THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – CHICAGO’S SUMMER KEEPS ON ROCKING!
THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – CHICAGO’S SUMMER KEEPS ON ROCKING!
Returning for its 11th year the Taste of River North brings you the best variety of local food live music and artwork from the River North neighborhood at A. Montgomery Ward Park (630 N. Kingsbury Street – Kingsbury & Erie) on Saturday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) and Sunday (11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.). You’ll also find a Kids’ Zone operating from 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. located along the beautiful riverfront featuring tons of activities to keep your kids entertained for hours such as: arts & crafts balloon art cooking classes music dance yoga face painting temporary tattoos and much more! And if you’re still in a partying mood after this event local bars in the area will be hosting after-parties!!
One of the north side’s longest-running family festivals and unique compared to other community events this year’s BenFest takes place at 2215 W. Irving Park Road (Leavitt St. and Irving Park Rd.) in the North Center neighborhood on Saturday (1:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.) and Sunday (1:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.). This fest has something for every age from local food and drink vendors to live music to a children’s area that includes activities such as arts & crafts inflatables characters in costume games face painting water slides and more! Also this year’s BenFest will host a hamburger cook-off sponsored by Big Hatt Gourmet. Oh did I mention this year’s Grand Prize Drawing is a cash prize for $10000!!
Over 100 residential gardens are open for exploration during the 45th annual Sheffield Garden Walk and Music Festival along the landmark-filled street at 2200 N. Sheffield Avenue (between Webster and Belden Avenues) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood on Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. This is your chance to checkout some awesome gardens (with master gardeners on hand offering gardening tips and advice) take a guided architectural tour have some delicious food and drink and/or listen to live music (Poi Dog Pondering on Sunday). There are also kids’ activities offered in case they’re not interested in gardens or an architectural tour!!
It’s time to Celebrate Clark Street! Come celebrate the cultural diversity of the Rogers Park neighborhood at their 8th annual street fest located on Clark Street between Morse and Estes Avenues on Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The street is filled with delicious aromas from the amazing food vendors who prepare regional food from many countries along with two stages of live World Music a diverse art/craft market as well as the Glenwood Sunday Farmer’s Market and kids’ activities that include art projects carnival games face painting a jumping jack painting and live music performances!
Head on over to the 34th annual celebration of Asian culture for an afternoon of Chinese arts & crafts exhibits authentic cuisine from neighborhood restaurants live music classical Chinese dance and martial arts demonstrations a kids’ activities area and more at this year’s Chinatown Summer Fair located at Wentworth Avenue and Cermak Road on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the colorful and popular Dragon and Lion Dance Procession taking place at 12:30 p.m. This truly is one of the most ethnically unique outdoor events in the Midwest!!
Finally this weekend’s 2013 Chicago Movies in the Parks series features the following movies at dusk weather permitting and free admission!
Saturday
“Sparkle (2012)” – DuSable Museum of African American History (740 E. 56th Pl.) – Washington Park
“Life of Pi” – Loyola Park (1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.) – East Rogers Park
“Hotel Transylvania” – Moore Park (5085 W. Adams St.) – Austin
Sunday
“Despicable Me” – Ellen Gates Starr Park (2306 W. Maypole Ave.) – Near West
“Parenthood” – Jonquil Playlot Park (1001 W. Wrightwood Ave.) – Lincoln Park
“Ghostbusters” – Calumet Park (9801 S. Avenue G) – Eastside
Will We See You Rockin’ Out There With Us?
SUE MOSS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO
