THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO - VARIETY PACKED WEEKEND – YOUR CHOICE!
So, you haven't been invited to a graduation party this weekend. Not to worry. The City and its neighborhoods have a big weekend planned with a variety of events.
Into the Arts, well, you're in luck with these -
35th Annual Wells Street Art Festival takes place in the Old Town neighborhood on Wells Street between North Avenue and Division Street. This fine art event features works from artists across the nation along with food and drink vendors, kids' activities, a silent auction and entertainment. American English, a Beatles tribute band, will be wrapping up this event on Sunday evening. Donation of $7-$10. Click here for dates, times and the entire entertainment schedule.
60th Annual Old Town Art Fair takes place in the Lincoln Park neighborhood in the Old Town Triangle Historic District. Main gate is located at Lincoln Avenue and Wisconsin Street. This outdoor fair, which is billed as the country's oldest juried art fair, features 260 invited artists along with food and beer vendors, a kids' area, a garden walk and live music. Suggested donation is $7; free for kids 12 and under. Click here for dates and times.
In the mood for some great "free" music -
The Grant Park Music Festival kicks off its 75th annual classical music series this weekend at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph Street). Concerts take place most Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings through August 15th, of course, with several exceptions. Click here to view the 2009 schedule.
The 26th Annual Chicago Blues Festival takes place in Grant Park this Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. each day. Click here for this year's blues line-up.
Neighborhood festivals are back in swing as well, here's a few -
The 44th Annual Andersonville Midsommarfest takes place in the Andersonville neighborhood at Foster and Clark, and celebrates this neighborhood's Swedish heritage. Local eateries will be serving up a variety of international foods. Watch a pet parade. Browse arts and crafts. Take in some live music from four stages. Click here for more information and the Band lineup.
The 11th Annual Ribfest Chicago takes place in the North Center neighborhood at 4000 N. Lincoln Avenue (Lincoln and Irving Park Road). 25 bands and 25 local food vendors will set the stage for this event along with kids' activities. Click here for more information and who's entertaining when!
Fiesta Back of the Yards 2009 takes place in the, you guessed it, Back of the Yards neighborhood at 1600 W. 47th Street. This fiesta has a Mexican flare to it serving up Mexican food along with dance and cultural performances. Carnival rides also are provided for $1 to $3. Click here for more information, including dates and times.
Well now, any suggestions on how I can get out of attending the graduation parties I was invited to this weekend?
SUE MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
