THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Fest Season Back in Full Swing!

This weekend may be the end of July, but Chicago’s fest season is back in full swing!  Be sure to take in as many of the fests as you can since summer will be over before you know it!!

Head on down to Hutchinson Field in Grant Park this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-5 p.m.) as Lollapalooza returns at full capacity this summer.  This music fest is packed with some of the biggest names in pop, rock and hip-hop.  In fact, the headliner on Saturday is Post Malone along with Journey, Megan Thee Stallion, Limp Bizkit, Slander and Young The Giant, while the Foo Fighters will headline on Sunday with Dababy, Brockhampton, Modest Mouse, Alison Wonderland and Young Thug!  If you plan on attending, you’ll need proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test completed within 24 hours of entry.

The iconic and popular annual celebration of Far East culture, Chinatown Summer Fair, returns for its 42nd festive year on Wentworth Avenue from Cermak Road to 24th Place this Saturday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m.-7 p.m.).  This neighborhood street fest opens with a lion dance procession at 12:30 p.m., and a welcome at 1 p.m. on the main stage.  Some of the highlights include: samplings from Chinatown’s restaurants and unique gift shops, arts & crafts exhibits, Asian performances, kung fu demonstrations and a children’s area with pony rides and a petting zoo.

If you love classic rock, then skip Lollapalooza and head to the Jefferson Park neighborhood for its 20th annual community party Jeff Fest.  This fest takes place Saturday (2 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.-9 p.m.) at Jefferson Memorial Park (4822 N. Long Ave.).  Get down to great tunes from a live music lineup filled with tribute acts, enjoy an array of tasty foods, and browse the arts & crafts vendors.  There’s also the Kids’ Zone area located on the north side of the park featuring tons of cool activities for families along with the Community Stage!  It’s a proud tradition in one of Chicago’s most friendly communities!!

One of the largest Latino fests in the Midwest returns as a full in-person event to the heart of the Pilsen neighborhood with Fiesta del Sol this Saturday (11 a.m.-11 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) at Cermak Road and Loomis Street.  This free family-friendly Mexican festival features over 100 booths with some of the best tacos, tamales and tostadas in town along with a lineup of traditional live music on two stages, activities for the kids, art exhibits, a carnival and much more!

The Hyatt Regency O’Hare (9300 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.) in Rosemont will be hosting the Flashback Weekend Chicago Horror Convention this weekend.  Since 2002, this event is Chicago’s largest and longest running horror convention featuring major celebrity guests, innovative programming, lavish parties & receptions plus evenings filled with events that include star-studded screenings and theatrical premieres.  When the vendor room closes, that’s when the after-parties begin and run all night into the wee hours of the morning!

Join Fibs Brewing Company (260 Howard Ave.) in Des Plaines as they celebrate turning two with a huge two-day bash. It’s called: Fibfestand will be rapping up on Saturday.  Celebrants will enjoy live music, tasty street tacos by Big Rig Tacos, BBQ by Johns Rib House, and Fibs Brewing’s watermelon Jolly Rancher Ale – the only place on the planet that serves this!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago