THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Air & Water or Festivals – Your Choice!
Are you ready to let loose and have a relaxing and memorable weekend? I certainly hope so because this weekend is jam-packed with a variety of events sure to please everyone!
Returning to the skies above Lake Michigan for its 66th year, the Chicago Air and Water Show will once again use North Avenue Beach (1600 N. Lake Shore Dr.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood as its center point this Saturday and Sunday (10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.). The show can also be viewed along Lake Michigan’s waterfront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, waterfront restaurants, rooftop bars, or boat cruises. In 1959 the first show was held on the lakefront featuring a Coast Guard Air Sea Rescue demonstration, water skiers, a water ballet, and a diving competition with the following year bringing the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds drawing a bigger crowd. Today, this show draws over one million spectators who get to catch the spectacular demonstrations by aircraft, boats, and diving and parachute teams. In fact, this year’s headliners include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Parachute Team the Golden Knights. Other performers include the U.S. Air Force C-17 Demo – 15th Airlift Squadron, the Illinois Air National Guard KC-135 – 126th Air Refueling Wing, the U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demo, the Bill Stein Airshows, the Mini Jet Airshows, the Chicago Police Department Helicopters, the Chicago Fire Department Air/Sea Rescue, and many others. This summer tradition offers sun, crisp lake breezes, and the feel of rumbling jet engines as they soar overhead!
Another summer tradition taking place this Saturday (12 p.m.-11 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m.-8 p.m.) is The Great American Lobsterfest at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood. Enjoy live fresh Maine lobster flown in daily from the East Coast along with ice-cold drinks, jam to live music performances, browse unique craft vendors and activations all while fighter jets and aerial acrobatics thunder overhead from the Chicago Air & Water Show. This family-friendly Fest also features plenty of non-seafood favorites from BBQ to sweet treats for the non-seafood eaters. All will enjoy an unforgettable summer day at the ultimate lobster celebration right here in Chicago!
Back by popular demand and celebrating its 6th season this Saturday (9 a.m.-11 p.m.) and Sunday (9 a.m.-10 p.m.) is Dine Out On Broadway where North Broadway Street from Belmont to Wellington Avenues in the Lakeview East neighborhood is closed to cars and turned into a massive, open-air dining destination where you can enjoy al fresco dining from over 20 participating local restaurants serving incredible food and drink deals such as tacos and pizza to craft cocktails. So gather your friends, family, and even your furry pals for an unforgettable day or evening of delicious food, live music, local vibes, and tons of fun on Broadway!
If you happen to smell the sweet aroma of roasted garlic and grilled Italian sausage in the air this weekend, just head over to the Taylor Street Little Italy Festival from 12 p.m.-10 p.m. on Taylor Street from Ashland Avenue to Throop Street for the best Italian food from award-winning area restaurants. Also featured are five stages of continuous family entertainment, Italian dancers and performers from Italy, quality merchandise from Italy, cultural exhibits, a variety of attractions, children’s activities, Sunday Mass on the Main Stage, and much more. Who knows, you may even believe you’re in Italy!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
