THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Summer Festival Season in Full Swing!
Chicago’s summer festival season is in full swing this weekend as evidenced by the following events!
It’s that time of year again for some finger lickin’ good old barbecue at this year’s Windy City Smokeout this Saturday and Sunday (1 p.m.-10 p.m.) at United Center’s Parking Lot C (1901 W. Madison St.) on the Near West Side. The BBQ lineup includes 25 of the nation’s top pitmasters along with a stacked lineup of Nashville-approved musicians with this year’s headliners including Cody Johnson and Billy Currington on Saturday, and Carrie Underwood and Nate Smith on Sunday. And, for those who prefer non-BBQ dishes, Federales, Jo Jo’s Shake Bar, Tallboy Taco, Three Dots and a Dash, and others will be on hand to serve up your favorite food choice!
Just steps away from the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, the iconic and successful Southport Art Fest will take place Saturday (10 a.m.-9 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-7 p.m.) at Southport and Waveland Avenues in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. This year’s festival features an assorted mix of artistic styles and mediums which includes an array of visual arts from 70+ diverse artists, live bands, and interactive experiences. In addition, guests can shop at Southport Avenue stores, and enjoy food and drink specials all weekend long. Plus, there’s a special kid’s area with interactive games, activities, and a Children’s Art Tent where they can contribute to a Kids Mural. It’s a perfect place to spend the weekend with your family!
The Lincoln Square neighborhood will be hosting its annual Square Roots Festival this Saturday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m.-9 p.m.) at 4700 N. Lincoln Avenue at Leland Avenue for a midsummer block party. This street fest features three outdoor stages, an indoor stage, interactive workshops with the Old Town School of Folk Music, and craft brews and snacks from local food vendors. Plus, the ever-popular Kids Zone is expanded this year for additional activities and vendors in addition to great music on the kids and family stage. There’s even a new beer brewed by Dovetail Brewery for the festival – Square RootsHopfenlager. You’ll find plenty to do for all ages at this festival!
The West Town neighborhood’s rollicking street festival, West Fest Chicago, returns to Chicago Avenue between Wood Street and Damen Avenue this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.). This festival features live music programmed by Empty Bottle Presents, the ever-popular Bass By The Pound DJ Stage, food and shopping from local vendors, corporate sponsors, local artists, and more. Plus, there’s a Kid Fest with its own vendors, live entertainment stage, train rides, pony rides, bounce houses, and more. And don’t forget Pet Fest organized and sponsored by Canine Crews featuring a dog obstacle course, pet retail and services booths, paw painting, and pet related demonstrations!
A proud tradition for 23 years, Jeff Fest returns this Saturday (2 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.-9 p.m.) to Jefferson Memorial Park (4822 N. Long Ave.) in the Jefferson Park neighborhood. Once again, this community festival features great tunes from local cover bands, tasty foods from neighborhood vendors, and plenty of family fun in the Kids’ Zone featuring a ton of cool activities as well as the fest’s grooving Community Stage. If you love classic rock, this is the fest for you!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
