THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – No Shortage of Street Fests or Other Events!
The one thing about Chicago in the summertime is there is no shortage of street fests, or other events for that matter, as this last weekend of July will prove! Come join us and enjoy the tastes of summer!!
Returning for its 41st year to the city’s street fests scene is the Taste of Lincoln Avenue this Saturday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) at 2500 North Lincoln Avenue in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. This year it’s looking better than ever by offering fun things such as a variety of culinary delights from local food favorites; an amazing line-up of live music from bands across the Midwest; arts and crafts galore; a kids’ carnival with non-stop activities that include inflatables for hours of fun; a whiskey tasting by Delilah’s Chicago offering two sessions (3 p.m.-5 p.m. and 6 p.m.-8 p.m.) in celebration of some of the finest Midwestern Distilleries; and the 2nd annual dog parade at Noon with a great prize and bragging rights. This iconic street fest is a must visit as it offers a fun and engaging experience for all attendees!
Another iconic and popular annual street fest that celebrates the culture of the Far East returns with the 46th annual Chinatown Summer Fair this Saturday (10 a.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-7 p.m.) on Wentworth Avenue from Cermak Road to 24th Place. This festive, vibrant celebration of culture, community, and tradition opens Saturday with a traditional dragon and lion dance procession (12:30 p.m.) and a welcome on the main stage (1 p.m.). Afterwards, it’s time to enjoy the Fair which features samplings from Chinatown’s restaurants and unique gift shops, arts and crafts exhibits, street vendors offering an array of merchandise, Asian performances, kung fu demonstrations, activities for children and families at the children’s area, and more. And don’t forget the 4th annual COPI Fish Ball Eating Contest on Sunday (3:15 p.m.) with a $300 Cash Prize for 1st Place, and a $50 Gift Certificate from Afusion for the 2nd and 3rd Place winners!
The 22nd annual Chicago Disability Pride Parade is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act this Saturday (11 a.m.-4 p.m.). The parade route kicks off from 401 South Plymouth Court then travels a ½ block west on Van Buren Street before heading north on Dearborn Street to the Daley Civic Center (50 W. Washington St.) in The Loop where post-parade festivities will be held!
Enjoy an unforgettable evening at the Chicago Water Lantern Festival this Saturday (5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.) at Humboldt Park (1301 N. Humboldt Dr.) in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. A ticket includes festival access, a lantern kit, entry into their scavenger hunt giveaway, and a gift pack with card games and a drawstring bag. In addition, your evening will be filled with tasty food trucks, fun music, and activities. And, as the sun sets, release your personalized lantern into the water and watch it illuminate the night!
The 5th annual Venetian Night Chicago takes place this Saturday (6 p.m.-10 p.m.) on Chicago’s Riverwalk which is being transformed into a vibrant homage to Venice, Italy and celebrating Venice’s cultural heritage through music, art, and a spectacular lighted boat parade at 8:30 p.m. down the river when the true magic of Venetian Night happens!
Lastly, the city’s second Cross Town Classic is this weekend as the Chicago White Sox host the Chicago Cubs this Saturday (6:10 p.m.) and Sunday (1:10 p.m.) at Guaranteed Rate Field (333 W. 35th St.) in the Bridgeport neighborhood. Who will you be cheering for?
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
