THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Summertime Favorites!
Well, I’m ready for the weekend to begin and hope you are too as this weekend offers us a variety of favorite summertime events starting with …
The ACM award-winning Windy City Smokeout returns for its 12th year to the United Center Parking Lot (1901 W. Madison St.) on the Near West Side this Saturday and Sunday (1 p.m.-10 p.m.) for some incredible world-class BBQ and live country music. Attendees will have the opportunity to savor award-winning BBQ from some of the nation’s best pitmasters and most celebrated BBQ restaurants as well as enjoying an impressive lineup of country music stars and up-and-coming talent to the stage. In addition, this festival features a curated selection of retail pop-ups along the event’s dedicated shopping row known as Rodeo Drive where you’ll find interactive brand experiences and exclusive merchandise. Plus, there’s scheduled activations and special events happening throughout each day for your continued enjoyment!
The biggest summer party on the block returns to the Lincoln Square neighborhood with its annual music and craft beer street fest, the Square Roots Festival, this Saturday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m.-9 p.m.) on Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson Avenues. This festival features 50+ live music acts on 3 outdoor stages and 1 indoor stage; the city’s best craft brew showcase that includes a special festival brew from Dovetail Brewery; local and global food vendors offering delicious and eclectic eats and treats; and more. Plus, the ever-popular Kids’ Zone has been expanded this year and is located at Leavitt Street and Sunnyside Avenue. Come join in the fun at this community gathering!
Once again, the Half Acre Beer Co. and Vienna Beef team up to present their Only Gold party this Saturday (2 p.m.-9 p.m.) in the beer garden of Half Acre located at 2050 West Balmoral Avenue in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. This annual celebration of the Chicago Style Hot Dog and ice-cold beer features free Chicago Style Hot Dogs while supplies last; a New Zealand style Pilsner at 5% ABV; new merchandise of limited-edition shirts for kids and adults, glassware, stickers, and a tote bag; and condiment mascot races to benefit Girls on the Run Chicago. Plus this event is free for all ages and is dog-friendly as well. I’ve heard this event is becoming a summer rite of passage!
One of Chicago’s neighborhoods is hosting their largest annual community event, the Bucktown Garden Walk, this Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.). Not only will there be more than 120 gardens open to the public for viewing but this walk also features live music in some gardens and retail spaces as well as a 606 Trail tree tour on both days. Other Saturday events include a Kid’s Fest with a foam party, a petting zoo, a wine walk and wrapping up with a Movie in the Park featuring “The Sandlot.” Then Sunday brings The Fermented Frolic bar crawl.
For all my toy enthusiasts and creative minds out there, Navy Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood will be hosting CollectedCon 2025, the ultimate designer toy convention, this Saturday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-5 p.m.). It’s a weekend filled with original art, handmade products, and production toys from artists around the globe, and exhibitors offering new and rare toys to expand your collection. In addition, you can get up close and personal with some of the most talented designer toy artists in the world!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
