This weekend in Berwyn, IL

At O’Hare International Airport, the annual O’Hare Plane Pull brings teams, families, and supporters together to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Crews of twenty test their strength by racing to move a 95,000 pound aircraft a distance of twelve feet in the fastest time. Alongside the competition, the event features mobile food vendors and concessions, a DJ with music and other entertainment, activities for children, and raffles and giveaways. Ways to take part include registering a team, joining an existing team, fundraising for the cause, or cheering from the sidelines. It is a family friendly day focused on teamwork, community, and support for Special Olympics athletes.

Celebrating its 11th year, this family friendly trail run showcases the Bloomingdale Trail while supporting the mission of Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail. Participants can take on a timed 5K along the elevated path with city views, and young runners can sprint in quarter mile and half mile dashes. Packet pickup, check in, and the start and finish are based at McCormick YMCA near the trail’s western end. On event day, expect a kids activity station, live music, snacks and beverages, sponsor activations, and a post race gathering with awards and refreshments. Event details are subject to change.

This program presents classical hatha yoga through Yogasanas, a sequence of 21 postures that shape the body and mind into a foundation for lasting wellbeing. Rather than a typical workout, the practice works with subtle energies so the inner system aligns in tune with the wider cosmos, encouraging an inner chemistry that supports health, joy, a sense of bliss, and overall balance. Benefits include relief from chronic ailments, greater physical stability, and support in slowing the aging process. Sessions take place at Clarion Inn Elmhurst - Oakbrook in Elmhurst, IL.

Experience a calming yoga session surrounded by fluttering wings in the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven. Expect a practice that leaves you refreshed and centered, with inspiration to carry mindful movement beyond the mat. Please bring your own mat. Open to participants 18 and older. Advance online registration is required, and walk-ins are not permitted. Admission to the museum is included with the ticket.

The 10th stop of the Players Grass Series brings an Oktoberfest-themed volleyball tournament to Chicago. Divisions include men’s 3’s at AA, A, BB, and B, women’s 3’s at AA, A, BB, and B, coed 4’s at BB, B, and Rec with no more than two men on the court at a time, and a new 4’s Rec division open to any gender lineup. Registration features pool play that sends top teams to the playoffs, friendly tournament staff, and pool matches consisting of two sets to 21 points. Prizes range from Players Champs apparel to entries for future tournaments, and the highest men’s and women’s 3’s divisions offer cash payouts. Captains are required to list every player on the online roster, and all participants must complete an electronic waiver before playing. Coed divisions follow a maximum of 50 percent men on the court, while men’s and women’s divisions are single gender as listed. Teams may register under a captain who manages the roster and team fee, with a Team Payer option to assign individual shares for teammates to pay online. The event also highlights a welcoming community vibe with opportunities to make lasting connections.

The 61st Street Farmers Market sets up outdoors with more than 30 vendors offering farm-fresh produce, baked treats, prepared meals, and locally crafted goods. Each week features a chef cooking demonstration, Market School, a kid-friendly Sprout Station, and Blackstone Bicycle Works’ Open Shop, creating plenty of opportunities to learn and explore while you shop. Shoppers who use SNAP can pay with their benefits and receive matching dollars through Link Match for fruits and vegetables, with assistance available at the red tent in the center of the market.

A free Hispanic Heritage genealogy gathering helps participants of all experience levels explore their family history and strengthen connections to their roots. The program features a keynote presentation from professional genealogist Moises Garza with practical guidance for getting started or taking existing research further, followed by light refreshments and time to connect with others. Later in the day, small-group breakout sessions with experienced family history specialists provide personalized support so participants can make real progress on their own genealogy. Designed for beginners and seasoned researchers alike, with registration details to be shared soon.

Celebrate the launch of two neighborhood markets as the new Midway Retail Market debuts alongside the Garfield Ridge Farmers Market. Visitors can browse offerings from local small businesses, enjoy fresh baked treats with coffee, and shop farmers market staples along with handmade, one of a kind finds. The atmosphere is welcoming and community centered. The season starts with a select group of vendors and will grow over time, giving shoppers a chance to support these sellers from the very beginning. Every purchase helps fuel local dreams.

Designed for ages 7 to 17, this youth pinball club helps young players learn the game and connect with peers who share the hobby. The Pinball Capital offers 130 machines set to free play, giving kids plenty of chances to practice and explore. Children accompanied by a parent may enter before regular public hours, with special early entry pricing of $5 per child and $10 per adult. A four round match play tournament takes place in the back room for any child who wants to participate. Prizes from The Pinball Capital go to the winner, and every participant receives a prize.

Fans of art and the film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off can take a 90-minute guided walking tour inside the Art Institute of Chicago that traces moments from the movie within the galleries. The route spans three floors and features 16 artworks, linking each piece to the characters and to how scenes were framed on camera. Attendees leave with a deeper understanding of the artworks, their connections to the story, and the role of camera placement. Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is not included with the tour.

¡Gritos! de Independencia 2026 brings a neighborhood celebration to Belmont Cragin with live music and complimentary food offered at restaurants throughout the area. Free tickets are available with a reservation.

Bright Star Circus brings a circus-inspired variety show to the Stars & Garters Theater, designed for audiences of all ages. Each performance features a changing lineup of standout talent, so no two shows are alike. Expect sleight-of-hand that surprises, musicians who set a lively pace, comedians and classic clowns that spark laughter, and dancers and specialty artists who keep the energy high. The result is a playful atmosphere filled with imagination, big laughs, and moments that inspire wide-eyed wonder.

Indie Park Fest returns with a casual park-day vibe, showcasing inventive local artists from across Chicago and covering a wide range of genres. Settle in with a picnic blanket and a cooler while discovering eclectic performances throughout the day. A suggested $20 donation goes directly to the performers and helps keep the festival thriving. The event is presented in collaboration with the Independence Park Advisory Council and the Chicago Park District alongside Lunar Ticks, an improvisational and alternative rock group with deep roots in the Irving Park community. Expect live music, vendors, and activities for kids for a full day of neighborhood fun.

Presented by and benefiting the cats of Harmony House, this pub crawl blends a beachy vibe with a worthy cause. Participants can relax with a margarita, enjoy five hours of drinks, games, raffles, and food, and help provide shelter and care for Chicago’s homeless cats and kittens. The festivities begin with a kickoff gathering at Harmony House for Cats, where guests pick up a swag bag, an event T-shirt, and flair to wear, then enjoy treats and refreshments in the courtyard. The crawl continues through four Avondale favorites, including Wolfhound, DMen, Beer Temple, and Frank & Mary’s Tavern, with complimentary drinks and specials, free snacks, games, raffles, prizes, and a few surprises along the way. There is even time to visit with the cats at the end. Tickets are $55. Participants must be 21 or older and should bring a valid ID.

Emily St. John Mandel, known for the bestselling novel Station Eleven, takes part in a conversation presented by Chicago Humanities in collaboration with Thalia Hall. The event takes place at Thalia Hall.

At Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville, WingOut Chicago transforms the space into a celebration of chicken wings with sampling from Chicago restaurants, live soul, R&B, and reggae performances, and a selection of adult beverages. Expect flavors spanning classic buffalo and sweet and spicy to wood smoked, jerk, honey chili, and many others. Attendees can take part in competitions, including a people’s choice vote for favorite wings, with additional judging by local celebrities.

Experience museum highlights on a 45-minute guided tour conducted in American Sign Language, created for the Deaf community and centered on how history, science, and community shape the Field Museum today. The tour departs from the Monumental Poles in Stanley Field Hall. RSVP is not required.

Wonderful Woman Wednesday Chicago presents the 8th Annual Chicken & Champagne Soiree, a gathering centered on building connections, empowerment, and purpose. Attendees can expect a warm atmosphere with opportunities to celebrate and network. Donations advance the organization’s mission by directly supporting a scholarship fund that will assist two Class of 2027 graduates as they begin college. Advance tickets are required, and the organizers express gratitude for the community’s continued support.

Ridgewood HS Band Boosters are hosting their inaugural mattress sale fundraiser at Ridgewood High School. This single-day event features a showroom of high-quality mattresses, each custom made after the fundraiser, with selections from Simmons Beautyrest, Purple, Helix, and Malouf available at reduced pricing. Many options are produced in Illinois, and warranties are offered for 10, 12, 15, or 20 years. Adjustable beds and split king sleep systems are part of the lineup. Proceeds benefit RHS Band students through the Booster Organization.

A high energy indie celebration featuring DJs from around the world, the pulse of a live drummer, immersive visuals, and full-scale festival lighting and production. The soundtrack spans artists like Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes, honoring indie anthems from start to finish.

Booker Prize winner Marlon James discusses his new novel, The Disappearers, in a program presented by Chicago Humanities with Thalia Hall. The program takes place at Thalia Hall.

Thee Sacred Souls perform live at the Salt Shed Fairgrounds. Doors open before the show begins.

Sapphic Saturday at Sidetrack is a no cover celebration of women who love women, filling the Main & Cherry Bar with music centered on queer women, high energy drag from Kari Bunne with a special guest, party games, and more. Created for lesbians and those who love them, the night highlights and supports the local lesbian community in a welcoming atmosphere. This recurring party takes place on the final Saturday of each month.

Proksa Park hosts the Berwyn Lantern Parade, a free, all-ages celebration of creativity and community. Live music sets the tone for connecting with neighbors and friends. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lantern, with a limited supply available for those who need one. Watch for workshops and find resources on the event site. Participation is open to residents, visitors, schools, local organizations, and businesses, whether taking part in the procession or enjoying it as a spectator.

Reggies Rock Club hosts a 17 and up concert featuring Greenleaf, Howling Giant, and Psython. The lineup brings all three bands to one stage for a night of live music.

This in-concert event features Top Gun: Maverick, continuing Pete “Maverick” Mitchell’s journey. After more than three decades in the Navy, Maverick, portrayed by Tom Cruise, serves as a test pilot and is assigned to prepare TOPGUN graduates for a specialized mission unlike any living pilot has attempted. Among them is Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, played by Miles Teller, the son of his late friend Nick “Goose” Bradshaw. Facing an uncertain future and old wounds, Maverick confronts his deepest fears as the operation may require the ultimate sacrifice from those selected to fly. The film received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Original Song, and won for Best Sound.

Artango Bar & Steakhouse presents an evening of Brazilian jazz with the Luciano Antonio Band. The performance showcases singer and musician Luciano Antonio, bringing the rhythms and melodies of Brazil to the stage. Seating is limited, so reservations are recommended.

At Garcia's Chicago, The Polish Ambassador presents a set that blends his own music with fresh interpretations of Phish songs. The area directly in front of the stage is a general admission dance pit. Additional viewing and seating options include premium tables closest to the stage with table service, reserved tables on the main floor just behind the premium section also with table service, and private booths sized for 1 to 4, 5, or 6 guests depending on the booth. Seating is cabaret style, so tables may be shared with other attendees. General admission standing space lines the sides of the room on raised platforms for clear sightlines and convenient access to the bar. All ticket purchases are final and nonrefundable, and exchanges are not available, though transfers can be completed through your TM login. Garcia's is ADA accessible, offering wheelchair lifts and ramps between levels, assisted listening devices upon request, and access for official service animals. A venue presale is available in addition to the public onsale.

Another evening of food, fun, and dancing to the music awaits, with the band performing in the bar area. Reservations are recommended for anyone who wants to be seated in that section.

Pop up karaoke returns to Dante's Tavern, also known as High Dive, in the large back room. The space is open again for a classic, old-school karaoke experience.

Each Saturday, Las Fuentes in Lincoln Park, Chicago turns into a shared dance floor for Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, bringing three cultures together through music and movement. The evening starts with a rotating lesson in Cumbia, Bachata, or Salsa, then flows into an after-hours celebration with a seamless mix of Salsa, Bachata, and tropical rhythms. Expect a high-energy Cumbia spotlight along the way, followed by a late stretch that weaves in Rock en Español, Latin dance favorites, and Reggaeton for a continuous groove deep into the night. Birthday groups of five or more can reserve a package that includes a complimentary bottle of champagne, a birthday cake with candle, a reserved table, and an optional birthday dance when arranged in advance. For details or reservations, call 312-427-2572 or email info@LatinStreetMusic.com.

Second Hand Soul Band performs in Edison Park in Chicago, bringing live music to a restaurant setting where the tunes rival the menu. Bartenders will be mixing favorite drinks, and there will be room to dance. Reservations are recommended.

Performers from One Group Mind craft complete comedy pieces on the spot, each sparked by a single suggestion from the audience. The ensemble features Blair Resse, Carter Naughton, Emily Patterson, Emma Anderson, Eric Iannelli, Felix Cortes, Gabriella Dedmore, Heather Barnwell, Joseph Schmidt, Mara Baldwin, MariGrace Russo, Olivia Eldert, Ricky Arias, Sophie Crafton, Vanessa Chisakula, and Zachary Knight.

The Wicker Park Farmers Market brings together regional farmers, food producers, crafters, entertainers, service providers, and other small businesses in the heart of the neighborhood. Shop for sustainably grown produce and foods made with locally sourced ingredients, meet the people who grow and make them, and support a healthier environment with every purchase. The market also serves as a launchpad for entrepreneurship, giving vendors a direct connection to customers, a chance to share knowledge about sustainable nutrition, and opportunities to build lasting relationships with residents. It strengthens community ties, bolsters the local economy, and celebrates the character and spirit of Wicker Park.

Part of a summer series, this volunteer-run, community-focused farmers market features vendors, music, and ready-to-eat food. A vendor list organized by date is available on the market website. Free yoga classes are offered near the Higgins Avenue entrance, with pre-registration available online.

Greater Chicagoland Pagan Pride returns to Riis Park, bringing the community together in celebration and connection. Admission is a donation to Nourishing Hope, and the event welcomes families, friends, and people of all faiths. Free parking is available in the lots. Further details will be shared, with plans for vendors, workshops, entertainers, rituals, and more.

Avondale comes together for a community celebration of heritage and harvest, spotlighting the neighborhood’s history and the cultures that helped shape it. The festivities include live music, tastes from around the world alongside a shared potluck, hands-on arts and cultural crafts, and showcases with local vendors and community spotlights. Families will find bike decorating and a parade, chalk art, and face painting. The lineup also includes bike ambassadors, yoga, free cycle, and dedicated cultural programming. The focus is on sharing traditions, creating new ones with neighbors, and strengthening connections that support a safer, more resilient community. This gathering is family friendly and free to attend.

Bad Penny performs live at Spring Rock Park in support of the Move with HH 5K Fundraiser, providing musical entertainment for the event.

A festive pop-up at Midway Marketplace honors Hispanic heritage and culture while spotlighting community and neighborhood businesses. Rescheduled due to weather, the celebration fills the Retail Sheds with a mix of local food, retail, and artisan vendors. Guests can also enjoy complimentary rounds of Lotería hosted by MarGo’s Treasures, with prizes available. Bringing a personal chair is encouraged for comfort. A one hour yoga class will be offered inside the BizHub, with advance registration required and a $10 fee. An updated vendor lineup will be shared before the event as confirmations are finalized, creating a welcoming space to shop local, play, and celebrate together.

At the International Museum of Surgical Science in Chicago, this program highlights awareness of breast health, education, empowerment, and resilience while celebrating the launch of the book "I’m Limitless". Benefiting United Colors of Pink, Breast Cancer Foundation, it is organized by Women Empower The World Magazine and Longevity in New Era Ancient Healing Holistic Medicine with Violette Kolcaan. Featured speakers include Dr. Violette Kolcan, OMD, LAc, Dr. Paul Hannah, a board certified psychiatrist and holistic physician, Dr. Peter Brukasz, MD, DABVLM, Dr. Rita Rios, president and CEO of Bollinbrook Spa, Joanna Pop, president of Devonshire Montessori School, and Dr. Martha Razo, XBS founder. The experience includes music and lunch, and a copy of "I’m Limitless" is included.

Lend a hand at the Children’s Garden in Proksa Park during select Sundays in the growing season, with tasks that change as the garden’s needs evolve. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome. No experience is required, and guidance will be available on site. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Throughout the season, a monthly garden swap and tool exchange invites participants to bring extra plants and gardening tools or accessories to trade with the community.

Dying Fetus and Sanguisugabogg perform at House of Blues Chicago for a standing-room concert where tickets are general admission unless noted otherwise. Entry is limited to guests 17 and older, and a current, unexpired photo ID is required for age verification, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. Supporting performers are subject to change without notice. Ticket access includes a public onsale along with presales for Citi Cardmembers, Spotify, Knotfest, and Live Nation. Upgrade options are available.

Settle into a restorative sound bath at the Japanese Culture Center, where layers of tone and vibration from singing bowls, gongs, flute, bells, drums, and handpan create a gentle atmosphere for deep rest. The experience unfolds over 90 minutes and is designed for lying down in comfort so the body and mind can unwind while sound waves move through the space. An immersive gong segment features three distinct instruments, including a Sun Gong tuned to OM, an Atlantis Gong offered for emotional clarity, and a heart-centered Blue Stargate Gong in harmony with Earth’s frequency. The flow includes practices to calm the nervous system and expand awareness, followed by time for reflection and integration to help settle the experience and clarify intentions. Intended benefits include shifts in brainwave states, clearing energetic blockages, easing physical tension, deep relaxation, support for meditation, heightened awareness, encouragement of physical healing, and greater balance across the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The session is facilitated by Simon Jay Cervania, founder of the Harmonic Waves Healing Accredited Certification Program, a visionary artist, musician, and Reiki Master Teacher with more than 15 years of work in holistic health, sound healing, brainwave entrainment, biofield energy therapy, and trauma release. Born in the Philippines and based in Chicago, Cervania shares this practice internationally across cultural centers, yoga studios, and holistic wellness communities. Comfortable clothing is recommended, and items that support relaxation such as a yoga mat, blanket, pillow, bolster, or eye pillow can enhance the experience. Early bird pricing is 35 dollars and same day admission, if available, is 40 dollars. Capacity is limited.

Presented by Kickstand Productions, this concert brings Unsane to Beat Kitchen with The Crosses and Rollo Tomasi also performing. Entry is limited to ages 17 and older.

Sunday Funday brings karaoke to The Arrogant Frog Bar. Taking place on the last Sunday of each month, this event offers a chance to step up to the mic at an upscale dive bar in Lincoln Park.

Cavetown takes the stage for a live concert at The Salt Shed. The event features a performance by the artist at the venue.

Sara Bareilles brings The Good Grief Tour to The Chicago Theatre for a live concert experience. Ticket pricing is all-in and includes fees before taxes where applicable, and resale prices may be higher than face value and are not determined by the artist team. In partnership with PLUS1, for this Chicago Theatre show, Live Nation will contribute $1 per ticket sold and not refunded to the JED Foundation to support programs that protect emotional health and prevent suicide among teens and young adults. No portion of the purchase price is tax-deductible. Guests are encouraged to arrive about 60 minutes before showtime, and all bags, including briefcases and pocketbooks, will be checked at entry. Purchasing a ticket signifies agreement to comply with health and safety policies in effect at the time, which may change based on government mandates, venue protocols, or event requirements. The performance may include immersive elements such as flashing or strobe lights. Ticket access includes public onsale, artist and venue presales, select cardmember offers, Verizon access, a Live Nation presale, and VIP packages.

Renaissance Bronzeville hosts a gathering that celebrates musical freedom, with Mike Dunn guiding the sound. The experience is engineered by Thewaywewere Productions. Admission is a $5 cover.