THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Summer Not Over Yet!

Even though we’ve experienced some cooler temps recently, summer is not over yet!  However fall is quickly approaching, so get in as much summer as you can with these outdoor weekend events!!

Haven’t had your fill of BBQ and booze yet?  Well the 3rd finger-lickin’ good Chicago Bourbon & BBQ Festival returns to the Roscoe Village neighborhood at Damen Avenue and Roscoe Street this Saturday and Sunday.  This festival brings you Chicago’s finest smoked meats and barrel-aged bourbon tastings all under one roof.  There will also be live music from bands, artisans, and a kids’ area filled with fun family activities!  Nothing beats barbeque and bourbon as Southern hospitality meets Midwest outdoor fun!!

There’s no better way to send off the summer music festival season than with a weekend of rock, metal, and punk at this year’s Riot Fest.  Taking over a section of Douglas Park at West Ogden Avenue and South Sacramento Drive this Saturday and Sunday, this fest throws a rock ‘n roll carnival with tons of bands, sideshow acts, a Ferris wheel, and black T-shirt clad attendees.  Some of this year’s bands include Blink-182, Pennywise, Slayer, Bikini Kill, Anthrax, and many others!  So head over to the online festival scheduler and start planning your weekend!!

After a very successful inaugural event last year, the Printer’s Row Art Fest will return to the South Loop on Dearborn Street between Polk and Harrison Streets this Saturday and Sunday.  This fest is a buying opportunity for art lovers of all ages.  There will be art from all price points by painters, street artists, jewelers, up-cycling artists, mixed media artists, and more.  Plus area restaurants and bars will be on hand serving up their Chicago specialties and live music will add to the lively atmosphere!  Come be part of a new and super cool art festival!!

Powered by wish families, volunteers, companies, and friends, Walk for Wishes® is a Make-A-Wish® fundraiser celebrating thousands of wishes that have been granted, while raising funds for future wishes.  This year’s family-friendly walk takes place on Saturday at Montrose Harbor (601 W. Montrose Ave.) in the Uptown neighborhood with registration at 9 a.m. and the event at 10 a.m.  Participants are encouraged to wear costumes.  The morning includes children’s activities, refreshments, music, and costumed characters!  Come and enjoy the festival-like atmosphere and help make it possible for wishes to come true for children battling life-threatening medical conditions!!

The Les Turner ALS Foundation hosts its annual ALS Walk for Life this Sunday (9:30 a.m.) at Soldier Field (1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.) in the South Loop.  Participants take a two-mile stroll winding along Chicago’s beautiful lakefront and finish their walk going through iconic Soldier Field before crossing the finish line.  This event also features a children’s area with coloring, temporary tattoos, and obstacle courses; complimentary refreshments; DJ and dancing; a merchandise tent offering Foundation items; special appearances by Mickey & Minnie Mouse and Elmo; and much more!  This day is meant for all those who love or have loved someone with ALS to come together as one big family.  Come join us!!

Enjoy – Summer Will Be Over Before You Know It!!