THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – It’s Officially Summer!
Now that it’s officially summer and school is out, let’s enjoy every moment of this short-lived season here in Chicago starting with this weekend!
In celebration of Chicago Pride Month, the 23rd annual Chicago Pride Fest is taking over Northalsted this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) on Halsted Street from Addison to Grace Streets in the Lakeview neighborhood. Every year, over 100,000 revelers flock to this historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood to take part in this celebration featuring three stages of live music, food from local restaurants, 100+ arts and crafts vendors, a Youth Pride Fest Space for teens, drag shows, dance performances, a high-heel race, and more. Plus, don’t miss out on the Proud Pet Parade on Sunday with Miss Foozie kicking off at 12:30 p.m. from the North Stage and heading to the South Stage for the Awards Presentation at 1:00 p.m. It’s free to participate so don’t disappoint your fur baby who could very well be the winner this year!
Come celebrate Asian culture at this year’s Dragon Boat Race for Literacy this Saturday (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) at Ping Tom Memorial Park (300 W. 19th St.) in Chinatown. Cheer on the competing dragon boat teams as they paddle their way down the South Branch of the Chicago River raising money for local schools and literacy organizations. In addition to the boat races, attendees can enjoy food, live music, cultural dance performances, and more!
Go back millions of years to a land ruled by giants for an immersive experience that brings you face-to-face with these giants at Dinos Alive this Saturday and Sunday (9 a.m.-7 p.m.) at the Exhibition Hub Art Center (2367 W. Logan Blvd.) in the Logan Square neighborhood. Interact with over 80 life-sized dinos with moving animatronics that include the T-rex, a Stegosaurus, Velociraptors, and many more in their natural Jurassic habitat. See what it was like to stand in the shadows of the largest creatures who walked the earth. Plus, your child can learn all about these mighty dinos who dominated the animal world for 140 million years through hands-on activities. Take this unforgettable journey into the age of dinosaurs!
Making its debut in Chicago, The Lost Kingdoms is a spectacular outdoor Jurassic and Ice Age experience taking place this Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) in Washington Park (5531 S. King Dr.) in the Woodlawn neighborhood. Take a journey from the Jurassic Era of ferocious T-rexes and other dinos to the Ice Age of Woolly Mammoths, growling Sabre Toothed Tigers and others who roamed the earth. Beware the 50+ animated beasts with moving heads, swaying tails, blinking eyes, jaws open wide, and roaring sound effects at every twist and turn as you explore the park. In addition, a host of local vendors will offer food, drinks, and souvenirs along the trail. Enjoy a unique and amazing family day out at this exhibit!
Too hot outside to grill? Then head on over to Beers and Barbacoa: A Big Star & Hidden Hand Patio Party this Saturday (3 p.m.-10 p.m.) at Big Star West Town (551 N. Ogden Ave.) in the West Town neighborhood. Enjoy the summer season with delicious beef barbacoa, cold beers from Hidden Hand Brewery, and some good, old-fashioned fun vibes. Treat yourself to a day off from firing up your grill!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago