THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Another Independence Day Being Celebrated!
Even though Chicago is beginning its transition for the next season’s arrival, this weekend is still celebrating the summer season with many outdoor events as well as Mexican Independence Day!
Join Chicago’s Mexican Community as they celebrate their Mexican Independence Day (September 16th) this weekend with the following events:
The inaugural El Grito Fest takes place this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) at Grant Park’s Butler Field (337 E. Randolph St.) in The Loop for the first time in over a decade. This vibrant festival celebrates the rich tapestry of Mexican culture and heritage by showcasing authentic Mexican food and drinks, live performances by local and national renowned Mexican artists, mariachi and folkloric dance performances, a Mexican mercadito featuring local vendors, a kid’s carnival, an arts workshop, and much more!
The Mexican Independence Day Parade will kick-off at Noon from the historic Little Village Arch located on 26th Street and Albany Avenue then proceeding down 26th Street to Kostner Avenue in the Little Village neighborhood. This year’s theme is “Celebrando Nuestras Tradiciones” which focuses on the rich tapestry of Mexican traditions and cultural celebrations, and will once again feature brightly colored floats, mariachi bands, and folkloric dancing. This parade is considered one of the largest parades in the Midwest!
The 19th annual Lakeview East Festival of the Arts takes place Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) on Broadway Street from Belmont Avenue to Hawthorne Place. Known as one of the most unique and popular art festivals in Chicagoland, this event showcases over 150 juried artists featuring world-class original paintings, sculptures, photography, furniture, and more in a wide range of prices. In addition, the festival includes live art demonstrations; live music on multiple stages; a Kidzone filled with family activities to entertain the little ones; food, wine and beer booths; a garden oasis, and more!
The 22nd annual Ravenswood ArtWalk (“RAW”) also takes place this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-6 p.m.) at the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor located at Ravenswood and Lawrence Avenues to Irving Park Road in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. This festival is centered around the neighborhood’s industrial corridor featuring dozens of artists, open studios and galleries, pop-up performances and activations, an Outdoor Arts Market with 60+ local makers, two stages of live music, kids’ activities at the Children’s Corner, food trucks, a pop-up beer garden, and more. It’s the ultimate end of summer festival!
Join the North Park neighborhood for their Bryn Mawr Block Party this Sunday (10 a.m.-8 p.m.) on Bryn Mawr Avenue between Kimball Avenue and Kedzie Boulevard. This full street festival consists of more than 30 food and craft vendors; free concerts and performances with Chicago-based band Soul Daddy headlining the list of performers; and family-friendly activities such as pedal car races, face painting, balloon twisting, a bounce house, inflatable slides, obstacle courses; and more, conveying the casual, welcoming vibe of a neighborhood get-together!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
