THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO - CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS BRING HOME STANLEY!
Even though the parade and rally are behind us for our World Class, Number 1 Champions, the
Chicago Blackhawks, Chicagoans can, and will, continue celebrating throughout the weekend, perhaps at one of these citywide events -
Rolling into town this weekend is the Chicago Blues Festival with live music on five stages throughout Grant Park located at Jackson and Columbus Drives. This festival is billed as the largest free outdoor blues event in the world!
With more than 30 bands, and now in its second year, the Metronome Celebration kicks-off in the Logan Square neighborhood at 2000 N. Milwaukee Avenue between Armitage and Rockwell Avenues. Also on hand, over 20 restaurants selling their food as well as other vendors offering artworks, green products and more.
One of the most popular street fests of the season takes place this weekend. In its 45th year, Andersonville Midsommarfest offers live music on three stages, plenty of food and drink vendors, an art show, kids' activities and more. So, head on over to Clark Street and Foster Avenue to continue celebrating!
Come out and cheer for Chicago's Patrick Bertoletti, a/k/a "Deep Dish", and Tim Brown, a/k/a "Gravy", who are respectively ranked No. 4 and No. 10 in the world by the International Federation of Competitive Eating, as they compete in the Midwest's only all-pro rib-eating competition at the 12th annual Ribfest Chicago in the North Center neighborhood located at Lincoln Avenue and Irving Park Road. This bash also features two stages of live music, 15 competing rib vendors, kids' activities and more. I can see it now, the Cup filled with ribs!!
The largest free literary event in the Midwest also takes place this weekend with the Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest, which features a wide variety of books for sale, author readings and signings, panel discussions, storytelling for kids and more in the South Loop at 700 S. Dearborn Street between Harrison and Polk Streets. Events also take place at the Harold Washington Library Center, however, tickets are required. Stick around after the fest wraps up for Printers Row Lit After Dark featuring live music, food and drink vendors, readings, poetry slams, storytelling competitions, wine tastings and more.
Rain or shine, the 61st annual Old Town Art Fair, billed as the country's oldest juried outdoor art fair with 260 invited artists displaying their creations takes place this weekend in the Old Town Triangle Historic District located at 1763 N. North Park Avenue. Main gate entry though is located at Lincoln Avenue and Wisconsin Street. Live music, a kids' area, a garden walk, food and beer vendors will be featured as well.
And finally, we have the Wells Street Art Festival located at 1300 N. Wells Street between North Avenue and Division Street featuring live music and works from more than 225 artists at their 36th annual fine art showcase.
As you can see by this line-up, Chicago does not settle for anything but the BEST, even if it does take us 49 years!
Was it worth the wait? You Betcha! WELCOME HOME STANLEY!!! Let's hope you stay a little longer this time.
SUE MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
