THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Return of Popular Street Festivals!
It’s time to hit the pavement again as some of Chicago’s popular street festivals are back live for the summer of 2022! It’s been a long two years without them so let’s show our support by attending the following festivals taking place this weekend!!
Proudly returning to Grant Park (337 E. Randolph St.) in The Loop, Taste of Chicago will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday for incredible food, music, and activities around Buckingham Fountain. More than 30 food vendors will be dishing out tastes of Chicago classics (hot dogs, pizza, cheesecake) as well as bites representing the international influences from the city’s melting pot of cultures. Guest can also enjoy a designated beer hall, wine tent, cocktail lounge, a diverse mix of national and international artists at nightly concerts, and much more!
Another annual street festival, West Fest Chicago, returns Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) to Chicago Avenue between Wood Street and Damen Avenue in the West Town neighborhood. West Fest places an emphasis on local offerings and talent and therefore showcases neighborhood retailers and restaurants, fine artists, crafters, food trucks, and more! The live music stage features an eclectic mix of current and high-quality live music. The Pet Fest features a dog obstacle course, paw painting, pet retail and services booths with various pet related demonstrations throughout the day. The Kid Fest features train rides, bounce houses, an inflatable super slide, pony rides, carnival games and much more. It’s one of Chicago’s most prominent and well-attended street festivals!!
Featured in TimeOut Chicago as one of the “Best Festivals in Town,” the Southport Art Fest returns to the Southport Corridor (North Southport Ave. & West Waveland Ave.) in the Lakeview neighborhood on Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-7 p.m.). This two-day festival will showcase some of the city’s best and most diverse artists who will feature their work in a variety of art forms. Plus, families will have the opportunity to bring their children and enjoy all that this fest has to offer! From food and drink specials throughout the weekend to a special kid’s area designed with interactive games and activities will certainly make for an unforgettable time for all!!
The Square Roots Festival returns to the Lincoln Square neighborhood this Saturday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m.-9 p.m.) to Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson Avenues. This family-friendly event features live music, vendors, food, Chicago’s finest craft beers on tap, and a kid’s zone offering arts and crafts, face painting, swing set drum kit, a petting zoo, and kid-friendly entertainment!
Dozens of movies will screen in parks all over Chicago as part of the city’s annual Movies in the Parks program. From recent blockbusters to classics, you’re sure to find something good to watch for free beneath the stars this summer. Screenings typically begin at 8:30 p.m. each evening. Here’s this weekend’s choices:
Saturday
“The Rookie” – Oz Park (2021 N. Burling St.) – Lincoln Park
“Jungle Cruise” – O’Hallaren Park (8335 S. Honore St.) – Auburn Gresham
“The Princess Bride” – Loyola Park (1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.) – East Rogers Park
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
