Planning a Summer Weekend in Chicago
Chicago winters may be harsh, but all the snow and slush is worth it when summer rolls around and the wind in the Windy City becomes more of a refreshing breeze. The beaches are filled with Chicagoans young and old enjoying Lake Michigan’s refreshing blue waters, and the city itself comes alive with music, food, drink, and laughter. SpintechX will be falling smack dab in the middle of all this sun and fun, making this the perfect opportunity for an extended touring visit to Chicago. The Hotel InterContinental has agreed to honor the Spintech event rate for the period of June 20 to July 1, meaning that attendees can arrive up to three days early and stay for up to three days after the conference’s conclusion while continuing to enjoy a discounted stay in Chicago’s downtown. This deal is subject to availability, so act fast and start planning a summer weekend or two!
Music
The Rolling Stones – 2019 No Filter Tour
When: TBD — tour status indeterminate
Where: Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Dr.
You Can’t Always Get What You Want, unless what you want happens to be the Rolling Stones performing live in Chicago this summer, in which case you might be able to get what you want. Poor health conditions sidelined Mick Jagger at the end of March (our Sympathies go out to the Devil), but It’s All Over Now—Jagger’s heart is back in action and screaming Start Me Up! But if you’re hoping to make concrete plans to see the Stones live, then I’m afraid (You Can’t Get No) Satisfaction . . . yet! The 2019 No Filter Tour is currently in limbo, so keep your ear to the ground regarding any tour news; the Stones would hate to Miss You this summer.
Jennifer Lopez – It’s My Party Tour
(https://www.unitedcenter.com/events/2019/06/29/jennifer-lopez/)
When: Saturday, June 29 | Post-Spintech
Where: United Center, 1901 W Madison St.
“Music and entertainment powerhouse Jennifer Lopez revealed details of her highly anticipated It’s My Party Tour, her first ever US headlining tour. To celebrate her birthday, the multi-hyphenate entertainer will bring an all new show to fans in 25 cities across North America this summer, including a stop in Chicago on June 29!
Fans can anticipate a signature Jennifer Lopez show each night – the It’s My Party Tour will feature a nonstop party mix of Jennifer’s new and classic anthems, showstopping choreography and dancers, dazzling wardrobe, jawdropping technology and set design, and all of the glamour and wow-factor fans have come to expect of Jenny from the Block.” —United Center
Theater
Hamilton: An American Musical
(https://www.broadwayinchicago.com/show/hamilton-an-american-musical/)
When: June 21, 7:30 p.m.; June 22, 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.; June 23, 2:00 p.m.;
June 28, 7:30 p.m.; June 29, 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. | Pre- and Post-Spintech
Where: CIBC Theatre, 18 W Monroe St.
“Hamilton is the story of the unlikely Founding Father determined to make his mark on the new nation as hungry and ambitious as he is. From orphan to Washington’s right-hand man, rebel to war hero, a loving husband caught in the country’s first sex scandal, to the Treasury head who made an untrusting world believe in the American economy. George Washington, Eliza Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson and Hamilton’s lifelong friend/foil Aaron Burr all make their mark in this astonishing new musical exploration of a political mastermind.” —Broadway.com
Festivals & Events
Pride Fest Weekend (https://northalsted.com/pridefest/)
When: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., June 22 – 23 | Pre-Spintech
Where: Boystown on Halsted Street from Addison to Grace St.
“The 19th annual Chicago Pride Fest, June 22-23, 2019, is a legendary two-day street festival held the weekend leading up to the Chicago Pride Parade with up to 100,000 expected to attend, celebrating LGBTQ+ life, culture and community. This year marks a milestone as we honor the 50th anniversary of Stonewall and the birth of the Pride movement.
The festival features live music by popular artists, 4 stages, food and drink, 100+ arts/craft and merchant vendors, DJ’s and dancing, drag shows, pet parade, Out At Wrigley National Anthem Singing Contest, sponsor booths and more.
Join us this summer for a love-filled celebration of diversity, equality, and the Chicago LGBTQ+ community at Halsted Street and Addison in Boystown, America’s first recognized gay village.
The festival is easily accessible via the CTA Red Line Addison station at historic Wrigleyfield, also multiple bus lines, and rideshare car/cab services with convenient access to downtown hotels and other lodging.” —northalsted.com/pridefest/
Dragon Boat Race for Literacy (https://www.ccc-foundation.org/dragon-boat-race-for-literacy/)
When: Saturday, June 22, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Pre-Spintech
Where: Ping Tom Memorial Park
“The Chinese Dragon Boat Race dates back to over 2,000 years and is a popular sport amongst Chinese and Asian communities all over the world. Started in 2000, the Chicago Dragon Boat Race for Literacy is a family-fun activity enjoyed by visitors from all over the city and surrounding suburbs.” —Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation
Chicago Food Truck Festival (https://www.chgofoodtruckfest.com/)
When: Saturday & Sunday, June 22 – 23, 11am – 8pm | Pre-Spintech
Where: Between 1800 & 1600 S Wabash Ave.
“Ok, Foodies, here we go again. Last year over 40+ Gourmet Food Trucks tantalized foodies’ palates with an assortment of chef prepared dishes combined with live entertainment, games and more! And did we mention Sangria? This year is no different! In fact, we have added more events. We are proud to say we are the largest food truck gathering in the state and close to being the largest in the entire Midwest.” —Chicago Food Truck Festival
Craft Beer Festival – Ravenswood on Tap (http://ravenswoodchicago.org/ontap/)
When: Saturday, June 22, 12 – 10pm; Sunday, June 23, 12 – 6pm | Pre-Spintech
Where: Ravenswood and Berteau
“Ravenswood’s “Malt Row” is home to one of the country’s most prolific craft brewing communities and we’re celebrating that scene this summer at the third annual Ravenswood On Tap craft beer festival! This two-day outdoor event features beer and spirits from local breweries, grub from some of Chicago’s favorite restaurants and food trucks, a killer lineup of live music, and handmade goods from local retailers and artists. It all goes down on Saturday, June 22nd and Sunday, June 23rd at Ravenswood and Berteau. Proceeds from On Tap support the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, Ravenswood Community Council, and other local non-profit organizations.” —Ravenswood Chicago
Millennium Park Summer Film Series – Wonder Woman
(https://www.choosechicago.com/things-to-do/parks-and-outdoors/millennium-park/summer-film-series/)
When: Tuesday, June 25, 6:30pm | During Spintech
Where: Millennium Park
“Movies in the park, under a floating canopy of steel. It doesn’t get much better than this for film buffs.
Through the summer months, visitors and locals flock to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park to sit, picnic and watch blockbusters, award-winning movies, family classics and cult favorites on a state-of-the-art, 40-foot LED screen.
Bright enough to be completely visible in the daylight, the screen illuminates the entire viewing area with crisp, clear images and combines with the Pavilion’s concert-hall quality sound system to create one of the most memorable moviegoing experiences, no matter where you sit. Pack a picnic and make a night of it.
June 25: Wonder Woman, Programmed in collaboration with Rivendell Theatre Ensemble
Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons and trained warrior. When a pilot crashes on the shores of her sheltered island and tells of a conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves to fight a war to end all wars, discovering her full powers and her true destiny. The cast includes Gal Gadot, Chris Pine and Robin Wright. (2017, rated PG-13, 149 minutes).” —choosechicago.com
Millennium Art Festival (https://amdurproductions.com/event/millennium-art-festival-2019/)
When: Friday, June 28, 11am – 6pm; Saturday, June 29, 10am – 6pm;
Sunday, June 30, 10am – 5pm | Post-Spintech
Where: Lake St. at Michigan Ave.
“Popping up for a three-day weekend, top-ranked art and design show Millennium Art Festival brings the art of happiness to the heart of downtown Chicago. An array of artwork, including paintings, ceramics, photography, and furniture, showcases the talents of more than 110 juried artists who participate in this city-centric festival. Blending live performances, tasty treats, and interactive art-filled experiences, Millennium Art Festival infuses a creative spirit into Chicago’s urban streets.” —Amdur Productions
Chicago 50th Annual Pride Parade
(https://www.evensi.us/chicago-pride-parade-2019-illinois/288411272)
When: Sunday, June 30 at 12 noon | Post-Spintech
Where: Montrose Ave. & Broadway to Diversey Parkway & Sheridan Rd.
“The parade kicks off at noon on Sunday, June 30, 2019, at Montrose Avenue and Broadway in Uptown and ends near the intersection of Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road in Lincoln Park.
Pride Month in June is the culmination of Chicago’s vibrant LGBT community. The energy in the city peaks on Pride Weekend, which falls on the last weekend of June each year in commemoration of the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. On Pride Friday and Saturday thousands will gather along Halsted for the two day festival. Stages of music, exhibitors, great food and drinks are available to enjoy. In the evening the revelers will pour into Boystown clubs and party into the wee hours of the night.
On Sunday the roar of the crowd heralds the start of the Pride Parade, a dazzling cavalcade of diversity. The streets are lined 12 people deep as 750,000 people cheer the contingents on and enjoy the show, culture and experience! For the liveliest viewing spots head to the Boystown section of North Halsted Street, between Belmont Avenue and Grace Street. If you are seeking a less crowded area to view the parade, look for your viewing spots near the beginning of the route along Broadway between Montrose Avenue and Sheridan Road or further along Broadway between Belmont Avenue and Diversey Parkway.” —evensi.us