THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Time for Fun and Relaxation!

The first week of home school, for most kids, is in the books, and I’ll bet you’re ready for the weekend! Whether you venture out or stick around the house, here’s some available events for a fun and relaxing weekend before the start of week two!!

Old Grounds Social located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood at 950 W. Wrightwood Avenue between Sheffield and Lincoln Avenues will be hosting a BBQ Cooking Demo this Saturday (5 p.m.-7:30 p.m.). They’ll be smoking up some BBQ favorites and showing you some tips on how to become a pit-master yourself! It’s an all-you-can-eat BBQ serving up smoked chicken breast, smoked pulled pork, made to order burger, and smoked wings along with coleslaw, mac & cheese, and chips. This $40 experience also includes guaranteed entry, preferred seating, and one White Claw Hard Seltzer per guest plus drink specials. Due to current occupancy regulations, it is strongly suggested for ticketed commitments or reservations. Events are subject to strict arrival, socializing rules, and closing times.

The Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and Old Town School of Folk Music will be joining together to host the Virtual Square Roots Festival. In addition to the online concert this Saturday at 6 p.m., there are incredible packages highlighting the best food, craft beer, and artisan goods available to enjoy in the comfort of your home! The community looks forward to enjoying the crowd down Lincoln Avenue next year!!

One of Chicago’s earliest summer festivals on the calendar and a popular kickoff to our summer was rescheduled to this weekend. However, due to current circumstances, the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association will be hosting a virtual Old Town at Home in lieu of the in-person Wells Street Art Festival. The event will feature content from iconic Old Town businesses, studios, and music from local artists. Enjoy all that Old Town has to offer while supporting its small businesses!

In the mood for some good ‘ole blues music? Then tune-in this Sunday (2 p.m.-8 p.m.) for a new six-hour virtual festival Chicago/Kalamazoo Blues Party. It’s a celebration of Blues music, culture, and history combined with performances by top Midwest and Chicago Blues talent such as Billy Branch, Johnny Burgin, and others from Chicago, and AMays and Blue, Larry McCray Trio and Out of Favor Boys Trio from Kalamazoo. This is also a pay-what-you-can Blues stream with a virtual tip jar inviting donations to benefit the musicians and related local and national non-profit organizations!

The Chicago Dogs will once again be hosting baseball at Impact Field (9850 Balmoral Ave.) in Rosemont. This weekend they welcome the Milwaukee Milkmen. Saturday’s theme night is Star Wars, where you can visit a galaxy far, far away in a ballpark close to home! Sunday is Family Sunday presented by Coca-Cola, where you can enjoy catch on the field, $3 bottomless popcorn, and $3 bottomless drinks!

Lastly, this weekend’s Chi-Together: Drive-in Movies & Music will feature Glass (Saturday) and Shark Tale (Sunday) at Soldier Field (1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.) in the South Loop with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the movie beginning at 8:30 p.m. Each ticket includes a 90-minute music showcase by a locally featured musician or DJ, followed by the movie on 3 jumbo screens for up to 6 people and includes a bucket of popcorn for the group!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago