THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO - INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS IN FULL SWING!
As you well can imagine, with this being the Independence Day holiday weekend, also known as the 4th of July, not only will Chicago celebrations be in full swing, but also many of its surrounding suburban neighbors as well!
Let's take a look -
If you haven't had a chance yet to get down to the 30th annual Taste of Chicago you still have this weekend to do so. This popular event takes place in Grant Park at 100 E. Congress Parkway and features over 50 local restaurants offering up their signature dishes as well as live music on two stages! For $8, you'll get a strip of 12 food and drink tickets.
For something a little more unique, it's the 18th annual African-Caribbean International Festival of Life held at Washington Park (5500 S. Cottage Grove Avenue) in the Hyde Park neighborhood. This cultural celebration runs through July 5th and features an international food court, live music on two stages, nearly 200 vendors selling arts and crafts, jewelry, ceramics and more, plus a health pavilion. A four-day pass will cost you $30.
The Chicago History Museum located in the Gold Coast neighborhood at 1601 N. Clark Street will be hosting this Sunday its 51st annual Fourth of July Festival. This annual celebration features a Declaration of Independence reading, performances of patriotic music and a kids' costume parade.
The Naperville Ribfest, which is held at Knoch Park (700 S. West Street) in Naperville, which is a suburban neighbor of the City of Chicago, brings in 16 rib vendors from all over the country to compete for the best barbecue and sauce. This annual festival also features live music on two stages with performances by LeAnn Rimes on Saturday evening and Blue Oyster Cult on Sunday evening. Of course there are the usual food vendors, a beer tent, carnival rides, cooking demonstrations, a circus aerial show and kids' activities. This festival is well-worth the drive out to Naperville!
Then there's the Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival held at Lisle Community Park (1825 Short Street) in Lisle, another suburban neighbor of Chicago. This annual celebration launches hot air balloons, hence the name of the festival! It also offers food vendors, live music, arts and crafts, kids' activities and an afternoon parade at 3:30 pm. Another festival well-worth the drive!
And finally, what you have been patiently waiting for, here's a run down of fireworks displays taking place this July 4th -
Chicago 4th of July Fireworks at Navy Pier - Sunday, 9:00 pm, Streeterville neighborhood
Chicago 4th of July Fireworks - North Side - Sunday, 9:00 pm, Montrose Beach, Lincoln Park neighborhood
Chicago 4th of July Fireworks - South Side - Sunday, 9:00 pm, 63rd Street Beach, Hyde Park neighborhood
Arlington Heights Fireworks - Saturday, 9:00 pm, Arlington Park Racecourse, 2200 W. Euclid Avenue, Arlington Heights
Evanston 4th of July Fireworks - Sunday, 9:15 pm, Dawes Park, 1700 Sheridan Road, Evanston
Naperville 4th of July Fireworks - Sunday, 9:30 pm, Knoch Park, 700 S. West Street, Naperville
Oak Brook Terrace 4th of July Fireworks - Sunday, 9:30 pm, Terrace View Park, 1 Parkview Plaza, Oak Brook Terrace
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY AMERICA!! (Please celebrate responsibly)
SUE MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
