This weekend, Chicago comes alive with events for all ages. Adults can dance the day away at the North Coast Music Festival or enjoy laughs and live music at The Paper Machete. Families can bring the kids to Live on the Lake! at Navy Pier or explore culture and art at the African Festival of the Arts in Washington Park.
🎶 North Coast Music Festival (15th Anniversary)
📍 SeatGeek Stadium, 7000 S Harlem Ave, Bridgeview, IL
📅 Friday–Sunday, August 29–31, 2025
⏰ Friday & Saturday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Sunday: 2:00 PM – 10:30 PM
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North Coast Music Festival celebrates its 15th anniversary as Chicago’s top Labor Day Weekend electronic dance event at SeatGeek Stadium. The festival features over 100 artists across seven stages, including headliners like deadmau5, Kaskade, REZZ, and Zeds Dead. Attendees can enjoy immersive art installations, roaming performers, diverse food vendors, and free water stations. Ticket options range from General Admission to VIP and Platinum packages with premium perks. Easily accessible by CTA, shuttles, or parking, North Coast delivers a high-energy, end-of-summer experience with one of the Midwest’s largest electronic lineups.
📰 The Paper Machete (Live Satirical Variety Show)
📍 Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, 4802 N Broadway, Chicago, IL
📅 Saturday, August 30, 2025
⏰ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
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The Paper Machete is Chicago’s beloved live satirical variety show, blending sharp political commentary, stand-up comedy, and live music. Hosted every Saturday afternoon at the historic Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, the show features a rotating lineup of comedians, musicians, and writers, offering a witty and insightful take on current events. Admission is free, with doors opening at 1:00 PM. Arrive early to secure a seat in this intimate and iconic venue.
🌍 African Festival of the Arts (35th Annual)
📍 Sunken Garden, DuSable Museum, Washington Park, Chicago, IL
📅 Saturday–Monday, August 30 – September 1, 2025
⏰ Daily: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
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The African Festival of the Arts celebrates its 35th anniversary Labor Day weekend with the theme “Wèrèwèrèya: The Return” (Bambara for “transformation”). This vibrant event brings together African and African Diaspora culture with live music, dance, the Drum Village, Fine Arts and Quilt Pavilions, Ancestral Grove for wellness, a Children and Family Village, the Bank of the Nile Food Court, and a bustling African Marketplace. Tickets start at $25, with discounts for seniors and kids, and free admission for children under 5.
🎶 Live on the Lake! at Navy Pier
📍 Navy Pier Beer Garden, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
📅 Saturday, August 30, 2025
⏰ 4:30 PM – 9:45 PM
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Live on the Lake! is a free outdoor live music series featuring Chicago’s best bands, along with regional and national acts, performing a variety of popular music genres every weekend. Guests can enjoy the music and take in the lakeside summer views. The event is family-friendly, offering a vibrant atmosphere suitable for all ages. Admission is free, making it an accessible option for families looking to enjoy live music in a scenic setting. Arrive early to secure a good spot and enjoy the full experience.
No matter your age or interests, this weekend offers something unforgettable for everyone in Chicago. From high-energy music and comedy to family-friendly festivals and cultural celebrations, it’s the perfect chance to soak up the city’s vibrant summer spirit before Labor Day. Don’t miss out, plan your weekend and make some lasting memories!
If you loved this week’s events, you should check out what was happening last week in Chicago.