Music, movies, theatre, festivals, food and more: These top-notch activities won’t cost a dime.
Music, movies, theatre, festivals, food and more: These top-notch activities won’t cost a dime.
The WBEZ guide to the best free things to do this summer
Summer traditionally brings a long list of great stuff to do in the Chicago region. But this year, with inflation in the backdrop and COVID making planning a last-minute affair, we’re focused on what’s free. All summer long, WBEZ will be curating this list of recommended concerts, performances, art shows, neighborhood fests and other cultural highlights. Everything on the list is top notch and won’t cost you a dime (though some events have suggested donations).
Don’t see a great event on the list that you think should be here? Tell us about it at free@wbez.org or on social media #WBEZfreesummer. To be considered for inclusion, events must be open to the public.
Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago
Highlights: Toronzo Cannon, a CTA bus driver who moonlights as a blues musician and is featured on local power label Alligator Records, on Thursday, June 9. Local guitarist on the rise Melody Angel plays on Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11. Her song “In This America” was singled out as a perfect pairing for a “cathartic cry sesh” by NPR earlier this year (read more about her here). The venerable West Side lounge Rosa’s will be programming its own side stage with a slew of local talent.
Tip: Because of a curfew on youth under 18 on weekends in the park, minors must be accompanied by an adult who is 21 or over to attend park festivals.
Through the Looking Glass: NU MFA Doc Media Thesis Showcase (film)
The Block Museum of Art, 40 Arts Circle Dr., Evanston
Highlights: The documentary showcase “Through the Looking Glass” will screen the thesis films for the graduating documentary masters classes at Northwestern University. Open to the public, the featured filmmakers include Desiree Schippers, Aeryka Hollis O’Neal, Lily Freeston, Oluseyifunmi (Debs) Akinlade and Guanyizhuo Yao.
Tip: Films start at 7 p.m. both nights.
Fiesta Back of The Yards (neighborhood)
Highlights: After canceling the event in 2021, the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council has brought back this neighborhood party that features food, music and more.
Tip: Access the event on 47th Street between Ashland and Damen.
Highlights: This festival, now in its 56th year, didn’t happen in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID, but is staging a comeback with 50 live musical performances, traditional Swedish dance and local vendors. There are always carnival games for kids, but new this year is a “Calm Room,” a space for those who might need to take a pause amid the stimulation of the festival.
Tip: There is a $10 suggested donation at the gate.
Chicago Children’s Choir, Canto Latino: Raíces (music)
Kedvale Park, 4134 W. Hirsch St., Chicago
Highlights: Chicago’s internationally renowned children’s choir performs folk music traditions from Peru, Colombia and Puerto Rico in the park.
Taste of Chicago in Austin (food)
Highlights: Chicago is taking its popular “Taste” food festival into the neighborhoods with stops in Austin, Pullman (June 18) and Little Village (June 25), before the three-day extravaganza opens July 8-10 in Grant Park. In Austin, don’t miss the barbeque offered by Catered by Kish and performances from Mzz Reese and Demetria Taylor.
Tip: Entrance to the events is free, but it will cost you to sample the food. This year the city is doing away with the cumbersome ticketing system of years past and allowing direct payment with cash and credit cards.
Greater Chicago Jewish Festival (neighborhood)
Cook County Forest Preserve, Oakton Street, west of Lehigh, Morton Grove
Highlights: Food meets art and more. The event features a juried art fair, a kosher food fair, plus a concert with performances from Maxwell Street Klezmer Band, Kol Sasson, Six13, Rabbi Joe Black and others.
Tip: There is a $5 suggested donation.
TechTonic Table @ Sundays on the Boulevard (eclectic)
North Lawndale at W. Douglas Boulevard and Central Park Avenue, Chicago
Highlights: Art and education take center stage at this every-other-week Sunday event that features a slew of activities, from an Afro-Futurist photo booth to DIY honey masks using honey locally sourced in Lawndale to virtual reality and tea parties with custom teas. Also Jun. 26, July 10, July 24, Aug. 14, Aug. 28.
