Summer Selling Secrets: Attract More Buyers This Season

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new house and family in their backyard together looking at their property

Summer is one of the busiest times of the year for real estate. Longer days, beautiful weather, and flexible schedules make it easier for buyers to tour homes and make moving plans before fall. If you’re thinking about selling, now is the perfect time to make your home stand out.

Here are some of the best ways to attract more buyers and make a lasting impression this summer.

Maximize Your Curb Appeal

First impressions happen before buyers ever step inside. Summer offers the perfect opportunity to showcase your home’s exterior.

Keep your lawn neatly mowed, trim hedges, add fresh mulch, and plant colorful flowers to create a welcoming entrance. A freshly painted front door, clean windows, and a pressure-washed driveway can instantly boost your home’s appearance.

Let the Sunshine In

Natural light is one of the most desirable features buyers look for. Before every showing, open curtains and blinds to let sunlight fill each room.

Replace burned-out light bulbs, clean windows inside and out, and remove heavy drapes that block daylight. Bright, airy spaces feel larger and more inviting.

Keep Your Home Cool and Comfortable

Summer temperatures can make or break a showing experience.

Set your air conditioning to a comfortable temperature before buyers arrive. Ceiling fans, shaded rooms, and even a subtle citrus or linen scent can help create a refreshing atmosphere that encourages buyers to linger.

Highlight Outdoor Living Spaces

Many buyers are looking for homes that extend beyond the interior.

Stage your patio, deck, or backyard with comfortable seating, outdoor rugs, colorful cushions, or a dining set. If you have a fire pit, pool, or outdoor kitchen, make these features shine by ensuring everything is clean and well maintained.

Help buyers imagine themselves enjoying warm summer evenings in their new home.

Declutter and Simplify

A clean, organized home always photographs better and feels more spacious during showings.

Pack away personal items, clear countertops, organize closets, and remove excess furniture that makes rooms feel crowded. Less clutter helps buyers focus on the home’s features rather than your belongings.

Schedule Professional Photography

Summer’s longer daylight hours provide ideal lighting for real estate photography.

Professional photos, twilight images, and even drone photography can showcase your property in its best light and help your listing stand out online, where most buyers begin their search.

Price Your Home Strategically

Even during a strong summer market, pricing matters.

A competitively priced home often attracts more interest, generates stronger offers, and may even create multiple-offer situations. Working with an experienced real estate professional can help you determine a price based on current market conditions rather than emotion.

Be Flexible With Showings

Summer schedules can vary as families balance vacations, camps, and weekend activities.

Offering flexible showing times—including evenings and weekends—can help more buyers see your home, increasing the likelihood of receiving an offer.

Don’t Forget the Small Details

Simple touches can make buyers feel welcome without overwhelming the space.

Fresh flowers, neatly folded towels, clean entryways, and a bowl of seasonal fruit can add warmth and freshness. Small details often leave a lasting impression.

Final Thoughts

Summer provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your home’s best features. With thoughtful preparation, smart pricing, and inviting presentation, you can attract more buyers and position your home for a successful sale.

Whether you’re preparing to list this month or simply exploring your options, taking the time to present your home at its best can make all the difference in today’s competitive market.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – It’s a Food Frenzy Provided by Chefs & Pitmasters!

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Barbecue Chef Cartoon Mascot Charcoal BBQ Person stock illustration

It’s time to fill our bellies this weekend as two very popular food festivals are serving up a food frenzy of some of the best food this city has to offer as well as other events for those who want a more laid-back weekend!

Wrapping up this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-9 p.m.) is the 46th annual Taste of Chicago in Grant Park on Columbus Avenue from Balbo Avenue to Monroe Street in the Loop.  Once again food trucks, pop-up vendors, and dozens of local eateries including festival favorites such as Billy Goat Tavern, Lou Malnati’s, and others are ready to make your taste buds crave more.  In addition, Eli’s Cheesecake will host their annual ceremonial cutting of their 1,000-pound cheesecake at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.  Also, a newly introduced Chef’s Stage features live cooking demonstrations from celebrated local chefs, which include signature dish samplings.  And if you need to work off that full belly, there are plenty of activities, attractions, and a Family Village for all to digest a bit before the next round!

The two-time ACM award-winning Windy City Smokeout returns to the United Center’s Parking Lot (1901 W. Madison St.) on the Near West Side this Saturday and Sunday (1 p.m.-10 p.m.) for its 13th year.  Once again, the Smokeout’s award-winning roster of over 20 BBQ pitmasters from across the country will be serving up the best BBQ in the nation.  Also featured at the Smokeout is country music’s biggest names, including headliners Blake Shelton, Jordan Davis, Hootie & The Blowfish, and others along with up-and-coming country music talent.  Enjoy your time basking in the smell of some good ‘ole BBQ and jamming to twangy strains of country music!

Enjoy a perfect summer weekend outing at the Southport Art Fest as it returns to the Southport Corridor near 3733 North Southport Avenue in the Lakeview neighborhood this Saturday (10 a.m.-7 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.).  An incredible lineup of over 100 juried artists will be selling their unique and high-quality art that include paintings, jewelry, mixed media, and more.  In addition, explore the charming boutique shops and theaters of the neighborhood as well as savoring the food of local restaurants.  There’s even a Kids Art Zone with face painting, personalized poems, and tons of other activities for the whole family to enjoy.  Have an incredible day of discovering, collecting, and celebrating creativity for an unforgettable art-filled weekend!

Bringing together the best of the Lincoln Square neighborhood, Square Roots is taking place this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) on Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson Avenues.  Not only is there a great lineup of live music; local craft beer favorites, cocktails, THC seltzers, and non-alcoholic drinks but there’s also delicious eats and treats available with great tastes from all around Chicagoland.  There’s even a Kid Zone (12 p.m.-6 p.m.) at Leavitt Street and Sunnyside Avenue offering tons of family fun with Wiggleworms, Little Miss Ann Band, story scavengers, inflatables, and much more!

Enjoy the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the Chicago Water Lantern Festival this Saturday and Sunday (5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.) at Humboldt Park (1400 N. Humboldt Dr.) in the Humboldt Park neighborhood.  A ticket includes a wristband, a floating lantern kit, an LED candle, and markers for decorating (children under 8 get in free with a registered adult).  Activities begin at 5:30 p.m. with food trucks, music, and games.  The decorating of lanterns begins at 8:00 p.m. with the water launch beginning at 8:30 p.m. lighting up the night with love and laughter.  You may also want to bring blankets, chairs, and food to make your festival experience even better and more memorable!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News: Free Movies in Millennium Park offers family-friendly fun in the heart of the city

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Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park in Chicago, Illinois stock photo

Nearly every Tuesday in July and August, against a backdrop of Lake Michigan and the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park offers crowd-pleasing, free, family -friendly movies presented on a state-of- the-art, 40-foot LED screen.

The Millennium Park Summer Film Series takes place on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Admission is completely free, and  you don’t even need a movie ticket or registration to attend…just show up!  You can enter Millennium Park at Michigan Avenue and Washington Street, or Michigan Avenue at Madison Street, or at  Randolph Street or Monroe Street. 

Note: Animals are not permitted in Millennium Park, unless they are service animals.

Where Can I Sit?

You and your family may take a seat at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, where Frank Gehry’s one-of-a-kind bandshell soars 120 feet in the air, with a flowing crown of stainless steel ribbons and curving steel plates that make it a stunning place to see live entertainment. 

Or…you and your family can lounge on the Great Lawn. When the gates open at 5pm, you can bring your own blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics, though food is also available for purchase nearby.

Note: All seats within the Pavilion’s seating bowl and space on the Great Lawn are free and first come, first served. 

Upcoming Free Movies Include:

July 14:  When Harry Met Sally (1989, R) / This is Spinal Tap (1984, R) — Tribute to Rob Reiner Double Feature

July 28:  Hamilton (2020, PG-13) — America 250 celebration

August 4: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001, PG-13) — 25th anniversary

August 11:  The Devil Wears Prada (2006, PG-13) — 20th anniversary

August 18:  Sinners (2025, R)  Oscar winner Michael B. Jordan stars in the acclaimed horror film, directed by Ryan Coogler. 

Accessibility?

As Choose Chicago notes, every aspect of Millennium Park has been designed to be accessible and inclusive to all patrons. That includes:

• All films are open-captioned (including pre-show)

• Assistive listening devices and wheelchairs are available at all Millennium Park events from the Patron Service Tent

• Accessible seating (with companion seats) is available throughout the Jay Pritzker Pavilion seating bowl

What happens in severe weather?

Concerts and performances in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion are held rain or shine, unless there are severe weather warnings and/or the threat of lightning in the area. 

The Pavilion seats are not protected from the elements. The Great Lawn has a high-tech design with underlying layers of sand and gravel that allows water to drain quickly.

What else can I do with the kids?

  • Cool off at the Crown Fountain!  Conceptual artist Jaume Plensa’s interactive video sculpture is composed of a black granite reflecting pool positioned between a pair of 50-foot glass brick towers. The towers include LED video screens that display larger-than-life faces of Chicago locals. In the summer, the towers cascade with water, making them the perfect place to splash around and cool off.
  • Take them to the Cloud Gate, aka “The Bean”  Unveiled in 2005, this is famed artist Anish Kapoor’s first outdoor public sculpture in the United States, and one of the largest sculptures of its kind in the world. See yourself and the city skyline reflected on Cloud Gate’s shiny surfaces and snap the ultimate Chicago photo opp.

They’re Hungry! What Now?

If you don’t opt for a picnic, nestled under “The Bean” in Millennium Park you’ll find Millennium Hall 11 N. Michigan Avenue, an American Bistro serving Chicago- style specialties like Miniature Chicago Dogs and Creamy Burrata Board, alongside Neapolitan-style pizzas. The Millennium Burger is an 8-ounce Schweid & Sons angus beef patty, with smoked gouda, bourbon-glazed bacon, caramelized onions, and giardiniera aioli on a brioche bun, served with fries.

The Plaza Café is located right below The Bean, offering quick, casual bites during the summer months.

And Finally …What if I’m Not Coming Downtown?

The Chicago Park District’s “Movies in the Parks” program is celebrating its 22nd season of offering free outdoor film screenings in neighborhood parks citywide.

If you live in Chicago (and even if you don’t), you can see free movies in the park in each of the 77 communities that make up the great city of Chicago. For more information and a complete list of Movies in the Park…click here!

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review: Lincoln Park’s R.J. Grunt’s Revisited…the 70’s are alive and well!

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Multiethnic friends bonding, eating burgers and laughing in a diner stock photo

“Open on Earth June 10, 1971”

It’s hard to believe that Lincoln Park’s R.J. Grunt’s  is 55 years old in 2026.  I grew up with the Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (LEYE) flagship restaurant’s funky, wood-paneled, devil-may-care vibe and 70’s décor after a trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo or the Chicago History Museum, both of which are nearby. 

For a kid, the eclectic menu, designed as if it were hand-scribbled by a ten year old, their oversized portions, peerless, giant Gruntburgers, homemade potato chips and giant milk shakes were all I needed for a perfect afternoon.

Farewell, my salad bar, hello reimagination! 

Founded by Chicagoans Rich Melman and Jerry A. Orzoff in 1971, the owner’s claim to fame was that it invented the salad bar. Who are we to argue? Who could forget the rows of fresh, crispy vegetables, delicious fruits, and “exotic” selections like chickpeas and patè?  Not to mention their homemade croutons!

However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, they reimagined the Salad Bar as a pick-your-own and came up with, as the menu says, “873,065, 282, 167, 813, 104 possible combinations.” Today, you can ask your server how to make it happen for you. There’s no salad makings on the menu, so if you want a salad, ASK! You can choose up to eight items for your salad. 

Revisiting R.J. Grunt’s 

My friend Kathy and I visited R.J. Grunt’s after Pride Parade this year. Both of us have fond memories through the decades. On Sunday, mid-afternoon, the place was packed with families, but we were able to snag a table in the middle of the action. Reservations are HIGHLY recommended!

The menu is huge, ranging from R.J.’S Famous Chili, a traditional pork and beef chili, served with raw white onions, cheddar cheese and oyster crackers, which was honored as Chicago’s Best Chili in 1979, to their Baby Back Ribs, which are grilled pork ribs with BBQ sauce, and served with french fries and a side of coleslaw. Now, they also have their own lager, 71 Haze, R.J Grunt’s own branded lager, brewed locally at Spiteful Brewing on Chicago’s Northside.

On that Sunday, our bodies were craving COMFORT FOOD. I went with their Tuna Melt…homemade tuna salad topped with tomato and a slice of melted cheddar cheese, served on Challah bread with pickles. You have your choice of cottage fries or or homemade chips. The challah bread is fresh and delicious and the sandwich portions remain huge. The tuna salad itself was creamy without being overbearing; however, it lacked seasoning. If I’d thought to put the pickles on the tuna salad, they would probably have some effect, but my brain was fried from the 90+ degree temperatures. Instead, I covered it in salt and pepper and mixed thoroughly. It became MY tuna salad!

A word about their Homemade Chips. They reminded me of that quote from Forrest Gump…”you never know what you’re gonna get!” While Kathy and I both enjoyed them, we both noted they were wildly inconsistent…crispy and seasoned on some, mushy on others. Slices ranged from very thin to somewhat thick, curled like a store-bought potato chip to large pieces. Greasy to nongreasy. Salted and unsalted. That doesn’t mean they tasted or looked bad. They were simply…inconsistent. 

Kathy had their Fish and Chips…three pieces of beer-battered fried Icelandic cod, served over a bed of cottage fries with sides of tartar sauce and cocktail sauce. She really enjoyed the three fish tenders, which she pronounced “really good,” noting also the goodness of the crunchy, somewhat sweet crust on the fish. 

For dessert, we opted for something new to us, Cookie in a Bowl. Served in half or full portions, it’s your choice of a giant chocolate chip cookie right out of the oven, topped with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge. Or a giant Snickerdoodle cookie  topped with vanilla ice cream and gooey caramel sauce. Mine was perfect: the chocolate chip cookie was at the melty stage and blended with the ice cream and hot fudge for this chocolate lover’s delight. However, Kathy’s Snickerdoodle came hard and turned into a rock-like consistency long before the ice cream melted. She couldn’t eat it. While I’d highly recommend the chocolate chip cookie, you’ve been forewarned!

R.J. Grunt’s is located at 2056 N. Lincoln Park West. They are open Sunday- Wednesday from 10:30am- 8:30pm, Thursday and Friday from 11am- 10pm, and Saturday from 10:30am-10pm. For reservations, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 7 tricks for using your old bar soap

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Bath time stock photo

Many of us have switched to liquid soap for washing our hands and bodies. But it wasn’t all that long ago we were using bar soap—and almost everyone in the family used the same kind, in the bath, shower and sink. What if I told you it’s still good to hang onto some of that old-fashioned soap? It has many uses you might not think of, like:

Pre-treating laundry for stains. Just wet the bar well and rub directly on stains. There is a brand called Fels Naphtha soap that is especially effective on all sorts of stains, especially on kids’ clothes. Anyone with a Little Leaguer is familiar. 

Freshening up closets, drawers and storage spaces. Wrap the soap in a sock or a piece of muslin and secure with a string or rubber band. Place it where you want a light, fresh scent. The fragrance will permeate the space gently. It’s eco-friendly and better than chemical laden fresheners. Lavender or eucalyptus soap will also deter pests and add a calming scent.

Quick fixes on clothes and around the house. Remember Grandma using soap on zippers? I do! Rub a dry bar of soap along the teeth of any zipper, clothes or bags, and watch it work effortlessly. Bar soap also works well on annoying squeaks around the house. Glide it on the edges of doors, floorboards, drawers or windows. 

Temporarily fixing leaks. Soap is oily and repels water and will adhere to surfaces of different shapes and materials. Wet a piece of soap and press it firmly on the leak or around the pipe fitting and smooth it out. It will stop the leak till a proper repair is made!

Repelling pests. Strong scented bar soap like Irish Spring can be a great critter deterrent in the garden. Hang several around the garden in mesh bags. It will tell those deer and rabbits that this is no place for them! Bar soap also repels many different bugs around the home and yard. 

Holding sewing needles. If you sew at home, the soap will keep your needles sharp and rust free. The soup lubricates needles making them glide though fabric easily. It can also be used to mark fabric. 

Quick and easy wall repair and cleaning. Fill minor nail holes with grated soap. The bar itself will remove scuff marks easily.

Do you have any hacks using old fashioned bar soap?

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

15 Clever IKEA Hacks Every Homeowner and Renter Should Know

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couple installing bookshelf for new house stock photo

Whether you’ve just bought your first home, moved into a new apartment, or you’re simply looking to refresh your space, making it feel stylish and functional doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

That’s where IKEA hacks come in. IKEA’s affordable furniture and storage solutions have become a favorite among DIY enthusiasts because they’re easy to customize, budget-friendly, and surprisingly versatile. With a little creativity, you can transform basic pieces into custom-looking furniture, maximize storage, and add personality to your space—often without making permanent changes.

Here are 15 clever IKEA hacks that can help homeowners and renters make the most of every square foot.

1. Create a Built-In Look with Bookcases

Arrange a few IKEA bookcases side by side to create the appearance of custom shelving. Homeowners can add trim and paint for a built-in finish, while renters can simply style the shelves with baskets, books, and décor for a polished look.

2. Give a Basic Dresser a Designer Makeover

Swap out standard knobs and handles for modern hardware or add peel-and-stick wallpaper to drawer fronts for an instant upgrade. It’s an easy way to personalize your furniture without spending a fortune.

3. Design a Functional Entryway

Even if you don’t have a formal mudroom, a storage bench, wall hooks, and a slim shoe cabinet can keep coats, bags, and shoes organized while making your entryway feel welcoming.

4. Maximize Closet Space

Closet organizers, shelf dividers, hanging storage, and storage bins can completely transform an overcrowded closet into a tidy, easy-to-use space.

5. Add Stylish Wall Storage

Floating shelves are great for displaying books, plants, photos, or decorative accents. If you’re renting, look for installation methods that comply with your lease or use freestanding shelving units to achieve a similar effect.

6. Build a Coffee Station

Turn a small cabinet, cart, or bookshelf into a dedicated coffee or beverage station. It’s a fun way to organize mugs, coffee supplies, and small appliances while adding character to your kitchen or dining area.

7. Create a Cozy Reading Nook

Combine a storage bench, soft cushions, and a floor lamp to create the perfect reading corner. It’s an inviting addition to any home, apartment, or condo.

8. Set Up a Custom Home Office

Mix and match tabletops, drawer units, and shelving to build a workspace that fits your available space and your budget. Whether you’re working remotely or managing household tasks, a functional desk setup can make a big difference.

9. Organize the Laundry Area

Use rolling carts, shelving, baskets, and organizers to keep detergents, cleaning supplies, and laundry essentials neatly stored—even in compact laundry closets.

10. Make a Small Kitchen Feel Bigger

Drawer organizers, magnetic storage, and vertical shelving help maximize cabinet space and keep countertops clutter-free without requiring a kitchen remodel.

11. Create an Organized Playroom or Family Space

Storage cubes and labeled bins make it easier to organize toys, games, crafts, or even pet supplies while keeping everything within easy reach.

12. Take Advantage of Under-Bed Storage

Store seasonal clothing, extra blankets, shoes, or holiday decorations in under-bed storage containers to free up valuable closet space.

13. Tidy Up Utility Spaces

Whether it’s a garage, storage room, utility closet, or pantry, shelving units and stackable bins help keep everything organized and easy to find.

14. Refresh Your Bathroom

Simple additions like over-the-toilet shelving, drawer organizers, baskets, and towel storage can make even a small bathroom feel more spacious and organized.

15. Upgrade Your Outdoor Space

Balcony, patio, or backyard—every outdoor area can benefit from comfortable seating, planters, outdoor lighting, and clever storage solutions that create a relaxing place to unwind.

Why IKEA Hacks Are So Popular

One of the biggest reasons people love IKEA hacks is their flexibility. Many projects can be completed in a weekend using affordable materials and basic tools, while others require little more than creative styling.

They’re also ideal for people who move frequently. Many IKEA pieces are lightweight, adaptable, and easy to repurpose from one home to the next, making them a smart investment whether you rent or own.

Best of all, these projects allow you to create a home that reflects your personality without stretching your budget. A few thoughtful upgrades can make any space feel more organized, inviting, and uniquely yours.

Final Thoughts

Creating a beautiful home isn’t about spending the most money—it’s about making smart choices that improve the way you live. Whether you’re settling into your first apartment, decorating your forever home, or simply looking for fresh ideas, IKEA hacks offer creative ways to add style, storage, and function to almost any space.

Start with one simple project, experiment with your personal style, and enjoy transforming your space into a home that works for you.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!

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250th anniversary of United States independence greeting card stock illustration

One of the best times in Chicago for the summer is experiencing the Fourth of July here.  However, this weekend is even more special.  Not only does the Fourth of July fall on Saturday but we’re also celebrating America’s 250th Birthday!  It doesn’t get any better than this!

This year, Bizzy Nights is throwing the ultimate Red, White, and Brew Bar Crawl on Saturday (12 p.m.-2 a.m.) at 11 stops across the River North and Wrigleyville neighborhoods from rooftops to cantinas to dance floors.  A ticket includes an official Red, White & Brew wristband; a $25 coupon at check-in; 5 free shots at Joy District and Hubbard Inn (6 p.m.-7 p.m.), Moe’s Cantina (8 p.m.-10 p.m.), Tunnel (10 p.m.-11 p.m.), and Fame; drink specials and shot deals at every participating stop; and access to the full route map plus after party details.  It’s a full Chicago takeover with a crowd that knows how to celebrate!

A beloved local tradition going back 30+ years, the 4th on 53rd Parade & Free Festival takes place Saturday in the Hyde Park neighborhood.  The parade begins at 11:00 a.m. with marching bands, community groups, floats, and kids on decorated bikes culminating at Nicholas Park (1355 E. 53rd St.) for the free, family-friendly festival (12 p.m.-3 p.m.) featuring live stage performances and music, games, bouncy houses, face painting, magicians, a petting zoo, and more!

Celebrate the 4th of July on the Chicago Riverwalk (355 E. Riverwalk) in the Loop as the east riverwalk is turned into Camp Chicago 2026 on Saturday (1 p.m.-6 p.m.).  Camp festivities include the Kumbaya Village where tie-dye, body paint, friendship bracelets, and Camp Chicago merch can be found; a Mess Hall offering festival food, camp favorites, and a full bar running all day; a Bandshell complete with live music and DJs performing all day on a stage built for the riverfront; a variety of Yard Games that include Giant Jenga, Corn Hole, and Ladder Ball; and Party Boat Cruises departing throughout the day with limited capacity.  It’s a one-day All-American festival!

With a festive holiday atmosphere and an evening first pitch this year, come cheer on your legendary Chicago Cubs as they host the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday (7:08 p.m.) and Sunday (1:30 p.m.) at Wrigley Field (1060 W. Addison St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.  What’s more American than a baseball game on the 4th of July!

The city’s annual Independence Day Salute will once again be held at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park (301 E. Randolph St.) in the Loop on Saturday (7:30 p.m.-9 p.m.) with free and reserved seating available.  Christopher Bell will conduct the Grant Park Orchestra as they perform patriotic American favorites, marches, and classics by composers like Copland, Gershwin, and Sousa.  Did I mention, it’s the only free outdoor classical-music concert series in the U.S.!

End your 4th of July evening at the award-winning Independence Day Fireworks at Navy Pier starting at 10:00 p.m.  Commemorating the 250th birthday of America, this year’s display will be an unforgettable, extended 15-minute performance that is fully choreographed to music and set against Chicago’s skyline.  If the Pier happens to enforce a capacity limit, other prime viewing spots can be found at the South Dock, the Pier Park, the Lake Stage at Polk Bros. Park, and the East End Plaza.

Have a Happy and Safe Fourth of July Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News: Explore the world, celebrate America’s birthday without leaving the city at Museum Free Days!

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Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA) in Chicago, Illinois, USA. stock photo

As the USA celebrates its 250th  birthday, the history of our heritage and diverse culture is omnipresent at Chicago’s iconic museums 365 days a year.

DID YOU KNOW…on select days, you can visit Chicago’s iconic museums for FREE?  We at Dean’s Team Chicago have compiled a list of this month ‘s free days for you and your family:

The Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Illinois residents can enjoy free admission (with proof of residency) on the following days:

  • Wednesday July 8
  • Wednesday, July 15

Note: Admission is always free for Illinois teachers.  Make sure to book online and in advance by clicking here.  

In Chicago’s Loop is the American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Avenue, 2nd Floor, where you and your family can enjoy free admission on the third Sunday of each month. On these days, the museum is open from 10am to 5pm. You can see and interact with exhibits like American Prophets: Writers, Religion, and Culture, which explores the profound ways writing reflects and influences our understanding of religion. From the poet Phyllis Wheatley to the comedian Harold Ramis, writers are driven by their beliefs and the beliefs of those around them.

Access to all exhibits are included on free museum days. Prior registration is not required, but recommended. For more information, click here. 

In the Loop, The Art Institute of Chicago,  111 S. Michigan Avenue, sponsors Free Summer Thursdays from 5pm to 8 pm. July dates include:

  • Thursday, July 2
  • Thursday, July 9
  • Thursday, July 16
  • Thursday, July 23
  • Thursday, July 30

Additionally, they offer free admission every day for Chicago teens under age 18, all children under age 14, Link and WIC cardholders, active-duty military, and Illinois educators. To reserve tickets, click here.  

The Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark Street, in Lincoln Park offers free admission on select days. Visit exhibits like Aquí en Chicago, tracing the lives of Latino/a/e communities. Upcoming free admission days are:

  • Saturday, July 4
  • Wednesday, July 15

Admission is always free for active duty military and veterans, active duty Chicago police and firefighters, Illinois teachers, Illinois residents under age 18, and all children under 12. For tickets, click here. 

Washington Park’s DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, 740 E. 56th Place,  there’s free admission for all every Wednesday.

Note: Admission is always free for military and first responders, University of Chicago students, Chicago Park District employees, Illinois public school students, and other groups. For tickets and information, click here. 

At the Field Museum, 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive,  every Wednesday throughout 2026 is free. 

Free tickets are available for advance reservation online and on site. The free tickets include all general admission exhibitions. Present a current Illinois driver’s license, State ID, or Chicago CityKey card at the ticket desk to establish proof of residency. For tickets and information, click here.

Note: Illinois teachers and active military personnel receive free general admission year-round.

In Hyde Park, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry,  5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive,  is always free for United States military active-duty personnel and veterans, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters & Chicago police officers, Illinois teachers (Pre-K through 12th grade), United States military active-duty personnel and veterans, who  also receive $4 off U-505 On-Board Tour tickets. Forinformationand reservations, click here. 

Streeterville’s Museum of Contemporary Art,  220 E. Chicago Avenue, reserves every Tuesday from 5pm – 9pm for Illinois residents to receive free admission.

Note: The museum is always free for visitors under age 18, visitors with disabilities and their caregivers, active members of the military, police, and fire departments, veterans and their families, and Illinois elementary and high school teachers. 

And …If it’s not Tuesday evening, MCA has a pay-what-you-can policy — no one will be turned away.

InLincolnPark, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum 2430 N. Cannon Drive, has the following Resident Days:

  • Monday, July 20
  • Tuesday, July 21
  • Wednesday, July 22

Illinois residents can reserve their free tickets online or in person. 

Please note: Free admission does not include the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven exhibit, but access can be purchased as an add-on for $5 per person.

At the Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Illinois residents receive free access to all permanent exhibits on Free Museum Nights from 5pm– 9pm on the following dates:

  • Thursday, July 2
  • Tuesday, July 7
  • Tuesday, July 14
  • Tuesday, July 28

And…Admission is always free for Chicago police officers and firefighters, active-duty U.S. military personnel, and educators from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

NOTE: There is a $5 convenience fee per order for Free Hours reservations made online. 

HOWEVER, you can reserve tickets by phone with no convenience fee by calling 312-939-2438. 

Andersonville’s Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark Street, has free admission every second Tuesday of the month throughout the year, and children aged 1 year or younger are admitted free every day. 

If you plan on visiting with a group of 10 or more, it is highly recommended that you contact the museum so that they can accommodate you for a guided or self-guided tour.  For more information, click here. 

There are many more museums with free admission every day! For a complete list, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review: In Grant Park, Taste of Chicago brings communities, cuisines, music together

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Crowds walk beneath the “Taste of Chicago” entrance sign stock photo

DO YOU REMEMBER…your first Original Rainbow Cone? Your first slice of Lou Malnati’s pizza? For me, a suburban kid, I’d never had either until my first visit to theTaste of Chicago in Grant Park.  In 2026, the largest free-admission food festival in the world starts on Wednesday,  July 8, ends Sunday, July 12, and runs from 11am – 9pm in the same Grant Park of my youth, Columbus Avenue from Balbo to Monroe.

“Taste of Chicago is one of the city’s most beloved summer traditions because it reflects the heart and soul of Chicago through our people, our culture and our extraordinary culinary talent,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement to WTTW. 

Taste of Chicago made the Windy City an international foodie destination 

According to Wikipedia sources, restauranteur Arnie Morton (Morton ‘s Steakhouse, Arnie’s), had gone to a similar event in New York and persuaded then-Chicago mayor Jane Byrne and Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Lois Weisberg to block off Michigan Avenue for the first Taste of Chicago on July 4, 1980.  

Although organizers expected 100,000 people, a crowd of over 250,000 showed up, with food and soda sales grossing $300,000 at the festival’s inception. The next year, it moved to Grant Park and merged with Chicagofest, the music festival, to create a very large annual event.

