THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Spring Events and The Pickle!
Can you believe it’s the last weekend of April already? Well, there’s no better way to end this month than with events that continue to embrace the spring season including the chilly temps and rain!
Calling all pickle lovers! This Saturday (11 a.m.) brings you Chicago’s Pickle Fest to various Wrigleyville bars including Old Crow Smokehouse, Cubby Bear, Deuce’s, Moe’s Cantina, and others. In honor of this tangy delicious treat, this festival will feature pickle cocktails and mocktails, pickleback shots, a pickle focused food menu, pickle photo ops, live bands, and more! And, if you upgrade to a VIP ticket, you’ll receive a free exclusive Chicago Pickle Fest commemorative T-shirt. Also, word has it there may even be a surprise visit from Mr. Pickle himself! Plus, there will be plenty of other food and drinks for those who don’t like pickles but want to hang out with their friends!!
Food carts offer a true taste of the local culinary culture, so this spring, get to know the street food and drinks of Italy at the Italian Street Food Taste-Around this Saturday at Eataly (43 E. Ohio St.) in the River North neighborhood. Guests can indulge in a variety of authentic Italian street fare featuring samples of bites like Sicilian-style pizza, arancini, house made gelato, and more. Plus, pair each bite with a glass of regional Italian wine or carefully crafted cocktails made with iconic Italian spirits. There will be three sessions throughout the day from 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m., 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m., or 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m., and tickets are $49 per person. Please note that this 1½ hour event does not provide seating.
Find thousands of handmade products across 20 categories at this weekend’s One of a Kind Spring Show at the Merchandise Mart (222 Merchandise Mart Plaza) in the River North neighborhood. This seasonal bazaar brings together 300 talented artists, makers, and designers from around the country showcasing their work that includes accessories, bath & body, pet products, home goods, mixed media, and much more! Need a break from shopping? Then kick back at one of the daily fashion shows and/or head over to the gourmet market for lots of tasty treats!!
Art is for everyone to experience at The Other Art Fair this Saturday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) at the Artifact Events (4325 N. Ravenswood Ave.) in the Lakeview neighborhood. This art fair combines affordable and original artworks from more than 100 emerging artists along with installations, interactive displays, collage-making murals, workshops, DJ sets, live performances, top local food trucks, and more!
Chicago’s non-profit After School Matters will be hosting their Sneaker Ball 2023 this Saturday (7 p.m.-11 p.m.) at the Chicago Sports Museum at Water Tower Place (835 N. Michigan Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood. Don your coolest, flyest kicks and get ready to party in style while supporting Chicago teens’ futures. This one-of-a-kind celebration features live music, teen performances and exhibitions, food and drinks along with special guest DJ Casper who just so happens to be the creator of the Cha Cha Slide! Plus, proceeds from this event will support the After School Matters Stipend Fund!!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
