THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – How To Top Last Weekend’s Holiday Festivities!

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How does one top Chicago’s 4th of July festivities from last weekend? With this weekend’s festivals, of course! And there are many to choose from!!

Returning for its 10th year, at a new location due to construction (go figure), the Roscoe Village Burger Fest sets-up for its burger extravaganza at 3000 N. Clybourn Avenue from Diversey to Wellington in the Roscoe Village neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday (11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.). In addition to the mouth-watering patties, there will be two stages of non-stop music, arts & crafts and a fun-filled Kids’ Zone which include activities for kids of all ages such as face painting, fish bowl collages, tote decorating, tattoos and more for the younger ones, and outdoor basketball hoops, rock climbing, miniature golf and more for the older ones! This is one of the “tastiest” parties around!!

Returning for its 12th year, West Fest is being held at 2000 W. Chicago Avenue between Damen and Wood in the Ukrainian Village this Saturday and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) featuring some of the most-critically-acclaimed live music on two stages with a third family-friendly stage added this year. This street fest also features food from local restaurants, eclectic vendor booths from the neighborhood’s most popular boutiques, and more, as well as Pet Fest (located in an area within West Fest featuring pet-related vendors, dog activities, bathing pools and more) and Kid Fest (located on Wolcott St. featuring pony rides, local theatrical performances, live family-friendly music and more)! There truly is something for everyone at West Fest!!

Square Roots 2016 returns this year to 4400 N. Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson in the Lincoln Square neighborhood this Saturday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.) with two outdoor stages and two indoor stages featuring more than 60 acts including music, jams, dance and family activities. Also, checkout this year’s great lineup of over 40 craft beers from the best Chicago and regional craft breweries and gourmet food options from amazing Lincoln Square and Ravenswood restaurants! So bring the whole family for a great weekend at this not so typical food and music festival!!

Returning for its 31st year, the Irish American Heritage Festival will once again celebrate all things Irish at the Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N. Knox Ave.) in the Mayfair neighborhood this Saturday (12:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.) and Sunday (11:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m.). This indoor and outdoor fest is packed with festival favorites such as Irish and American food and drink, Irish step dancing performances, cultural exhibits, kids’ activities and more, as well as fun contests such the Men in Kilts Contest, Irish Soda Bread Contest, Freckle Contest and others!  It’s one of Chicago’s Best festivals!!

The Millennium Art Festival returns this year to 100 E. Lake Street at Michigan Avenue and Lake Street in the Streeterville neighborhood this Saturday (10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.) and Sunday (10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) showcasing more than 110 juried artists featuring artwork in every medium. Besides the works of art, you can also enjoy festival fare from neighborhood restaurants and live music! But best of all, you can contribute your creativity to the freestanding graffiti wall at this top-ranked art and design show!!

Finally, Taste of Chicago wraps-up this weekend (10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.) at Grant Park (337 E. Randolph St.) in The Loop featuring diverse flavors from all over Chicago, once again, with an endless variety of dining options which include pop-up restaurants and food trucks. This year’s musical guests include Billy Idol (Saturday) and The Isley Brothers featuring Ronald and Ernie Isley (Sunday). And, don’t forget to join Eli’s Cheesecake as they celebrate their 36th birthday at the Taste on Saturday! As you may or may not know, the Taste of Chicago is the nation’s premier free outdoor food festival!!

This weekend’s Movies in the Parks are –

Saturday

“Daddy Day Care” – Avondale Park (3516 W. School St.) – Avondale
“Spaceballs” – Eckhart Park (1330 W. Chicago Ave.) – West Town
“The Color Purple” – Rosenblum Park (7547 S. Euclid Ave.) – South Shore

Sunday

“E.T. The Extra Terrestrial” – Midway Plaissance Park (1130 Midway Plaissance North) – Hyde Park

If This Line-Up Doesn’t Top Last Weekend, What Will?

SUE MOSS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO