THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Traditional Summer Events Return!

Rain or Shine, Chicagoans will be out and about this weekend as we welcome back and support some of our traditional summer events as well as a few new ones!

The nation’s premier outdoor country music and BBQ festival, Windy City Smokeout, returns to the iconic United Center (1901 W. Madison St.) on the Near West Side this Saturday and Sunday. Guests can enjoy southern-inspired fare from premiere Chicago BBQ restaurants plus the opportunity to interact with chefs and their culinary teams. Live performances from country music’s biggest names and up-and-coming talent will be featured as well. It’s time again for the best BBQ, craft beer, and country music from around the country!

A new and reimagined program presented in place of the Taste of Chicago festival held in Grant ParkTaste of Chicago To-Go returns this summer with free food, music, and dance events. In addition to featuring nearly 40 participating eateries and promoting Chicago’s restaurant industry, there will be special events such as pop-up cooking demonstrations, the return of the “Community Eats” community meals program and many more for the public to enjoy!

Join neighbors from every Chicago community and beyond this Sunday (11 a.m.-8 p.m.) for Sundays on State. This free, interactive block party will close State St. (Chicago’s most iconic street) to traffic from Lake to Madison Streets on select Sundays this summer. Featuring over 70 on-street activations throughout the day, guests can safely enjoy art, culture, active recreation, retail, bars, restaurants, local attractions, and even more surprises!

It just wouldn’t be summer without free ice cream (while supplies last). The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce is excited to launch Lincoln Park Summer Sundaes once again this Sunday (1 p.m.-4 p.m.) at Lincoln Common (2345 N. Lincoln Ave.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. This monthly outdoor event will be held on the second Sunday of every month through September. The event will feature music, family-friendly games & activities, performances, photo opportunities as well as retail promotions, cocktail specials, summer brunch, special giveaways, and more along Lincoln Avenue!

The Copernicus Foundation is excited to host its 2021 8-week Outdoor Summer Concert Series beginning this Saturday (5 p.m.-10 p.m.) at the Copernicus Center (5216 W. Lawrence Ave.) in the Jefferson Park neighborhood. Enjoy your summer nights under the stars with your favorite live bands. This Saturday at 6 p.m. Modern Day Romeos will take to the stage while the Queen Explosion takes over at 8 p.m.! The Center’s full bar and kitchen will be ready to serve you!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago