THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Summer Holiday Nearing Its End?
Even though preparations are taking place for another new school year, there’s still many summer events left to enjoy what’s left of your summer holiday! Here’s what the second weekend of August has planned for you and yours!!
It’s the 93rd edition of the world’s largest and oldest African American parade celebrating Chicago’s youth just before another school year begins and is the second largest parade in the United States next to the Rose Bowl. The Bud Billiken Parade will once again begin in the Bronzeville neighborhood at 39th Street and Martin Luther King Drive concluding at 55th Street this Saturday from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. This year’s parade features colorful floats, bands, drill teams, and dance teams as well as this year’s grand marshal, the R&B singer and CPS alum Jeremih! Afterwards, there will be a family-friendly festival that will include vendors, face painting, Zumba in the Park, and more!! This parade has inspired generations nationwide and continues to do so even today.
The South Loop’s most hip and cool art fest returns this Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) with the Printer’s Row Art Fest on Dearborn Street from Harrison to Polk Streets as it celebrates its 4th year. Welcoming over 100 juried artists from near and far, you’ll see incredible art from painters, street artists, up-cycling artists, jewelers, photographers, and more at all price points! Also, on hand will be lots of live music along with local restaurants, cafes and bars offering a multitude of eating and drinking options!! Admission is free and there is nearby parking as well as a convenient parking garage one block away on Harrison.
Are you ready for a blast from the past? Look no further than the 25th annual Retro on Roscoe festival in the Roscoe Village neighborhood at 2000 W. Roscoe Street this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m. – 10 p.m.). Three stages of live music will play oldies and throwbacks along with popular hits. The beautiful tree-lined streets will set the scene for artisans, antique vendors, and merchants. Local top restaurants will serve up much desired summer treats, and the family area will offer prime inflatables, crafts, balloon artists, face painting, and more! Plus, there’s an Antique Car Show featuring over 50 antique, classic and muscle cars all weekend long!!
Access Contemporary Music is proud to present the 7th annual Thirsty Ears Festival this Saturday (2 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m. – 9 p.m.) at 1758 W. Wilson Avenue in the Ravenswood neighborhood. It’s Chicago’s only classical music street festival featuring 17 stellar ensembles and soloists performing music from Beethoven to Shostakovich to Reich and everything in between! There’s also craft beer from Dovetail, vendor booths, food trucks, and kid-friendly activities all weekend long. Oh, and the first 100 people to arrive early each day will receive a swanky swag bag!!
Of course, I saved the best for last! It’s Dog Days this Saturday (11 a.m.- 4 p.m.) at Gallagher Way (3635 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. Round up your four-legged family member(s) and kick off the day with Dog Yoga from 11 a.m. – 11:45 p.m. Then stick around to get treats from local dog-friendly vendors, have some drinks, enjoy some lawn games for the humans, and a showing of “Best in Show” for the dogs! Also, Alive Rescue will be on-site as well collecting supplies for dogs and cats in need!!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
