THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Summer Festivals Just Keep on Going!
Even though our summer season is winding down, our summer festivals continue to keep on going and this weekend is no exception! Enjoy it while you can!!
Besides being a seasonal tradition and a beloved fixture of the city’s culinary scene, the 12th annual Lakeview Taco Fest is a jam-packed celebration of Latin music and culture taking place this Saturday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-9 p.m.) on Southport Avenue between Addison and Roscoe Streets in the Lakeview neighborhood. Savor the flavors of this fiesta as it pays tribute to everyone’s favorite tortilla-wrapped delight – the Taco. Whether you’re a fan of traditional fillings or crave more innovative creations, this Fest has it all with over 10 of Chicago’s finest eateries competing to craft the best mouthwatering tacos to be crowned Chicago’s Best Taco. In addition, this celebration is more than just a food festival. It also features special beer and taco pairings, a Margarita and Sangria tent, two stages of live performances from regional and local talent, crowd pleasing Lucha Libre (Mexican wrestling), and a Kids’ Zone featuring inflatables, games, face painting, and more to keep the little ones entertained. It’s a family-friendly Fest so bring the whole crew!
Celebrate 35 years of Hellenic pride at this year’s Taste of Greektown this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) on Halsted Street (315 S. Halsted) in the West Loop. Get ready for a weekend of Mediterranean magic as you indulge in a culinary journey featuring mouthwatering cuisine and spirited drinks from the neighborhood’s finest Greek eateries. Besides the tantalizing dishes, this Taste also features live music and entertainment, Greek dancing, unique shopping and retail, and family fun with the kids that includes games and activities. It’s a must visit destination!
Celebrate the end of summer at Gallagher Way (3635 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood this Saturday (1 p.m.-8 p.m.) as it transforms into wine country for its Summer Wine Down. This laid-back tasting event features plenty of wines to sample, live music, photo ops, lawn games, and more. It’s also free and open to the public offering two types of tasting passes for purchase – a Wine Tasting Pass, and a VIP Tasting Pass (VIP must be purchased in advance). Bid farewell to summer in style!
Another fantastic neighborhood festival taking place this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m-10 p.m.) is the Edison Park Fest 2025 located at Edison Park (6730 N. Olmstead Ave.). This annual event once again will showcase delicious food vendors, a delightful mix of live music, the best of local culture, a carnival, a business expo and craft fair, and engaging activities for all ages that include Bingo, a bags tournament, a basketball clinic, a bike parade, and more. This Fest promises to be a memorable experience for both residents and visitors alike!
The world’s largest urban triathlon and the largest triathlon in North America, the Chicago Triathlon, takes place this Saturday and Sunday featuring various race distances that include the SuperSprint, Sprint, Olympic, kids’ races, and a Triple Challenge (competing in all three races). The Sprint and Olympic swims will take place at Monroe Harbor while the SuperSprint and Kids swims will take place at Foster Beach. The Bike portion takes place on Lakeshore Drive, Lower Wacker Drive, and McCormick Place Busway, and the Run takes place on the lakefront finishing in Grant Park. Participants will receive a t-shirt, a medal, timing, post-race food, and an expo experience. Not a swimmer, biker, or runner, then come be a spectator!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
