THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Cheers to a Relaxing October Weekend!
Welcome one and all to the first full weekend of October 2023, which means the Holiday Season is quickly approaching! But before that season is in full swing, let’s just relax and enjoy what this weekend has to offer us. Who’s with me?
With the cooler fall breezes expected this weekend, it’s a perfect time to celebrate the 7th annual Lincoln Park Wine Fest at Jonquil Park (1001 W. Wrightwood Ave.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday. This open-air market features wine and food pavilions spread across the park offering scores of varietal wines from around the world along with sommeliers and brand ambassadors coaching you through a two-hour tasting session. A general admission ticket gets you a sample of 12 varietals of wine with a commemorative tasting glass, while a VIP ticket gets you an expanded tasting that includes five additional specialty wines, a commemorative glass, a private seating area, restrooms, and an exclusive entrance for easy access. In addition, fest goers will be able to enjoy tunes spun by DJ Julio along with wine related craft and merchant vendors!
If beer is your choice of beverage, you’re in luck as the Chicago Beer Festival takes over the Field Museum (1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.) in the South Loop this Saturday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Each attendee will receive 40 tasting vouchers for the opportunity to sample creations from over 65 breweries offering their fall seasonal beers as well as have access to a select number of the museum’s exhibits. Tickets will not be sold at the door so be sure to get them online before heading over there to have a drink with Máximo!
The Time Out Market (916 W. Fulton Market) in the West Loop is dusting off their Dirndls and Lederhosen for their Octoberfest with Sam Adams this Saturday and Sunday. This fall celebration features a pop-up beer bar with steins and samplings of Sam Adams Oktoberfest, a stein hoisting competition with prizes, a kids’ story time, live music from the Die Musikmeisters German band, and giveaways. In addition, Market vendors will have plenty of Octoberfest specials available for purchase to pair with your lager!
Another fall celebration taking place this Saturday and Sunday is Oktoberfestiversary. This outdoor bash is being hosted by Begyle Brewing and Dovetail Brewery in their shared parking lot (1800 W. Cuyler Ave.) in the North Center neighborhood. Attendees can dine on bites from local food trucks, enjoy some live music, and sip on special beer tappings in addition to enjoying regular brews from Begyle and Dovetail. Also, besides celebrating the coolest season, Begyle Brewing is celebrating its 11th anniversary as well!
Come participate in a day full of family-friendly fall-themed activities at Athletic Field Park’s Fall Fest located at 3546 West Addison Street in the Irving Park neighborhood this Saturday (10 a.m.-3 p.m.). Fun activities include a pumpkin patch, scarecrow making, inflatable games, a petting zoo, pony rides, live music, delicious food, beverages, and more! While admission is free tickets for games, activities, and food are available for purchase at $1 each, or $20 for a discount ticket bundle of 25 tickets.
Beware of street closures this Sunday as the Bank of America Chicago Marathon hits the city’s streets as it welcomes thousands of participants from all 50 states and over 100 countries. The race will begin and finish in Grant Park (337 E. Randolph Dr.) in The Loop with a 26.2-mile tour that includes 29 neighborhoods. While it’s too late to enter the race, it’s never too late to be one of the 1.7 million spectators cheering on the runners with handmade signs, blaring music, and words of encouragement as they whiz by. Plus, there’s a reunite area in Grant Park where you can meet your runner starting at 9:30 a.m. This iconic course has produced four world records, several national records, and countless personal bests!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
