THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – STILL SUMMER – FOR NOW!

Even though another school year is quickly approaching, there’s no shortage of weekend activities for the entire family.  After all, it is still summer – for now!

The largest street festival in the Midwest and Chicago’s most vibrant summer celebration, Northalsted Market Days, returns to the Lakeview neighborhood on north Halsted Street between Belmont Avenue and Addison Street this Saturday and Sunday (11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.).  Expect huge crowds at this festival featuring an all-day lineup of live music on 4 stages, 200+ unique vendors, arts, crafts, food, drinks, DJ’s, dancing, sponsor booths, and more!  It’s a celebration that spans six city blocks!!

The beautiful tree-lined streets of Roscoe Village will once again host Retro on Roscoe at Damen Avenue and Roscoe Street on Friday (5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) and Saturday & Sunday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.).  Chicago’s top talent and entertainment will play oldies and throwbacks along with popular hits on three stages.  Artisans, antique vendors, and cool merchants provide a shopping experience second to none.  Local restaurants provide summertime samplings and tasty treats.  Retro’s Antique Car Show will showcase over 50 antique, classic, and muscle cars.  The family area offers prime inflatables, delectable crafts, balloon artists, face painting, music, rides, and more!  It’s a festival that brings back memories!!

This year the Chicago Hot Dog Fest will be celebrating its premiere at the 1893 World’s Fair (125 years ago) at North Stockton Drive and West LaSalle Drive in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.  Learn the history of the hot dog, walk the World’s Fair, indulge in various hot dog offerings, and have a cold beer! You can also let the kids run loose in an area designed for them with games, inflatables, activities, and more!  Then, check out this year’s lineup of award-winning musicians and your favorite cover bands.  Go ahead – take a bite out of Chicago history!!

Check out the cooking from more than 20 food trucks serving up mobile creations (and enjoy live music) at the first annual Near North Food Truck Social at North Sedgwick Street and West Chicago Avenue this Saturday and Sunday (11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.).  Also featured at this social are areas to picnic, unique local retail vendors, and a pop-up art truck.  Enjoy a fun weekend of great eats and cool beats!

Celebrating “Back to School,” the Bud Billiken Parade steps off Saturday (10:00 a.m.) in the Bronzeville neighborhood, continues north on Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, and concludes in Washington Park with a picnic featuring vendors and performers.  It’s a Chicago tradition and the world’s largest and oldest African-American parade!

Finally, your Movies in the Parks for this weekend are listed below.  Again, all movies begin at dusk (8:15 p.m.).

Friday, August 10th:
“Coco” – Veteran’s Memorial Park (2820 E. 98th St.) – South Chicago
“The Sandlot” – Mayfair Park (4550 W. Sunnyside Ave.) – Mayfair Park
“Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” – Galewood Park (5729 W. Bloomingdale Ave.) – Austin
“Black Panther” – Avalon Park (1215 E. 83rd St.) — Avalon

Saturday, August 11th:
“Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” – Jensen Park (4650 N. Lawndale Ave.) – Albany Park
“The Incredibles” – Museum of Science & Industry Front Lawn (5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.) – Hyde Park

Sunday, August 12th:
“The Secret Life of Pets” – Walsh Playground Park (1722 N. Ashland Ave.) – West Town

Keep Enjoying Summer!