THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Hey Labor Day, Summer’s Not Over Yet!
As we all know, Labor Day marks the “unofficial” end of our summer season here in Chicago. But let me tell you “Summer’s Not Over Yet” as this Labor Day Weekend Holiday will prove!
The oldest of Chicago’s free summer lakefront music festivals, Chicago Jazz Festival takes place this weekend with free neighborhood concerts and additional programming throughout the city leading up to the main show at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park on Sunday (4 p.m.-9 p.m.). This year’s lineup runs the gamut from jazz legends to influential modern masters, local talent, and new voices in this genre’s continuing evolution. Click the link above for the full lineup and schedule. It’s one of Chicago’s Labor Day Weekend traditions!
Another of Chicagoland’s biggest Labor Day Weekend parties is the North Coast Music Festival returning to the recently renovated campus at SeatGeek Stadium (7000 S. Harlem Ave.) in the Bridgeview neighborhood. This year’s lineup brings some of the biggest names with over 100 artists on 7 stages each with a distinct vibe and top-tier production which includes electronic music, hip hop, and rock acts. In addition, there will be plenty of areas to get away to view art installations and have a bite to eat at the many food vendors. Plus, late-night adventures at various locations are available for you to choose the one that suits you best. It’s a festival for everyone!
The 4th annual ARC Music Festival is taking over Union Park (1501 W. Randolph St.) in the West Loop this Labor Day Weekend. This festival celebrates Chicago’s house music roots by welcoming an international lineup of dance music artists along with local house music legends Derrick Carter and DJ Lady D on multiple stages spread throughout the park. Plus, enjoy food from local chefs and attend afterparties at over 13 venues as you enjoy a Chicago-born genre!
Returning for its 6th year, the hugely successful West Loop Art Fest returns to Fulton Market (1215 W. Fulton Market) this Saturday (10 a.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-8 p.m.) featuring over four blocks of amazing local art vendors offering a diverse range of art mediums available for purchase. In addition, this family-friendly festival offers interactive art, children’s crafts, and live music. It’s a perfect destination for late summer shopping or just an ambient evening stroll!
The largest Polish festival in the U.S. returns to Copernicus Center (5216 W. Lawrence Ave.) in the Jefferson Park neighborhood this Labor Day Weekend with Taste of Polonia. This popular, one-of-a-kind food festival not only features authentic Polish cuisine, but it also features over 30 local vendors, a craft beer tent, a beer garden, tastings and cooking classes, non-stop live music, a casino, and more. For families, there’s bounce inflatables, a climbing wall, face painting, clowns, a dedicated Kids Stage, carnival rides and games. Come join Chicago’s Polish heritage for an unforgettable holiday weekend!
Labor Day Parades in America date back more than a century, even before Labor Day was declared a federal holiday in 1884. This year’s Chicago Labor Day Parade will be held on Saturday stepping off at Noon from 107th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue, heading south on Cottage Grove and ending at 112th Street. Afterwards, Eddie Fest will be held at Arcade Park (11149 S. Saint Lawrence Ave.) in the Pullman neighborhood featuring live music, food, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Eddie Fest is held in honor of prominent union labor leader, Edward Sadlowski and celebrates union pride, solidarity, and community togetherness!
Grab your bike and reconnect with family and friends at this year’s Bike the Drive on Sunday (6:30 a.m.) with the main location at Butler Field in Grant Park (235 S. Columbus Dr.) in The Loop. This annual biking event closes the lakeside DuSable Lake Shore Drive to vehicle traffic and allows cyclists to ride through a 30-mile route with rest stops, water, and snacks along the way. Ride as little or as much of the 30-miles you’d like while taking in sweeping views of the lake and skyline. Plus, rental bikes are available if you don’t have one. Afterwards, enjoy a post-ride festival in Grant Park. It’s a once-a-year event where bikes reign on DuSable Lake Shore Drive!
Enjoy your Summer Labor Day Weekend!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
