THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – City’s Neighborhoods Taking It to the Streets!

As Chicagoans welcome in June on a weekend, the city’s neighborhoods are taking it to the streets for this summer festival season!

The Lincoln Park neighborhood is host to the 42nd annual Lincoln Park Greek Fest on the grounds of St. George Greek Orthodox Church (2701 N. Sheffield Ave.) on Saturday (12:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.) and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.).  This popular annual celebration will serve up an authentic dose of “filoxenia” (Greek hospitality and generosity of spirit) along with all the aromas, sounds, tastes, and traditions of Greece!  There will be plenty of fun and games for the kids as well.  This fest promises that everyone will be Hellenic for at least a day!  Opa!!

The West Town neighborhood is host to the Do Division Street Fest this Saturday and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) on Division Street between Damen Avenue and Leavitt Street.  This fest features two live music stages, a variety of local vendors and food, plenty of ice-cold Goose Island beer, wine, and spirits, Do Fashion with local designer runway shows and DJs, and a dedicated Family Fun Fest area (12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.) with plenty of family activities and a stage!  Come and enjoy the sights, sounds, and activities this fest has to offer!!

The Lincoln Square neighborhood is host to the 20th annual Maifest Chicago this Saturday (12:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.) and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) at Lincoln and Leland Avenues (4700 N. Lincoln Ave.).  The traditional keg tapping and crowning of this year’s Maifest queen marks Friday’s opening ceremony of this annual German festival featuring German foods, live music, maypole dance, and other traditional German presentations all weekend long!  Maifest, like Octoberfest, has now become a popular celebration throughout the world and Chicago’s German community welcomes all to join them!!

The Little Village neighborhood is host to the 5th annual Taste of Mexico at California Avenue and 26th Street this Saturday and Sunday (12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.).  This three-day culinary extravaganza will feature nearly 20 neighborhood and other local restaurants selling authentic Mexican street foods, a non-stop music/entertainment stage, arts & crafts, and a large carnival area for kids and families!  Be sure to come hungry to this fest!!

The 2019 Chicago Ale Fest – Summer Edition will take place at Butler Field, Grant Park (400 E. Monroe St.) in The Loop on Saturday (3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.).  This fest features over 200 craft beers, live music, and some of Chicago’s favorite food trucks.  It also offers a unique “festival within a festival” concept by bringing mini-festival experiences that include a Cider Alley, a Lager Lane, and a West vs. East Coast IPAs!  So come on down to Chicago’s front lawn for one of the most anticipated summer craft beer events!!

Lastly, there are two popular art fairs taking place this weekend:

The first is the Gold Coast Art Fair at Butler Field, Grant Park (400 E. Monroe St.) in The Loop from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Returning for its 62nd year, this Granddaddy of American Art Festivals will feature more than 300 juried artists from across the country with exceptional artwork of all mediums, ranging in price from $25 to $25,000, as well as artist demonstrations, interactive art projects, and activities just for kids!  There will also be a Food, Live Music, and Beer Oases for your relaxing pleasure!!

The second is the 57th Street Art Fair on 57th Street between Kenwood and Woodlawn Avenues in the Hyde Park neighborhood from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Celebrating its 72nd year, this event is the oldest juried art fair in the country promoting over 200 artists and their handmade original works in all mediums!  In addition, this fair features around the clock music provided by Buddy Guy’s Legends, a Community Arts & Activities area for kids of all ages, delicious food, and more!!

Which Neighborhood Will You Be Celebrating With?