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