By: Ashmar Mandou

We enter the unofficial start of summer in Chicago with outdoor music festivals, firework displays, numerous parades, and movies in the park. If you are still scrambling for plans, here is a little teaser of what you can do with your friends and family this Memorial Day weekend. Go ahead and plan a fun three-day weekend.

Mole de Mayo
Now in its 13th year, the only three-day outdoor mole cook-off event celebrating Latin American and Mexican culture will be held Friday, May 27th from noon to 10p.m., Saturday, May 28th from noon to 10p.m., and Sunday, May 29th, from noon to 9p.m., and will take place on 18th St. (Blue Island Ave. and Ashland Ave.) in the rich and diverse Pilsen neighborhood located on the Lower West Side of Chicago. For more information, visit www.moledemayo.org. Suggested donation is $5 individual and $10 families.

Sueños Music Festival
The producers behind Baja Beach Fest, Chicago’s Reventon Promotions, and Lollapalooza are pleased to announce the first annual Sueños Music Festival, the largest Latin Reggaeton music event to ever take place in Chicago. Set for May 28-29th, Sueños is bringing the beachside vibes of Baja Beach Fest to Chicago’s iconic Grant Park. The lineup includes headliners J Balvin, Ozuna and Wisin & Yandel, plus performances from Myke Towers, El Alfa, Jhay Cortez, Sech, Fuerza Regida and more. To purchase tickets or for general information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com or www.suenosmusicfestival.com.

Navy Pier Fireworks
One of the city’s top attractions is Navy Pier’s summer fireworks displays which kick off with the Memorial Day fireworks show on Saturday, May 28th at 10p.m. While there, take a spin on the iconic Centennial Wheel. For more information, visit www.navypier.org.

Chicago Memorial Day Parade
Chicago’s Memorial Day Parade honors all men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States. The City of Chicago will hold a wreath laying ceremony followed by a parade on State Street on Saturday, May 28th at 11am at the Richard J. Daley Center Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.

Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline
From an unbeatable view of the fireworks to summertime cruises with a canine companion, Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline launched its 2022 season this month, with a slate of family-friendly daytime and evening cruises on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Mercury is a cornerstone of Chicago’s Riverwalk offering city and regional and cross-country visitors front row seats to the city’s breathtaking skyline, moveable bridges and skyscrapers— and kids under five ride free. For general information, visit www.mercurycruises.com

Illinois State Parks
With dozens of state parks replete with lush grounds of trees, meadows, and grand waterfalls, spend your Memorial Day weekend hiking, kayaking, spending time in a secluded forest cabin, and enjoying a long bike ride with friends and family. Head over to www.enjoyillinois.com to learn more.