THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Labor Day Weekend – Summer’s Last Hurrah?
Could this Labor Day weekend be summer’s last hurrah here in Chicago? Well, if it is, the City has lined-up many annual Labor Day favorites to help us make the transition to another season!
Returning for its 37th year, the Chicago Jazz Festival will be held in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.) in The Loop this Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. showcasing free live performances by Chicago’s vast jazz talent as well as national and international jazz legends and artists. Not only does this favorite Labor Day Weekend Festival celebrate the mainstream of the national jazz scene but it also incorporates Chicago’s unique contributions to the art form as well! If you love jazz, this is a MUST!!
Returning for its 3rd year, and another favorite Labor Day Weekend Festival, The Great American Lobster Fest sets-up at the east end of Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood this Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. where live lobster is flown in fresh from the cold waters of the East Coast! This Fest also features live music, cold beverages, unique craft shopping and family-friendly activities. Not a fan of lobster (like me) — don’t worry — many other great food options will be available. You may also want to stick around for Navy Pier’s final firework show of the season!!
It wouldn’t be the same this Labor Day Weekend without the Taste of Polonia Festival returning to the Copernicus Center (5216 W. Lawrence Ave.) in the Jefferson Park neighborhood this Saturday, Sunday & Monday from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. This Festival features non-stop live music on four stages with over 30 bands performing Rock, Pop, Jazz, Polka and more; a great variety of Polish food and beer; a casino and bingo games; a Kids stage and fun zone with inflatables & a climbing wall; carnival rides & games; plus 60+ vendors! Definitely something for everyone at this Festival!!
Returning for its 26th year, The African Festival of the Arts returns to Washington Park (5100 S. Cottage Grove Ave.) in the Woodlawn neighborhood this Saturday, Sunday & Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Festival grounds are transformed into and come alive as an African Village offering a glimpse into the many unique treasures of the African continent with hundreds of vendors and artisans from Africa and the African Diaspora presenting artifacts, traditional crafts, museum quality art and textiles along with other special-interests pavilions such as African drumming, interactive demonstrations, children’s programming, author & book readings and much more! You will definitely be immersed into the African culture!!
Finally, please welcome our newbie this Labor Day Weekend! Ciders & Sliders Festival will be held at Lawrence and Elston Avenues in the North Mayfair neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. It’s a joining of the popular apple-infused beers right now along with the iconic mini-burger known as the slider! But besides the flavor-laced craft beers and mini patties, plenty of live music, unique craft vendors and family-friendly activities are all part of this Festival’s mix!!
This weekend’s Movies in the Parks wraps-up its 2016 Summer Season with “Some Like It Hot” at Osterman Beach (5800 N. Lake Shore Dr.) in the Edgewater neighborhood on Monday, September 5th!
So, Summer’s Last Hurrah or Not?
SUE MOSS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO
