THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – WELCOME TO SUMMER!

Not only will Chicagoans be celebrating Memorial Day this weekend, but they will also be kicking off the beginning of their summer season! This weekend has neighborhood celebrations taking over the streets, with plenty of music and food festivals.  Welcome to summer!

Come and join the thousands of people who will be honoring our veterans and active duty military at this year’s Memorial Day Parade beginning at noon on Saturday. The parade begins State and Lake Streets and heads south to Van Buren Street in The Loop.  Prior to the parade, a wreath laying ceremony takes place at 11:00 a.m. on Daley Plaza (Dearborn & Washington Streets) honoring all men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country!  It’s one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the nation!!  Then on Monday (11:00 a.m.), the Chicago Cultural Mile Association will host the Annual Ceremony and Dedication of the General John A. Logan Monument.

Celebrating its 34th year, the Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest unofficially kicks off Chicago’s summer outdoor street fest season on Saturday and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) at 3200 N. Sheffield Avenue between Belmont Avenue and Roscoe Street in the Lakeview neighborhood.  Once again, top local tribute bands, food, libations, artisans, and a second stage with zany entertainment are on tap for this iconic street party!

In the heart of Chicago’s Mexican community at 18th Street and Ashland Avenue in the Pilsen neighborhood, the 9th annual Festival Mole de Mayo takes place on Saturday and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.).  This festival includes a Mole cook-off where local restaurant chefs compete for the Mole de Mayo’s Best Mole Award (May 26th) and the People’s Choice Award (May 27th).  It also features traditional mole booths, three stages of live music, merchants, and artisans in an open air mercado (market), lucha libre wrestling performances, and much more!  Come get your fill celebrating mole – a culinary dish from Mexico!!

The Randolph Street Market kicks off its outdoor & indoor summer season with its Garden Party on Saturday and Sunday (10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) at 1341 W. Randolph Street in the West Loop.  This Market is the destination for antique collectors, merchandisers, decorators, fashionistas ,and style setters from around the globe.  It features the most spectacular array of vintage and modern decorative objects, home furnishings, art, global goods, handmade foods, drinks, and much more!  It’s sure to be a fun day of shopping!!

In the mood for some pre-warm-up fun to your weekend?  Then head on down to Soldier Field (1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.) in the South Loop on Saturday for the 15th annual Soldier Field 10 Mile.  It’s a three-wave race, perfect for runners/walkers of all levels, on a course highlighting the city’s biggest attractions. You’ll also receive a finisher’s medal to commemorate your achievement.  Afterwards, join the post-race tailgate party on the Stadium Green outside of Soldier Field featuring live music, food, and sponsor activations.  It’s not just a race, but an experience!

Celebrating its 17th year, MB’s Bike the Drive takes place on Sunday (5:30 a.m.) at Columbus and Jackson Drives in The Loop.  Enjoy Chicago’s striking skyline and shimmering waters of Lake Michigan on a car-free Lake Shore Drive!  Afterwards, enjoy a festival in Grant Park featuring a beer garden, the MB kids’ zone, tons of free giveaways, and more!!  It’s one of the greatest bike rides you’ll ever have in the United States!

Enjoy Your Summer!!