Photograph: Martha WilliamsGreetings from Chicago mural.

The 10 best things to do in Chicago over Memorial Day weekend

Written by
Grace Perry
Advertising

Can’t sneak away to Michigan or Wisconsin this Memorial Day Weekend? Consider yourself lucky—this weekend is a fantastic one to spend in Chicago. The city’s brimming with summer kick-off parties, new museum exhibitions, and oh, did we mention the beaches will be open? Yep. When you’re not day-drinking at the best patio bars and rooftop bars or playing Frisbee at the city’s best parks, hit up these great things to do over Memorial Day weekend in Chicago.

Hit the beach!

Pack a towel, some sunnies, a beach read and a picnic and head to the beach this weekend. Chicago beaches are officially open this weekend—summer has arrived! (Various beaches on the Lakefront, Fri–Mon during daytime hours. Free, see our guide for full details)

Travel to Jurassic World

Jurassic World: The Exhibition opens up at the Field Museum this Friday, May 26. Swing by to see the huge, animatronic dinosaurs, which are said to be the most realistic depiction of the lizard kings to date. (The Field Museum, 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Fri–Mon 9am–5pm. Museum admission + $10–$15)

Go to a giant parade downtown

Chicago’s Memorial Day Parade doesn’t have the debauchery of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade—and yes, that’s a good thing. See a wreath laid at the eternal flame at Daley Plaza, then watch the cadets march through the Loop. (Daley Plaza, Washington and Dearborn Sts, Sat 11am. Free)

See a comedy legend in the flesh

The eternally hilarious Mel Brooks returns to the Chicago Theatre this weekend. Brooks will be telling stories about the making of his masterpiece, Young Frankenstein, so come ready to hear some iconic Hollywood tales. (Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St, Sat 3pm. $79–$183)

Drink up fresh craft beer

North Center neighbors Dovetail and Begyle breweries are throwing a neighborhood block party this weekend. The fest features live music all day, and food trucks including Döner Men, Happy Lobster, Bruges Brothers, and more. Oh, and a ton of delicious beer. (Dovetail Brewery, 1800 W Belle Plaine Ave, Sat, Sun noon­–10pm. Free)

Get your leather daddy on

It’s International Mr. Leather weekend, one of the largest LGBTQ events in the city. The weekend is packed with parties and competitions, not to mention the daily Leather Market for all your fetish needs. (Various venues, Fri–Mon. See site for full details)

Party at the Bean

Chicago House Party is taking over Millennium Park for a full day dedicated to electronic dance. Featured DJs and artists include Maurice Joshua, DJ Pierre and footwork originator RP Boo. (Millennium Park, 55 N Michigan Ave, Sat 2pm–9pm. Free)

Dig for vintage gold

Hunt for furniture, housewares, jewelry and more at the popular Randolph Street Market Festival. As the first fair of the summer, this weekend’s event will feature a beer garden, bands and DJs all day long, a petting zoo for kids and more. (Beaux Arts Plumbers Union Hall Building, 1340 W Washington Blvd, Sat, Sun 10am–5pm. $8, at the door $10)

Enjoy Lake Shore Drive minus the cars

Pedal all the way down Lake Shore Drive on Sunday morning at the annual favorite, Bike The Drive. The route stretches from Bryn Mawr down to the Museum of Science and Industry, totaling 30 miles, but you can bike as much or as little as you like.(Lake Shore Drive, Sun, 5:30–10:30am. $50)

Have a Sunday Funday

The hottest black millennial party in Chicago, Party Noire, is back again this Sunday. This month’s event will feature DJ Hey Rae Chardonnay and DJ Lisa Decibel. May as well party on a Sunday if you’ve got Monday off! (The Promontory, 5311 S Lake Park Ave, 2–9pm. $10, at the door $15)

Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.

You may also like
You may also like
Advertising