What up, Chicago?! I am BUZZING knowing that Lollapalooza season is just around the corner. I can literally taste it. Starting Monday, Chicago is gonna be full of the world’s biggest musicians, and there’s gonna be non-stop concerts across the entire city. Move over New York, because for one week only, we’re gonna be the city that never sleeps.

If you’re not partaking in the Lolla festivities, here’s something to look forward to…

Yeeeeeeehaw! Throw on your cowboy boots, flannels, and daisy dukes for the Wrigleyville Country Fest! Whether you're a country fan or not, this all-American event is not to be missed. Use code “DO312” for a rootin-tootin discount.*

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Direct from Broadway, The Notebook brings Noah and Allie’s romance back to the Chicago stage this August. Get your tickets (and tissues) ready. Win your way in now.*

• Celebrate America's belated 250th birthday at Jewel-Osco's free, family-friendly Party in the USA at Big City Pickle. Live entertainment, games, photo ops, regional food and drinks, and more. You can even win a $250 gift card.*

• 150+ unique and original artists descend upon The Glen Town Center for the Art at the Glen this weekend. Explore the Kid Zone, join a painting class, stop at the music stage, and enjoy tasty treats. Enter to win an ArtFest Gift Card!*

• It doesn’t take much for folk-pop singer-songwriter Mat Kearney’s music — especially the lyrics — to hit you right in the feels. He's playing The Auditorium with Jake Scott this August. Wanna win a free pair of tickets?*

• Plus other just announced shows from The Smashing Pumpkins, Chuck Timely, Señorita Summer Boat Party, YG, Ratboys, Friko, Florry, Trivium, Atliens, Face to Face, Lil Yachty, Six60, Suicide Silence, and more!

FREE STUFF FRIDAY

I don’t know about you guys, but with Lolla coming up next weekend, I can’t afford to be dropping my entire paycheck on a night out this weekend. Good thing we’re in Chicago. There’s tons of free events just waiting to be discovered, and who knows, maybe you’ll leave having found a new scene to join. Here are some of our favorite free things happening in the city right now.

• FRI 07.24 - FIESTA MEXICANA FAMILY CONCERT at HARRISON PARK

• THRU TUE 08.18 - SUMMER FILM SERIES at MILLENNIUM PARK

• EVERY FRI - QUEER OPEN MIC at ELI TEA BAR

• EVERY SAT - MUSIC BINGO at PUNCH BOWL SOCIAL

THIS WEEKEND

LOCALS ONLY

• Hot new Lolla Aftershow just dropped. Brotherly rock band Greta Van Fleet is playing Metro this Friday, and tickets are going fast. Try to snag some while you still can, or enter to win a pair of tickets for free.

• Bike ride and public art appreciation, anyone? Join the Chicago Race Riot of 1919 Commemoration Project and the City of Chicago tomorrow for the 8th Annual Historic Bike Tour to learn about Chicago history. Get schooled.

WIN STUFF

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