THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Switching on Summer!

Looks like we’re in for some hot summer temps this weekend in Chicago. Couldn’t come at a better time since the city and the Chicago Park District will be switching on summer! Here are some options for you and your family to get out and enjoy the outdoors for a little taste of summer in May!!

Learn about the history of Chicago from an expert guide on the Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food & Walking Tour. All food tastings are included in the price, and the walking tour covers an easy 1.5 miles through downtown Chicago. Visit Millennium Park, the Palmer House Hotel, the Chicago River, and other city landmarks while enjoying generous tastings of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, chocolates, and pastry at a number of eateries! You can also upgrade your ticket to include a tasting of local beer!!

Perhaps you would prefer to take a guided bike tour.  Bikes, Bites, and Brews: Chicago’s Signature Dishes Bike Tour takes you on a 13-mile moderate pace bike ride through four of Chicago’s top neighborhoods, which include Wrigleyville, the Gold Coast, Old Town, and Lakeview. Plus, taste Chicago’s most well-known foods and drinks, including Chicago hot dogs, deep-dish pizza, cupcakes, and craft beer, while your local guide provides historical and cultural insight about the food and neighborhoods!

Join Boxing Out Negativity’s (mentorship organization) 1st annual Bike Out Negativity this Saturday (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) for a bike ride through the North Lawndale and Little Village neighborhoods. Cyclists from throughout the city are invited to come together and show the West Side some love and support on this six-mile fun ride accompanied by pre-and post-ride refreshments, giveaways, and performances! The day kicks off with a community expo and celebration (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) in the boulevard across from St. Agatha’s church (3147 W. Douglas Blvd.). Then at 1 p.m., it’s time for the fun bike ride finishing up at Stone Temple Baptist Church (3622 W. Douglas Blvd.) with post-ride celebrations!!

Get ready for ComEd’s 7th annual Switch on Summer celebrating the start of summer with the turning on of Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park (pictured above). However, this season-changing ritual goes virtual for the second year in a row. You won’t want to miss this livestream event featuring special guest appearances, including WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling. Once again, a ComEd sweepstakes winner will flip the switch bringing Buckingham Fountain back to life and switching on summer!!

In case you haven’t heard, it’s official Chicago; Lollapalooza 2021 is happening! The iconic fest returns to Grant Park (337 E. Randolph St.) in The Loop from July 29–August 1 at full capacity. Here’s who’s performing at Chicago’s biggest summer music festival: Foo Fighters will be headlining a night of the four-day fest, along with rapper Post Malone, hip-hop producer Tyler, the Creator, and chameleonic pop singer Miley Cyrus. There are plenty of other big names on the lineup as well, such as costumed EDM artist Marshmello, “Hot Girl Summer” creator Meghan Thee Stallion, karaoke bar mainstays Journey, prolific emcee Young Thug and… nu-metal act Limp Bizkit. Don’t wait! Get your ticket before this event is sold out!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago