Portrait of cute jack russell over blue background

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Is It Spring Yet?

Portrait of cute jack russell over blue background

Here in Chicago, one must wonder; is it spring yet?  Well, it appears that it is since this weekend is all about celebrating spring.  Hopefully, we’ll finally have a weekend with spring-like temps and plenty of sunshine so we can shed our winter coats once and for all!

It’s back by popular demand!  Dog Day at Gallagher Way takes place this Saturday (1 p.m.-5 p.m.) outside of Wrigley Field at 3637 N. Clark Street in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.  Bring your four-legged family member(s) for an afternoon of fun in the sun.  On hand will be local dog-friendly vendors offering treats, and One Tail at a Time who will be collecting donations for dogs and cats as well as having adoptable dogs on hand.  Plus, drinks and lawn games will be available for the humans.  Then it’s time to kick back and relax as you take in the Cubs game on the videoboard!

This is a great weekend to get out with family and friends to support our local and Midwest vendors at the following artisan markets:

Shop a wide variety of wares from over 50 Midwest vendors at The MRKT this Saturday (1 p.m.-7:30 p.m.) at the Salt Shed (1357 N. Elston Ave.) on the Near North Side.  The MRKT is not your “average market” as it creates a shopping experience by offering interactive art installations for snapping cool pics in front of that are social media friendly as well.  There’s also live screen printing, a photobooth, a DJ, and more.  Come and check out this unique market!

The Spring Fling Artisan Market will be highlighting local businesses and musicians this Saturday (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) at Third Space Chicago (716 W. Addison St.) in the Lakeview neighborhood.  With over 20 vendors represented, this market showcases a wide range of hand-crafted goods by crafters and artists alike as well as featuring local music.  Plus, weather permitting, the lawn will be opened for outdoor gatherings with food trucks available on Addison Street!

Shop from more than 225 artists at the Renegade Craft Fair this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-6 p.m.) in the Andersonville neighborhood on Clark Street between Bryn Mawr and Edgewater Avenues.  This craft fair just so happens to feature the best craft designers, artists, and creatives around selling everything from candles and jewelry to pottery and screen prints, and more.  And, if you need to take a break, food and drink will be available for purchase from some of the local restaurants!

Join The Northman Beer & Cider Garden (233 E. Riverwalk) in The Loop this Saturday for their inaugural outdoor Cellared Beer Festival to kick off their 2023 season with a bang.  Two sessions will be available from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-8 p.m.  A ticket includes a sampling of 40+ cellared craft beers, a heavy appetizer buffet, live music, a gift bag, and a tasting glass.  Plus, swag and giveaways from participating breweries will run throughout the event.  For all the craft beer lovers out there, don’t miss this one!

You know it’s spring in Chicago when it’s time for the Spring Half Marathon & 10K taking place this Sunday at the Maggie Daley Park (337 E. Randolph St.) in The Loop.  Both the Half Marathon and 10K races begin on Columbus Drive south of Monroe Street with a majority of the course travelling along Chicago’s Lakefront Trail taking you through Grant Park, past the Museum Campus, and turning around after passing McCormick Place with a straight shot back north along the Lakefront Trail.  And, if you have kids, bring them along for the Junior Dash around “The Ribbon,” so they can earn their First Finisher Medal.  Afterwards, stick around for the post-race festivities which include live music, pick-your-own-flowers, and a hot Chicago-style brunch!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago