THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Preparing for Arrival of Autumn!
Now that the Labor Day Weekend is behind us, it’s time to begin preparing for the arrival of the autumn season in a couple of weeks! And it just so happens that this weekend’s events are starting us off in the right direction!!
The largest outdoor literary showcase in the Midwest, the Printers Row Lit Fest, returns for its 37th year this Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.) to South Dearborn Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Polk Street in the historic Printers Row neighborhood. This fest features new, old, rare, and hard-to-find literary treasures in addition to engaging literary events with local and national bestselling authors and over 100 independent and diverse booksellers. It also features readings, spoken word performances, writing workshops, and more! It even has a dedicated poetry tent this year as well as a multitude of other events geared towards children and young adults, offering family-friendly fun and opportunities for writers and book lovers of all ages!!
For 17 years now, the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce has presented one of the most unique and popular art festivals in Chicago. Continuing that tradition, this year’s Lakeview East Festival of the Arts takes place this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) on Broadway Street between Belmont Avenue and Hawthorne Place in the Lakeview East neighborhood. This festival showcases over 150 juried artists featuring world-class original paintings, furniture, jewelry, sculpture, photography, and more which are also available for sale in a wide range of prices! In addition, the festival also includes live music on multiple stages; a children’s play area; live demonstrations; food, beer, and wine booths; an interactive garden oasis and much more!!
It’s that time of year again when the German American Oktoberfest returns to the corner of Lincoln and Western Avenues in the Lincoln Square neighborhood this Saturday (12 p.m. – 11 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m. – 10 p.m.). This fest is filled with German hospitality in two large tents where visitors can try authentic German food and traditional drinks; dance to the music of three German bands; enjoy performances of traditional singing and dancing groups from Chicago; and visit the amusement section of the fest to enjoy many carnival games! Plus, don’t forget to attend the Von Steuben German Day Parade on Sunday (2 p.m.) at Lincoln Avenue and Irving Park Road which heads to Eastwood, West to Western, then North to Lawrence!!
Considered one of the largest parades in the Midwest, the Mexican Independence Day Parade takes place this Sunday (8 a.m. – 12 p.m.) in the Little Village neighborhood beginning at 26th Street and Albany Avenue, proceeding down 26th Street to Kostner Avenue. This parade features brightly colored floats, mariachi bands, and folkloric dancing with this year’s theme being “Nuestra Unidad es Nuestra Fortaleza” (Our Unity is Our Strength)!
The FanDuel FanFest is coming to Guaranteed Rate Field (333 W. 35th St.) in Bridgeport this Saturday (2 p.m. – 9 p.m.). What a day is planned for attendees! There will be live performances by Alesso and Wiz Khalifa along with athlete appearances by Brian Urlacher, Devin Hester, Charles Tillman, Matt Forte, Ozzie Guillen, Chris Chelios, and more! Plus, there will be food trucks, a full beer garden, sports themed carnival games, trophy photos ops, and free chances to win over $10,000 in prizes!!
Football season is here as our beloved Chicago Bears host the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field (1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.) in the South Loop this Sunday with kickoff at 12 p.m. as they open their new season! I wonder what this season will bring us!!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
