Neighborhood News – Grant Park, Andersonville, Humboldt Park, Old Town, Navy Pier

Singing the Blues!Chicago celebrates the art form that began here at theChicago Blues Festival starting Thursday, June 9 through Sunday, June 12. The festivities get underway at Millennium Park, at Michigan and Columbus Avenues at 2:40pm daily with a welcome from legendary DJ Tom Marker and entertains through 9pm each day. Too many legends to list here, but the lineup includes Shemekia Copeland, “Blue Lou” Marini, The Mike Wheeler Band, Nora Jean Wallace, The Kinsey Report, and Ronnie Baker Brooks, and so many more! Free to all. For more information, click here.

 Välkommen! From Friday, June 10 to Sunday, June 12, North Clark Street from Foster to Catalpa transforms into Andersonville’s quintessential celebration of Swedish heritage. Midsommarfest returns for its 56th year with with eclectic music, great vendors, food and free kids activities!  Three music stages features groups like 16 Candles, Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press, and Fiona Gray. Become a star yourself with ABBA Karaoke! Bring your pooch to Sunday’s Dog Parade and learn the art and grace of  Swedish Dancing! Families can dance, eat, make memories around the maypole, and take photos adorned by flower crowns in the Midsommarfest Social Media booths. Hours are Friday, 5pm-10pm, and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 10pm. For more information, click here.

Chicago’s 43rd annual Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade  returns Saturday, June 11, at 2pm, on the Paseo Boricua from Division Street and Campbell Street; proceeding west on Division Street through the heart of the Puerto Rican commercial and cultural community, to Sacramento and Division. Post-parade, at Humboldt Park, enjoy live music, food, carnival rides, art, and workshops at Fiestas Patronales Puertorriqueñas.The Festival begins Thursday, June 9, with a free Community Day, and continues Friday from 4pm-10pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 12pm-10pm. For tickets and information, click here. 

Chicago’s most revered celebration of artistry and artisans, the Old Town Art Fair, kicks off Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12 in the heart of the Old Town Triangle Historic District, 1763 N. North Park Avenue. Art lovers can take their families to see 200+ nationally acclaimed artists, participate in a beautiful Garden Walk, experience live music, refuel at the food court and let your kids unleash their inner artist at the Children’s Corner! Come rain or shine, Old Town Art Fair hours on Saturday are 10am to 7pm and Sunday, 10am to 6pm. Kids come free, suggested donations are $12 per adult. For more information, click here.

Mini-Golfing with Buzz Lightyear? You and your family can at Navy Pier’s outdoor Pixar Putt, 600 E. Grand Avenue…to Infinity and Beyond! From now through August 21, come to Polk Brothers Park for 18 fun, interactive holes inspired by the stories, characters, and icons from some of Disney and Pixar’s most beloved films including Toy Story, The Incredibles, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, Coco, A Bug’s Life, Wall-E, and Inside Out. For tickets, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago