Tacos, Tamales, and Tchaikovsky: A Vibrant Chicago Summer Weekend Ahead

Welcome, Chicago enthusiasts, to “Things to do in Chicago” for today—Friday, July 18, 2025! The city is in full swing under warm, lively mid-July skies. You’ll find sunny patches interspersed with a light breeze sweeping down Lake Michigan, setting the perfect vibe for a summer weekend ahead. The air is abuzz with festival chatter, the scent of street food, and the beat of live music echoing through vibrant neighborhoods.

First up, Pilsen is the epicenter of flavor and fun this evening with the return of the Tacos y Tamales Festival, running all weekend long. Get your fill of authentic tacos, handmade tamales, and sip a margarita in the heart of a festive block party atmosphere. Expect live Latin bands, colorful art, and family-friendly entertainment, all while supporting local organizations with a suggested donation at the gate[1].

Elsewhere in Pilsen, the 53rd annual Fiesta del Sol kicks off under the banner “Protecting our Families, Defending our Rights.” Expect a jubilant celebration filled with community pride, music, and family activities. This storied festival draws visitors from across the city and sets the scene for unity and cultural expression[2].

For those craving a taste of Colombia, Humboldt Park is hosting Colombian Fest, with today being the free Gran Community Day. Bring the whole family out for delicious empanadas, kids’ sports camps, and vibrant music and dance—plus, it’s the scene of the largest outdoor coffee party of the summer[4].

Music lovers have plenty to choose from: Catch the Phish concert at United Center or keshi’s REQUIEM TOUR at The Salt Shed. If classical is your jam, pack a picnic for the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto, performed al fresco at Millennium Park this evening—a magical Chicago summer experience under the city lights[7].

On the news front, the city continues its focus on public safety and community gatherings as summer heats up, with visible efforts by the police at local festivals, ensuring folks can enjoy Chicago’s vibrant night scene in peace[8]. In politics, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza announced she won’t seek reelection, spurring speculation about future Chicago mayoral races[5].

If you’re looking for daytime adventure, don’t miss must-see classics: the Art Institute, Millennium Park, or the Magnificent Mile for a quick dip into the city’s rich culture[3]. For something unique, take the kids to the Chicago History Museum’s acclaimed “City on Fire: Chicago 1871” exhibit, a family-friendly way to learn about the city’s historic resilience[6].

Local tip: Want to explore like a Chicagoan? Try a CityDays Scavenger Hunt—walk local neighborhoods, solve puzzles, and discover hidden gems most visitors miss[6]. And don’t forget, tomorrow Wicker Park’s Historic Homes Tour lets you step back into Chicago’s Victorian past with a guided stroll through cobblestone streets and striking architecture[9].

That wraps up today’s “Things to do in Chicago”! Tune in tomorrow for more festival highlights, hidden treasures, and all the can’t-miss happenings in the Windy City. Stay curious, stay adventurous—this city never sleeps!

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
This is your Things to Do in Chicago podcast. Welcome
Chicago enthusiasts to Things to Do in Chicago for Today, Friday,
July eighteenth, twoenty twenty five. The city is in full swing.
Under warm, lively mid July skies. You'll find sunny patches
interspersed with a light breeze sweeping down Lake Michigan, setting

(00:21):
the perfect vibe for a summer weekend ahead. The air
is a buzz with festival chatter, the scent of street food,
and the beat of live music echoing through vibrant neighborhoods.
First Up, Pilsen is the epicenter of flavor and fun
this evening with the return of the Tacozi Tamalies Festival,
running all weekend long. Get your fill of authentic tacos,

(00:42):
handmade Tomali's, and sip a margarita in the heart of
a festive block party atmosphere. Expect live Latin bands, colorful art,
and family friendly entertainment, all while supporting local organizations with
a suggested donation at the gate one. Elsewhere in Pilsen,
the fifty third annual Fiesta Delsoul kicks off under the
banner protecting our Families defending our rights. Expect a jubilant

(01:06):
celebration filled with community, pride, music, and family activities. This
storied festival draws visitors from across the city and sets
the scene for unity and cultural expression. For those craving
a taste of Columbia, Humboldt Park is hosting Columbian Fest,
with today being the free Grand Community Day. Bring the

(01:27):
whole family out for delicious empanadas, kids, sports camps, and
vibrant music and dance. Plus it's the scene of the
largest outdoor coffee party of the summer. Four Music lovers
have plenty to choose from Catch the Fish concert at
United Center or Keshi's ri Quim Tour at the Salt Shed.
If classical is your jam, pack a picnic for the

(01:48):
Tchaikowsky Violin Concerto performed Alfresco at Millennium Park This evening
a magical Chicago summer experience under the city lights. S one.
On the news front, the the city continues its focus
on public safety and community gatherings as summer heats up,
with visible efforts by the police at local festivals, ensuring

(02:08):
folks can enjoy Chicago's vibrant night scene in peace. In politics,
Illinois Comptroller Susanna Mendoza announced she won't seek reelection, spurring
speculation about future Chicago mayoral races. If you're looking for
daytime adventure, don't miss Must See Classics, the Art Institute,
Millennium Park, or the Magnificent Mile for a quick dip

(02:30):
into the city's rich culture. For something unique, take the
kids to the Chicago History Museum's acclaimed City on Fire
Chicago eighteen seventy one exhibit, a family friendly way to
learn about the city's historic resilience local tip Want to
explore like a Chicagoan, Try a city Day's scavenger hunt,

(02:51):
walk local neighborhoods, solve puzzles and discover hidden gems most
visitors miss and don't forget. Tomorrow Wicker Park's Historic Homes
Tour lets you step back into Chicago's Victorian past with
a guided stroll through cobblestone streets and striking architecture that
wraps up to day's things to do in Chicago. Trip
and Tomorrow for more festival highlights, hidden treasures, and all

(03:14):
the camp miss happenings in the Windy City. Stay curious,
stay adventurous. This city never sleeps