THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – ANOTHER “FEST”FUL WEEKEND IN CHICAGO’S NEIGHBORHOODS!
THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – ANOTHER “FEST”FUL WEEKEND IN CHICAGO’S NEIGHBORHOODS!
Chicago is truly home to a wide diversity of ethnic groups within its neighborhoods and this weekend is your chance to experience that ethnicity as another "fest"ful weekend takes place in Chicago’s neighborhoods!
Before I get started on all the wonderful ethnic fests this weekend the Chicago Air & Water Show celebrates its 55th year of daredevil thrills in the air and on the water at North Avenue Beach (1600 N. Lake Shore Dr.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood and along the lakefront on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This event showcases a variety of ships and air crafts from the U.S. Navy and Army which include performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights and many others!
The Great American Lobster Fest will take place at Navy Pier East End Plaza (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood on Saturday (10:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.) and Sunday (10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.) and is Chicago’s very first outdoor lobster fest! Not only will fresh live lobster be flown in daily by the New England Seafood Company in Boston but Fest attendees can also expect live music on two stages by over 25 tribute and original bands a chance to view the Air & Water Show from the end-of-the-pier or view Navy Pier’s fireworks display (Saturday only at 10:15 p.m.). Also other food options will be available for those who aren’t the seafood-type as well as plenty of cold beverages to wash down your choice!
Back for its 8th year Festa Italiana takes place at Taylor Street and Ashland Avenue in the Little Village neighborhood on Saturday (12:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.) and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) in celebration of its history and heritage. This Fest has it all featuring some of the best Italian food from vendors such as Bacci Pizzeria Bella Luna Carms La Luce and many other local establishments three stages (Rosebud Rock & Festa) of live entertainment carnival rides kids’ activities cooking demonstrations a grape stomping area a meatball eating contest and so much more!
Another "new" Fest on the scene this year celebrates the diversity of the northwest side with the Albany Park World Fest taking place at Lawrence and Kimball Avenues in the Albany Park neighborhood on Saturday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.). Fest-goers here will experience an eclectic mix of restaurants and shopkeepers from over 40 countries such as Eastern Europe Latin America the Philippines Greece Asia and the Middle East featuring eclectic cuisine diverse music global arts & crafts an activities area for the kids and more!
Another annual Fest-favorite is the Edison Park Fest located at 6730 N. Olmsted Ave. in the Edison Park neighborhood on Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. This family-friendly Fest features food from local establishments a beer garden live entertainment a craft fair a business expo Bingo family entertainment which includes a parade on Saturday stepping off at Ebinger Elementary (11:00 a.m.) a dog show and a bags tournament on Sunday as well as kids’ activities that include an obstacle course inflatables and much more!
And finally the 2014 Chicago Movies in the Parks series features the following movies at dusk weather permitting and free admission at the following parks!
Saturday
"Twenty Feet From Stardom" – DuSable Museum of African American History (740 E. 56th Pl.) – Hyde Park
"The Lego Movie" – Ellis Park (707 E. 37th St.) – Douglas
"Michael Jackson’s This Is It" – Unity Playlot Park (2636 N. Kimball Ave.) – Logan Square
Sunday
"The Thin Man" – Berger Park Cultural Center (6205 N. Sheridan Rd.) – Edgewater
"The Wizard of Oz" – Piotrowski Park (4247 W. 31st St.) – Little Village
What Ethnicity Will You Experience This Weekend?
SUE MOSS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO
