It’s Memorial Day, Chicago. ✶
The unofficial first weekend of summer means city beaches opening, a full slate of festivals and, of course, a chance to grill — or eat — some cookout food.
Moreover, this time is meant to honor U.S. military service members who’ve lost their lives, as highlighted during several commemorations around the city this weekend.
In today’s special holiday newsletter, we’ve got music coverage, previews for the summer, reflections on the holiday and more. 🔆
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⏱️: A 7-minute read
TODAY’S WEATHER ☀️
Sunny with a high near 84.
MEMORIAL DAY COMMEMORATION 🇺🇸
Family visits generations laid to rest in longtime Memorial Day tradition
By Violet Miller
Tribute for loved ones: Bob Kucaba stood with his sister Kathy and 94-year-old mother, Arlene, at Bohemian National Cemetery on Sunday after sticking four roses into the ground in front of a headstone bearing their last name.
Solemn tradition: Visiting the site where Bob and Kathy’s father — Anton Kucaba, a World War II veteran and Bronze Star recipient — is buried alongside his father, mother and great-aunt at the North Park cemetery is a Memorial Day tradition the family has carried on for decades. After Anton died in 2018, they continued as usual, now with one more family member to visit.
COMMUNITY PARADE 🎉
Chicagoans commemorate veterans with parade ahead of Memorial Day
By Pat Nabong
Memorial march: Hundreds of people commemorating Memorial Day marched Saturday in the Loop. The crowd included ROTC students, veteran support group members, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Korean and Vietnamese cultural groups, and active duty military members.
Key quote: “Whether abroad in Vietnam or Afghanistan or here at home rebuilding our nation in the civil war, Illinoisans and Chicagoans throughout history have defended our freedoms, and generations of Chicagoans throughout history have supported them in parades and commemoration to express our gratitude,” Johnson told the crowd.
SUMMER FEST KICKOFF 🎶
- Sueños Music Festival: Fans gathered in Grant Park this weekend for the fifth iteration of this annual toast to Latin Music, featuring headliners J Balvin, Kali Uchis and Fuerza Regida. As the first Sueños since Operation Midway Blitz, festgoers told the Sun-Times and WBEZ it was important to connect with their communities and celebrate their identities.
- Warm Love Cool Dreams: At the Salt Shed, an indie head’s dream lineup turned up the volume, thanks to local standouts like avant-garde rockers Tortoise and synth rockers Pixel Grip.
- Forever Mine: The inaugural ode to Y2k-era R&B and house brought music lovers to Union Park, many sporting early 2000s-inspired outfits to see headliners like Keyshia Cole, Kelly Rowland, Mya, Kaytranada and Monica.
FEATURED READS ✶
West Lawn street renamed for slain officer
Chicago police officer Enrique Martinez was shot to death during a traffic stop in 2024. The West Lawn block he grew up on was renamed in his honor Sunday, which would have been his 28th birthday.
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Beaches open for summer amid high waves, dangerous currents
The city’s beaches officially opened Friday, but swimmers were urged to stay out of the water as the National Weather Service warned of dangerous conditions along Lake Michigan’s shoreline.
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Tears in Chicago’s beer as bars serve final rounds of Schlitz
The Pabst Brewing Company has put the famed Midwest brand on ice, spurring a surge in last sales and sendoffs including a Memorial Day party in West Town.
SUMMER GUIDES 🔆
100 days of summer concerts
There’s no shortage of concerts this summer — and our interactive guide will help you parse through the events and make your own, curated list to keep handy throughout the season.
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Your guide to Chicago farmers markets
Our annual list of 100-plus markets across the metro Chicago area is freshly updated with dates, programming and prepared foods.
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Where to vacation with your bike in homeland of rails-to-trails movement
Load up the rack and drive to these five Midwest destinations where you can explore mostly flat, scenic trails that offer an idyllic getaway.
FROM THE PRESS BOX ⚾🏑🏁
- Cubs losing streak continues: The North Siders dropped their eighth consecutive game Sunday with an 8-5 loss to the Astros at Wrigley Field.
- Grand slam sinks Sox: Rafael Devers had the big hit for the Giants, who defeated the White Sox 8-5 Sunday in San Francisco.
- NU champions: Northwestern bested University of North Carolina to win its ninth women’s lacrosse title, 14-11.
- Closest Indy 500 ever: Swedish driver Felix Rosenqvist edged out David Malukas to win Sunday’s big race in Indianapolis.
CHICAGO MINI CROSSWORD 🌭
Today’s clue: 4A: Much of Chicago’s pre-1840s terrain
YOUR DAILY QUESTION ☕️
What marks the official beginning of summertime in Chicago for you?
Reply to this question here (please include your first and last name). We may run your answer in a future newsletter or story.
On Friday, we asked you: If you had five minutes with the pope, what would you want to talk to him about?
Here’s some of what you said, edited for space and clarity:
“I’d want to know his feelings on the separation of church and state — and does he have a good sense of humor?” — Paul Lockwood
“As an American, what additional pressure, if any, do you feel to remain true to God’s word and truth – even when it conflicts [and] collides with the trending downward of America’s current value system?” — Derek D. Forest
“I would ask Pope Leo about his early years in Chicago’s south suburbs. I’m especially curious about the people who really shaped him and the important moments, even seemingly inconsequential ones, that led him to his current path.” — Janet Volk
“I’ll ask him what are his greatest concerns and we’ll pray over it.” — Angel Pia Jr.
“Equality for women in the church.” — Jane Ellickson Coplan
“If he ever hung out at Orland Park’s mall like I did.” — Jennifer Bronson Jackson
“How ’bout those Sox!” — Daniel Novik
Thanks for reading the Sun-Times!
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Written and curated by: Matt Moore
Editor: Eydie Cubarrubia
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