Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony & Parade
Yes, it’s the unofficial start of summer, but kick off your weekend by remembering its real purpose: honoring members of the U.S. military who died in service to the country. The annual wreath-laying ceremony will be in Daley Plaza, this year featuring a keynote speaker by Sergeant Major Janet Sandoval, a Chicago native whose Marine Corps career spans more than 20 years. Line up along Dearborn Street to cheer the following parade. 11 a.m. May 23 in Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., followed by the parade at noon on Dearborn Street from Lake Street to Van Buren; details at chicago.gov
Sueños
Let the festival season begin: J Balvin, Kali Uchis, and Fuerza Regida headline this year’s Sueños Music Festival in Grant Park, with music on three stages. Can’t make it but still need to dance? Check out one of the more than two-dozen after parties scattered across the city — one of them featuring Fuerza Regida. Noon to 10 p.m. May 23-24 in Grant Park, entry off of Michigan Avenue near Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets from $189 (for 1-day general admission, ages 18+) at suenosmusicfestival.com
Navy Pier Fireworks
Summer fireworks kick off this weekend from Navy Pier. No rain in the forecast to dampen the fun. Now, when you hear the rumbling along the lakefront on Wednesday and Saturday nights, you’ll remember why. 10 p.m. May 23, with displays continuing at 9 p.m. Weds. and 10 p.m. Sat. through Sept. 5. from Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.; details at navypier.org
Warm Love Cool Dreams Music & Arts Festival
The folks at Empty Bottle have pulled together a “sick mixtape” of a two-day festival at the Salt Shed Fairgrounds. The lineup features Courtney Barnett, Toro Y Moi, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and Tortoise. Bonus: Shop the Oddball Market between acts. May 23-24 at the Salt Shed Fairgrounds, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; tickets from $75.20 at warmlovecooldreams.com
Belmont Sheffield Music Fest
If you’re looking for a neighborhood experience, check out the Belmont Sheffield Music Fest, now in its 41st year. Chicago street festival season is here, and this mainstay in Lakeview features two stages of tribute bands and local entertainment, a market featuring artisans and small businesses, and of course food and drink. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. May 22, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. May 23-24 around 3200 N. Sheffield Ave.; details at lakevieweast.com
Mayfestiversary
This Ravenswood festival is newer to the scene, but a welcome way to explore the neighborhood. Centered around local breweries, the festival also features two stages, food trucks and pop-ups, and plenty of kids activities. Proceeds from the $5 suggested donation benefit The Friendship Center food pantry. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. May 23 and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. May 24 around 1800 W. Cuyler Ave.; details at mayfestiversary.com
Randolph Street Market Festival
The market kicks off its outdoor market with its 23rd annual Garden Party, featuring live music and DJs. See what treasures you can find among the 200 vendors in this vintage market. Indoor shopping will be available, too. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 23-24 at 1341 W. Randolph St.; tickets from $14 at randolphstreetmarket.com
The Kid LAROI
The Australian singer-rapper-songwriter brings his “Perfect World” global tour to Salt Shed. His best known hit may be “Stay,” from 2021 and featuring Justin Bieber. But the 22-year-old musician’s latest album is “Before I Forget,” a breakup album seemingly about former girlfriend and fellow pop star Tate McRae. He posted on Instagram that he made the album in four months after scrapping another. 6:30 p.m. May 22 at the Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; tickets from $80 at saltshedchicago.com
Comedy Bang! Bang!
Scott Aukerman, Paul F. Tompkins and the rest of the “Comedy Bang! Bang!” crew perform live at the Chicago Theatre. The TV show is long gone, but the podcast and this “Ground Beefing” tour live on. Expect special guests. 8 p.m. May 28 at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets from $46.25 at msg.com
David Koechner
David Koechner is one of those character actors you know immediately, but maybe you can’t put your finger on his real name. Let me help: Champ Kind, the sportscaster from “Anchorman.” Or maybe Todd Packer on “The Office”? And those are just two performances from a long and funny career — one that started in Chicago with iO Theater. Get to know him better at The Den this weekend. 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. May 22-23 at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.; tickets from $31 at thedentheatre.com
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.
