Summer finally feels like it’s in gear, and there’s a lot happening around town on this first weekend of June. Here’s some of what we recommend:
Fri 6/3: Head over to Mana Contemporary Chicago (2233 S. Throop) for the launch of Too Fly Not To Fly, an alphabet photo book by Briana McLean and Desmond Owusu. Geared towards students from nursery to third grade, the book encourages readers to explore themes about black childhood, with prompts like “O is for Obstacle” and “S is for Strength.” 6 PM
Fri 6/3: See the criminal defense lawyers from the Netflix docuseries Making a Murderer in the flesh when Dean Strang and Jerry Buting stop at the Chicago Theatre (175 N. State) for their Conversation on Justice tour. The two attorneys discuss Steven Avery’s case in the context of the strengths and weaknesses of the nation’s criminal justice system. 8 PM
Sat 6/4: Following its successful debut performance in March, Black to the Future is back at the Promontory (5311 S. Lake Park West) for another Afrofuture music and art party. Spend an afternoon celebrating progressive black culture in Hyde Park with DJ Earn Money, DJ SKOLi, and Black to the Future co-creator Cornell Sanaa. 2 PM
Sat 6/4-Sun 6/5: Redheads unite in Highwood Park (17 Highwood) in suburban Highwood for Redhead Days Chicago, a weekend of food trucks, live music, and red-themed cocktails. Don’t miss the annual Carrot Cake Throwdown on Saturday afternoon, when North Shore chefs—from eateries like Taste on Chestnut and Nothing Bundt Cakes—compete in a carrot cake cook-off. Sat 11 AM-6 PM, Sun 11 AM-5 PM
Sat 6/4-Sun 6/5: Now in its third year, Hyde Park Brew Fest brings food vendors, live music, and more than 50 craft beers and ciders to 53rd and Harper. Sample local drinks from the likes of Arcade Brewery, Forbidden Root, and Temperance Beer Company. 1-7 PM
Sun 6/5: Kick off LGBT Pride Month in Logan Square with Big Gay Brunch at the Boiler Room (2210 N. California), hosted by Lucy Stoole and IMP Queen. Sip on speciality cocktails, snack on pizza, and enjoy music by DJ Robojojo. 1-4 PM
Sun 6/5: It’s been almost two months since Prince’s passing, but we’re still in mourning. Rock out for a good cause and honor the pop superstar with a Prince Tribute at the Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western). Proceeds benefit the rock ‘n’ roll band camp Girls Rock! Chicago. 9 PM
For more stuff to do this weekend—and every day—check out our Agenda page.