Aggressively down a margarita—or 16!—at the Chicago Margarita Festival, honor the addictive jazz of the late AACM cofounder Kelan Phil Cohran at 63rd Street Beach House, and stay dry this weekend with our packed, rain-friendly event recommendations:
Fri 7/7: Due to their breezy improvisational banter about what it’s like to be a mom, Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley’s online videos have earned an audience in the tens of millions. #Imomsohard, an evening of conversation at the Vic (3145 N. Sheffield), will not only feature the women off camera, but their mysterious children and husbands. 7 and 9:30 PM, $39.75-$49.75
Fri 7/7: Chicago y Cuba 2017: The International Dance Experience brings together the work of Cuba’s National School of Ballet and Chicago’s Ruth Page Center for the Arts (1016 N. Dearborn). The performance will showcase both traditional Cuban dance and universal, cross-cultural expression. 7-10 PM, $20
Fri 7/7: “Samaria Rice: A Mother Speaks” features discussion with the mother of Tamir Rice, the 12-year-old who was murdered by Cleveland police in 2014. Taking place at the Stony Island Arts Bank (6760 S. Stony), Rice will speak about the horrific event, the gazebo she received in commemoration, and why it was brought to Chicago last year. 6-8 PM, free
Fri 7/7-Sun 7/9: Presented in part by the Old Town School of Folk Music, the Square Roots Festival (Lincoln between Montrose and Wilson) features music by Nikki Lane and Lucero, a mishmash of delicious eats, and dozens of craft brews. Proceeds go toward scholarships for musically gifted children. Fri 5-10 PM, Sat noon-10 PM, Sun noon-9 PM; $10 suggested donation
Sat 7/8: Cartoon supergroup Gorillaz play the Huntington Bank Pavilion (1300 S. Linn White). A free copy of the band’s new album, Humanz, will be included with every ticket. 7:30 PM, from $60
Sat 7/8: Justin Roberts and Deborah Hocking‘s children’s book The Great Henry Hopendower follows a curious boy who learns magic tricks from his grandfather, opening his eyes to everyday magic. The dynamic duo behind the book lead a singalong and craft project at 57th Street Books (1301 E. 57th)—adding even more wonder to Henry’s story. 10:30 AM, free
Sat 7/8-Sun 7/9: This year’s two-day Chicago Margarita Festival at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand) features giant Jenga, beach volleyball, live music, food trucks for sustenance, and, of course, plenty of margs for tasting. Noon-10 PM, $20-$65
Sun 7/9: In celebration of the life and work of Kelan Phil Cohran, musicians and long-time fans will convene at 63rd Street Beach House (6300 S. Lake Shore) to commemorate the 5oth anniversary of his remarkable recording On the Beach. Performers include multi-instrumentalist David Boykin, singer and poet Ugochi Nwaogwugwu, and percussive collective the Drum Divas. Noon-6 PM, free
Through Sun 7/9: It’s your last chance to see “Zhang Peili: Record. Repeat.” at the Art Institute of Chicago (111 S. Michigan). The display takes a comprehensive look at the illustrious video artist’s work, from his first visual pieces in the 1980s to short films made in the 2000s. 10:30 AM-5 PM, $25
For more things to do this weekend—and every day—check out our Agenda page.