THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Hot Dog – We’re Turning Up the Heat!
It’s time to turn up the heat as we bid farewell to May with a host of outdoor events sure to please everyone this weekend!
Are you ready for the 5th annual Windy City Hot Dog Fest? I hope so because this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) at 4000 North Milwaukee Avenue in the Portage Park neighborhood, some of Chicago’s most iconic hot dog stands will compete for the illustrious title of Best Frankfurter, better known as the “Top Dog” Award, and judged by you! But it’s not all hot dogs, there’s more. Enjoy live music from amazing local and regional acts on the main stage as well as a community stage where local talent takes the spotlight; browse a diverse selection of arts and crafts vendors; and let the kids enjoy the family-friendly activity zone. In addition, there’s a Hot Dog Eating Contest on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. Will you be the lucky one to wolf down enough hot dogs as you can in 5 minutes to walk away with the trophy and bragging rights? Plus, Sunday’s feature is the Top Dog Parade where your fur-baby can strut their stuff. Just register now, then head over to the main stage at 11:45 a.m. with your registered fur-baby for some pup parade fun. It’s sure to be a Hot Dog of a weekend!
Come discover Chicago’s artistic heartbeat at The Magnificent Mile™ Spring Art Fest this Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) at 875 North Michigan Avenue in the Streeterville neighborhood. Featuring over 60 juried artists from across the country, this open-air art festival features a variety of mediums which include original works in painting, photography, glass and functional art, fashion, jewelry, and more. In addition, it’s a free festival open to the public and is ADA accessible!
Enjoy a Saturday evening at the Night Nation Run held at Soldier Field (1410 S. Special Olympics Dr.) in the South Loop. This event is the world’s first Running Music Festival with the ultimate blend of a Fun Run and a Music Festival. The racecourse offers multiple party zones with live DJs, dancers, light shows, selfie-stations, and glow gear giveaways with the race starting at 8:30 p.m. Your registration includes a Night Nation T-shirt; a Race Bib; a Glow Necklace; Free Giveaways; and Pre (6:30 p.m.) and Post Race Concerts. In addition, this Run also supports Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), their official charity. This just might be the best night of your life!
Treat yourself to some spectacular fireworks from the best seat in town at FIREWORKS! – Aboard the Tall Ship Windy, recurring weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays (8:45 p.m.-11 p.m.) through September 5th and departing from Navy Pier’s South Dock (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood. Enjoy a 90-minute leisurely evening sailing on Lake Michigan as you grab a drink from the fully stocked bar, take in epic views of the glittering city skyline, and enjoy the accompanying synchronized soundtrack over the ship’s sound system during the fireworks display!
Breaking News – Dinosaurs have taken over Brookfield Zoo! See for yourself, now through October 25th, at Dinos! located at 8400 31st Street (North Gate) or 3300 Golf Road (South Gate) in Brookfield. Journey through a massive rib-cage tunnel, climb on a giant fossil, dig for ancient discoveries, and come face-to-face with life-size dinosaurs throughout the Zoo. In addition, a Dino Dash takes place this Saturday (8 a.m.-9:30 a.m.) where participants who cross the finish line receive a commemorative Dino Dash medal as well as free admission to the Zoo on race day along with the Ferris wheel and carousel included in your Dino Dash registration!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
