THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – More Fun Coming – Let’s Get Going!
Ok, who blinked and brought us to the first weekend of August? Correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t summer just arrive!? Well despite the fact that summer is fading away from us we still do have more fun coming so let’s get going!!
Taking place in a parking lot outside the iconic United Center (1901 W. Madison St.) on the Near West Side is the return of the nation’s premier outdoor BBQ and country music festival the Windy City Smokeout hosted by Bub City and Joe’s Bar. This annual festival brings together some of the nation’s most talented pitmasters for the best BBQ as well as the best craft beer from around the country. It also features live performances from country music’s biggest names with Miranda Lambert and Sam Hunt topping the bill this weekend along with up-and-coming talent. Don’t forget the ever popular All-You-Can-Eat BBQ Brunch on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for an additional $50 where you can enjoy a variety of dishes from the Pitmaster Buffet and a special Bacon Bar sponsored by Illinois Pork Producers! It’s sure to be a finger lickin’ good time!!
Inspired by its namesake Grateful Dead song, Dancing in the Streets is set amid the Chicago Brewing District (1700-1800 W. Hubbard St.) in West Town this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m. – 10 p.m.). This one-of-a-kind festival features a variety of jam bands, curated craft beers, an array of local artisans and makers, local restaurants, retailers, and food trucks. It also offers a variety of kid-friendly activities such as crafts, games, t-shirt tie-dying, and face painting for the whole family to enjoy! So, don your favorite tie-dyed shirt and get ready to dance because it’s all about Hot Jams and Cold Beer!!
It’s the return of the 40th annual Northalsted Market Days® to Halsted Street from Belmont Avenue to Addison Street in the Lakeview neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m. – 10 p.m.). This ½-mile-long live music street festival celebrates the community with all-day lineups of live music on 6 stages plus 250+ unique vendors, arts, crafts, food and drink, DJ’s and dancing, sponsor booths, and more! It’s been ranked in the top 10 Chicago festivals by BizBash!!
Join neighbors from every Chicago community and beyond at this year’s Sundays on State taking place on Sundays through September 4th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on State Street between Lake and Monroe Streets. It’s a free, interactive block party featuring art, culture, active recreations, outdoor dining, shopping, entertainment, local attractions, and unexpected surprises in the heart of everyone’s neighborhood – The Loop!
The biggest geek party in the Midwest, C2E2 returns to the McCormick Place Convention Center (2301 S. King Dr.) in the South Loop this Saturday (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.). It’s the only comic, cosplay, and pop culture convention featuring your favorite celebrities, unique exhibitors, incredible comic artists, autograph sessions, panels, screening rooms, exclusives, After Dark events and more! Plus, you can kick-back in C2E2’s beer garden, The Yard, located on the show floor and featuring live music and trivia. It’s a weekend that is all about you!!
Pay homage to Bronzeville’s history as a hub for jazz and blues at this year’s Bronzeville Neighborhood Jazz Festival this Saturday (12 p.m. – 8 p.m.) on Martin Luther King Drive from 37th to 39th Streets. This fest features live music from local musicians alongside products from local vendors, and food trucks including Anointed Appetite, Harold’s Chicken and more!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
