THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – It’s Going to be a Great One!
Are you ready for getting the most out of our dwindling summer weekends? Well, this last weekend of August is going to be a great one so get your weekend started here!
Chicago’s popular Taste of Greektown returns for its 32nd year to Halsted Street from Adams to Van Buren Streets this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m. – 10 p.m.) in the West Loop. Blending Old World traditions with a 21st century freshness, the neighborhood’s acclaimed Greek restaurants, like Artopolis Bakery, Café and Agora, Athena Restaurant, Mr. Greek Gyros, and others, will once again be the main attraction at this annual culinary fest. There will also be plenty of live music and entertainment including Greek bands, Greek dancing, unique shopping and retail, and activities for both kids and families. Also, Saturday at 6 p.m. is the 5th annual Devanco Foods Gyros Eating Contest if you have the stomach for it. This street festival is simply a weekend celebration for lovers of Mediterranean culture! Opa!!
Founded by four neighborhood artists more than 30 years ago, the Bucktown Arts Fest is returning this year for the first time since 2019 to Holstein Park (2200 N. Oakley Ave.) in the Bucktown neighborhood on Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m. – 7 p.m.). The main attraction is the juried art show which features nearly 200 artists displaying their work in oil painting, sculpture, digital art, jewelry and more for every taste at the fest. There will also be two music stages, cold craft beers and sangria to quench your thirst. Plus, there’s no admission fee and no donation request. Just plenty of fun to be had at the Fest of Fests!
Chicago’s only chalk art festival Chalk Howard Street returns outdoors and in-person for the first time in three years to Howard Street between Paulina Street and Ashland Avenue in the Rogers Park neighborhood this Saturday (11 a.m. – 8 p.m.). This family-friendly festival features internationally renowned 3D street artists, local 2D chalk artists, emerging artists and kids’ art that will transform Howard Street into a creative canvas. Plus, this free-admission festival also features live music, local vendors, food, and drinks. There’s also street squares available for public purchase so you can try your hand at creating your own chalk art!
Join the East Garfield Park community this Saturday (10 a.m. – 10 p.m.) for The Purple Block Party at Garfield Park Music Court Circle (100 N. Central Park Ave.). This event is a cultural, music, and festive experience celebrating the combination of all the elements that encompasses unity throughout Chicago. Also featured at this event are the Kids Blue Zone where they will have their own experience with custom snow cones, a candy bar, improv and creative theater, along with back-to-school giveaways, and the Adults Red Zone which will echo the kids’ zone as a parallel experience but riskier! Plus, there will be a host of performances, cultural experiences including food, vendors, and community activities!
Enjoy sipping craft brews while staring up at zoo animals at the annual ZooBrew beer extravaganza hosted by Brookfield Zoo (8400 W. 31st St.) in Brookfield this Saturday (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.). Drink samples from more than 80 vendors which include big-name producers as well as local purveyors. There are 3 sessions to choose from – the VIP, the Full and the Half Sessions which all provide a commemorative glass! Cheers!!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