Tip: The event runs afternoon-only from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Flag Day at the Chicago History Museum (museum)
Highlights: The Chicago History Museum will commemorate Flag Day with a panel moderated by Lee Bey, a writer and editorial board member of the Chicago Sun-Times, plus flag-related activities and a look at flag-related pieces in the museum’s collection.
Tip: While there, learn more about the museum’s neighborhood walking tour series.
Slide Into Summer Resource Fair and Fun Fest (neighborhood)
North Lawndale at Douglas Boulevard and Central Park Avenue, Chicago
Highlights: Organized by the community literacy group Open Books, the Slide Into Summer Fun Fest has something for kids AND their parents. There’s music and activities for the whole family, but a key part of the event is resources and job opportunities for their parents.
Tip: The event runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Chicago Full Moon Jam (eclectic)
On the lakefront about a 1/4 mile south of Foster Beach
Highlights: Get fired up. The Chicago Full Moon Jam is back for a few nights this summer when the full moon is high. The action starts at sunset and includes fire spinning and drumming. Also July 13, Aug.11, and Sept. 8.
Free Admission Day at Museum of Science and Industry (museum)
5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL
Highlights: Free days give anyone access to standout exhibits such as “Black Creativity: Architecture” and “Earth Revealed.”
Tip: Some special exhibitions, like the Lego-themed “Art of the Brick” and entry to tour the U-505 submarine still require an admission fee.
Chicago Film Festival presents ‘The Good Boss’ (film)
Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago
Highlights: Fernando León de Aranoa’s 2021 film “The Good Boss” (El buen patrón) is workplace satire. Javier Bardem plays Blanco, an executive whose factory has been nominated for an industry award. However, the award might be put in jeopardy when a former employee begins to rock the boat.
Tip: There is a limited number of free tickets available. Register at this link.
MCA Tuesdays on the Terrace: Emily Kuhn and Helios
Highlights: The museum’s east-facing Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden sets the stage for weekly jazz performances dominated by talented musicians with local ties. On June 14, trumpet player Emily Kuhn and her ensemble Helios will play their soundscapes inspired by Midwestern skies. With strings, vocals and rhythms, the musicians meld jazz, classical, Latin and folk into a perfect soundtrack for sunset. Future performances of note include jazz scene staple Nicole Mitchell and her Black Earth Ensemble (July 12), Yoko Noge (Aug. 2) and the Marques Carroll Quintet (Aug. 16).
Tip: Music starts at 5:30 p.m. and goes until 8 p.m. Seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. In the event of inclement weather, the program moves indoors. Attendees can register in advance or get free walk-up tickets.
Tuesday and Thursday, June 14 and June 16
Free Admission Days at the Chicago Botanic Garden (museum)
Highlight: The Chicago Botanic Garden is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022. Art installations and interactive performances punctuate the visitors as they journey through the greenery.
Tip: Preregistration is required. The parking fee is not included in the free admission.
Amanda Harth Panel with Michael White (fashion)
Lawndale Pop-Up at the Love Blooms Here Plaza, Douglas Boulevard and Central Park Avenue
Highlights: Want to learn more about the process that goes into designing denim? Check out this panel discussion with Chicago entrepreneur Amanda Harth, who is considered a champion of independent designers, and prolific denim designer and artist Michael White.
A Site of Struggle with Emily Martin (art)
The Block Museum of Art, 40 Arts Circle Dr., Evanston
Highlights: The Block Museum of Art is hosting a gallery talk for the exhibition “A Site of Struggle,” which centers on art created between the 1890s through 2013 that examines and confronts anti-Black violence. The talk will be led by Emily Martin, the museum’s curatorial associate.
Tip: Advance registration is required.
Bridgeport Art Center Open Studios (art)
The Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W. 35th St., Chicago
Highlights: The Bridgeport Art Center puts on free studio tours every third Friday of the month. Through July 1, the center hosts the 2022 Illinois High School Annual Educator Exhibition. Participating artists work in mediums like sculpture, fashion, painting, woodworking and more. Also: July 15 and Aug. 19.
Tip: The event coincides with a neighborhood trolley tour of galleries, making for a fun destination out. Plus, the Bridgeport Art Center is less than a quarter-mile away from the Zhou B Art Center, which also holds open studio tours every third Friday.
Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour (art)
47th Street near South King Drive
Highlights: See art in style in a double-decker bus that takes participants on a tour of various art institutions, from the South Side Community Art Center to Blanc Gallery, Faie Afrikan Art and more. Also: July 15, Aug. 19, Sept. 16.
Movies in the Parks: Soul Screening at Hamilton Park (film)
Hamilton (Alexander) Park, 513 W. 72nd St., Chicago
Highlight: The Chicago Park District’s Movies in the Parks series has a very long list of very cool options all summer long. Family-friendly picks include Happy Feet in Calumet Park (July 5) and Space Jam: A New Legacy in Merrimac Park (June 22). Presented by DePaul University and in partnership with the Chicago Park District, this screening series features a movie practically everyday in the summer, and continues throughout December. On June 18 in Hamilton Park, there will be a screening of Pixar’s Soul, one jazz musician and teacher’s search to discover meaning, starring Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey.
Tip: The Movie in the Parks web page has a searchable function that allows for quick sorting for movie dates in parks near you.
Art & Agency: Exploring the African-American Quilting Tradition (art)
Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, The University of Chicago, 915 E. 60th St., Chicago
Highlights: Art & Agency: Exploring the African American Quilting Tradition is a symposium to be held in-person and streamed live from the University of Chicago’s Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts. The symposium will feature quilt exhibitions from the DuSable Museum of African American History, the AIH Center for Contemporary African Culture and Navy Pier.
Tip: Registration is required. In addition to the in-person symposium, there will also be a link to tune in virtually.
The Far South Side CDC Presents: Juneteenth (festival)
Highlights: This celebration of the Juneteenth holiday, presented by the Far South community development organization, will offer music, a trolley tour, kid’s activities and food vendors.
Taste of Chicago in Pullman and SummerDance: Pullman (food and dance)
Pullman Park, 11101 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago
Highlights: Chicago is taking its popular “Taste” food festival into the neighborhoods and, in some spots, partnering it with another summer staple: its dance lesson series SummerDance. In Pullman, check out live performances, including from Aniba & The Soul Starz and Peter Jericho, plus have a cupcake or two from Ms Tittle’s Cupcakes. At the Pullman Park event, SummerDance participants can learn to salsa and line dance, with music by The Urban Ark.
Tip: The dance lessons begin at 12 p.m. But the schedule can change depending on the weather.
Halsted Street from Addison to Grace Street
Highlights: The two-day festival returns with dozens of performances, including Alaska Thunderf**k, Dyllón Burnside, Netta, Dorian Electra, The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, a Juneteenth celebration and many more. Attendees can also register their pets to compete in the Proud Pet Parade!
Tip: The festival is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. both days. The event is scheduled to go on rain or shine; however, performances may be canceled if there are bad weather conditions. There is a $15 suggested donation.
Thank You Chicago Juneteenth Market (fashion)
The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. W., Chicago
Highlights: This market on the Juneteenth federal holiday provides a space to support and celebrate local Black-owned businesses. With 30 participating vendors, attendees can grab food, enjoy the musical stylings of two live DJs and explore businesses ranging from beauty, food, fashion and more.
Tip: Organizers request that attendees register in advance.
Millennium Park Summer Music Series: Femi Kuti & The Positive Force (music)
Highlight: The Millenium Park Summer Music Series puts on vibrant free concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion throughout the summer months. On June 20, Afrobeat star Femi Kuti and his band The Positive Force will take the stage. Femi Kuti is the son of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who is considered the founder of Afrobeat.
Tip: Concertgoers can bring picnic food and beverages from outside to this concert series; bags will be inspected by security at the perimeter of the park.
Free Admission Day at the Field Museum (museum)
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago
Highlights: The Field Museum will have a Free Admission Day in honor of Juneteenth. In addition to exploring the Field Museum’s collections, visitors also have the opportunity to attend a presentation from Michelle Duster, an historian, author and the great-granddaughter of Ida B. Wells.
Tip: Free entry only applies to Illinois residents.
