Things to do in and around Chicago this weekend – July 11th to July 13th

If you're looking for something to do in the Chicago area this weekend, there are a ton of options that will surely catch your eye.

Here's a rundown, including one of the city's biggest barbecue festivals and multiple music festivals celebrating a number of different genres.

Windy City Smokeout

WHAT: The Windy City Smokeout features country music's biggest names and up and coming talent, along with over 25 of the best BBQ teams from across the country.

WHERE: Outside the United Center, 1901 W Madison St, Chicago, IL

WHEN: Thursday, July 10th - Sunday, July 13th

Square Roots Festival

WHAT: Square Roots is a music and craft beer festival with a kid zone in the heart of Lincoln Square.

WHERE: On Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson

WHEN: Friday, July 11th - Sunday, July 13th

Barrio Community Arts Festival

WHAT: The 25th annual Barrio Community Arts Festival celebrates Chicago's Puerto Rican with  more than 50 artisans and vendors offering handmade art, crafts and cultural goods, traditional Puerto Rican dishes, and live music .

WHERE: National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, 3015 W. Division St., Chicago IL

WHEN: Saturday, July 12th & Sunday, 13th

The Chosen Few Picnic and House Music Festival

WHAT: The 35th annual Chosen Few Picnic and House Music Festival celebrates community, culture and house music, which started here in Chicago, with legendary DJs

WHERE: Jackson Park, 6401 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL

WHEN: Saturday, July 12th

NOTE: Tickets are still available here.

Passport Vibes Festival

WHAT: The Passport Vibes Festival's is a street fest dedicated to afrobeat music, and exposing more people to the music genre.   

WHERE: The Promontory, 5311 South Lake Park Avenue West Chicago, IL

WHEN: Saturday, July 12th 12noon

African/Caribbean International Festival of Life

WHAT: African/Caribbean International Festival of Life celebrates the music, food and lifestyle of people from the Caribbean, Africa and other regions.

WHERE: Washington Park, 55th Street between King Drive & Cottage Grove

WHEN: Friday, July 11th - Sunday, July 13th

Summer Mela Festival

WHAT: The Kalapriya Center for Indian Performing Arts 3rd annual Mela Festival celebrates South Asian art, culture and cuisine with live music & dance, independent artisans, cultural eateries and hands-on arts and craft activities.

WHERE: Chicago Women's Park and Gardens, 1801 S. Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL

WHEN: Saturday, July 12th, 12 noon

Chicago Gospel Music Festival

WHAT: The Chicago Gospel Music Festival brings audiences of all ages and backgrounds together to celebrate the power of music. 

WHERE: Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL

WHEN: Saturday, July 12th, 12 noon

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

WHAT: Trombone Shorty is a natural born showman who lead his first brass band at the age of 6,  brings his band Orleans Avenue to Chicago.

WHERE: The Salt Shed Fairgrounds, 1357 N. Elston Ave, Chicago, IL

WHEN: Saturday, July 12th, 6pm

Broadway stars Sutton Foster & Kelli O'Hara

WHAT: Two of Broadway's most celebrated stars, Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara join Chief Conductor Marin Alsop and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for a spectacular evening of music and storytelling.

WHERE: Ravinia, 201 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park, IL

WHEN: Sunday, July 13th, 6pm

Reptile Roadshow

WHAT: The Reptile Roadshow's expert handlers introduce a variety of reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and turtles, while sharing fun facts and ensuring a safe, hands-on experience.

WHERE: North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 W. Cermak Rd, North Riverside, IL

WHEN: Saturday, July 12th, 11am