It’s time to gear up for the last weekend of July. Here’s some of what we recommend:
Fri 7/29: Enjoy wine among wildlife at Bites, Blooms, and Bordeaux, an evening party hosted by the Lincoln Park Zoo (2200 N. Cannon). Snack on gourmet eats like steak tartare from Mon Ami Gabi and passion fruit french macaron from Vanille Patisserie while listening to the zoo’s horticulture experts discuss the garden’s flora. 6 PM
Fri 7/29-Sat 7/30: Head north to Highland Park for Titanic Live, a multimedia concert at the Ravinia Festival (200 Ravinia Park). The classic 1997 drama Titanic screens alongside a live score by Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Children’s Choir, and vocalist Clara Sanabras. 7 PM
Fri 7/29-Sun 7/31: Experience a weekend of art, music, and workshops at Fed Up Fest. The punk festival showcases queer and trans artists from across the country, including music by D.C.’s Homosuperior and Oakland’s Spray Tan. Locations and times vary
Sat 7/30: The Chicago Poetry Block Party brings art, music, and poetry to 37th and Wabash in Bronzeville. Locals like poet Fatimah Asghar and rapper Ric Wilson perform at this one-day festival. 2-8 PM
Sat 7/30:The Chicago League of Lady Arm Wrestlers takes over the Logan Square Auditorium (2539 N. Kedzie) hosts CLLAW XXV: The Summer Showdown, its annual championship benefiting Sideshow Theatre Company and the Chicago Women’s Health Center. 9 PM-midnight
Sat 7/30-Sun 7/31: Shop for antiques at Randolph Street Market Festival, an indoor and outdoor market surrounding Plumbers Hall (1340 W. Washington). Browse through vendors like Alphabet Soup Vintage and Meema’s Treasures while enjoying grub from Magic Circle Crepes and Baba Pita. 10 AM-5 PM
Sat 7/30-Sun 7/31: Lemons, limes, and tequila take over the South Shore Cultural Center (7059 S. South Shore) this weekend for the Chicago Margarita Festival. Stop by for the margarita tastings, but stay for an afternoon of beach volleyball, food trucks, and live music. Noon-8 PM
Sun 7/31: For one evening, artists of color gather at Under the Gun Theater (956 W. Newport) for a performance showcase titled For Those Who Can’t. Through music, spoken word, and storytelling, performers bring attention to racial injustice. 9 PM
Sun 7/31: RoscoeBooks (2142 W. Roscoe) hosts A Very Special Birthday for Harry Potter, complete with birthday cake, butterbeer, and crafts. This celebration for the fictional Harry Potter’s 36th birthday doubles as a release party for J.K. Rowling’s new play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. 11 AM-2 PM
For more stuff to do this weekend—and every day—check out our Agenda page.