THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Labor Day Weekend Means Summer’s Last Hurrah!

Not only are Chicagoans celebrating an extended weekend with the Labor Day holiday upon us but also summer’s last hurrah as the kids head back to school!  Come join us!!

After several free neighborhood concerts this past week, the 41st annual Chicago Jazz Festival wraps up this Saturday and Sunday with its main show at Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.) in The Loop.  The range of artists runs the gamut from jazz legends to influential modern masters and new voices in the genre’s continuing evolution.  This year’s festival also includes a special tribute to Nat King Cole by his brother Freddy Cole. It also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Jazz Institute of Chicago!  It’s a Labor Day Weekend staple as Chicago’s oldest, free lakefront music festival!!

Another Labor Day Weekend staple is the Midwest’s largest lobster and seafood festival at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday. It’s the Great American Lobster Fest!  Enjoy live lobster flown in fresh from the cold waters of the east coast, courtesy of Lobster Gram!  Additionally, the fest features a vast array of seafood selections, non-seafood related items, other food vendors, snacks, sweets, and vegetarian options.  Live music performances, family-friendly games & activities, unique arts/craft shopping, and cold beverages will be on hand as well to please the whole family!  What’s not to love!!

Celebrating its 10 year anniversary, the North Coast Music Festival takes center stage at the Huntington Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island (1300 S. Lynn White Dr.) on the Near South Side this Friday and Saturday.  Over 25 acts, encompassing a wide range of electronic and hip-hop beats to mellow indie rock and toe-tapping jam bands, will perform across two stages with a mix of renowned artists that all music lovers can appreciate!  Headlining performances include Bassnectar and Major Lazer.  It’s time to fest!!

Annually during the Labor Day Weekend, Washington Park (5100 S. Cottage Grove Ave.) in the Hyde Park neighborhood comes alive as a simulated African village with the African Festival of the Arts.  Experience a four-day immersion into African culture and heritage.  This fest features over 300 vendors and artisans from Africa and the African Diaspora with interactive engagements, vibrant drumming, museum quality & collectible artifacts, rich handwoven fabric & textile, an African marketplace, and so much more for the entire family’s enjoyment!

Yet another Labor Day Weekend staple, the Taste of Polonia takes place at the Copernicus Center (5216 W. Lawrence Ave.) in the Jefferson Park neighborhood.  This four-day fest offers non-stop live music on four stages with over 30 bands, a variety of Polish and non-Polish food, cultural events, a casino, a craft beer zone, a kids area and fun zone, carnival rides and games, tastings, cooking classes, and so much more. It’s fun for all ages!!

This weekend’s sporting events include:  the Chicago Cubs hosting the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field (1060 W. Addison St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood, and the Chicago Dogs hosting the St. Paul Saints at Impact Field (9850 Balmoral Ave.) in Rosemont.  Chicago Dogs games welcome fans of all ages for a one-of-a-kind experience where every day is fan appreciation day!

This weekend’s Movies in the Parks are:

Saturday
“Chicago Onscreen Local Film Showcase” – Humboldt Park (1440 N. Humboldt Blvd.) – Humboldt Park

Enjoy Your Labor Day Weekend and Don’t Miss Out on Summer’s Last Hurrah!!