5 Things to Do This Weekend: Bud Billiken Parade, Ginza Holiday Festi...

(Courtesy of Chicago Defender Charities)

1. Cheer

Now in its 94th year, the Bud Billiken Parade is the largest African American parade in the country — drawing in nearly 300,000 people on a route that stretches almost three miles. The back-to-school bash showcases marching bands, drill teams, dance teams and tumblers. Learn more about this year’s theme on “Chicago Tonight: Black Voices.” And for a limited run, Art on the Mart is displaying “Billiken,” a video projection highlighting the youth dance groups and marching bands that participate in the parade.

Details for the Bud Billiken Parade: Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday, running along Martin Luther King Drive from 35th to 55th streets. Free / MAP

Details for “Billiken” at Art on the Mart: Projection begins at 9 p.m. nightly through Saturday. Best viewed on the Chicago Riverwalk between Wells and Lake streets. Free / MAP

(Courtesy of Art on the Mart)