Believe it or not, Memorial Day Weekend is here and filled with festivals, a cookout and a show kids will love. But, most importantly, there are a few ways to honor our servicemen and -women with local parades and memorials.
Mole de Mayo
May 27-29
Chicago
Head out to Pilsen for this festival that will decide which local chefs are serving the best mole. In addition to great food, the festival will feature live music, an open-air Mercado/Market with neighborhood businesses, and a lucha libre wrestling ring.
“Balloonacy”
May 28-29
Evanston
Northwestern’s Imagine U is bringing back “Balloonacy” after a sold out run this winter. Kids will love the physical comedy in this award-winning show about a man and his red balloon. Buy tickets here.
Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival
May 28-29
Chicago
This music fest, now in its 32nd year, is one of Chicago’s first outdoor street fests of the season and features local tribute bands, food, drinks and artisans. Find more can’t-miss music festivals around the country here.
Memorial Day Cookout
May 29
Rosemont
MB Financial Park will once again host their Country in the Park and Rockin’ in the Park free summer concert series. To kick it all off, the park will host a Memorial Day cookout with $2 tastings from all park restaurants, live music from Maggie Speaks and The Blooze Brothers, and fireworks.
Memorial Day Parade & Observance
May 30
Winnetka
Winnetka’s 89th annual Memorial Day parade begins at Glendale and Elm streets before making its way to the Village Green. There, United States Army Staff Sergeant Justin R. Craggs, who served two tours in Afghanistan, will speak. You can also support the Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired at the parade during their teen board’s Patriotic Pooches Dog Wash.
Chicago’s Memorial Day Parade takes place on May 28 and begins with a Wreath Laying Ceremony at Daley Plaza. A parade will follow with Grand Marshal United States Army Lieutenant General Kenneth R. Dahl.
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