CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Bucktown and Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Square, Chicago Loop, Evanston
Bucktown and Wicker Park: West Fest is back this weekend for its 13th year! This annual street party is a Chicago favorite. The fest will run from July 7 to the 9th and is both kid-friendly and dog-friendly. It’s located along the 1800 to 2000 blocks of Chicago Avenue, from Wood Street to Damen Avenue. There is no admission fee; however a $5 donation is suggested to help offset costs and support the West Town Chamber of Commerce, as well as two local public schools. The kids area (located at Wolcott and Chicago) has train rides, bouncy houses, balloon darts, an obstacle course, and much more. The festival takes place from 5 to 10 pm on Friday and noon to 10 pm on both Saturday and Sunday. The Kids Fest closes at 7 pm Saturday and Sunday and Pet Fest is from noon to 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, check out their website!
Lincoln Park: The Kennison, a new restaurant on the ground floor of the Hotel Lincoln, opens its doors today. The space was formerly occupied by Perennial Virant. Co-owner Ryan See says that the Kennison seeks to be “more neighborhoody and inviting”. Chef Bill Walker (of West Town’s Green Zebra) begins his first executive chef position here. The menu has not been released yet, but See has promised crab beignets and a veggie pastrami on rye he swears tastes just as delicious without the meat. They will serve signature cocktails, including the Kennison: an old-fashioned softened with root beer and vanilla syrup. Hours are daily from 4:30 to 10 pm and until 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Find more information about this exciting new spot here!
Lakeview: After a highly anticipated construction process, Maison Marcel will finally open its doors on July 14. The new spot will focus on healthy, organic, gluten-free French American dishes. The menu is still unavailable, but the restaurant has been generating plenty of buzz on social media. Maison Marcel will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Hours are 6 am to 9 pm Mondays through Thursdays, 6 am to 10 pm Fridays, and 7 am to 10 pm Saturdays and Sundays. The restaurant will host pop-up events on weeknights, including coffee workshops, French lessons, and art shows. Check out more information on their Facebook page!
Lincoln Square: The NorthCenter Chamber of Commerce kicked off its summer outdoor concert series yesterday. The free series features live music from local bands and featured food from a different restaurant each week. Located in Town Square (4100 N Damen Ave), the concerts begin at 7 pm each week. Next week, you can catch The Polkaholics, as well as snack on tasty bites from Celtic Crown. The last week, August 16, will be a movie night featuring “Moana” and treats from Cookie Spin. The movie will begin at dusk.
Chicago Loop: Taste of Chicago is back! The annual food festival is a Chicago favorite. It kicked off yesterday at 11 am, but don’t worry! It runs through 9 pm Sunday night in Grant Park, so you have plenty of time to check out the amazing food stands and trucks. Today, the festival features “Sabor de Chicago”, which celebrates Chicago’s Latino community with live music and other activities. This year’s new vendors include Cheesie’s Pub and Grub, Hakka Bakka Indian Kati Rolls, and Seoul Taco. There will also be pop-up restaurants, from hot Chicago spots like Parachute and Big Jones. Admission to Taste of Chicago is free and tickets for food and drink can be purchased in strips of 14 for $10. Find out more on their website!
Evanston: Mark your calendars now for the 2017 Sidewalk Sale! This amazing event covers the streets of Downtown Evanston and Main-Dempster Mile from July 28 to the 30th. Independent retailers and national chains alike will be displaying their wares and deals on the sidewalks throughout downtown. The event promises bargains on apparel, shoes, accessories, decorative arts, and much more! There will also be an “Artists Row” on Sherman Avenue between Davis Street and Church Street. Local artists will be selling paintings, clothing, jewelry, home goods, accessories and more! Find more information about this exciting event here!
RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO
