THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Dog Days of Summer Are Here

We’re definitely in the “dog days of summer” here in Chicago as we roll into another July weekend! So, be sure to dress appropriately and stay hydrated as you venture out to one of the City’s summer fests!!

Now in its 49^th year, the iconic Sheffield Garden Walk and Music Festival returns to the Lincoln Park neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) with its amazing neighborhood gardens. This popular mid-summer event features both self-guided and guided architecture tours of more than 80 of the neighborhood’s lush residential gardens. It also features food, two stages of live music, artisans, and a Kids’ Corner for plenty of nifty afternoon activities including rides and petting various animals! Kids’ Corner is Noon to 7:00 p.m. both days located on Belden between Sheffield and Seminary. There is also a talent show on Saturday from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Remember, you don’t have to have a green thumb to enjoy this fest!!

Returning for its 6^th flavor-packed year to the Lincoln Park neighborhood, the Chicago Craft Beer Fest is being held at 1010 W. Webster Ave. (Sheffield and Webster) this Saturday and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.). Daily tastings take place between 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (pass required) where more than 70 specialty beers crafted by 35+ local, regional and national breweries can be sampled. Windy City beer lovers will be in “hops” heaven! Afterwards, stick around and enjoy the great music acts and more as this Fest is being held at the same location as the Sheffield Garden Walk & Music Festival!!

After a successful launch last year, Amdur Productions announces the return of its Art Fest Michigan Avenue this Saturday and Sunday (10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.). This fine art festival takes place on Chicago’s famous Michigan Avenue at the base of the Tribune Tower (435 N. Michigan Ave.) overlooking the Chicago River in the Streeterville neighborhood. Over 100 juried artists will be featured at this “all art” show where admission is free and open to the public! After adding to your art collection, why not try one of the many great restaurants that line Michigan Avenue such as The Purple Pig, Billy Goat Tavern and many more!!

Returning for its 16^th year to the River North neighborhood, one of Chicago’s most entertaining destinations, the Taste of River North takes place at Ward Park (630 N. Kingsbury St.) on Saturday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) and Sunday (11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.). Featuring the area’s most dynamic restaurants and bars as well as local artisans and bands, the Taste also features many of River North’s leading attractions in one spot with the Chicago River glistening on one end and Chicago’s skyline dancing off the other! And, with an emphasis on family-friendly events, the Taste is bringing back the popular Lurie’s Kid Activity Area to amuse the little ones!!

Chicago’s Movies in the Park (weather permitting) for this weekend are:

Saturday
Guardian of the Galaxy – Bosley Playground Park (3044 S. Bonfield St.) – Bridgeport
The Magnificent Seven – Dawes Park (8052 S. Damen Ave.) – Auburn Gresham
Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them – Gross Park (2708 W. Lawrence Ave.) – Lincoln Square
Sing – Bradley Park (9729 S. Yates Ave.) – Jeffery Manor

Sunday
Kung Fu Panda 3 – Emmerson Park (1820 W. Granville Ave.) – West Ridge
Arrival – Jonquil Park (1001 W. Wrightwood Ave.)—Lincoln Park

How Will You Spend Your “Dog Days of Summer!”