Chicago Neighborhood News: Lincoln Square, Lakeview, Chicago Loop, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park

So much to do, so little time! Inching ever closer to fall, this weekend offers many opportunities for amazing experiences in your community, as well as art, music and festivals!

Start your weekendwith Lincoln Square’s September Stammtisch, on Friday September 17, from 7:30pm-11pm at the Dank Haus German-American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave, at the 6th floor Skyline Lounge & Terrace. A Stammtisch (German for ‘regulars’ table)’ is an informal, friendly get-together, held on a regular basis. September’s Stammtisch will feature delicious food, drink, and snacks for purchase, good conversation and gemeinschaft (community). Masks are required. Suggested donation is $5.

For a delectable feast of food and music, head to the Eighth Annual Lakeview Taco Fest on Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19, on Southport between Addison and Roscoe. The fest also features special beer and taco pairings, two music stages featuring acts like Sixteen Candles and Stache, crowd-pleasing Mexican wrestlers (Luche Libre), and activities for kids. Visitors can text-vote for local eateries competing for the honor of the title ‘Chicago’s Best Taco.’ How do you like yours? Traditional chicken, steak, chorizo and beef, or stuffed with imaginative ingredients such as mushrooms, seafood, goat and duck? A $10 suggested donation benefits the Friends of Lakeview. 

The Fifth Annual artfest Michigan Avenue will be held at the base of the iconic Chicago Tribune Building, 435 N Michigan Ave., on Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19, from 10am-5pm. Showcasing the work of 70 juried artists from across the country in a wide variety of mediums, this “all-art” show features every medium available, from gorgeous glass and jewelry to functional wearables and sustainable, up-cycled artworks.  Reservations are encouraged. Free admission.

Savor a selection of more than 150 craft beers and ciders at Lincoln Park Zoo’s Sixth Annual Craft Brews Beer Festival, on Saturday, September 18, from 5pm-10pm, 2200 N. Cannon Drive. Beer tasting stations will be set up throughout the zoo’s beautiful gardens during this adults-only, after-hours event. Ticket holders will also enjoy food for purchase, music, lawn games, and the zoo’s amazing animals.  General admission tickets include entry to Lincoln Park Zoo beginning at 6 p.m. as well as (20) 3oz tasting tickets and a souvenir tasting glass. Tickets range from $20-$65.

The Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free blues festival in the world. This year, Chicago in Tune wraps up its celebration of music in the home of urban blues on Saturday, September 18, at Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion. From 5:30pm-8:30pm, you can enjoy a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Chicago’s legendary Alligator Records with Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, Nick Moss Band, and the Cash Box Kings with special guests, Shemekia Copeland, Billy Branch and Wayne Baker Brooks. Free admission.

Get to know your neighbors and experience your community at the Wicker Park Farmer’s Market!  On Sunday, September 19th from 8am-2pm, at 1425 N. Damen, the Wicker Park Farmer’s Market hosts a variety of family-friendly activities, as well as great displays of farmer’s market-fresh cheeses, fruits, flowers and vegetables. Other features include displays from local artists, and a full roster of activities, including meditation with Kadampa Meditation Center from 8:15am-8:50am, Pilates with Club Pilates Wicker Park from 9am-9:45am, and Children’s Storytime with Cruelty-Free You & Me from 9am-11am. Emily Franke provides music from 10am to noon. Masks are required. Free admission.

 Alison Moran and Dean’s Team Chicago