THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Dog Days of Summer Continue!

The dog days of summer continue this weekend in Chicago with a line-up of events sure to please everyone!

Returning for its 17th season to the Wicker Park neighborhood at Milwaukee and North Avenues, the Wicker Park Fest is one of Chicago’s most anticipated summer festivals and usually one of the season’s largest and most crowded events.  This fest celebrates the neighborhood with eclectic music (over 20 bands on two stages), great local food, arts & crafts, a kids’ area, and retail vendors.  It definitely reflects Wicker Park’s rich musical heritage, acclaimed restaurants, and vibrant nightlife!

The 38th annual Taste of Lincoln Avenue returns to the Lincoln Park/DePaul neighborhood at Lincoln and Fullerton Avenues this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.).  Sprawling over several city blocks, this fest is one of the summer’s oldest but has expanded over the years as well.  The taste has a variety of food, arts, crafts and other vendors. It also offers a main music stage with amazing regional and local entertainment.  There’s lots of fun things being offered at this iconic fest and should be at the top of your list as a must attend!

If you’d like to avoid the crowds at the neighborhood street fests but still wish to treat your taste buds to an adventure, then perhaps the Watson Adventures’ Munch Around Lincoln Park Scavenger Hunt is for you.  This unique food-centered scavenger hunt takes place this Saturday (12 p.m.-2:30 p.m.) at Lincoln Park (2500 N. Cannon Dr.).  Highlights include Oz Park with Dorothy and friends, Founding Fathers loitering outside a pub, micro mansions, hidden oases, one the city’s oldest houses, Dillinger’s death spot and much more!  Plus, you’ll be stopping along the way to sample a variety of fun foods.  And don’t forget your smartphone since this game is played on it using Watson Adventures’ browser-based app!!  You must purchase your ticket in advance.

Presented in partnership with the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Latin Jazz Festival returns for its 14th season at the Humboldt Park Fieldhouse. The fest will take place at 1440 N. Humboldt Blvd. in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. The event is this Saturday between 6 p.m.-8 p.m..  Attendees will enjoy a line-up of the hottest Latin Jazz ensembles the city has to offer!  Since seating is limited, please bring your own lawn chair.

This Saturday’s Outdoor Summer Concert Series at the Copernicus Center (5216 W. Lawrence Ave.) in the Jefferson Park neighborhood welcomes entertainers Rico at 6 p.m. and 7th Heaven at 8 p.m.  Enjoy your summer nights under the stars with your favorite live bands and the Center’s full bar and kitchen!

Come join the Andersonville neighborhood as they celebrate their first-ever outdoor Andersonville Vintage Market this Sunday (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) at 1500 W. Catalpa Avenue.  Enjoy browsing the Market’s antiques, home décor, accessories, clothing, jewelry, music and other bric-a-brac from over a dozen local retailers, along with several food vendors!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago