Summer Series – Festivals Galore!

You already know that Chicago has a vast array of festivals during the summer! But this week’s Summer Series features a few you might not have heard of before:

Armenian Fest 2019: Enjoy three days of food, fun, and music at this unique festival! You’ll dine on authentic Armenian cuisine; sip on beer, wine, mixed drinks, and arak; listen to live music and much more. You’ll sample a variety of foods including kebob, hummus, tabbouleh, pastries, pilaf, and more. On Friday August 16, the festival is from 6 to 10 pm and the evening includes a live band, dancing, and a cigar bar. On Saturday August 17, the festival is from 5 to 11 pm with featured guest DJ Zorab. On Sunday, August 18, from 12 to 7 pm, you’ll hear tunes from the MidEast Beat Band, watch traditional Armenian dancers, and see a Grape Blessing Ceremony at 4 pm. There will also be a children’s area with inflatables and a raffle grand prize of $1,000! Admission is free and you can find more information here.

Hummingbird Festival and Nature Celebration: This festival is on Saturday August 17 from 1 to 5 pm at the Plum Creek Nature Center. It’s open to all ages and is free to attend! This celebration of nature focuses on hummingbirds and other pollinators. Enjoy presentations, bird viewing, and local artisans selling garden and nature-related items. You can see the bird and butterfly garden on-site and participate in free family activities, such as slack-lining, guided tree climbing, and bike riding (free bike rentals will be available). Find more information here.

African Festival of the Arts: Mark your calendars for the 30th Annual African Festival of the Arts! From August 30 to September 2, the grounds of Chicago’s Washington park will be transformed into a simulated African village. There will be interactive engagements, vibrant drumming, museum quality and collectible artifacts, and colorful handwoven fabric and textiles. Hours on Friday are from 1 to 10 pm and Saturday through Monday from 10 am to 10 pm. Find more information here.

Fresh Coast Jazz Festival: Looking to get away? You’ve got to check out the inaugural year of the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival in downtown Milwaukee! During Labor Day weekend (August 30 to September 1), you’ll experience great jazz from the superstars of jazz, new music from rising stars of the genre, along with fun events! The music lineup includes Jazz Funk Soul, Lindsey Webster, Lee Ritenour, Norman Brown, Chris Crain and more. Check out ticket prices, event add-ons, and more here.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO