THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Fall Never Tasted So Good!
Can you believe another weekend is upon us already and it’s bringing with it a few festivals serving up some great tastes for the fall season!
Enjoy a lively, tasteful wine celebration at the 10th annual Lincoln Park Wine Fest this Saturday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) at Jonquil Park (1001 W. Wrightwood Ave.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. This vibrant open-air celebration offers guests wine and food pavilions throughout the park featuring selections from around the world along with delicious bites and wine-inspired accouterments. Plus, sommeliers and brand ambassadors will be on hand as well. A general ticket gets you access to the festival market, 12 tasting tickets and a commemorative tasting glass while a VIP ticket gets you an additional 5 tastings of carefully curated specialty wines, a commemorative tasting glass, a private seating area and restrooms. Are you ready to raise a glass or two to a decade of memorable tastings, lively ambiance, and community connection!
Taking over Lincoln Avenue between Diversey and Wellington Avenues in the Lakeview neighborhood is the 3rd annual Lincoln Brunch Fest this Saturday (10 a.m.-2 p.m.). This free event offers complimentary signature brunch bites from top local restaurants, live entertainment by Beer the Band and Megadad, and family-friendly activities. In addition, attendees will be able to meet local authors and attend book signings. This is a can’t miss event for your tastebuds!
For the first time ever, the world’s largest chicken tender festival is coming to Chicago with Tenderfest 2026 this Saturday at Harry Caray’s Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood. Two sessions (11 a.m.-3 p.m./5 p.m.-9 p.m.) are available for unlimited tastings where all-you-can-eat chicken tender samples from top chefs, restaurants, and tender makers are at your fingertips. Also featured at this new event is the ConTENDER Cup where local chefs compete in front of celebrity judges; special attractions consisting of a live attempt at the World’s Largest Chicken Tender, a live chicken tender eating contest, stilt walkers, entertainment, and more. Hopefully, you won’t go home looking like a chicken tender yourself!
You know, it’s never too early to begin preparing for the Halloween season especially since there’s so many events taking place before the big day itself. So perhaps you would prefer to learn all about Chicago’s shadowy, dark history on a Creepy Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises departing from the Chicago Riverwalk near 111-112 East Wacker Drive in the Loop on Fridays, Saturdays, and select Thursdays and Sundays. Expect a chilling journey as live guides share eerie accounts, local folklore, ghost stories, and true crime stories tied to iconic downtown landmarks on your 90-minute cruise along the Chicago River. There’s also an on-board bar with beer, wine, and snacks for purchase as well as open-air upper decks and climate-controlled lower salons. You know, this could be an evening you just might want to forget!
Chicago’s family-friendly fall tradition returns with BOO! at the Zoo now through October 25th at Brookfield Zoo (3300 Golf Rd. – south entrance) in Brookfield. Once again, it’s seasonal fun for ghosts and ghouls of all ages featuring trick-or-treating (bring reusable bags); costume parades held on weekends at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.; pumpkin to animal enrichment; themed Zoo chats; meet characters and live performers; pumpkin decorating; Halloween crafts; and so much more. So put on your favorite costume and experience the Zoo like never before!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
