THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Summer Brings Out the Blues!
You know it’s going to be a great weekend when it brings out the blues and other favorite summer events! Here’s this weekend’s fun list.
The largest free blues festival in the world kicks off the weekend with the Chicago Blues Festival in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.) in The Loop with four stages of live music. Entrances are located at Michigan Ave. and Washington St., Michigan Ave. and Madison St., Randolph St. or Monroe St. Top tier talent will be performing at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion beginning at 3:45 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram wrapping up Saturday evening’s performances and Mavis Staples wrapping up Sunday evening’s performances. In addition, back by popular demand, the festival has elevated its food options with delicious BBQ fare and specialty drinks. I’ve attended this festival for several years now and have not been disappointed. In fact, I’ll be there on Saturday!
One of Chicago’s most anticipated food festivals is celebrating 25 years of great BBQ at Ribfest Chicago this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) on Lincoln Avenue between Irving Park Road and Berteau Avenue in the North Center neighborhood. Besides serving up racks of juicy, flavorful ribs, the vendors will be battling for the coveted Best of Ribfest Chicago titles which include the People’s Choice Award (voted by you) and the Celebrity Judges’ Pick (chosen by food experts and special guests). In addition, there will be plenty of live music on multiple stages; the return of the community stage for some hog-wild fun; a huge kids’ area packed with activities, games, and entertainment; a VIP lounge; and Whiskey/Bourbon tastings. There’s no better place to enjoy the sweet smells and tastes of BBQ!
A long-standing tradition brings together zoo community members in support of wildlife here in Chicago and the world to raise money for the zoo’s wildlife conservation efforts at this Sunday’s 47th annual Run for the Zoo held at the Lincoln Park Zoo (N Cannon Dr. at W Fullerton Pkwy.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. All race participants will receive a tech-blend shirt, a unique medal, and other post-race goodies. The kids’ course participants (ages 3-8) will also receive a T-shirt and a Kids’ Course medal. Afterwards, runners are welcome to stay for a fun and inclusive celebration!
The Midwest’s oldest juried art fair marks its 78th year with the 57th St Art Fair this Saturday (11 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) on 57th Street between Woodlawn and Kenwood Avenues in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood. This art fair offers art enthusiasts a fantastic opportunity to view and shop handmade, special, and one-of-a-kind original works of art from around the country with nearly 200 artists. There are also kids’ activities, the return this year of food trucks for some delicious bites, and live music presented by Buddy Guy’s Legends. Kick off your summer festival season at this top summer art fair!
The world’s largest traveling oddities event is returning to Chicago this Saturday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) with The Oddities & Curiosities Expo at McCormick Place (2301 S. Lake Shore Dr.) in the South Loop. Explore a fascinating display of the extraordinary that provides a platform for vendors and artists to showcase their weird, wonderful, and downright bizarre unique items which include taxidermy, dark artistry, original horror and Halloween-inspired artwork, antiques, handcrafted oddities, and more. Plus, this expo offers immersive experiences with photo opportunities, tarot readings, sideshow performances, and various concessions. Here you can connect with a community of like-minded individuals!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
