From the smell of barbecue enveloping the neighborhood to the sights and sounds of a big band parade, there’s a lot to get excited about this Memorial Day. The holiday falls on Monday, May 30 and Chicago is offering a variety of ways to honor the military and its veterans. Whether you’re looking for a somber service to honor your loved one or a lighthearted cap to your week, we’ve got you covered with activities hosted throughout Chicago this Memorial Day weekend.
See Also: The Ultimate Guide To Chicago's Summer Festivals
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3200 N Sheffield Ave. / Website
Explore live music and the best of beer and wine at this classic street festival on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29. There will be two stages featuring amazing local tribute bands. Additionally, there will be stands with local artisans selling their crafts. Visit their website for a full lineup of performances.
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1060 W Addison St. / Website
Head to Wrigley Field to see the Chicago Cubs take on the Milwaukee Brewers in a Memorial Day baseball faceoff. Tickets can be purchased here.
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50 W Washington St. / Website
Celebrate the veterans and military members who keep our country safe. Head to Daley Plaza at 11 a.m. for the wreath laying ceremony. Then, head to State Street at 12 p.m. to experience the city-sponsored parade. There will be many parade floats, marching bands and military members in attendance.
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18th St. & Ashland Avenue / Website
Head to Mole de Mayo with an empty stomach! Local chefs will face off against one another in a grand competition to determine whose mole is the best in the city. There will be two stages featuring live music and djs, along with a popular ‘professional’ wrestling ring that sees ample antics throughout the festival. The festival will benefit the Eighteenth Street Development Corporation and will be held Friday, May 27 to Sunday, May 29 in the Pilsen neighborhood.
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600 E Grand Ave. / Website
Enjoy free extravagant fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the summer, with Navy Pier’s first show premiering on Saturday, May 28 at 10 p.m. on the pier. With an incredible soundtrack and colorful fireworks, this is a great way to cap off a date night or family-filled excursion.
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9625 S Longwood Drive / Website
Race in honor of those who gave their lives for our country. Head to Beverly’s Morgan Park this Memorial Day to participate in either a 5K run, 5K walk, 10K run, a combination race, or the youth mile race. The race will be held on Monday, May 30 at 8 a.m. and a family festival will follow at the park. Registration can be done here.
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Grant Park / Website
Enjoy an unforgettable weekend of Latin and Reggaeton music in Grant Park on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29. Headliners include J Balvin, Ozuna and Wisin y Yandel, to name a few. There will be multiple bars, cuisine from local restaurants, and a massive ferris wheel. This event is exclusive to those over 21 years of age. Tickets can be purchased here.
Photography by: Justin Casey / Unsplash
