THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Summer Street Festival Season Winding Down!
Well, here we are! It was going to happen sooner or later but it’s the last weekend of August 2016 and it’s obvious that the summer street festival season is winding down here in Chicago!! However, it’s not over yet!!!
The 27th annual Taste of Greektown returns to Halsted Street (100 S. to 400 S.) in the West Loop neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.) with tantalizing food and spirits from Greek neighborhood eateries such as Athena, The Parthenon, Roditys, Santorini and others. This street festival also features plenty of music and entertainment that includes Greek bands as well as artisans, a play area for the kids, and dance lessons (Saturday, 5:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.) hosted by the Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society with a dance troupe performance on Sunday at 8:00 p.m. NEW this year is the “Gyro Eating Contest” sponsored by Devanco Foods (Saturday, 6:00 p.m.). Participation will be limited to the first 8 individuals who register, is open to both men and women 21 years and older to see who can eat the most gyros in the shortest amount of time! The winner will receive a $250 Visa gift card as well as “bragging” rights! It’s a celebration for lovers of Mediterranean culture – like me!!
One of Chicago’s premier arts festivals, the Bucktown Arts Fest, returns to Oakley Avenue and Lyndale Street (Holstein & Senior Citizens Park) in the Bucktown neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday (11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.) showcasing nearly 200 juried artists who work in a wide-range of mediums such as oil, watercolor, photography, textile, jewelry and more. Other art forms being featured at this year’s street festival include two music stages, dancers, poets and performers as well as arts activities for the kids, food trucks and yes, even “craft” beers!
It’s a FIRST for the Sangria Festival Chicago taking place in the Humboldt Park neighborhood at 3015 W. Division St. (Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture) this Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Enjoy sipping sangria in the park with a variety of cuisine from locals as well as ethnic live music from bands and DJs, flamenco dancers and more taking you on a tropical paradise journey. Seating is primarily outdoors so you’re encouraged to bring a chair and/or blanket; however, no food or drinks will be allowed into the event. Also, while supplies last, your tasting ticket gets you a souvenir sangria glass, and you’ll have an opportunity to take a Stylish Snap Shot at the festival’s Photo Wall so be sure to Dress To Impress! Come out and show your support for this newbie!!
Finally, Sunday brings to the shores of Lake Michigan and throughout downtown Chicago the Transamerica Chicago Triathlon. This action-packed race includes professionals, amateurs and even kids who compete as an individual or as part of a relay team with one of the official charity partners that consists of five stand-alone triathlons. Best of all this is a spectator friendly race for those of us who will be cheering on a participating athlete rather than participating ourselves! Post-race head on over to Balbo and Columbus Drive for the Finish Festival featuring multiple food truck options, concessions by Goose Island Catering and a live band to celebrate with the triathletes!!
This weekend’s Movies in the Parks are –
Saturday
“Maze Runner: The Scorch Trails” – Humboldt Park (1400 N. Sacramento Ave.) – Humboldt Park
“The Wizard of Oz” – Oz Park (2021 N. Burling St.) – Lincoln Park
“Inside Out” – Veteran’s Memorial Park (2820 E. 90th St.) – South Chicago
Sunday
“Captain America: The First Avenger” – Jonquil Playlot Park (1001 W. Wrightwood Ave.) – Lincoln Park
So, Here We Are!
SUE MOSS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO
