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Blame the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but there’s just something about concrete that makes you want to get your hands dirty. Families of kids 4-12 can indulge their sloppy side at the Concrete Family Festival, a free afternoon of hands-on activities that all relate to concrete. See some concrete art (think: a concrete-encased chair, a concrete book and concrete clouds), then learn how to shape the gloppy substance into their own unique creations. Plus, a real-life concrete truck will be on site for the more construction-minded among us.
1-5 p.m. May 6. Smart Museum of Art, University of Chicago, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave., Chicago. (773) 702-0200.
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Remember those long-ago hours you spent playing “Red Rover” with the neighborhood kids or perfecting your bicycle kick? We think play is essential for any happy—and healthy—childhood, which is why we’re wild about the JustPlay! Sports& Rec Festival. The free day of fun includes everything from cookie decorating to parkour, and even golf and SCUBA lessons. All of the activities are designed to encourage kids (and their exhausted parents) to get active, have a good time and try new things. Now that’s a win if we’ve ever heard one!
10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 20. Carol Stream Town Center, Gary Avenue and Lies Road, Carol Stream.
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You might typically enjoy Cinco de Mayo the way God intended: with tacos and a margarita (or two). But maybe it’s time to spice up your celebration! Check out Mole de Mayo, a festival held in the heart of Pilsen that showcases the spicy Mexican sauce. Local chefs will compete to have their mole declared the best of the best, and there will be plenty of other scrumptious cuisine to nosh on. Plus, enjoy music, lucha libre wrestlers and the Plaza de los Niños with face painting, carnival games and some STEM outreach activities. Sounds like the ingredients for one fiery fiesta!
$10 family, $5 individuals. 5-10 p.m. May 26; noon-10 p.m. May 27; noon-9 p.m. May 28. 18th Street and Ashland Avenue, Chicago.
