Welcome back to campus blue demons! It’s been a long summer, but finally class is back in session. Hopefully you’ve all survived the onslaught of icebreakers, name games and syllabi this week, and are ready to enjoy your weekend. As always, Chicago has plenty to do, so grab some friends and your Ventra pass and take in all it has to offer. 

Chicago summer music festivals have saved the best for last. This year’s Riot Fest begins Friday and lasts until Sunday in Humboldt Park with a nostalgia filled line up. The Replacements, Fall Out Boy, Blink 182 and Blondie are headlining the weekend, with a solid lineup of artists and bands performing before them. Some stand out include Best Coast, Dinosaur Jr. and Brand New, who are all sure to have great sets planned. However, If the music somehow isn’t enough for you, the festival also has a carnival and games for even more fun. Most of the tickets are sold out, but you can still nab a Friday or Sunday single day ticket, Sunday VIP single day ticket or a two-day Friday and Saturday pass from Riot Fest’s website. 

More in the mood for an urban adventure this weekend? Take a canoe trip down the Chicago River with the Chicago Park District this Saturday. Two trips are offered this Saturday, one at 10 a.m. and one at 1 p.m., both meet at River Park and costs $5 to participate. Don’t worry if you don’t have a canoe stashed away in your dorm room, all canoeing equipment will be provided. Make sure to register online at the Chicago Park District website for the event.

If you haven’t gotten your fill of Chicago street festival this summer, the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts will be taking place this Saturday and Sunday. The festival will be lined up along Broadway Ave. between Belmont Ave. and Hawthorne Place.  It will feature over 175 artists with varied types of mediums, that range from photography to glass to ceramics and everything in between. The festival also includes cooking demonstrations from local and celebrity chefs as well as a two music stages with live performances all weekend.