THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Enjoying Warmer Temps and Fun Downtime!

We’re looking at a warmup in temps for this weekend. Not sure how many more we’ll have like this so may I suggest that you take advantage of this weekend’s outdoor events and enjoy some fun downtime with family and friends!
It’s time again for the Annual PAWS Chicago 5K this Saturday (7:30 a.m.-11 a.m.) at Montrose Harbor, Grove 16 (601 W. Montrose Ave.) in the Uptown neighborhood. PAWS is Chicago’s local no-kill animal shelter, and this event raises critical funds and awareness to save the lives of homeless dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. So, bring the whole family, including your furry family members, to participate in this annual walk along a lakefront course while raising money to support PAWS’ work. Afterwards, enjoy the remainder of the morning filled with dog agility courses, treats, a dog spa and pools, sponsor giveaways, raffles, entertainment, and more. It’s Chicago’s largest dog-friendly charity event with the opening ceremonies including a parade of adoptable pets!
Then on Sunday, Montrose Harbor will host the Chi-Care 5K from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This 5K supports people experiencing homelessness across Chicago. The 5K Run/Walk (timed and untimed) starts at 9 a.m. with the Kids Dash (ages 4-12) starting at 11 a.m. and offering different distances for each age group finishing at the real Finish Line. There’s also a Virtual 5K Run for those who wish to support Chi-Care but don’t have the time to be a part of this event. Plus, participants will receive a free shirt, a race bib, and the opportunity to enjoy some post-race fun!
There’s a lot to see and do at the Ravenswood ArtWalk this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-6 p.m.) held at the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor (4191 N. Ravenswood Ave. at Berteau Ave.) in the Lakeview neighborhood. Take a stroll down Ravenswood Avenue to view open studios and galleries, enjoy pop-up performances and activations, and shop at the outdoor arts market featuring 80+ local makers. In addition, this ArtWalk features two stages of live music, a beer garden, food trucks, kids’ activities, and more. Enjoy a weekend of exploration and wonder at this bustling hub of creative industry!
The 20th annual Lakeview East Festival of the Arts also takes place this Saturday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) on Broadway Street from Belmont Avenue to Hawthorne Place in the Lakeview East neighborhood. This event showcases over 150 juried artists encompassing all fine art and fine craft which includes acrylic, oil, watercolor, pastel, ceramics, glass, jewelry, mixed media, and more. In addition, these original pieces are for sale in a wide range of price ranges. Plus, you can catch live music, visit a variety of food and drink tents, or head over to the Kidzone to entertain the little ones. It’s one of the most unique and popular art festivals in Chicagoland!
The 54th annual 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade takes place this Sunday (12 p.m.-3 p.m.). The parade begins at the iconic Little Village Arch on South Albany Avenue and West 26th Street traveling along the vibrant 26th Street business corridor and ending at Kostner Avenue. This dynamic parade features unique colorful floats, live mariachi music, traditional folklore dancers, community groups, local businesses, and elected officials celebrating unity, culture, and community pride with the Little Village neighborhood. Attracting over 400,000 spectators is what makes this one of the largest and most anticipated parades in the Midwest!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago



