THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Amazing Autumn Fun Awaits!
Welcome to Chicago’s first October weekend where amazing autumn fun awaits us!
The popular West Town Food Truck Social again pairs up with the annual West Town Art Walk on Noble Street between Chicago and Chestnut Avenues in the West Town neighborhood on Friday (4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) and Saturday (11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.). This dual event is a one-of-a-kind neighborhood-wide food and art festival where guests can taste some of Chicago’s best mobile eats, from lobster rolls to empanadas to chicken wings to tacos! All of that comes with a side of Chicago’s most tantalizing original art in all forms including visual, musical, fashion, and more! It’s also a kid and dog friendly event with giant Jenga for the kids; plus plenty of picnic tables with umbrellas to take a break from all your art walking. A great time for some “snacking-n-strolling!!”
The 4th annual Bacon and Beer Classic will once again take over Soldier Field (1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.) in the South Loop on Saturday (1:00 p.m. VIP, 2:00 p.m. General to 5:00 p.m.). Enjoy 100+ all-inclusive craft beers from the best local breweries and discover new styles too. Experience bacon like never before by sampling 30+ unlimited bacon dishes from the most innovative chefs. Dance to live music, play lawn games, compete in the bacon eating contest, and more! After all, it is Oktoberfest time!!
There’s no better way to usher in fall than at the 31st annual Apple Fest being held Saturday (9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.) and Sunday (9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.) at the Western Brown Line Station Parking Lot (2300 W. Leland Ave.) in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. Dozens of vendors participate every year selling everything from candy apples, fresh apple pie, hot apple cider, bushels of apples, to scarves and hats! Then, head over to the Lawrence Avenue Music Stage for some great local music and chef demos. There’s also lots of activities for the kids in the Leland Avenue Kids Zone! There’s something for everyone at Apple Fest!!
Join the Rogers Park neighborhood for an afternoon of live music, crafts, food from local restaurants, beer & wine tastings, and family-friendly activities at the Taste of Clark Street on Sunday (2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.). This event takes place along Clark Street between Devon and Touhy Avenues. Pedicabs will also be available to ride from the “HUB” (Morse Ave.) to Devon Ave. or Touhy Ave. so you can get to the participating businesses faster!!
Check out fall’s most “spirited” event at the 7th annual Crypt 5K on Saturday (7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) at Rosehill Cemetery (5800 N. Ravenswood Ave.) in the Edgewater neighborhood. Run or walk (if you dare) through this candle lit course on the sprawling 350-acre Victorian-era cemetery that opened in 1864 and is home to many famous Chicago eternal spirits! In addition, there’s a post run/walk party at Fireside Restaurant (5739 N. Ravenswood Ave.)!!
Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park (5501 Park Place) once again celebrates the fall season with the return of its annual Family Fall Fest on Saturday (1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.). This fest features a variety of free activities for the entire family to enjoy including a petting zoo, pumpkin painting, magic acts, and more! Live music is provided by Kaleidoscope Eyes (Beatles tribute band), Istvan & His Imaginary Band (children’s entertainment group), and the 1980s rock tribute band Infinity!!
Finally, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon takes place Sunday (7:30 a.m.) beginning and ending at Grant Park (337 E. Randolph St.) in The Loop. Thousands of runners from more than 100 countries and all 50 states will race on an iconic course; taking them through 29 neighborhoods on an architectural and cultural tour of Chicago!
Here’s to an Amazing Autumn Fun Weekend!
