THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Summer Winding Down – But Not In Chicago!
Well, the kids are out in droves preparing for the start of another school year, which can only mean one thing – summer is winding down! But not here in Chicago! We’ll be taking it to the air, the water, and the neighborhoods!!
The largest free show of its kind in the United States (presented by Shell Oil Products U.S. and the City of Chicago), the Chicago Air and Water Show will take you to the air for aerial acts and on the water for rescues this Saturday & Sunday (10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. This show can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach (1600 N. Lake Shore Dr.) as the focal point. This year’s headliners include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. There will be various other military teams performing, as well as civilian teams, including the Chicago Fire Department Air/Sea Rescue and the Chicago Police Department Helicopter. Always a great show!!
Celebrating the great history of the “Old Neighborhood” and rich culture of the generations of Italians who settled there decades ago, Chicago’s Little Italy Fest takes place on Taylor Street (1431 W.) in the Little Italy/University Village neighborhood this Friday (5:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.), Saturday (2:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.) and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.). Enjoy fabulous food from award-winning area restaurants, several stages of continuous family entertainment, quality merchandise from Italy, and colorful, cultural attractions! This event is one of the most popular of the summer!!
Now in its third year, the Sangria Festival will be held in Humboldt Park (1440 N. Sacramento Ave.) in the Humboldt Park neighborhood this Saturday & Sunday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.). Besides locally-made, hand-crafted sangria from the city’s top mixologists, this fest pays homage to authentic food and arts featuring freshly-made Paellas, authentic Flamenco performances, and even a Mercado filled with local vendors and merchandise. There will also be interactive activities such as a Sangria & Paint Lounge and a new Cigar Social Lounge!
The Pilsen neighborhood will be celebrating Pilsen Fest this Saturday & Sunday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) at West 18th Street and South Blue Island Avenue. This fest highlights the neighborhood’s Latino heritage with music, theatre, poetry, food, handcrafts, educational seminars, and much more! There’s even a Kids Corner featuring art workshops, music, the Knight Moves Chess Club, and a traveling zoo!!
In my neck of the woods on the northwest side of Chicago, the Edison Park Fest takes place this weekend at 6730 N. Olmstead Avenue in the Edison Park neighborhood. This fest features a Miller Lite beer garden, live entertainment, a family stage, bingo & pull tabs, food, a craft fair, and much more!
Finally, your Movies in the Parks for this weekend are —
Friday, August 17th:
“Spider-Man: Homecoming” (8:00 p.m.) – Clark (John) Park (4615 W. Jackson Blvd.) – Austin
“Spark: A Space Tail” (8:00 p.m.) – Revere Park (2509 W. Irving Park Rd.) – North Center
“Coco” (8:00 p.m.) – Maggie Daley Park (337 E. Randolph St.) – The Loop
“Wonder” (8:15 p.m.) – Vittum Park (5010 W. 50th St.) – Garfield Ridge
“Black Panther” (8:15 p.m.) – Independence Park (3945 N. Springfield Ave.) – Old Irving Park
“Black Panther” (8:30 p.m.) – Bessemer Park (8930 S. Muskegon Ave.) – South Chicago
Saturday, August 18th:
“Black Panther” (8:00 p.m.) – Washington Park (5531 S. King Dr.) – Washington Park/Woodlawn
“Roman Holiday” (8:00 p.m.) – Churchill Field Playlot Park (1825 N. Damen Ave.) – Logan Square
“Sing” (8:00 p.m.) – Sauganash Park (5861 N. Kostner Ave.) — Sauganash
Sunday, August 19th:
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” (8:00 p.m.) – Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens (1801 S. Indiana Ave.) – Near South Side
“Wonder” (8:00 p.m.) – Unity Playlot Park (2636 N. Kimball Ave.) – Logan Square
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” (8:15 p.m.) – Lake Shore Park (808 N. Lake Shore Dr.) – Near North Side
Are You Winding Down? I Hope Not!!
