THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Welcome Phase 5 – We’re Open!

Welcome to Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan! It’s been a long-time coming but both Chicago and Illinois have completely reopened which means that restaurants are at max capacity again, select festivals are back on, and we can finally get back to the business at hand of attending our favorite summertime festivities!!

Join Players Sport & Social Group with Michelob Ultra this Saturday (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) for their annual Beach Slap Volleyball Tournament & Beach Party at North Avenue Beach (1600 N. Lake Shore Dr.). Your party wristband gets you entry into the private beach party, six drink tickets valid for Michelob Ultra and Bud Light, access to sponsor tents that will be giving away freebies and prizes, a DJ spinning all day long, and exciting beach games that include giant Jenga, life-size beer pong, and contests. There’s no better way to kick-off summer than at the best kick-off summer beach party! Get those bathing suits out!!

Returning to the charming Old Town Triangle Historic District on Chicago’s north side this Saturday (10 a.m.-7 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) is the Old Town Art Fair. This fine art fair will host over 200 artists featuring their works in 2D and 3D mixed media, paintings, drawings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and more. Also being offered are a self-guided Garden Walk tour of more than 50 local gardens, a Children’s Corner, Live Music from local performers, and a selection of Food and Drinks provided by area restaurants and vendors! Admission is free but you’ll need to register in advance to enter the gates this year.

The Ikebana Walking Exhibition takes place this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) in the Southport Corridor (3200-3900 N. Southport Ave.) in the Lakeview neighborhood. This exhibition features the Japanese art of flower arrangement in local restaurants and business storefront windows allowing safe public access to this beautiful and unique art. This event is free, and there will be a ribbon cutting at an opening ceremony on Saturday (12 p.m.) with local community leaders and special guests! Also, various restaurants and participants will feature promotions during this event as well!!

Launching this Sunday (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) to kick-off summer is Lincoln Park Summer Sundaes on Clark Street. This monthly outdoor event series will be held on the second Sunday of every month from June-September featuring free ice cream, entertainment, games, and photo opportunities along with retail promotions, summer brunch, and cocktail specials along the street!

The Porchlight Music Theatre announces its first live, in-person production of 2021 with New Faces Sing Broadway 1979 this Saturday (8 p.m.-9:30 p.m.) at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts (9501 N. Skokie Blvd.) in Skokie. This concert will feature songs from the 1979 Broadway shows Evita, Sweeney Todd, They’re Playing Our Song, and more!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago