Whether you’re in the mood for an original musical comedy about William Henry Harrison or have an affinity for mariachi music, there are great events to try this weekend:
Fri 6/23: 30 Queer Plays in 60 Straight Minutes, a special edition of the Neo-Futurist’s popular show The Infinite Wrench crushes traditional gender roles at the Neo-Futurarium (5153 N. Ashland). All proceeds go toward YEPP (Youth Empowerment Performance Project), which aims to create safe environments for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness. 11:30 PM. $25
Fri 6/23-Sat 6/24: Enjoy the third annual Premier Premieres!, a weekend of original musical comedies at MCL Chicago (3110 N. Sheffield). Topics include the Civil War, William Henry Harrison’s brief presidency, abortion, and deceased prom dates. Are you ready to laugh?! 7 and 9 PM, $15-$60
Fri 6/23-Sat 6/24: The 33rd installment of the World’s Largest Block Party includes live music, an assortment of drinks, and a cutthroat bags tournament. Located at Old St. Pat’s Church (700 W. Adams), performers include Wedding Banned, 7th Heaven, and Elevation. Fri 5-10:30 PM, Sat 2-10:30 PM, $10
Fri 6/23-Sun 6/25: The annual Logan Square Arts Festival, centered at the Illinois Centennial Monument (2595 N. Milwaukee) features not only arts vendors from across the city, but a robust music line-up. This year catch Air Credits on Friday 6/23, Metz and Joan of Arc on Saturday 6/24, and round out the weekend on Sunday 6/25 with Strand of Oak and Eternal Espiritu Zombi Group. Fri 5 PM, Sat and Sun 5 PM, free
6/23-8/5: Borrowing its title from Faith Ringgold’s paintings during the Civil Rights movement, “Black Light” at Gallery 400 (400 S. Peoria) looks at the ways black artists have challenged structural racism and given visibility and voice to black producers of cultural content.
Sat 6/24: Fulfill your undead fantasy by joining the Chicago Zombie March in your most gruesome and gory getups. If you don’t have the time (or skill) to zombify yourself, a group of makeup artists will be there to help you out for a small fee. All zombies report to Millennium Park (Michigan and Randolph). 3:30 PM, free
Sat 6/24: Afro-Dancehall with Stacy Letrice combines West African, Jamaican dancehall, and African popular styles, giving birth to a kind-hearted Frankenstein’s monster form of dance. Join her for a lively, uncommon two-hour show at Lou Conte Dance Studio (1147 W. Jackson). 6-8 PM. $20
Sat 6/24: It’s been a few years since Body/Head, the duo of Kim Gordon and Bill Nace, dropped their seething debut Coming Apart. Hear them live at the Bohemian National Cemetery (5255 N. Pulaski). 7 PM, $20
Sun 6/25: Presented by the Mariachi Heritage foundation, the Chicago Mariachi Festival includes performances by renowned ensembles Mariachi Los Camperos, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, and Mariachi Herencia de Mexico. Located at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park (Michigan and Randolph). 2-9 PM, free
For more stuff to do this weekend—and every day—check out our Agenda page.