THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO — It’s Still Summer & There Are Plenty of Neighborhood Fests!

As we inch closer to the fall season with each passing weekend here in Chicago, it’s still summer and there are plenty of neighborhood fests to take advantage of!

You know fall is right around the corner when the 59th annual Chicago Air and Water Show returns to the Lincoln Park neighborhood at North Avenue Beach (1600 N. Lake Shore Dr.) this Saturday and Sunday (10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.). The show can also be viewed from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street.  This year’s headliners include the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights.  Military and civilian flight aerobatics, historic aircrafts, parachute teams, and simulated water rescues are also featured at this largest and longest running free admission event of its kind!  Also, on Saturday, David Ross, of the World Series Champions Chicago Cubs, will tandem jump with the U.S. Army Golden Knights as well!!

The 12th annual Festa Italiana returns to the Little Italy/University Village neighborhood (along Taylor Street between Ashland Avenue and Racine) this Saturday (12:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.) and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.).  Join this neighborhood as they celebrate their history and heritage with longtime family-owned restaurants and newcomers serving up the best Italian food in the city. There will also be Italian and Italian-American singers performing Italian and American classics!  Fest-goers can play Italian card games, compete in the meatball and/or cannoli eating contests, stomp grapes, see cooking demonstrations and much more!!

Expect another year of non-stop fun at the 68th annual Lincoln Square Greek Fest held at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church (2727 W. Winona St.) this Saturday (3:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.) and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.).  Celebrating all things Hellenic on the grounds of this 89-year-old church, this family-friendly fest features authentic, classic Greek dishes prepared by the parishioners, dancing, music by pop/rock tribute bands and Greek music and dance troupes!  Expect plenty of “philoxenia!!”

A street affair based on a traditional Mexican market known as the Tianguis, the 2nd annual Tacos y Tamales Festival will take place in the Pilsen neighborhood at 16th and Peoria Streets this Saturday and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.).  Once again, fest-goers can indulge in a unique arena of tastes with the best and most authentic tacos and tamales, including a wide variety of tamales from several regions of Latin America!  Two performance stages will feature live music with traditional acts, interactive dance performances, and high-energy Latin rock throughout the day and into the night.  A beer garden featuring Modelo’s portfolio of products rounds out this fest for an authentic experience!!

Returning for its 2nd year to historic Humboldt Park at 3021 W. Division St. this Sunday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) is Sangria Fest.  Taste your way through some of Chicago’s most innovative and delicious sangria recipes hand-crafted by local bartenders and mixologists!  Pop-up food stations, live music, flamenco dancers, and a Mercado world market with local vendors and merchandise will be featured this year as well!!

Chicago’s Movies in the Park for this weekend are:

Saturday
Sing – Unity Playlot Park (2636 N. Kimball Ave.) – Logan Square
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban – Walsh Playground Park (1722 N. Ashland Ave.) – West Town

Sunday
Moana – Jonquil Park (1063 W. Wrightwood Ave.) – Lincoln Park

Enjoy Every Moment of Summer While It’s Still Here!