THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Second Round of Summer Festivals & Fairs!
Hopefully, this weekend will be drier and sunnier than last weekend so we can get out and have some fun at our second round of summer street festivals and art fairs being offered by the city and some of its neighborhoods!
Headlining this weekend is the Chicago Blues Festival this Saturday and Sunday in Millennium Park (enter at Michigan Ave. and Washington St.) in The Loop. Three stages across Millennium Park will feature over 35 performances and more than 250 artists celebrating Chicago’s Blues legacy which includes a Sunday evening performance by Chicago’s living legend Buddy Guy as part of his “Damn Right Farewell” tour as well as additional headliners during the weekend. In between performances, grab a bite to eat at Wally’s BBQ Pit back by popular demand, and specialty drinks catered by Eleven North Hospitality. Plus, there are other citywide Blues Events being offered on Saturday with “Hot Blues Night” at Chess Records Studio (2120 S. Michigan Ave.) from 9 p.m.-12 a.m., and Sunday with “Joe Pratt & Source One Band” at The Odyssey East (9942 S. Torrence Ave.) at 7 p.m., and “Vocalist Little Harvey & Chi-Town Blues” at Rooster’s Palace (5748 W. North Ave.) at 8 p.m. It’s the largest FREE Blues Festival in the world!
The Humboldt Park neighborhood will be celebrating its vibrant Puerto Rican culture and history this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) with their annual Puerto Rican Festival located at Humboldt Park (2800 W. Division St. at Mozart St.) along with their 46th annual Puerto Rican People’s Parade along Division Street on Saturday. This festival features a music stage with live entertainment from the island of Puerto Rico, merengue dance performances, a shopping market with cultural items and handmade goods, a carnival, the best restaurants and chefs bringing you Puerto Rico’s flavors in food and drinks, and much more!
Celebrating their 58th year, the Andersonville Midsommarfest takes place this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) on Clark Street from Foster Avenue to Gregory Street. This much beloved street fest offers five stages of live entertainment from dozens of musical and entertainment acts, delicious new food options to purchase from both vendors and participating local restaurants, family activities, and the not-to-be missed traditional Swedish dance around the Midsommar Maypole!
Join the Wells Street Art Festival as they celebrate their 49th year this Saturday (10 a.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-9 p.m.) on Wells Street between North Avenue and Division Street in the Old Town neighborhood. This festival features juried artists from across the continent; a dedicated performance stage featuring local music, performance artists, and cover/tribute bands; a children’s play area; and tasty food and drink vendors from 20+ Old Town restaurants. It’s a treasure trove of creativity and much more!
There’s also the Old Town Art Fair taking place this Saturday (10 a.m.-7 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) at the Old Town Triangle Park (1763 N. Park Ave.) in the Old Town neighborhood. This Art Fair features the work of over 200 artists, live music from local performers, a selection of food and drinks from local restaurants and vendors, a children’s corner where kids can unleash their inner artist, and a self-guided tour of over 50 local gardens in bloom and on display that are only viewable during this Art Fair!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
