THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Celebrate ♦ Remember ♦ Honor!

Memorial Day Weekend is here, marking the official start of summer in Chicago! While things aren’t totally back to normal yet, this year’s Memorial Day is shaping up to look more like a typical early summer holiday. Here are a few things to get you out of the house to enjoy your three-day weekend. Plus, Chicago beaches officially open this weekend, and don’t miss the Memorial Day fireworks show Saturday night at Navy Pier!!

Tired of cooking? Me too! Well, here are two food tours you might enjoy –

The Chinatown Lunch Tour uncovers China’s sophisticated flavors and vast spectrum of regional cooking styles. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., you’ll enjoy seated dining at five restaurants and bakeries featuring upscale Chinese recipes. In between these full portion tastings, you’ll receive a behind-the-scenes look at Chicago’s historic Chinatown with visits to intriguing cultural, religious, and historic landmarks. This tour is ideal for both residents and visitors to connect with authentic Chinese foods in unexpected ways!

Gateway to the West Loop Food Tour offers a leisurely stroll down Randolph Street, also known as Chicago’s Best Foodie Street. It is home to a unique mixture of James Beard Award-winning chefs, old-school diners, Chicago-based breweries, and eclectic dive bars. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., you’ll get a glimpse of daily life in the West Loop while tasting the best of what Chicago has to offer. Plus, your expert guide will educate you on this neighborhood’s culture, architecture, and history while exploring its most fascinating offbeat landmarks!

Beginning this weekend from 2 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Navy Pier’s weekly live music series, Live on the Lake! features Chicago’s best bands as well as regional and national acts every Saturday and Sunday in the Beer Garden. Countless genres and styles of popular music will be featured as you kick back and take in the views of the skyline and lake at this popular waterfront venue!

Also, there’s plenty of Cruises and Boat Tours to choose from this Memorial Day weekend. Here are just a few:  Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady; lakefront speedboat tours from Seadog; classic lake tour with Shoreline Sightseeing; river dinner cruise with Odyssey and many others!

To top it all off, it’s even a packed home baseball holiday weekend for all of Chicago’s fans:

The Chicago Cubs will play at historic Wrigley Field in Lakeview on Saturday, May 29 – Monday, May 31 (1:20 p.m.) as they welcome the Cincinnati Reds through Sunday and the San Diego Padres on Monday!

The Chicago White Sox will be at Guaranteed Rate in Bridgeport on Saturday, May 29 – Sunday, May 30 (1:10 p.m.) as they welcome the Baltimore Orioles!

The Chicago Dogs will be at Impact Field in Rosemont on Saturday, May 29 (7 p.m.) – Sunday, May 30 (3:05 p.m.) as they welcome the Sioux City Explorers, and on Monday, May 31 (1:05 p.m.) as they welcome the Winnipeg Goldeyes!

After Taking a Moment to Remember and Honor Our Veterans — Bring On the Backyard, the BBQs, and the Long Weekend!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago