Summer isn’t over yet — but there are only a few weeks left before CPS classes and pumpkin spice arrive. That means it’s time to squeeze in as many warm-weather activities as possible. This week brings one of Ravinia’s best concerts this year, a skate party in McKinley Park, one of the city’s biggest LGBTQ+ events and more.
Here are five picks for the next few days ahead.
For more ideas, see the full WBEZ Summer 250, our curated guide of 250+ events for planning your best Chicago summer ever, with easy sorting to help you pick what’s right for you. You can also text “SUMMER” to 312312 for weekly picks in one of three categories: family-friendly, outdoor concerts or the best of all events.
MADD Rhythms: A MADD Mixtape at Homan Square
Aug. 11
Donnetta Jackson has appeared in and choreographed music videos for Chance the Rapper. As part of Night Out in the Parks, Jackson will perform “A M.A.D.D Mixtape,” a show that will mix her tap pedigree with hip-hop tracks from a live DJ. Homan Square Community Center Park, 3559 W. Arthington Place. Free.
Vocalo Summer Skate Party
Aug. 11
Roller skate to jams on a winter ice rink that is getting a summer makeover in McKinley Park. Tunes will be provided by DJs Ayana Contreras, Nudia Hernandez and Ca$h Era and WBEZ’s sister station Vocalo. Part of Chicago’s Night Out in the Parks series. McKinley Park, 2210 W. Pershing Road. Free.
Northalsted Market Days
Aug. 12-13
Pride stretches into August with this LGBTQ-loving festival. Market Days features five stages of live music with disco pop queen Anastacia and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Ginger Minj topping the lineup. Halsted Street from Belmont Avenue to Addison Street. $15 suggested donation.
An Evening with John Legend
Aug. 13-14
EGOT-winning singer-songwriter John Legend will bring his velvety voice and soulful piano to Ravinia for a two-night stint. Legend’s hits such as “Ordinary People” and “All of Me” have made the artist a wedding playlist mainstay, but his latest album Legend gets down and funky. The Pavilion at Ravinia, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. From $62.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Through Aug. 13
Aaron Sorkin’s stage adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird has received rave reviews. It also departs from both Harper Lee’s novel and the film by making more room for the story’s Black characters, Tom and Calpurnia. CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St. From $35.
Bianca Cseke is a digital producer at WBEZ.
