Scene from a recent Chosen Few Picnic and Music Festival (Photo Credit: Facebook).
House music and hallelujahs headline the weekend.
The 35th Annual Chosen Few Picnic & Festival brings deep grooves and disco joy to Jackson Park, where founding DJs and global legends like David Morales, Danny Krivit, and Ann Nesby unite for the city’s biggest outdoor dance floor. Uptown at Millennium Park, the Chicago Gospel Music Festival returns with a full day of spiritual uplift and powerhouse vocals, including Chandler Moore, Jekalyn Carr and a tribute to Don Jackson.
Two Chicago-born genres. Two iconic gatherings. One unforgettable Saturday.
Here are more things to get into this weekend:
Friday, July 11
Bronzeville Summer Nights – July 11
Cottage Grove Avenue, Bronzeville
Shops stay open late with pop-up shows, DJs, and community energy up and down the corridor. Bronzeville glows under summer skies.
Bethany Pickens at Harper Court – July 11
Harper Court, Hyde Park | 6 p.m.
Renowned jazz pianist Bethany Pickens delivers a soulful, outdoor performance to kick off the weekend.
32nd African/Caribbean International Festival of Life (IFOL) – July 11–13
Park 540, 2401 S. Federal St., Chicago South Loop | 12–10 p.m. daily
A cultural celebration spotlighting the music, food, arts, and lifestyles of the Caribbean, Africa, and beyond. Presented by Martin’s International, the 32nd annual IFOL features Reggae, Afrobeat, R&B and more, alongside crafts, cuisine, and vibrant community vibes. A summer staple for cultural pride and unity.
Square Roots Festival (Day 1) – July 11
Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson, Lincoln Square | 5–10 p.m.
Craft beer, neighborhood eats, and live music on multiple stages in one of Chicago’s most vibrant districts.
Chicago Latin Jazz Festival (Night 1) – July 11
Humboldt Park Fieldhouse, 1440 N. Humboldt Blvd | 6–9:30 p.m.
Opening night features the Darwin Noguera Group and Grammy-nominated pianist Edsel Gomez. Free and outdoors.
Saturday, July 12
35th Annual Chosen Few Picnic & Festival – July 12
Jackson Park, 63rd & Hayes Dr.
Chicago’s biggest house music celebration returns with the Chosen Few DJs, live performances by the Ladies of Skyy and Ann Nesby, and a full day of soul, family, and rhythm. A rite of summer.
Chicago Gospel Music Festival – July 12
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion | 4–9 p.m.
The city’s signature faith-fueled music event honors the roots and future of gospel with national headliners and Chicago legends. Free and open to all.
Shop Black Fest Chicago – July 12
Midway Plaisance Park, Hyde Park | 2–7 p.m.
Support 40+ Black-owned vendors, enjoy live DJs and line dancing, and let the kids roam the bounce house. A free family event in the heart of the South Side.
Chicago Latin Jazz Festival (Night 2) – July 12
Humboldt Park Fieldhouse | 5–7:30 p.m.
Performances by Adrian Ruiz and Jackie Warren bring fiery piano energy and close out the festival on a high note.
Square Roots Festival (Day 2) – July 12
Lincoln Square | 12–10 p.m.
African/Caribbean International Festival of Life (Day 2) – July 12
Park 540, 2401 S. Federal St. | 12–10 p.m.
Sunday, July 13
Maxwell Street Market – July 13
800 S. Desplaines St. | 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Street food, rare finds, and live performances. A Chicago classic that still delivers.
Square Roots Festival (Final Day) – July 13
Lincoln Square | 12–9 p.m.
African/Caribbean International Festival of Life (Final Day) – July 13
Park 540, 2401 S. Federal St. | 12–10 p.m.
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