By Sidney Madden | @sidney_madden_

---

Hey, hey, friends, 

The halfway point of the year is fast approaching. Don’t get me wrong, I’m in no rush for cold winter months, but there are some end-of-the-year things I look forward to — like Spotify Wrapped (mostly because I’m nosy). 

But, alas, we can get a sneak peek now! Have you seen friends posting these Spotify Pie screenshots on social media? It tells you your monthly music history: Just connect your account to this site.

One downside to Spotify Pie though? It seems like it only generates a pie chart for your music history — not podcasts. So guess we do have to wait until the winter to see the City Cast Chicago podcast dominating your pod feeds 😎

---

📰 Newsfeed

Aurora Pride Parade back on. The city initially revoked the parade’s permit, citing a lack of security at the event. But after the ACLU threatened legal action, a judge reinstated the permit. [ACLU Illinois]

Online voter registration deadline Sunday. The primary election is June 28! [State Board of Elections]

This week’s must-read.

---

🗓️ Weekend Plans

Friday

Slo ‘Mo’s Suited & Booted Pride Ball in Avondale. The dance party (and amazing display of ‘70s-inspired style) will include performances by Po’ Chop & Darling Shear, and resident DJ VITIGRRL. ($65)

Pivot Arts Fest opening in Edgewater. See contemporary films and performances about pandemic creativity and resilience at The Edge Theater all week. (Free, $35)

Saturday 

North Mayfair garage sale & plant swap. Upcycle tools, toys, clothes, and other household goods, and trade or donate plants and seeds across the North Side neighborhood from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Varies)

Taste of Chicago Austin. Nom on Caribbean dishes, soul food, and tacos, and enjoy live blues music at 5720 W. Chicago Ave. from noon to 8 p.m. (Free)

March for Our Lives downtown. Protest local and national gun violence at Federal Plaza at noon. (Free)

Gyrls in The HOOD giveaway in Chatham. Parents 23 and younger can pick up diapers, kids books, and more at the reproductive justice org’s space at noon. Donations are still being accepted. (Free) 

Bi/Pan social at Garfield Park Conservatory. Bisexual and pansexual people of color are invited to pack a lunch and hang out from 1–3 p.m. (Free) 

Sunday

The Hampton Social’s Pink Party in Lincoln Park. Sip on rosé, and catch DJ Brody Jenner at the Shore Club from noon to 6 p.m. ($65)

Reclaim Pride March in Lakeview. Join protesters in demanding the Chicago Pride Parade become a nonprofit, violence against trans people is a federal hate crime, and more at the newly opened AIDS Garden at 1 p.m. (Free)

All Weekend

Chicago Blues Fest in Millennium Park. See Ms. Judy, Ronnie Baker Brooks, The Kinsey Report, and more at the annual fest through Sunday. (Free)

Fiesta Back of the Yards. Enjoy live performances from Ballet Folklorico and mariachi bands at the fest’s two main stages, and try food from 30 vendors at 47th Street between Ashland and Damen through Sunday. (Free)

Waldos Fest pop-up at Andersonville Midsommarfest. Attend the pot-friendly pop-up Friday. Celebrate the neighborhood’s Swedish roots with food, music, and dancing around the maypole on Clark Street from Foster to Catalpa through Sunday. ($10 suggested)

Hyde Park Summer Fest. Catch headliners Busta Rhymes and Jhené Aiko and Chicago natives Lupe Fiasco and BJ the Chicago Kid at the music fest Saturday and Sunday. ($109)

---

---

⏪ This Week on the Pod

TODAY: Some Pride News to Get You Through 🌈
THU: Paseo Boricua is Changing, But Puerto Rican Pride Remains Strong
WED: A Casino is Coming to River West. But How Do Neighbors Feel?
TUE: Before Roe v. Wade, Woman Called ‘Jane.’ Here’s Who Answered.
MON: Alder Applied for Housing in 1993. She Got a Response Last Week.

---

Subscribe to our newsletter! Fresh in your inbox every weekday at 6 a.m.