THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Wasting No Time Enjoying Summer!

Now that the end of another Chicago school year is quickly approaching, the city is wasting no time with its summer plans for us. In fact, this first weekend in June has many street fests and other outdoor summer events planned for all to enjoy!
Whether you’re Greek or not, you’re invited to join the Lincoln Park neighborhood’s annual celebration of Hellenic culture at the Lincoln Park Greek Festival this Saturday (12 p.m.-11 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) at St. George Greek Orthodox Church located at 2701 N. Sheffield Avenue. Once again, this fest brings the aromas, sounds, tastes, and traditions of Greece by serving up authentic flavorful food, great music, and dancing for some pure fun. Come experience an authentic dose of Ancient Greek “filoxenia!”
Kick off your summer festival season at the Do Division Street Fest this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) on Division Street between Damen Avenue and Leavitt Street in the Ukrainian Village. Not only does this street shindig feature two live music stages booked by Empty Bottle (east stage) and Subterranean (west stage) but it also features a variety of vendors such as local restaurants, food trucks, food vendors, and retail vendors; a Family Fun Fest offering a petting zoo, a mega slide, a kid-friendly live entertainment stage and vendors; a Do Fashion runway fashion show; and more!
The Lincoln Square neighborhood welcomes you to its street fest season opener with Maifest this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) at a new, temporary location this year at the Old Town School of Folk Music located at 4544 N. Lincoln Avenue. There will be plenty of German food, hoisting of steins, live music, and lederhosen- and dirndl-costumed dancers as you embrace the neighborhood’s German heritage. It’s time for some German Gemütlichkeit!
One of my many favorite street festivals returns for its 3rd annual Windy City Hog Dog Fest this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) at Six Corners (4000 N. Milwaukee Ave.) in the Portage Park neighborhood. Local favorites such as Byron’s, Chicago Doghouse, Lola’s Coney Island, and others will be competing for the Best Frankfurter, as voted on by the festgoers. In addition to tasty dogs, there will be live entertainment by local and regional acts, arts and craft vendors, a kids’ area, a top dog parade, and a hot dog eating contest. Remember, no ketchup on the hot dogs!
The 57th Street Art Fair, the Midwest’s oldest juried art fair, will be celebrating its 77th year this Saturday (11 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) on 57th Street between Woodlawn and Kenmore Avenues in the Hyde Park neighborhood. This art fair offers an opportunity to view and shop original works of art from artists around the country as well as speaking with the artists themselves about their creative process. In addition, blues and jazz acts will be presented by Buddy Guy’s Legends along with a family-friendly activity area, and various food vendors for everyone to enjoy!
One of Chicago’s greatest events, the Pullman Railroad Days 2024 is returning for its 3rd year this Saturday and Sunday at the Pullman Exhibit Hall (11141 S. Cottage Gove Ave.) in the Pullman neighborhood. It’s an entire weekend of historic railcars, exhibits, guided tours, food, music, and family fun. Plus, this year’s event features three remarkable train cars never-before-seen!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago