Chicago Neighborhood News: Virtual Edition

It’s summer in Chicago, and while there is no better city to be in during these warm months, things are a bit different due to the pandemic. With the rise and fall and rise again of COVID-19 cases, social distancing is still vital for everyone’s safety. With this in mind, let’s take a look at cool events to make this summer a memorable, albeit different, fun season. 

Old Town Virtual Art Fair: For the last 70 years, the Old Town Art Fair has been a staple of the neighborhood and the #1 rated fine art fair in the city. This year the art fair returns virtually with over the work of 250 artists on display via their website. Tour the stunning creations in various media, including painting, photography, sculpture, digital arts, and mixed media. You’re bound to find something that speaks to you, and you can purchase that piece online.

Lakeshore Drive-In: Live entertainment returns to Chicago this summer! The parking lot of the Adler Planetarium will be converted into a site for a live music and comedy series. Kicking off July 29 at 7 pm, hip hop artists Mick Jenkins and Ric Wilson take the stage. Ticket holders will enjoy the event from the comfort of their cars while parked in socially distant parking spots apart from others. To find out more regarding safety and to purchase tickets, click here. 

Manual Cinema: Chicago’s own Emmy award-winning performance collective known as Manual Cinema kicks off their 10th-anniversary celebration with free multi-camera streaming presentations of four of their most beloved productions. From July 27 to August 3, Lula Del Ray will be performed. The End of TV follows from August 3 through August 10. Between August 10 thru August 17, check out No Blue Memories: The Life of Gwendolyn Brooks. Frankenstein runs from August 17 to the 23rd. Each performance features creative use of puppets, actors, and live music combined with elements of cinema, sound, and various electronic media to bring a unique visual experience to viewers. Click here to find out more about this free event.

Millennium Park at Home: Music Series: Chicago has done a great job providing us with quality live music to stream from home since most concerts and fests are canceled. The Millennium Park at Home: Music Series offers up excellent performances every Thursday from 6 pm to 7:30 pm live on the DCASE YouTube page. This Thursday sees a live set by Tasha, and July 30 will feature the music of Mán Cub and Beats y Bateria.

Ice Cream, Anyone? Finally, if you are craving ice cream, The Original Rainbow Cone, a beloved South Side institution, is taking their tasty treats on the road this summer. This weekend the pink truck covered in white polka dots will be at Buona Beef in Mount Prospect on Friday from 4 pm to 10 pm. Saturday and Sunday will find the ice cream truck at Stan’s Donuts in Oakbrook Terrace from 1 pm to 10 pm. As the summer rolls on, the Original Rainbow Cone truck will make its way into Chicago neighborhoods. Keep track of the truck to see when it will be near you by checking out their Instagram account. 

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO