THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Continuing to Dive into the World of Autumn!
As we continue to dive into the colorful and wonderful world of autumn here in Chicago, this weekend is packed with all sorts of delightful autumn-related festivals!
Let’s begin in the Lincoln Park neighborhood with the 9th annual Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest located at 2200 North Cannon Drive that runs from September through October (10 a.m.-5 p.m.). This is a free, family-friendly fest featuring free activities such as a pumpkin patch, professional pumpkin carvers, live large-scale chalk art, fall photo ops, animal viewings, chats with zoo experts and keepers, and more. Plus, this year’s ticketed activities include a fun slide, the Lionel train adventure, a harvest maze, an inflatable bounce house, and more. Come celebrate harvest time fun at the Zoo!
Moving on, the Lincoln Square neighborhood is hosting its 36th annual Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest located at 4700 North Lincoln Avenue between Lawrence and Sunnyside Avenues this Saturday and Sunday (9 a.m.-6 p.m.). This year’s fest has been expanded and offers fest goers 50+ vendors offering fall essentials such as caramel apples, apple pies, apple butter, and more, as well as cozy accessories, scented seasonal candles, unique gift items, and more. Then munch on awe-inspiring apple delights from local restaurants, quench your thirst with some refreshing cider or apple-flavored beer, enjoy live music performances, and even bring the kids for a day to enjoy an array of kids’ activities such as jugglers, musicians, sing-a-longs, and so much more. This apple-filled weekend sure is a great way to welcome autumn!
Next stop is the Logan Square neighborhood for the 3rd annual Oktoberfest: Beer n’ BBQ Festival held at the Navigator Taproom (2211 N. Milwaukee Ave.). The event kicks-off this Saturday at 12 p.m. with the pitmasters serving up pulled pork, smoked chicken, and German bratwurst along with all the sides and fixings. Then at 2 p.m. it’s time for beer tasting, and BBQ pairings with a special selection of 10+ German beers and 40+ other craft options from local breweries. In addition, all attendees will be entered into a raffle to win prizes!
It’s time to head on over to The Loop for Millennium Hall’s 2nd annual Oktoberfest this Saturday (11 a.m.-5 p.m.). This event is held at the Double Clutch Beer Garden which seats 800+ guests and is located under Millennium Park’s infamous Bean (11 N. Michigan Ave.). This event features award-winning German beers; a special menu which includes traditional authentic cuisine such as bratwurst, schnitzel, Bavarian pretzels, and more; and features activities for the whole family to enjoy such as popular Oktoberfest games like a stein-holding contest or a pretzel-eating contest with fun prizes being awarded for the adults; and cookie decorating, face painting, and much more for the kids!
Finally, Chinatown (2200 S. Wentworth Ave.) will be hosting its 2023 Moon Festival this Saturday (5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.). Revel in the rich traditions of this mid-autumn festival which is second only to the Lunar New Year. It’s a time to cherish the full moon and strengthen bonds with loved ones. The streets are adorned with lanterns of all sizes and shapes to light up the night as the celebrants indulge in the tradition of sharing mooncakes which symbolizes unity and togetherness. Then a glass of fragrant chrysanthemum flower wine is raised to truly embrace the spirit of this festival!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