Part of the reason for its success (personal opinion) was that, while Chicago has always had its fair share of fancy restaurants (The Berghoff, Gene and Georgetti’s, Italian Village), there was never an affordable event where people could be sample “tastes” of Chicago’s most renowned restaurants.  

It was because of Taste of Chicago that I could sample such exotic treats as Turtle Soup, Barbecued Turkey Legs,  Jerk Chicken, the Original Rainbow Cone, and Cheesecake-on-a-Stick!

For the Taste of Chicago to be that successful, the combination of free admission, affordability and portion size, along with free, top-notch musical acts, like Stevie Wonder, CeeLo Green, Weezer and proved a winning formula for Chicago and the tourists who made pilgrimages to “The Taste”  annually. The event increased to seven days and more than a million visitors at one point. 

What’s Happening in 2026?

The festival is happening in Grant Park, Chicago, and is bringing a massive lineup of local eateries, international cuisines, and desserts to the city. Taste of Chicago 2026 features over 45 local restaurants, 20 food trucks, and specialty pop-ups, including: 

Global Flavors likeSeoul Taco, Badou Senegalese Cuisine, Cebu Chicago, Khmai, and Tandoor Char House

Barbecue favorites like Soul & Smoke – Smoked brisket, pulled pork, and BBQ ribs, and Lexington Betty Smoke House – Award-winning BBQ and smoked meats 

Comfort food, including Joey G’s Mac N Cheese – Gourmet macaroni and cheese and Harold’s Chicken 55 –Famous Chicago fried chicken 

When it’s appropriate, we always recommend dessert! Here, try Molly’s Cupcakes  on a Saturday pop-up for freshly baked gourmet cupcakes, or have your own Rainbow Cone, or come to Eli’s Cheesecake Birthday Celebration, carrying on the longstanding tradition of cutting a ceremonial 1,000-pound Eli’s Cheesecake. Attendees will receive a free piece of cake following the ceremony.

In addition to these sit-down restaurants, there will be a Snack Shack featuring sweet treats, and rotating pop-up vendors serving cuisines from all over the city.

Please Note: Only credit cards are accepted by all food vendors, No food tickets will be sold! 

Music! Music! Music!

 The Main Stage features a slate of award-winning artists. Or check out the Goose Island Stage for a showcase of local and up-and-coming artists. Check out this year’s free headliners at Taste of Chicago:

Beach Bunny, indie rock pop favorites

Common, Chicago hip-hop icon

Babyface, Legendary R&B singer, songwriter, and producer

Julieta Venegas, international Mexican Latin pop-rock sensation

Original Koffee, Grammy-winning Reggae singer-songwriter

For a complete list of Taste of Chicago restaurants and events, click here. 

Happy 250th Birthday, America! 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 7 ways to use sugar in the garden

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sugar on a spoon stock photo

It’s always best to use natural products in the garden. We know how dangerous pesticides can be, especially to living beings closer to the ground like pets and children. It turns out there is a useful pantry staple I would think 100% of you have: white sugar! Sugar, used properly, won’t harm your plants and you don’t need much to:

Keep nematodes under control. We do like some to combat grubs, but too many can wreak havoc. Increasing the soil’s sugar levels will decrease nematode egg production. Dissolve half a cup of sugar in a gallon of water and soak the soil around plants affected. 

Reduce stress for newly transplanted plants. Doing it once after transplanting will get microbial activity going at the roots. Just one application is enough as more may attract other pests. 

Kill weeds. Sprinkle some at the base of the weed and follow with a light watering. This temporarily ties up the nitrogen in the soil. Most weeds will struggle and die so you can pull them easily and they won’t come back. 

Attract butterflies. Sugar attracts one of nature’s best pollinators to your garden. It mimics nectar. Dissolve one part sugar in four parts water. Dip clean cotton balls and leave them around the garden for butterflies to land on. 

Make wasp traps. You can make a wasp trap out of a two-liter plastic bottle. Cut off the top few inches then fill the bottom with two cups of sugar mixed with one cup water. Put the top back on, upside down to make a funnel. Wasps will find it difficult to get out. 

Strengthen your compost. A little sugar in your compost will nourish the good microbes and speed up the breakdown of organic matter. Stir in well and apply around the base of plants. Do remember to use lightly, too much will attract rodents and other pets.

Energize freshly cut flowers. It gives them a huge boost! The stems feed on it and the blooms will last longer. Add a teaspoon of sugar to the base and add water. For best results change the water every few days. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago