5 Fun Things to Do in Chicago Over Memorial Day Weekend

CHICAGO, IL - Memorial Day weekend is here, and so is summer in the city.

Kickoff the warmest time of the year with a fun event over the three-day weekend. Here are a few options.

• Mole de Mayo Festival

The 7th annual Mole de Mayo festival at 18th and Ashland in Pilsen will feature mole, pitting local chefs and restaurants against one another to find out whose version of the Mexican staple is best, according to Choose Chicago. The festival will run on Friday from 5-10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday: noon to 10 p.m.

• Check out Navy Pier’s New Ferris Wheel

The grand opening of the new Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier was on Friday. It will be open through Memorial Day weekend. While some showers could be in play, when the clouds clear this ride should offer some of the best views in the city..

• Bike The Drive

On Sunday, Lake Shore Drive will be closed off to cars for a few hours while bicyclists enjoy a safe ride up and down the city street offering the most beautiful views.

• Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest

Held at 3200 N. Sheffield in the city’s Lake View neighborhood on Saturday and Sunday, this warm-weather happening unofficially kicks off Chicago's summer street fest season. According to Choose Chicago, highlights include the region's top tribute bands, plenty of food and libations, and arts & crafts.

• Ridge Run/Memorial Day Parade

The city’s Beverly neighborhood hosts one of the best Memorial Day celebrations in the city. Ridge Park at 96th and Longwood will be the locale for all the fun on Memorial Day. The morning/afternoon event features a 10K run at 8 a.m. (the oldest 10K in the city according to the Beverly Area Planning Association), a 5K run at 9:30 a.m. and a parade on Longwood Drive beginning at noon.