THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Getting a Head Start on Holiday Shopping!
To market, to market, to market we’ll go, to get a head start on our holiday shopping! And perhaps even a festival or two thrown in for good measure!!
A key market event destination that locals and fans from across the globe can’t get enough of returns this Saturday (10 a.m.-7 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) with the Randolph Street Market located at the Beaux Arts Plumbers Union Hall Building (1341 W. Randolph St.) in the West Loop. Not only does this European-style market feature antique dealers, vintage resellers, artisans, global goods, and more but it also has a festival feel complete with live music, local restaurant food vendors, beer and wine gardens, spirits, a Little Elves Workshop, and more. In addition, there’s FREE onsite parking, gift wrapping, and personal shopping assistance too. Come ring in the season with the whole family!
Transforming Chicago’s premier international school into a Parisian marketplace, the 22nd annual Lycée French Market takes place this Saturday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) at Lycée Français de Chicago (1929 W. Wilson Ave.) in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. Get a head start on your holiday shopping with 75+ local and French artisan vendors offering apparel, accessories, fine and decorative arts, gourmet foods, and more. And when you need a break from shopping, head on over to the Market’s authentic French bistro for items such as crepes, quiches, and traditional desserts. In addition, there’s a full lineup of live music and children’s activities for everyone’s enjoyment!
Celebrating the ingenuity of independent and small businesses who create one-of-a-kind products, the Chicago Artisan Market – Fulton Market returns to Morgan MFG (401 N. Morgan St.) for six delightful indoor Sunday markets beginning with its Pre-Thanksgiving Market this Sunday through December 13 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.). Each market will highlight 115+ talented Chicago and Midwest artisans featuring arts, fashion, food, home goods, and more that also include Chicago-themed items. This Market also offers bistro and high-boy seating to enjoy a break for some artisan coffee, tea, pastries, and desserts or lunch-plated food items as well as a stocked bar selling cocktails, wine and beer. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and even shop with the artisans and learn how they make their products!
Celebrate Japanese culture at JASC’s annual Holiday Delight & Kodomo Matsuri this Saturday (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) at 5700 North Lincoln Avenue in the West Ridge neighborhood. Enjoy a festive day filled with live entertainment and traditional/contemporary music and performances; assorted vendors offering food, holiday treats, unique crafts, and goods; and children’s activities at the Kodomo Matsuri (children’s festival) with games and plenty of family-friendly activities. There may even be a visit from Santa!
Returning to Chicago for its 24th year is the nationally recognized event known as FOBAB – Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer this Saturday (1 p.m.-5 p.m.) at the Credit Union 1 Arena (525 S. Racine Ave.) in the Little Italy/University Village neighborhood. This one-of-a-kind opportunity offers a tasting session to sample 250+ expertly crafted beers, ciders, meads, and perries across 13 unique style categories, many of which are brewed exclusively for and available only at this festival. Plus, the annual awards ceremony will take place on Saturday awarding gold, silver, and bronze medals as well as “Best in Show” honors. Enjoy a day at North America’s largest and most prestigious barrel-aged beer festival!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
