Chicago Weekend Events to Explore

Chicago Blues Festival

The Chicago Blues Festival features prominent acts like Taj Mahal and The Phantom Blues Band. This year celebrates 75 years of Billy Branch and 55 years of Alligator Records. The festival spans three days, showcasing numerous live music performances across four stages at Millennium Park. The event takes place from noon to 9 p.m., June 5-7. Access is free. For more details, visit ChicagoBluesFestival.us. Enter at Michigan Avenue and Washington, Madison, Randolph, and Monroe Streets.

Pokémon GO Fest

This weekend, Pokémon GO Fest coincides with the Chicago Blues Festival but takes place at Grant Park. Engage in augmented-reality gameplay featuring special eggs, hatch candy, and stardust. The event runs through June 7 at 337 E. Randolph St. Tickets are available for $33 at pokemongo.com.

American Writers Festival

The American Writers Festival fills the summer literary void. Highlights include a conversation with Daniel Kraus and Susan Orlean, and discussions on free speech and poetry. The sci-fi enthusiasts can enjoy Nebula Award finalists. The festival spans June 6 at the American Writers Museum and June 7 at the Harold Washington Library Center. Admission is free, with more information at americanwritersmuseum.org.

Danielle Allen at Newberry Library

Hear Danielle Allen and R. Scott Stephenson discuss the Declaration of Independence. View artifacts from the Museum of the American Revolution, including George Washington’s tent. Curator Eric Slauter will discuss the exhibition at Newberry Library, part of the library’s United States 250 Initiative. Join from 2-3 p.m. on June 6 at Ruggles Hall, 60 W. Walton St. The event is free with registration at newberry.org.

Bleachers Concert

Jack Antonoff’s band, Bleachers, performs songs from their latest album, “Everyone for Ten Minutes.” The band plays on June 5 and June 7 at Salt Shed Fairgrounds. Tickets start at $75.20 and can be purchased at saltshedchicago.com.

Melissa Etheridge at Brookfield Zoo

Melissa Etheridge begins the “Roaring Nights” concert series at Brookfield Zoo. Attendees can enjoy zoo access, carousel, and Ferris wheel rides. The concert is at 7 p.m. June 7. Tickets start at $65 at brookfieldzoo.org.

Queer-Coded Hitchcock Films

The Music Box Theatre showcases Alfred Hitchcock films with queer themes for Pride Month. Films like “Strangers on a Train” are screened through June 27. Attend at 3733 N. Southport Ave., with tickets from $13 at musicboxtheatre.com.

Midwest Haunters Convention

The Midwest Haunters Convention offers Halloween decoration ideas and advice. It runs from June 5 to June 7 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont. Tickets are from $40 at midwesthaunterscon.com.

57th Street Art Fair

The 57th Street Art Fair takes place in Hyde Park, now in its 79th year. Enjoy art, music from Buddy Guy’s Legends, and kids’ art activities. The fair is free, on June 6 and June 7, 57th Street between Woodlawn and Kenwood avenues. Details are at 57thstreetartfair.com.

Shimmering Summer at Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden presents “Evanescent” by Renzo B. Larriviere and Zara Pasfield, featuring giant iridescent bubbles. The installation opens June 6-7 and runs through September 20. Visit at 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, with tickets starting at $12.95, children ages 2 and under are free. More at chicagobotanic.org.