Memorial Day Happenings in Chicagoland

In addition to its importance as a day of remembrance, Memorial Day marks the beginning of a long-awaited summer in Chicago. The city’s vibrant scene offers countless options for enjoying the three day weekend and its festivities. From soaking up the sun at a lakeside patio to maximizing the rare day off with a late night happy hour, these local haunts are offering specials, perfect for celebrating the holiday.

Start the weekend early on Friday, May 24 in Lincoln Park or Wicker Park at Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya’s indulgent “All-You-Can-Eat Chicken Wings” happy hour for two featuring crispy, citrus wings with a pitcher of Sapporo for $29.99 from 3-5 p.m. Later, head to the Miller Lite Beer Garden on Navy Pier for its free live music and dance series, “Live on the Lake!”, where guests can bask by the water with a drink in hand, while listening to local Chicago artists all weekend long.

If beach parties are more your style, celebrate Castaways Bar and Grill’s official opening party on North Avenue Beach with a Girls of Summer Concert series kicking off at noon on Saturday, May 25 while tropical drinks and live DJ sets from 1-7 p.m. flow through Monday.

Tropical cocktails at Castaways Bar and Grill Credit Erin Devine

Every great Sunday Funday begins with a sunny morning, loaded brunch, and a Monday off from work. River North’s Hubbard Inn has it covered with $20 bottomless mimosas, bloody marys, or rosé for $20 with the purchase of an entreé. Transitioning into some outdoor fun, head next door to get your much needed dose of Vitamin-D at Joy District’s “Sun-Kissed Sundays” rooftop party, offering Instagrammable spaces and frozen cocktails in its newly renovated space. Once the sun begins to set, visit Easy Bar’s Cheesy Fest in Wicker Park for a night of dancing to guilty pleasures and one-hit-wonders and specials from Seattle Cider, 4 Hands and Hopewell plus $2 High Life and $5 Green Chartreuse shots.

Looking for something a little more kid-friendly on Sunday, May 26? HVAC Pub in Wrigleyville will keep the whole family happy with a country concert for kids presented by Animal Crackers starting at 9:30 a.m. The little ones will dance, sing and hula hooping while the adults can enjoy a new brunch menu, patriotic drinks specials and a boozy lemonade stand. Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-best-of-country-for-kids-hvac-pub-tickets-59613460465.

On Memorial Day, get the best of a BBQ without actually having to fire up the charcoal at the Chicago, Lombard, and Schaumburg Weber Grill Restaurant locations for an all-day $8 burger special and refreshing $5 Weber Backyard Brew pairing. If you’re looking to enjoy the day off while also supporting a good cause, aliveOne in Lincoln Park will donate $1 from every $8 ”Star Spangled” cocktail sold to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Finish the day off with a cocktail or casual nightcap happy hour at any of the Four Entertainment Group bars. Try the new “Vesper” cocktail at Remedy in Bucktown before venturing off to The Owl in Logan Square for a $5.50 margarita or to Estelle’s in Wicker Park for a half-price burger.

Patriotic cocktails at Estelle's Credit Ivy Tac