THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Summer Fading Away to Autumn’s Arrival!
As we all know, all good things must come to an end, and this weekend is no exception. Summer is fading away as autumn officially arrives in Chicago this coming Wednesday. However, a change of season doesn’t stop Chicagoans from enjoying their weekends, and this weekend is no exception! So, gear-up for an amazing September weekend!!
The Southport Corridor (Southport Ave. and Addison St.) becomes a mecca for taco lovers at the 8th annual, flavor-filled Sam Adams Lakeview Taco Fest this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.). Various taco vendors offer their take on this tortilla-wrapped dish filled with traditional chicken, steak, chorizo, and beef, or stuffed with imaginative ingredients. This fest also features special beer and taco pairings, two live music stages, activities for the kids, and crowd-pleasing Luche Libre Mexican Wrestling at 5 p.m. each evening at Cornelia & Southport! Plus, visitors can text vote for Chicago’s “Best Taco.” Not only is this a celebration of seasonal beers but it’s also the start of autumn!!
Returning to the Magnificent Mile for its 5th year this Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.), Artfest Michigan Avenue takes place at the base of the iconic Tribune Tower (435 N. Michigan Ave.) in The Loop. This fest showcases the work of 70 juried artists from across the country in a wide variety of mediums. This “all-art” show offers the opportunity for you to find something to exhibit in your home to enjoy! And admission is FREE for all attendees!!
After a year off in 2020, Riot Fest returns to Douglass Park (2800 W. Roosevelt Rd.) in the North Lawndale neighborhood with a vengeance in 2021 this Saturday and Sunday. This rock- and hip-hop-focused fest will feature local alt-rock luminaries the Smashing Pumpkins, energetic rap duo Run the Jewels, and costumed metal act Slipknot as this year’s headliners. Other big names such as new wave art punks Devo, psych-rockers the Flaming Lips, local rapper Lupe Fiasco, and many others are still being added as well. Also, check out the full schedule of Riot Fest 2021 Late Night Shows as well as their 2021 Merch to update your old band tees! Be prepared to bask in sonic waves of nostalgia if you’re attending!!
Join former Grateful Dead members Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann as they team up with singer John Mayer for this Saturday’s Dead & Company Live at Wrigley Field (1060 W. Addison St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. They’ll be reheating the Dead’s hallowed catalogue of genre-bending, psychedelic tracks they played in stadiums and arenas across the country! So, pull out those tie-dyed T-shirts and get ready for an evening of great music and thick clouds of skunky smoke!!
There’s never a dull moment in Chicago! Come out and support, or partake, in the 1st ever Rock Skipping Challenge at Hartigan Beach Park (1040 W. Northshore Ave.) in the Rogers Park neighborhood this Saturday (12 p.m.-2 p.m.). Prizes include a trophy to the winner and free beers at the after party at the corner bar Bulldog Bar. Even though this competition is for adults, the kids are welcome to compete too. Families with kids who want to learn how to skip rocks are welcome to attend a rock skipping tutorial from 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m.! It’s an event you don’t want to skip!!
The Northman Beer Camp & Cider Garden on The Riverwalk (233 E. Riverwalk) will be celebrating all things Oktoberfest at their Oktoberfest Weekend Series beginning this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.). These weekend series will feature free live music, sausage, cider, pretzels, beer and more. Also, this Sunday is their Oktober-Family-Fest featuring balloon twisters, face painters and kids’ entertainers! Plus, kids can make their own Fishy Windsock at the Friends of the Chicago River craft and go table. Yep, time to embrace the arrival of autumn!!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
