THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – It’s Time for a Fiesta and Summer’s Kickoff!

Wow, what a weekend we have in store for us!  Not only are Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby on the same weekend, but Chicagoans are also kicking off summer!!

Commemorating the Mexican Army’s victory over the French empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, many Chicago establishments will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo on Saturday and/or Sunday.  Here are just a few:

Join the River North neighborhood this Saturday (12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.) for their Tequila-N-Tacos Bar Crawl.  Tickets include a free t-shirt (while supplies last), a complimentary taco bar at check-in locations, entry up to 4+ venues and “no cover,” drink specials up to 40% off, gift cards, giveaways, and more! And the after party includes WAM! Live Inc. videographers & photographers, DJs at all venues, more prizes and giveaways, and take-home swag!!  Tequila, Margs, and Tacos- what more could you want?!

This ALL-NEW fest on Lincoln Avenue (2576 N. Lincoln) at Wrightwood Avenue in the Lincoln Park neighborhood is all about celebrating the holiday with Cinco! On The Street.  There will be plenty of tacos and tequila, DJ beats, face painting fun for kids, lucha libre shows (Mexican wrestling), mechanical bull rides, and more!

Join Bash Events, Tecate, and Dos Equis at these bar crawls on Sunday.  First up is the Wrigleyville Cinco De Mayo Pub Crawl at Cubby Bear Wrigleyville (1059 W. Addison St.) from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Then there’s the Division Street Cinco De Mayo Pub Crawl at The Original Mother’s (26 W. Division St.) on the Near North Side from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Both events will feature bar hopping at the neighborhood’s best bars, drinking beer, and eating tacos.  You’ll even have an opportunity to thumb wrestle a luchador, play Mexican pinko, shake maracas, take swipes at pinatas, and much more!  The hosts will supply t-shirts, sombreros, tacos, luchador masks, and tons of other Cinco-style giveaways for their participants!!  So grab your sombrero, dress to fiesta, call your amigos, and come celebrate Cinco de Mayo the right way!!!

Now if you prefer a freestyle pub crawl ,rather than a guided one, Cinco de Mayo Pub Crawl Wrigleyville is for you.  This type of crawl gives participants the freedom to stay at one bar or visit several during the day and takes place on Sunday (1:00 p.m.).  Participating vendors include Lucky Strike Social (1027 W. Addison St.), HVAC, Merkles, Nola Bar & Kitchen, The Stretch, and Houndstooth.  This crawl is a joyous celebration of tequila shots, lavish margaritas, and cold Corona beers!

Here’s a link to the remaining Cinco de Mayo Events – Chicago-style!

For those of you who prefer to wear big hats, sip on mint juleps, and spend a day at the races, check out these local Kentucky Derby Day Parties! Have a grand time celebrating the Derby as if you were in Louisville!

It’s time again for the Chicago Beer Classic at Soldier Field (1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.) in the South Loop this Saturday with two sessions (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.).  Sample beers from over 100 breweries, enjoy delicious stadium food favorites at various concession stands during the event, enter onto the grass of Soldier Field through the tunnel feeling like part of the team, compete in bocce, try your hand at Giant Jenga, visit the variety of sponsor booths in the concourse, and much more!  There’s even a traditional tailgate party at Gate 0 where you can grab a snack from various food trucks, purchase swag from Chicago-based vendors, or brush up on your beer pong skills!!  This is definitely the city’s can’t miss kickoff to summer!!!

Finally, join ComEd and the Chicago Park District as they Switch on Summer at Buckingham Fountain (301 S. Columbus Dr.) in The Loop on Sunday (12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.).  Festivities include free giveaways, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment by local bands Sixteen Candles and Today’s Trade.  There’s even a Kid Zone featuring activities like face painting, costumed characters, giant kick darts, a 3-in-1 carnival, and much more!

It’s Fiesta Time!!