Movies in the Parks: Space Jam: A New Legacy (film)
Merrimac Park, 6343 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago
Highlight: The Chicago Park District’s Movies in the Parks series has a very long list of very cool options all summer long. Family-friendly picks include Space Jam: A New Legacy, starring LeBron James. Presented by DePaul University and in partnership with the Chicago Park District, this screening series features a movie practically everyday in the summer, and continues throughout December.
Tip: The Movie in the Parks web page has a searchable function that lets you sort quickly for dates near you.
Logan Square Arts Festival (music)
Highlights: Returning after a two-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Logan Square Arts Festival makes a triumphant return. Expect live performances from Kiki Kuamo’o, Meat Wave, Soft and Dumb and around two dozen other artists.
Tip: There is a $5 to $10 suggested donation.
Water Music on the Beach: Boulevard Dreamers
Lane Beach, 5915 N. Sheridan Rd
Highlights: Listen to the sounds of Lake Michigan like you’ve ever heard them before. This event is part variety show, part live music performance and part experimental art showcase, and it features compositions and scoring inspired by Lake Michigan.
Tip: The walk to Lane Beach begins at 3:45 p.m, for a 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. live performance. As part of the event, there will also be a 3 p.m. portrait exhibit at 6018 N. Kenmore Ave.
Highlights: Traditionally held on the last Sunday of Pride Month in June, the Chicago Annual Pride Parade returns for its 51st year after being dark in 2021 and 2020 due to COVID.
Tip: The parade begins in Uptown, continues on through Northalsted, and ends in Lincoln Park near the intersection of Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road.
MCA Tuesdays on the Terrace: Mike Reed’s People, Places & Things
Highlights: The museum’s east-facing Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden sets the stage for weekly jazz performances dominated by talented musicians with local ties. Drummer Mike Reed’s quintet stars three – three! – local saxophonists of note: Greg Ward, Hunter Diamond, and Keefe Jackson. Other notable performances upcoming include Nicole Mitchell and her Black Earth Ensemble (July 12), Yoko Noge (Aug. 2) and the Marques Carroll Quintet (Aug. 16).
Tip: Music starts at 5:30 p.m. and goes until 8 p.m. Seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. In the event of inclement weather, the program moves indoors. Attendees can register in advance or get free walk-up tickets.
Opening night of Billiken film screening (film)
Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago
Highlights: Billiken is an art film that honors two Chicago traditions: the Bud Billiken Parade dancers and Chicago’s rich history of house music. The film is set to be projected on the Merchandise Mart on its opening night and will screen nightly from June 30 through Sept. 7. The film was created by Wills Glasspiegel and Shkunna Stewart.
Senju’s Waterfalls for Chicago (art)
The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
Highlights: Artist Senju created Waterfall specifically for the Art Institute. Constructed with UV lighting and white light, Senju’s evocative work evokes the thunderous cascade of a waterfall — perhaps the closest many of us will get to actually seeing a waterfall in the city this summer.
Tip: Most exhibits at the Art Institute are free for Chicago residents 13 and under, as well as for Illinois K-12 educators, active duty military members and families, and WIC and LINK cardholders.
Tectonic Reflections: Works by Ruben Aguirre (art)
National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago
Highlights: Inspired by geographical topographies as well as murals, Ruben Aguirre’s art calls back to nature.
Tip: Admission to exhibits at the National Museum of Mexican Art is always free.
Harry Ahn Solo Exhibition: ‘I am not worthless, just homeless’ (art)
Korean Cultural Center of Chicago Gallery, 9930 Capitol Dr., Wheeling
Highlights: Forced to leave North Korea with his family during the Korean War, Harry Ahn draws from his personal experience as a homeless teen in his poignant and moving paintings.
Independence Day at the Chicago History Museum (museum)
1601 N. Clark St., Chicago Lincoln Park
Highlights: The Chicago History Museum celebrates Independence Day with an outdoor event in the museum’s backyard. Check out the keynote speech from Michelle Duster, the great-granddaughter of Ida B. Wells.
Tip: There’s a dance party for kids.
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago
Highlights: Adapted from Donal Ryan’s novel The Thing about December, Seán Breathnach’s 2021 drama Shelter follows the reclusive protagonist John Cunliffe (Dónall Ó Héalai), who, after being hospitalized, falls in love with his nurse.
Tip: Part of a free summer film series organized by the Chicago Film Festival, the event starts at 6:30 p.m., and advance registration for tickets is suggested.
Rogers Park Music and Arts Fest (neighborhood)
Highlights: All of the musical performances and vendors at this Rogers Park festival have something in common: They must be a current or former resident of all of Rogers Park.
Tip: Free, but donations are accepted.
Free Children’s Concert Series at Vogelei Park (music)
650 W. Higgins Rd., Hoffman Estates
Highlights: Set your kids up for a “musical playdate” with the ScribbleMonster band at this Vogelei Park performance.
Intersection of W. Waveland and N. Southport avenues, Chicago
Highlights: Those in the market for taking home local art will find plenty to choose from, from paintings, photography and sculptures to jewelry and mixed media work.
Tip: The festival webpage includes links to the participating artists, allowing for advance browsing.
A good starting point is the travelers-themed Map Room bar at the intersection of Hoyne and Armitage avenues.
Highlights: Attendees can walk through Bucktown’s 100 gardens, all while live music plays and an artist creates a piece in real time.
Tip: There is a suggested $10 donation. For a self-guided tour, here’s a map.
The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, 3015 W. Division St., Chicago
Highlights: The Barrio Arts Festival this year honors the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Maria. It celebrates Puerto Rican arts, culture and tradition and features local vendors, food, artists and workshops at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture.
Chicago’s Poetic History (books)
Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago
Highlights: Meet the minds behind the new Chicago poetry anthology, Wherever I’m At: An Anthology of Chicago Poetry, the first published work from the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame. Scholar Richard Guzman will lead a panel discussion with writers Virginia Bell, Vida Cross, Haki Madhubuti and Yolanda Nieves.
Tip: It’s free, but registration is required.
MCA Tuesdays on the Terrace: Nicole Mitchell’s Black Earth Sway (music)
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago
Highlights: The museum’s east-facing Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden sets the stage for weekly jazz performances dominated by talented musicians with local ties. Chicago jazz scene staple Nicole Mitchell and her Black Earth Ensemble are among the highlights (July 12). Look for Yoko Noge (Aug. 2) and the Marques Carroll Quintet (Aug. 16).
Tip: Music starts at 5:30 p.m. and goes until 8 p.m. Seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. In the event of inclement weather, the program moves indoors. Attendees can register in advance or get free walk-up tickets.
Official Launch: Wherever I’m At: An Anthology of Chicago Poetry(books)
Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, University of Chicago, 915 E. 60th. St., Chicago
Highlights: This is the launch party for an anticipated new volume of poetry called Wherever I’m At: An Anthology of Chicago Poetry that features about 100 Chicago writers. It’s a chance to hear poetry read by the authors themselves.
Tip: The event is free, but registration is required.
Tuesday and Thursday, July 12 and July 14
Free Admission Days at the Chicago Botanic Garden (garden)
Highlights: The Chicago Botanic Garden is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022 with art installations and interactive performances immersed in the greenery.
Tip: Parking will still cost you, but the Metra stops nearby.
Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks (theater)
Six parks in the city, starting July 14 at West Pullman Park, 401 W. 123rd St.
Highlights: July 14 kicks off a six-night summer performance tour for the city’s celebrated Shakespeare company. After West Pullman, the free night of performances will touch down at Eckhart Park (July 15), Piotrowski Park (July 16), Columbus Park (July 21), Ogden Park (July 22), and Ping Tom Memorial Park (July 23).
Tip: Performances start each night at 6:30 p.m.
Nichols Park, 1355 E. 53rd St., Chicago
Highlights: What is the Physical Theater Festival? It’s a festival that puts on performances from all over the world that are contemporary, visual and involve a lot of interesting movement. It opens with a free event on July 16 at Nichols Park, then continues from July 18 through July 24 with performances and workshops at the Den Theater (1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
Tip: Associated workshops include juggling and clowning.
Keyierra Collins at the Lawndale Pop-Up Spot (dance)
Love Blooms Here Plaza at Douglas Boulevard and Central Park Avenue
Highlights: Local dancer, choreographer and teacher Keyierra Collins performs live. Collins earned a 3Arts award from the Walder Foundation in 2020.
Tip: Show starts at 4 p.m.
Bridgeport Art Center Open Studios (art)
Highlights: The Bridgeport Art Center puts on free studio tours every third Friday of the month. Artists work in mediums like sculpture, fashion, painting, woodworking and more.
La Grange Craft Fair (art)
On Harris Avenue west of La Grange Road and east of Ashland Avenue
Highlights: It’s a massive event: 175 artisans will present their jewelry, painting, soaps and other products.
Tip: There’s free parking at Lyons Township High School with a shuttle running from the lot to the fair.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest (food)
Highlights: 2022 marks the 15th year of the Roscoe Village Burger Fest. Fest goers vote for Chicago’s best burger and have plenty to see in the way of live entertainment. Big Suit plays on Friday, and you can catch School of Rock and iPOP on Saturday on the Damen Stage.
Tip: There is a $10 suggested donation.
Millennium Park Summer Music Series: Jeff Tweedy (music)
Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago
Highlight: The famed singer and guitarist who fronts the band Wilco has deep roots in Chicago. He headlines this megawatt free show.
Milwaukee Ave. & W. North Ave, Chicago
Highlights: L.A.-glam-meets-rock band Cherry Glazerr and singer-songwriter Caroline Rose headline the popular annual music festival, which also features great picks from neighborhood restaurants (our pick: 5411 Empanadas and Kinton Ramen). The fest will include an art showcase from Samuel Schwindt.
Tip: There is a $10 suggested donation at the gate.
Chicago SummerDance at Maxwell Street Market (dance)
Maxwell Street Market, 800 S. Desplaines St., Chicago
Highlight: Another strong offering in the neighborhood SummerDance series, which takes dance lessons out to area parks. On July 24, participants can learn the salsa and bachata, plus enjoy an open dance session with music by Vintage Wed DJ Papi.
Tip: Lessons start at 11 a.m.
Sundays on State Street (market)
State Street between Lake and Monroe
Highlights: See State Street open up for foot traffic, local vendors, family-friendly activities and entertainment (though details have not been released). Also: Aug. 7, Aug. 21 and Sept. 4.
Tip: The State Street fest runs 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
2026 S. Blue Island Ave., Chicago
Highlight: Fiesta del Sol, which began in 1973, offers a plethora of things to do. The Pilsen-based festival centers on celebrating Mexican culture but is also known for its blocks of carnival rides — including a ferris wheel! It’s a great destination, too, for tostadas and tamales.
Tip: Fest entrance is free, but the rides will cost you. A four-day pass for unlimited rides is $45.
Movies in the Parks: Joe Versus the Volcano screening at Jonquil Park (film)
Jonquil Park, 1001 W. Wrightwood Ave., Chicago
Highlight: While Joe Versus the Volcano (1990) also stars Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, it doesn’t have much else in common with You’ve Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle. The off-beat dark comedy centers on Joe, who has just received news that he is about to die of an incurable disease, as he accepts an offer to throw himself into a volcano in exchange for money. He embarks on an odyssey, only to discover a few unexpected lessons on the way.
Tip: The screening begins at 8:15 p.m.
Chicago Chinatown Summer Fair (neighborhood)
Wentworth Avenue from Cermak Avenue to 24th Place, Chicago
Highlight: The Chicago Chinatown Summer Fair kicks off with a lion dance procession on Saturday, and the fun continues with a dumpling eating contest and a K-Pop dance competition. Plus, there will be food vendors and arts and crafts.
Tip: Several Chinatown restaurants offer samples of their menu during the festival.
Concerts in the Park: Earth Mother(music)
Scoville Park, 800 Lake St., Oak Park
Highlight: On July 31, Earthmother, a local jam band, headlines the Summer Concert Series that takes over Scoville Park every Sunday.
Don’t see an event listed that you think belongs on this list? Tell us about it at free@wbez.org.
Isabella DeLeo is a freelancer based in Chicago.