THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Wrapping Up Another Summer Month!
WOW — we were definitely hit by the dog days of summer this past week! However, this weekend plans on bringing us a cool down so we can wrap-up another summer month filled with lots of good eats and more! Are you ready?
Come experience traditional Mediterranean dishes at the 33rd annual Taste of Greektown Festival this Saturday and Sunday along Halsted Street from Adams to Van Buren Streets in the West Loop neighborhood. Of course, the neighborhood’s acclaimed Greek restaurants are the stars of the show cooking up lots of tasty dishes. But there’s more to help you experience Greek culture first-hand with lively Greek bands, Greek dance troupes, unique shopping, family friendly on-site activities such as a gyro eating contest, and more as you celebrate Hellenic cuisine and culture!
Chicago’s very own James Beard Award winning food journalist Steve Dolinsky is hosting the 2nd annual Pizza City Fest this Saturday and Sunday at The Salt Shed (1357 N. Elston Ave.) in the West Town neighborhood. Twenty different pizza makers will be on hand each day representing 10 different styles of pizza such as deep dish, stuffed, tavern, Sicilian, and others. Plus, educational seminars on pizza and dough making with leading pizza pros will be featured as well as sides, salads, desserts, and live entertainment. And all this for one price!
The glorious taco is taking the spotlight again this year at the 10th annual Lakeview Taco Fest this Saturday and Sunday at the Southport Corridor (Southport Ave. & Addison St.). Over 10 local restaurants will be serving delicious creations of their take on this fav tortilla-wrapped dish. While chowing down, guests can also enjoy live music on two music stages, Mexican wrestling, special beer pairings, and a kids’ zone! Don’t forget to text your vote for Chicago’s “Best Taco!”
Calling all dog lovers! The Great American Dog Show takes place this Saturday and Sunday at McCormick Place (2301 S. King Dr.) in the South Loop. Meet, pet, and play with over 200 different dog breeds. Watch amazing tricks, agility, obedience, and dock diving demonstrations. See famous dogs from around the country compete for Best in Show. Browse around to find unique products and gifts for your pooch at the Vendor Village. Get personal tips from top dog trainers, breeders, and vets. Plus, kids can also enjoy free face painting, bouncy-houses, and kids only dog rings in the Kids’ Zone. As the saying goes, there’s something for everyone at this show!
Just when you thought Chicago’s traffic couldn’t get any worse, here comes the Chicago Triathlon this Saturday and Sunday which means street closures! The first race is the protected harbor Swim. Then it’s on to a multi-level, scenic, flat Bike ride that is 100% traffic-free down Lake Shore Drive and then wrapping up with a rousing Run through the Museum Campus and the Lake Front Path finishing in Grant Park. Also, there are different courses for athletes of all levels, so everyone gets to experience the Chicago Triathlon on the shores of Lake Michigan!
Chicago’s only free chalk art festival Chalk Howard Street takes place this Saturday (11 a.m.-8 p.m.) on Howard Street between Paulina Street and Ashland Avenue. Be prepared to tour some of the best and most amazing 3D chalk designs by internationally renowned artists. Then enjoy some food, drinks, live music and more!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
