THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Celebrating October & All It Has to Offer!
Welcome to October with its cooler temps, its beautiful autumn colors as the change of season occurs, some rain thrown in for good measure, and an abundance of Oktoberfests and Fall festivities for your weekend enjoyment! Here’s what’s in store for you this first weekend of October:
Even though the Chicago Pride Parade won’t be taking place again this year, the Chicago Pride Fest is still moving forward this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) at Northalsted (Halsted St. from Addison to Grace). This annual fest is a legendary street festival celebrating LGBTQ+ life, culture, and community. Swing by for 3 stages of live music performed by headline artists as well as local favorites, DJs and dancing, drag shows, food and drink, over 100 arts/crafts vendors, sponsor activations, games, giveaways and more! Plus, Sunday at Noon starting from the North Stage will be the Pet Pride Parade with the winners’ presentation (gift card prizes) being held at the Addison Street stage at 1:00 p.m. It’s always a great time at this love-filled celebration!
The St. Benedict’s Oktoberfest is being held this Saturday (1 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (1 p.m.-7 p.m.) at 2215 W Irving Park Road in the North Center neighborhood. Returning this year is great food provided by Himmel’s German Restaurant, pretzels and desserts from Schlegl’s Bakery, a variety of beer and wine and live entertainment. New for 2021 are carnival rides provided by Fantasy Amusements, kids’ food and drink served from the concession stand in the gym along with a hooligan dice game (a Benfest favorite), and kids’ entertainment in the gym as well. Plus, laser tag and bubble soccer are being held in the Ackerman Center provided by WickedBall! It’s a free family-friendly party but you’ll need to buy tickets for the food, beer, and carnival rides!
Usher in Fall at the Lincoln Square/Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce’s 34th annual Apple Fest this Saturday and Sunday (9 a.m.-6 p.m.) on Lincoln Avenue between Lawrence and Wilson. Shop autumnal goods at the fest’s marketplace of 50+ vendors to stock up on your Fall essentials. Check out this year’s menu of ciders and apple inspired dishes from local restaurants. Enjoy live music performances from local musicians and bring the kids for seasonal activities all weekend long! Have yourself one apple-filled weekend!
Join the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce for the return of their 15th annual Andersonville Wine Walk this Sunday (3 p.m.-6 p.m.). Enjoy a Sunday afternoon of sipping, strolling, and shopping through Andersonville’s beautiful northside historic district. Participants may choose from two routes: Cork or Bottle. Plus, all attendees receive a commemorative wine tasting glass and a route card to help direct you on your self-guided stroll! And several stops also include delicious food pairings!
Returning for its third edition at a fantastic new West Loop venue, Revel Fulton Market (1215 W. Fulton Market), The Other Art Fair Chicago is being held Saturday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-5 p.m.). Available for purchase to suit every budget will be a curated selection of over 120 of the city’s best independent artists under one roof. In addition, there will be interactive art exhibits, murals by Chicago artists, food trucks in the outdoor seating areas, outdoor bars and lounge, and much more! Plus, discover hundreds more artists from across the globe in their Other Live Online Studios editions!
Finally, the Chicago Bears host the Detroit Lions this Sunday (12:00 p.m.) at Soldier Field in the South Loop. After last week’s performance in Cleveland, they need their fans’ support!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
