This August weekend, Chicago comes alive with family fun, art, music, and community pride. Explore the bug-filled wonders ofĀ Bugapalooza, stroll through creative booths at theĀ Printerās Row Art Fest, and soak up the lively vibes ofĀ Northalsted Market Days. Donāt miss theĀ 96th Annual Bud BillikenĀ® Parade & Back to School Festival, a vibrant celebration of youth and culture on the South Side. No matter your vibe, thereās something here for everyone.
š Bugapalooza at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
š 2430āÆN. Cannon Drive, Lincoln Park, Chicago
š
Sunday, August 10, 2025
ā° 1:00 PM ā 4:00 PM
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This insect-packed afternoon is perfect for curious kids. Explore a live bug zoo, puppet shows, a āBugstacleā course, and outdoor insect hunts with real entomologists. Kids (ages 2ā10) get hands-on science, while grown-ups enjoy the museumās butterfly haven and prairie trails. Tickets ($20ā30) include full museum accessācreepy, crawly fun included.
š 96th Annual Bud BillikenĀ® Parade & Back to School Festival
š Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, from 35th Street to 55th Street, Chicago
š
Saturday, August 9, 2025
ā° Parade starts at 10:00 AM; Festival continues until 4:00 PM
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As the largest African American parade in the U.S., the Bud Billiken Parade celebrates youth, education, and community.The parade features marching bands, drill teams, floats, and cultural performances, culminating in a vibrant festival at Washington Park. The festival offers free school supplies, job fairs, live entertainment, and community resources.
šØ Printerās Row Art Fest
š Dearborn Street (Polk to Harrison), South Loop, Chicago
š
Saturday & Sunday, August 9ā10, 2025
ā° 10:00 AM ā 5:00 PM daily
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This free, family-welcoming art fest features over 100 juried artists selling everything from fine paintings to upcycled jewelry. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and hands-on demos, with a kid zone offering painting and creative play. Stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, with parking nearbyāperfect for a relaxed day of art, food, and street culture.
š Northalsted Market Days ā Live Music & Street Festival
š Northalsted (Lakeview) Neighborhood, Chicago
š
Friday to Sunday, August 8ā10, 2025
ā° All day, with extended evening shows
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One of the Midwestās biggest and boldest street fests, Market Days delivers nonstop music across multiple stages, drag shows, dance acts, and a sea of food and artisan vendors. The crowd is vibrant, diverse, and proudly LGBTQ+āthink block party meets concert weekend. High-energy, adult-focused, and unforgettable.
Chicagoās weekend scene is alive and buzzing with energy, culture, and excitement. Whether youāre chasing bugs with the kids, admiring incredible art, dancing to live music, or celebrating community pride at the Bud BillikenĀ® Parade, these events have something for everyone. Donāt just hear about the fun, dive in and be part of the cityās vibrant story this weekend!
Donāt forget to check outĀ last weekendās eventsĀ for even more Chicago fun āĀ read all about it here.