THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO — Chicagoans Welcome In Fall!

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Well, as the old saying goes, “if you can’t beat them, join them!” That’s right, autumn is officially here and there’s nothing we can do about it so in true Chicago fashion we’ll just celebrate it and welcome in fall! Chicagoans are always ready to celebrate something!!

Explore culinary masterpieces at the 9th annual Chicago Gourmet being held in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.) in The Loop this Saturday (12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.) and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.) as your host Bon Appétit presents this event’s first-ever Host Chef, Rick Bayless of the acclaimed Frontera Restaurants along with a new theme “Food Is Art!” Not only are there rows and rows of gourmet tasting pavilions spread out on the Great Lawn featuring a variety of cuisines by celebrity chefs but there’s also two stages presenting lively demos by top chefs showing off their techniques and sharing their stories as well as interactive wine and cocktail seminars and so much more to do and see! Here’s your opportunity to feast on food from some of Chicago’s top restaurants – and – it’s all in one place!!

One of Chicago’s most popular celebrations of fall returns for its 16th annual Oktoberfest Chicago at St. Alphonsus Church (1429 W. Wellington Ave.) in the West Lakeview neighborhood on Saturday (11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.) and Sunday (11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.). This indoor-outdoor fest welcomes fall with plenty of authentic German food, two stages of live music from authentic German bands and other fest favorites and arts & crafts. Other highlights include ticketed Craft Beer tasting sessions on Friday and Saturday offering both German-made beers and favorite fall seasonal selections as well as Kinderfest on Saturday and Sunday (11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) featuring plenty of games and other activities for the entire family! Celebrate German Heritage Chicago-Style!!

The 4th annual Edgewater Arts Festival (formerly the “Edgewater Fall Art Fair”) returns to Granville and Broadway Avenues (1134 W. Granville Ave.) in the Edgewater neighborhood on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Attendees will be able to enjoy a myriad of events that include 100+ Chicago-based artists, three stages of live music, a Beer Garden, a Kids’ Activity Corner with puppet shows, finger painting, sidewalk chalk drawing and more, a Young Artists’ Gallery, a Kids’ Music Talent Show, Art Classes for kids and adults, and a Pet Parade complete with a marching band!

The 10th annual Hyde Park Jazz Fest returns to Hyde Park (west Jackson Blvd. and south Federal St.) in the Hyde Park neighborhood on Saturday (1:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.) and Sunday (1:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.) with 14 stages spread throughout the park for non-stop jazz performances. This year’s Fest will bring national, international, and critically acclaimed local performers to these stages as well as a special performance by Randy Weston on Sunday at the Rockefeller Chapel to not only celebrate his 90th birthday but also closing out Sunday’s activity!

Finally, celebrate the changing of the seasons at this year’s Harvest Celebration being held at Willye B. White Park (1610 W. Howard St.) in the Rogers Park neighborhood this Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Enjoy a day in the park with fall festivities and refreshments featuring FREE treats, pumpkins, hayrides and entertainment!

Will You Be a Chicagoan Welcoming in Fall?

SUE MOSS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO