THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Revving Up Our Engines!
When a holiday like July 4th falls on a Thursday, Chicago continues celebrating right through the weekend. And it just so happens that this weekend we’ll be revving up our engines and enjoying every minute of what the city has planned for us!
Get ready for two days of thrilling street racing plus non-stop entertainment by a full slate of global music headliners at the second 2024 NASCAR Chicago Street Race. Saturday features the NASCAR Xfinity Series race while Sunday features the Cup Series. These races will send cars going over 100 miles per hour down sections of streets that surround and are adjacent to Grant Park (337 E. Randolph St.) in The Loop. In addition, the free NASCAR Village at Butler Field offers fans a NASCAR Experience where they can interact with drivers and industry experts and enjoy interactive displays. Plus, a range of food and beverage options, a Kids Zone, NASCAR merchandise, a 50/50 raffle, free water refill stations, and more will also be available. This event truly offers something for all ages and will likely be the most talked-about event of the summer you don’t want to miss! Time to rev up those engines!
If you prefer to rev up your engine another way, check out the following events below.
Returning for its 11th flavor-packed year to Jonquil Park (1023 W. Wrightwood Ave.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood is the Chicago Craft Beer Festival this Saturday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.). This festival features specialty, seasonal, and small-batch beers from local, regional, and national craft brewers. However, the main attraction is ticketed tastings where beer enthusiasts can sample 12 craft beers from 35+ breweries and receive a commemorative glass with a GA ticket, while a VIP ticket also includes five additional specialty beers and private seating. In addition, food will be available for purchase from Bacci Pizza, BEN-YAY!, and Suzie’s Fun Food. It’s going to be a hops heaven day for beer lovers!
Taking place over the July 4th holiday weekend this year is the 31st African Caribbean International Festival of Life wrapping up this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) at Washington Park (5531 S. Martin Luther King Dr.) in the Washington Park neighborhood. This family festival features a great lineup of music from a variety of artists with Reggae and Dancehall’s hottest superstar, Teejay “Drift” and another R&B/Soul/Funk legend SLAVE closing out the festival on Sunday. Plus, Afro-Caribbean food, arts & crafts, games, and more, round out this festival!
The 6th annual Pride South Side Festival is this Saturday (11 a.m.-9 p.m.) at the DuSable Black History Museum & Education Center (740 E. 56th Pl.) in the Washington Park neighborhood. This year’s festival features an amazing lineup of musical performances across two stages, a vendor fair with local small businesses, family-friendly activities, and more. Come show your pride spirit and join in this year’s theme of the “Right to Pride,” which positions the LGBTQ+ community at the front of advocacy, culture and leadership!
Take in a ballgame as The Chicago Dogs host the Kane County Cougars this Saturday (6 p.m.-8 p.m.) and Sunday (3 p.m.-5 p.m.) at Impact Field (9850 Balmoral Ave.) in Rosemont. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience where every day is fan appreciation day with food and drink specials, a kid’s area, on-field entertainment, and their beloved mascots Ketchup and Squeeze!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
