A variety of cultural events and activities are taking place in Chicago this weekend, including the return of the indie bookstore crawl, several dance performances, craft workshops, and the opening of a documentary film festival. The lineup was announced on April 23.
The weekend’s schedule features opportunities for residents to explore local bookstores, attend art talks, participate in wellness activities, and enjoy live performances across neighborhoods. These events aim to engage community members with unique experiences throughout the city.
Among the highlights is Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday, where more than 80 local independent bookstores will offer discounts and special deals. Participants who visit at least ten stores can earn a year-long discount at all participating locations. In addition to literary offerings, the Doc10 documentary film festival opens Friday at both The Davis Theater in Lincoln Square and Gene Siskel Film Center downtown. The festival begins with a screening of “Sabbath Queen,” followed by panel discussions and an interfaith candle-lighting ceremony.
Art lovers can attend Gallery VICTOR’s free talk with artist Bruno Surdo or browse works from over 350 artists at the One of a Kind Spring Show held at The Mart. Dance enthusiasts have options as well: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater closes its season with performances at Auditorium Theatre under new artistic director Alicia Graf Mack; meanwhile A&A Ballet celebrates its tenth anniversary with a showcase featuring young Chicago dancers.
Other scheduled activities include community dance classes by Muntu Dance Theatre in Englewood, embroidery workshops celebrating Mend in Public Day at Chicago Fair Trade Museum and WasteShed in Logan Square, beatmaking classes led by DJ Bodhi in North Center, experimental music shows like Miminari Trio’s performance at Elastic Arts in Logan Square, family-friendly short films presented by BUILD Chicago’s Young Filmmakers Contest Shorts event in Austin, comedy fundraisers such as Pat Tomasulo’s Laugh Your Face Off! now hosted at Navy Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom,
and collaborative exhibits between Balloon Museum and Chicago Bulls featuring appearances from Benny the Bull.
Additional happenings range from repair clinics for household items to open houses at music venues like Salt Shed. Events are spread across various neighborhoods including Pilsen,
Uptown,
Bucktown,
and Hermosa—where Versos de Mujer will perform traditional Puerto Rican music for their first time in Chicago as part of BoriCorridor Tour.
