THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Welcome to Autumn 2021!
Not only has the autumn season arrived but it also brought the fall temps with it! For some it’s a welcome relief yet for others it’s not. But this first fall weekend in Chicago is all set to bring plenty of warm sunshine and the beginning of fall festival season to please everyone!
The Andersonville Midsommarfest may have been canceled earlier this year, but Andersonville Homecoming is taking its place this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) on Clark Street between Catalpa and Summerdale Avenues. This new festival will feature local artisans and merchants, food and drink vendors, free kids’ activities, live music on two stages and more! Music highlights include Sixteen Candles, Justice Hill & Nighttime Love, Renee Goust, Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute Tribute Band and more!
Celebrate Humboldt Park’s vibrant Puerto Rican culture and history at their annual Puerto Rican Festival of Chicago returning to a new location of Humboldt Park this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.). This year’s festival will feature live music, an artisan market, a health fair, an education area, community workshops and resources, sports clinics, films and more with this year’s theme being “Home.” Grab a blanket or two and head out for some daily fun with the whole family!
Start your Saturday with a full belly at the last day of Breakfast with the Animals at Lincoln Park Zoo (Cannon Dr. at Fullerton Pkwy.) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Besides eating a delicious breakfast alongside some spectacular animals, guests will also be able to have private chats with Zookeepers at various exhibits to learn exciting facts, hear anecdotes and find out what their animal friends might eat to start their own day! Plus, the star of the menu will be pancakes with Nutella along with fruit, coffee, juices, and more!
You know it’s autumn when asked to pull out your lederhosen! Below are two events requiring just that:
One of Chicago’s most popular fall celebrations and all things Bavarian, Oktoberfest Chicago, returns for its 19th year to St. Alphonsus Church (1429 W. Wellington Ave.) in the Lakeview neighborhood this Saturday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.). This fest features food (homemade bratwurst and pretzels), a variety of Sam Adams beers on tap (including fall favorite Oktoberfest), two stages of live music (bunch of cover bands and Sgt. Saukraut’s Polka Band and the Polkaholics), the family friendly KinderFest, and more! Plus, Sunday keeps the party going with the airing of the Chicago Bears game in the church parking lot at Noon against the Browns in Cleveland!
Oktoberfest at Brookfield Zoo (8400 W. 31st St.) takes place this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.) on the East Mall of the zoo. Enjoy live polka music at the Beer Garden plus a seasonal menu of bratwurst, sausages, pretzels with beer cheese, and more. Also available for purchase will be Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest beer! And, if you happen to spot the Leinie’s mobile pedi-cab, and you’re over 21, you just may receive some complimentary memorabilia!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
