THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Let the Countdown Begin!

As is tradition, in just a matter of two weeks, Chicagoans will be welcoming in the beginning of their “unofficial” summer season! However, we’re still waiting to hear if our traditional street festivals and outdoor concerts make a comeback this summer. Until then, let the countdown begin while enjoying this weekend at any one of these events!!

Market for Makers is back in Chicago this weekend (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) at the historic and spacious Artifact Events (4325 N. Ravenswood Ave.) in the Lakeview neighborhood. Over 50 vendors from across the country will be on hand to display their handmade art, home décor, clothing, jewelry, and more. Every guest receives a free tote bag to fill with goods from small businesses, as well as have access to several photo walls to take photos. Tickets are $7 online and $10 at the door. Upgraded VIP tickets include access all weekend any time, an upgraded tote bag, and access to the Saturday preview hour from 10 a.m.-11 a.m.!

Join Chicago’s best DJs at Navy Pier’s South Dock (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood for Wave Wall Wax featuring free outdoor performances this Saturday and next Saturday from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at the Wave Wall Performance Platform. The DJ line-up is Steve “Miggedy” Maestro (May 15th) and The Narcoleptic (May 22nd). Be prepared to dance to the sounds of House, Hip-Hop, Latin, Soul, Funk, Global grooves, and more! Afterward, be sure to check out the fireworks (9 p.m.) at the People’s Pier or enjoy the display from any of the Pier’s open areas!

Get in the Kitchen! (3617 N. Broadway Ave.) in the Lakeview neighborhood is hosting Dumpling Night! this Saturday (7 p.m.-10 p.m.). Learn three ways to prepare dumplings. All you need to do is sip on wine while they show you how to fold and prepare dumplings with four amazing dumpling recipes! The menu for this class includes buffalo chicken Rangoon, toasted chicken parmigiana egg rolls, pan-fried shrimp scampi potstickers, and crispy cherry chocolate marshmallow won tons for dessert!! All cooking parties are BYOB or pre-purchase a bottle of wine for 10% off from Get In the Kitchen’s exclusive wine selection.

This weekend kicks off Long Grove’s For the Love of Chocolate Festival. It’s a new bite-size version of their annual Chocolate Festival featuring a Chocolate Expo Tent, a Chocolate Experience Tent, and a Chocolate Row of vendors! Hear about the history of chocolate, how it’s grown, sourced, and made. Watch a demo to see how to make chocolate and chocolate treats at home. Learn how to taste craft chocolate correctly. Watch their chocolate artist in action as he creates chocolate art. Take in the scent of chocolate cotton candy while it’s spun on-site at Ma and Pa’s Candy. Also, industry experts will be on hand to educate, entertain, energize, and engage attendees into the wonderful world of chocolate. Plus, locations throughout their downtown area will have free live music performances by Chicago area singers, songwriters, and musicians. It’s an “All Things Chocolate” weekend!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago