THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – A Blazin’ Hot Time!

This second weekend of July brings Chicagoans a blazin’ hot time – both festival and temp-wise!  In fact, there are so many festivals and events taking place this weekend, I can’t cover them all- so here’s a link to view them!!

The Taste of Chicago 2019 once again showcases the diversity of Chicago’s dining scene along with music concerts and other activities for the entire family at this free outdoor food festival on Saturday and Sunday (10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.) at Grant Park (337 E. Randolph St.) in The Loop.  Participating restaurants include Billy Goat Tavern, Kasia’s Deli, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, The Slab Bar-B-Que, and many others.  Special events include the Eli’s Cheesecake Birthday Celebration which takes place Saturday (12:30 p.m.) at Buckingham Fountain (sing Happy Birthday and celebrate with a slice of complimentary cheesecake while supplies last); the Taste Playground including the return of the Taste of Chicago Ferris Wheel and an inflatables area for the kids; the Farm to Festival area with horticulture fun and education for all ages; the Theatre Garden at the Taste with performances of musical theatre by local theatre talent, improv and sketch comedy, and so much more!  You won’t be disappointed!!

The Midwest’s Best Summer Festival, Windy City Smokeout, has a new location this year right outside of Chicago’s historic United Center (1901 W. Madison St.) on the Near West Side this Saturday and Sunday.  Twenty of the world’s best pitmasters will dish out their finest finger-lickin’ BBQ, including our hometown pitmasters from Bub City, Lillie’s Q, and Smoque BBQ along with Against the Grain (Louisville, KY), Blue Oak BBQ (New Orleans, LA), Home Team BBQ (Charleston, SC), Salt Lick BBQ (Driftwood, TX), and many others!  Wash this all down with some ice-cold beer from local and national breweries.  Then get down with the best in country music featuring both world-renowned and up-and-coming artists!!  There’s nothing better than world-class BBQ and award-winning country music!!!

Join Roscoe Village’s 13th annual mouth-watering food extravaganza at this year’s Roscoe Village Burger Fest at Belmont and Damen Avenues on Saturday and Sunday (11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.).  Savory burgers and a rockin’ music lineup on two stages are in the spotlight at this food bash along with arts & crafts vendors and an action-packed Kids Zone area.  The Billy Goat Tavern, Butcher and The Burger, Carol’s Pub, and Fatso’s Last Stand are just a few of the patty masters on hand!  This fest goes to extraordinary lengths to impress burger aficionados so fire up those grills!!

Join the Lincoln Square neighborhood at it’s Square Roots and Music Festival this Saturday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.) at 4700 N. Lincoln Avenue.  Enjoy craft brews (including special batch and limited release taps) from Chicago and regional craft breweries, eclectic cuisine from amazing Lincoln Square and Ravenswood restaurants, unique products and fine art from regional vendors and retailers, and diverse entertainment provided by the Old Town School of Folk Music on four stages!  It’s a multidimensional experience for all ages!!

This weekend’s Movies in the Parks are:

Saturday
“Napolean Dynamite” – Buttercup Park (4901 N. Sheridan Rd.) – Uptown
“Ghostbusters (1984)” – Oz Park (2021 N. Burling St.) – Lincoln Park
“The Incredibles 2” – Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens (1801 S. Indiana Ave.) South Loop
“Big Hero 6” – Skinner Park (1331 W. Adams St.) – Near West Side

Sunday
“Spider-Man: Homecoming” – Jonquil Park (1001 W. Wrightwood Ave.) – Lincoln Park

Are You Ready for a Blazin’ Hot Time?