THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Summer Festivals Out in Full Force!

Our outdoor summer festivals will be out in full force this weekend here in Chicago, rain or shine! Hopefully the ‘rain’ part will stay away!! Shall we get started?

The largest free blues festival in the world, the Chicago Blues Festival, is returning live to Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.) in The Loop this Saturday and Sunday. With a diverse lineup celebrating the blues’ past, present and future, this Festival shares the great Chicago-born music tradition while shining a spotlight on the genre’s contributions to soul, R&B, gospel, and more. This year’s lineup includes headlining sets from blues singer Shemekia Copeland, guitarist Ronnie Baker Brooks and one-time child prodigy Eric Gales, plus a special “Women in Blues” showcase on Sunday paying tribute to legendary Chicago blues singer Mary Lane!  And, for the first time this year, concerts in several Chicago neighborhoods will honor those neighborhoods where Blues was born in Chicago!!

Taste of Chicago pop-ups will return this year with events in three Chicago neighborhoods in June while a bite-sized version of the classic lakefront food festival (Taste of Chicago) will be held in July. This weekend, Taste of Chicago Austin will be featured on Saturday (12 p.m. – 8 p.m.) at 5720 W. Chicago Avenue in the Austin neighborhood. This pop-up features top local food vendors offering everything from Caribbean bites, savory soul food, the best tacos, mouthwatering gumbo and more! Plus, live Blues music will be on hand celebrating the living legacy of the Chicago Blues on the city’s west side with top talent from the Chicago Blues Festival performing throughout the day!!

Grant Park’s Butler Field (100 S. Lake Shore Dr.) in The Loop will be filled with plant-based foodies for the highly anticipated Vegandale Chicago as it returns to the city this Saturday from11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Not only will fest goers experience the best in vegan comfort food from over 100 vendors from across the continent and beyond, but they will also experience an epic party with all the drinks, music, contests, and more!

The event formerly known as the Hyde Park Brew Fest is transitioning to a full-out music festival now known as the Hyde Park Summer Fest this Saturday and Sunday at the Midway Plaisance (E. 59th St. and Ellis Ave.) This Fest will feature a stacked lineup of artists, DJs, and brewers in the Blue Moon Beer Garden where you can sample over 40 craft beers which include the New Blue Moon Light Sky and Blue Moon Haze!

Andersonville’s beloved summer street fest, Andersonville Midsommarfest, returns to Clark Street with a newly expanded footprint from Catalpa Avenue to Foster Avenue this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m. – 10 p.m.). This Fest gathers enthusiastic Chicagoans for a weekend filled with Swedish-themed festivities, tangy international food, energetic entertainment, exclusive artisans and vendors along with an array of family-friendly interactive activities!

It’s time again for the Wells Street Art Festival which is returning to Wells Street between North Avenue and Division Street in the Old Town neighborhood this Saturday (10 a.m. – 10 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.).  Explore stunning and innovative works of art from a diverse mix of nearly 125+ juried artists from both the region and across the nation. Other weekend highlights include tasty treats and savory bites from the neighborhood’s eclectic restaurants, a cool music stage featuring local bands and the Jesse White Tumblers, and kids’ art activities!

Happy Festing!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago