THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Time to Shed Our Winter Blues!

Enough already!  It’s time for us Chicagoans to shed our winter blues once and for all!  Mother Nature has not been kind to us this spring season, but hopefully she will cooperate with milder temps since this weekend’s events take us outdoors!!

Returning for its fourth spring season, and expanding to three days from two, the Lincoln Park Wine Festival will again be held at Jonquil Park (1001 W. Wrightwood Ave.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood on Saturday (12:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.) and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.).  This intimate urban setting offers visitors a sampling of more than 80 varieties of wine from U.S. vineyards as well as Argentina, Chile, France, Italy, and New Zealand.  Visitors can also browse art, be entertained with music, and grab some food.  Brand ambassadors and sommeliers will be available to share their expertise as well.  So, go ahead and mosey around this open air market and shed those winter blues!

Kickoff the summer festival season and party under the big tent at this year’s 23rd annual Mayfest on Saturday and Sunday (10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.) at Ashland and Barry Avenues (3100 N. Ashland Ave.) in the Lakeview neighborhood.  This event features an amazing beer garden with a variety of beers and other beverages, great entertainment offering the best in live music, and plenty of festival food!  Plus, Dr. Sarah Weber and StarEvents are teaming up at this event for Chicago Kids Day to educate kids on health, safety, and wellness in a fun and entertaining way- all while benefitting Purple Asparagus!!

It’s time for the 10th annual TBOX “Cover Your Bases” Bar Crawl this Saturday starting at 12:00 p.m. and ending at 9:00 p.m. at Murphy’s Bleachers (3655 N. Sheffield Ave.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.  Participants will receive a cool Chicago t-shirt with a Baseball Diamond so they can collect stickers at each bar to fill their shirt and “Cover Your Bases” to win prizes.  Also included is a free lunch buffet, over $100 in gift cards, a finale karaoke party, prizes including Cubs tickets from Murphy’s Bleachers, and much more!  It’s the ultimate baseball celebration while our Cubbies are on the road!!

Come join The Anti-Cruelty Society as they celebrate their 24th annual Bark in The Park on Saturday (9:00 a.m.) at the Soldier Field Stadium Green (1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.) in the South Loop neighborhood.  This 5K walk fundraiser takes participants and their canine companions for a stroll along Chicago’s lakefront path.  Afterwards, enjoy a day of fun activities including canine agility courses, product samples, dog massages, a pawdicure spa, arts & crafts, caricature drawings, relay races, a 50/50 cash raffle, and much more!  I’m sure your furry companions are ready to shed their winter blues as well!!

Enjoy grilled cheese, tacos, pierogis, doughnuts and more all in one place at the Lincoln Park Zoo’s Food Truck Social this Saturday (6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.) located at 2001 N. Clark Street in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.  In addition to dozens of food trucks, there will be DJ tunes, fun activities, and drinks available for purchase.  So, grab a meal on wheels and enjoy the zoo after hours!

Finally, Sunday (11:00 a.m.) brings the Cystic Fibrosis Chicago Great Strides to Montrose Harbor, Grove 16 (601 W. Montrose Ave.) in the Uptown neighborhood in celebration of its 30th anniversary and the many milestones they have achieved with this fundraiser.  This family oriented event features a healthy 5K walk, kids’ activities, food, and festivities for a walk day packed with fun!  Will you join this walk and help make CF stand for “Cure Found”??

Are You Ready to Shed Your Winter Blues Once and For All?