Chicago will observe a memorable holiday this weekend. Tomorrow and Sunday will hereby be known as Beyoncé Day. In case you haven’t heard, Beyoncé, the biggest and brightest star in the musical galaxy, performs at Soldier Field on Saturday and Sunday.
Since the Renaissance World Tour dates were announced earlier this year, people have been planning their lives around it as brides do months before their weddings. As for the people going, we’re sure the outfits will be meticulously curated, and the hair and nails will be on point.
Certainly, Beyoncé isn’t the only game in town, but she is undoubtedly the biggest. For those of you who are going, not too much on rubbing it in.
As for the rest of us looking for something to do, we have excellent news: As usual, there is plenty to get into.
Here are some fun things to do this Beyoncé Holiday weekend:
Beyoncé — Renaissance World Tour (July 22-23)
Does anything even need to be said? With apologies to Taylor Swift, these will be two of the year’s biggest shows. And while we don’t recommend using your rent or mortgage money to buy tickets, we certainly understand. This is as close to a once-in-a-lifetime event as a concert as it gets. Okay, maybe it is.
Beyoncé Concert Pre-Party and Afterparty (July 21 and July 23)
When the biggest music star in the universe is in town, you must have a flurry of events to celebrate her arrival. And that’s precisely what the Scarlet Bar is doing with its Friday Beyoncé Concert Pre-Party and the Sunday Renaissance After Party.
Pitchfork Music Festival 2023 (July 21-23)
One event that could almost rival Beyoncé in scope and magnitude is this annual music showcase at Union Park. Some acts of interest performing include Kelela, Killer Mike, Koffee, Perfume Genius, King Krule and Leikeli47.
Tacos y Tamales Festival 2023 (July 21-23)
The best and most authentic tacos and tamales that Chicago has to offer? Sign us up! This Pilsen festival is a must for the foodie in your life. Plus, expect an array of arts, entertainment and sights!
Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa & Too Short (July 21)
The stage will be ablaze at The Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park with these three legends. Expect an evening of good vibes and cuts.
Karlous Miller, At the End of the Day… Show (July 21)
This comedian, actor and rapper, best known for MTV’s Wild’ n Out and the wildly popular The 85 South Show, brings his fearless and funny comedy to the Riviera Theater. Cheeks and jaw muscles are about to get a workout.
Kool Summer Nights Starring Boney James, Lalah Hathaway (July 21)
Rarely do shows get as smooth as this. But here we are with this Horseshoe Hammond concert featuring James and Hathaway, masters of contemporary jazz and R&B, respectively. A date night doesn’t get better than this.
Legacy w/ Duane Powell (July 22)
This event at The Listening Room celebrates the spirit and origins of Chicago House Music. When Powell, MDok and Syko are on the bill, you’ll want to be in that room.
Recapturing Memories of The Black Ark: A Celebration Of Chicago’s Social Dance History (July 22)
This South Shore Cultural Center daylong event celebrates Chicago’s social dance history. Prepare to be entertained, educated and enlightened.
Emmett Till’s Birthday Ice Cream Social (July 23)
Till’s life and legacy deserve to be uplifted. And this event, which takes place at the iconic Emmett & Mamie Till-Mobley House Museum on the Southside, will do just that.
Mardi Gras In July! (July 23)
This kickoff celebration of the Red Clay Dance Company’s 15FORWARD Anniversary Season is family-friendly. Participants are invited to join Red Clay “for a sidewalk parade down 63rd St. starting from Woodlawn down to our Center and dance with us as we move into the next 15 years!” There will also be outdoor activities, music, food, and free dance classes.