CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Lakeview, Bucktown and Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, Chicago Loop, Logan Square, Evanston

Lakeview: It’s time for the 6th Annual Juggernaut Film Festival! This two-day event celebrates science fiction and fantasy films and filmmakers from around the world. The festival is presented by Otherworld Theatre Company, whose mission is to further explore and promote the sci-fi/fantasy genre. This year, the festival is hosted by Gates McFadden, known for playing Dr. Beverly Crusher in Star Trek: The Next Generation. All proceeds from Juggernaut will go directly towards supporting Otherworld Theatre’s mission of producing Science Fiction & Fantasy plays and events. The festival takes place this Saturday June 2 and Sunday June 3 from 11 am to 5:30 pm at the Music Box Theatre. Saturday’s programming will include a special live performance by Improvised Star Trek. Find the film line-up and festival pricing here.

Bucktown and Wicker Park: It’s not too early to make your plans for Father’s Day. Join Frontier for their famous Father’s Day All-You-Can-Eat Rib Fest! On Sunday June 17 from 1-5 pm, enjoy all-you-can-eat ribs, mac and cheese, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, and cornbread. There will also be $5 Half Acre drafts. All of this for only $39 per person! Tickets are required for guaranteed seats- get yours here today!

Lincoln Park: Get your legs ready for the 40th Annual Run for the Zoo! This is one of the oldest short-distance races in Chicago and this year’s course will take place largely on the grounds of the Lincoln Park Zoo. After you complete the race, join all participants for a post-race celebration on the zoo’s Main Mall. Your registration helps support state-of-the-art animal care, worldwide conservation, and wide-ranging education programs. Zoo members receive a $5 discount on all events if registered by June 2. The run is scheduled for this Saturday, June 3. The 5K/walk begins at 7:30 am, the 10K begins at 8:15 am, the first Kids Heat begins at 9 am, and the second heat begins at 9:45 am. It’s not too late to register- do it online now!

Chicago Loop: This weekend is the Chicago Gospel Music Festival! The 33rd annual festival celebrates the genre’s deep Chicago roots with traditional choirs and contemporary urban gospel music. Both local and national artists will be featured! The festival takes place Friday June 1 and Saturday June 2 at the Chicago Cultural Center and Millenium Park. Admission is free! Find the complete lineup here.

Logan Square: One of Chicago’s best summer events is Movies in the Park! Mark your calendars for a special Father’s Day movie- Sunday June 17 at 8:30 pm, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is showing in Churchill Field Playlot Park. Movies begin at dusk, weather permitting. Bring a blanket, snacks, and your favorite people for a fabulous summer evening! Find the full lineup of movies in the park here.

Evanston: Festivals aren’t limited to Chicago, the burbs have an amazing summer lineup as well! Mark your calendars for June 16 and 17 and get yourself up to Evanston for Custer Fair. The festival is from 10 am to 9 pm. Over 300 local and regional artists will be featured to exhibit and sell paintings, ceramics, photographs, jewelry, crafts, antiques, and more. Over 30 food vendors offer a full international menu, all super reasonably priced. Three different stages will feature Chicagoland’s jazz legends, theatre, music, and novelty performers. There will also be a Kids Carnival, with fun for the whole family! Check out more information about this exciting summer festival here.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO