Chicago bursts with folk music, jazz and Lunar New Year festivities this weekend. The University of Chicago Folk Festival marks its 66th year Friday at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. in the Loop. Performances span blues, Cajun and other folk genres from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free daytime workshops offer jam sessions, dance lessons and discussions. A livestream reaches those staying home. Tickets cost $30 general admission, $20 for seniors and $5 for students. Daytime events need no tickets.

The Jazz Institute of Chicago hosts its Winter Jazz Fair at the same venue. All-day concerts feature Robert Irving III and Bobbi Wilsyn. Panel discussions cover jazz’s future and activism. Local vendors join in. Organizers expect crowds discovering the genre.

Uptown’s Argyle corridor revives a 40-year tradition with its Lunar New Year parade Saturday. Community groups, cultural performers and institutions march for the Year of the Horse. Family activities fill the day, including a themed story hour and crafts at Bezazian Library, 1226 W. Ainslie St. Businesses along Argyle Street hand out free lucky red envelopes.

Asian Pop-Up Cinema screens the 2024 Chinese hit “Escape from the 21st Century” free that day. The sci-fi comedy action flick follows three teens time-traveling to rewrite fate. It fits the Fire Horse year’s themes of strength and energy.

Black History Month events draw crowds too. The EAR Foundation and Da Book Joint host a Black Excellence Forum at the Black-woman-owned bookstore. Discussions focus on resilience and legacy in a family-friendly setting.

Al Burt’s solo exhibit “The Fabric of Us” opens in Bronzeville. The Washington, D.C. artist’s colorful portraits mark 100 years of Black history and probe identity. A 7:30 p.m. artist talk includes a cash bar at Gary & Laura Maurer Concert Hall, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. in Lincoln Square.

Music fills other spots. Sons of the Never Wrong celebrate 35 years and a new album Friday at Old Town School of Folk Music. The Chicago trio delivers witty folk tunes.

Timber Lanes Bowling Alley, 1851 W. Irving Park Road in North Center, hosts the Bart Attacks’ 500th show. Originals lead to a Phish-themed covers set. Admission at the door is $20, covering bowling and music.

Empty Bottle throws Dancing Frozen, a winter outdoor block party with Goose Island Beer Company. Los Thuthanaka, Lip Critic, Good Flying Birds, Snuffed and Body Shop perform. Indoor DJs Decoder and Trakwqn spin. Proceeds aid the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

Sidetrack Video Bar hosts Jai Ho, a queer Bollywood dance party Saturday afternoon. Drag queens Masala Sapphire, Abhijeet, D’Cameron May and Kareena Karamel perform to Bollywood videos. Dress code: Romantic in Red.

Reckless Records in Wicker Park previews Mitski’s album “Nothing’s About to Happen to Me” before its Feb. 27 release. A listening party pairs with a collaborative craft project. Giveaways and souvenirs available.

Other draws include BUILD’s group art show opening with Egg Prize, featuring sales, food, drinks and an art vending machine through March 20. The Chicago Vendor Market offers crafts, vintage items, clothing, coffee, hair styling by Done by Macy. Urban Sketchers meet at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive in Lincoln Park, for free sketching; registration covers exhibits like the Butterfly Haven.

Make Out Party debuts at Color Club for its 20th year. Composer Jefferey Thomas leads 17 musicians, dancers, poets and storytellers in a three-hour love-themed show. Penny Whistle Tavern launches a fast-music night with DJs Mo Mami, Bodhi, Mobeethicc and JXA spinning juke, bouyon, jersey and merengue. Three Avenues Bookshop, 3009 N. Southport Ave. in Lakeview, opens for open crafting with shared supplies. Wild Onion Market in Rogers Park hosts blanket-tying for Live Like Roo Foundation, aiding pet cancer families.