THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Celebrating Memorial Day Weekend 2019!
Memorial Day Weekend 2019 has finally arrived! It’s the unofficial start of Chicago’s summer season as neighborhood celebrations take over the streets with music and food festivals popping up every weekend. Come join us!!
Join thousands of people to honor our veterans, active duty military, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country at Chicago’s annual Memorial Day Parade. The annual wreath laying ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m. on Daley Plaza (Dearborn & Washington Streets) in The Loop. The parade steps off at noon and proceeds south on State Street from Lake to Van Buren Streets. This year’s Grand Marshal is Major General Marion Garcia, Commanding General, 200th Military Police Command, United States Army Reserve. It’s one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the nation and is not to be missed!!
A popular Memorial Day weekend fest returns to the Lakeview neighborhood for its 35th year: the Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest on Saturday and Sunday (11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.) on Sheffield Avenue from Belmont Avenue to Roscoe Street. Top local tribute bands will perform on the main stage (near Roscoe) while a second stage (a/k/a “community stage”) located on Sheffield at Belmont will showcase an eclectic entertainment mix that includes DJ sets, karaoke, and other local acts and performances. There’ll also be plenty of great eats, libations (beer and wine), a wide variety of vendors, and an eclectic mix of art, jewelry, and fashion too! Expect plenty of nonstop fun at this fest!!
Join the Randolph Street Market for their Sweet Sixteenth season and kick off to summer this Saturday and Sunday (10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) at Plumbers Hall (1341 W. Randolph St.) in the West Loop neighborhood. This outdoor + indoor summer season opener and garden party will have a whole bundle of new vendors and long-time favorites, but will also have a main stage with live music, a food court, a market bar, and three floors of inside shopping! It’s the market we’ve all been waiting for with eight acres of shopping, eating, drinking, and entertainment!!
One of the city’s top attractions is Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood, which will be kicking off a summer of pier fun this Saturday with Live on the Lake and the Aon Summer Fireworks. Head over to the pier’s Miller Lite Beer Garden for free live music featuring local favorites, national touring acts, exciting new artists, and dancing that continues all summer long. Then stick around for the Aon summer fireworks at 10:15 p.m. followed by another set of live music until 11:30 p.m.! The fireworks are held biweekly (Wednesday & Saturday) throughout the summer and are perfectly synchronized to music over Lake Michigan for the ultimate summer experience!!
Now in its 18th year of car-free riding, Fifth Third’s Bike The Drive returns Sunday to Lake Shore Drive in The Loop. It’s a classic Chicago experience with almost five hours of car-free riding where bicycles reign while enjoying breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan. Registered participants with rider numbers can safely start their ride at one of 5 locations and can choose to ride as short or long as they’d like. Afterwards, there’s a post-ride festival at Butler Field in Grant Park with live music, a pancake breakfast ($10), and sponsor contests! It’s the most unique bike ride you’ll take all year!!
Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend Safely as We Remember, Honor, & Thank ALL Our Veterans for Protecting Our Country and Freedom!!
