This weekend in Chicago: The fests keep getting BIGGER...

So, weary festival warrior. You thought you might get a break one of these weekends.  But, NO!  The festivals keep getting larger.  This weekend brings you the two King Kong's of Chicago Festivals.

First up:

Opening Weekend for the Taste of Chicago in Grant Park.  Acres and acres of live music, crowds, food-on-a-stick, crowds, heat, crowds, all culminating with the HUGE fireworks display on the 3rd of July.  (Rain date, July 4th.) 

Umm, did I mention street closures?  Pretty much all the streets that go through Grant Park: Columbus, Jackson, Monroe, all the way to Balbo are closed. 

Check out the cool interactive map.

Taste of Chicago opens Friday, June 27.  Open Daily starting at 11:00 am for you downtown workers.

Next:

The 39th Annual Gay Pride Parade in Lakeview.  Join nearly a half-million of your closest friends and mob the sidewalks along Halsted, Broadway and Diversey to watch Chicago's largest parade on Sunday, June 29.  The parade (theoretically - you know the gays) starts at Noon at the corner of Belmont and Halsted. 

Look for your guides on the @properties float which should attract your attention with an ear-splitting sound system.

Keep your eye out for @properties founder, Thad Wong, as the consummate attention junkie will be found running alongside the float handing out hats, beach balls or at least his business cards.

The crowds paralyze East Lakeview starting at 10:00 am on Sunday, so don't even think about trying to drive across the neighborhood.

Honorable Mentions:

• BAM ! Fest in Roscoe Village:  Roscoe Village will celebrate its 2nd annual Belmont Arts & Music Festival (BAM!) as it livens up the neighborhood streets on June 28th and 29th. Bursting with local artwork, music, food and spirits along Belmont Avenue running west from Damen, BAM! is a reflection of the diverse and vibrant arts scene in Roscoe Village.  (Belmont to Roscoe, near Damen.)
• White Sox vs. Cubs in the second half of the Crosstown Classic this weekend on the South Side at US Cellular Field.  Go Cubs!
• Fifth Annual Randolph Street Festival:  Formerly known as the Chicago Antique Market, this European-style indoor/outdoor fair showcases antiques and vintage collectibles from more than 200 dealers along Randolph Street, between Ada Street and Ogden Avenue.

Get out there and have some fun!

 

Technorati Tags: Chicago,Festivals,Lakeview,Neighborhoods,Photographs,Real Estate

Another busy weekend in Chicago. Things to do. Or avoid.

This weekend brings a full schedule of fun things in Chicago.

Or perhaps you can avoid the congestion and street closures that accompany these festivals.

Thursday Night

U.S. Air Guitar Championships Regional Finals - 9:00 pm at the Metro

www.usairguitar.com and also check out the Blog

Friday Morning

Bike to Work Day Rally - 7:30 am at Daley Plaza

Chicago's Bike to Work Day website

Live music, free T-shirts, food and free breakfast for dedicated souls who ride their bicycles to work on Friday. 

Not to be too much of a party pooper, but it IS Friday the 13th.  And the weather looks crappy.  Your guides are leading a tour of Rogers Park on Friday, so we'll be in the gas guzzler.

Saturday

Resurrection Lutheran Church is proud to announce the 6th annual Wrigleyville SummerFest.

June 14, 2008 from 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. on Seminary Avenue at Roscoe Street.

In addition to the bands and the Kids' Zone, plenty of food and beverages will be available, and many local vendors will be showcasing their products and services. We are proud to partner with Chicago Beverage Systems to provide Miller Lite, Miller Genuine Draft and Heineken beers this year.

Friday Night, Saturday and Sunday

59th Annual Old Town Art Fair - Just west of Wells & Lincoln and north of North Ave.

(Do not try to drive anywhere near here this weekend)

The tree-lined streets of Chicago's historic Old Town Triangle District will again provide a charming setting for the 59^th Old Town Art Fair, the oldest and most prestigious juried outdoor art fair of its kind. Produced by the Old Town Triangle Association, this annual fundraiser benefits a host of local schools, youth groups and neighborhood preservation projects. With the support of more than 750 neighborhood volunteers, this year's Fair will be held on June 14 and 15 from 10am to 6pm rain or shine. The main gate is at Lincoln and Wisconsin Avenues. Requested donation is $7.00 ($5.00 after 4:00) ; there is no requested donation for children 12 and under.+Neighborhood parking is extremely limited. Public transportation is highly recommended.

Saturday and Sunday

43rd Annual Midsommarfest in Andersonville - Clark at Foster

For the Northsiders:   Midsommarfest is one of Chicago’s most unique street fairs. Born out of Andersonville's Swedish heritage, Midsommarfest retains its quaint, international flavor. Old-world Swedish traditions, including a festive dance around the Maypole, are incorporated into an unrivaled array of entertainment for families and adults.

Holy Smokes, Even More to do in Chicago this weekend

Up northwest in Jefferson Park - Jeff Fest

When it comes to musical diversity, the 8th annual Jeff Fest (Jefferson Park Community Festival) on Chicago's northwest side pretty much has something for every taste!

Among the performers at the three-day event (Friday-Sunday, June 6-8) will be legendary British blues-rockers Foghat& Chicago party band Dick Holliday & the Bamboo Gang& good-time Southern rockers Heartsfield& the funk of TimePeace& the Latin stylings of Rico& and '60s music cover band The New Invaders.

In addition to music, Jeff Fest will feature food booths from the neighborhood's eclectic mix of restaurants as well as arts & craft vendors and activities for kids.

Not quite so northwest in Lincoln Square - Ribfest

Lincoln / Damen / Irving Park Intersection.Two exciting days of food and fun! Two stages of live music with 20 bands! It doesn't get any better than this.

Kick off the summer at Ribfest Chicago! What started in 1999 as a community block party has exploded into Chicago’s most anticipated street festival. This hot summer event offers something for everyone -- rib aficionados can vote for the restaurant with the “Best Ribs,” not to mention, fest goers can also honor restaurants with a “Fest Fave” award (favorite food item at the festival) and “Hot Off the Grill” award (best overall griller). Love to dance in the streets? In true Ribfest tradition, we’re bringing you some of the best music you’ll hear all summer -- and won’t hear at other festivals! Bring the kids! Our famous Kids Square provides hours of entertainment for kids of all ages … allowing children to slide, climb, run, complete, jump, ride, sing and dance all weekend long. Ribfest Chicago promises to provide a memorable weekend of lively music, family fun and satisfied appetites as we celebrate ten years of unforgettable barbecue.

Chicago makes it into Final Four for Olympics in 2016

Announced today by the International Olympic Committee, Chicago is in the final four cities under consideration to host the 2016 Olympics.

This means that the IOC believes that Chicago can technically meet the demands of being a host city, however their message also indicated that they believe that Chicago has some weaknesses to overcome.

Not making the cut today were  Prague, Czech Republic; Doha, Qatar, and Baku, Azerbaijan.

A final decision should be made in November 2009.

Check out the complete announcement at Crain's

More stuff to do in Chicago this weekend - Blues Fest

It certainly doesn't feel like it with a cold front swirling over the great lakes and temps are hovering in the 50's, but Summer is officially now in full swing.  Chicago's 25th Annual Blues Festival is this weekend where you can hear live legends like B.B. King, Buckwheat Zydeco and Chicago favorite Lonnie Brooks all in Grant Park and all for free.

25th Annual Chicago Blues Festival, Thursday, June 5 through Sunday June 8, 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. each day, Free admission, Grant Park

Thursday, June 5
11:00 a.m. - Blues in the Schools w/ Katherine Davis, Erwin Helfer, Eric Noden and the Stone Academy Blues All Stars, U.S. Cellular Front Porch Stage
12:45 p.m. - Professor Fernando Jones Columbia College Blues Ensemble, U.S. Cellular Front Porch Stage
2:30 p.m. - David "Honey Boy" Edwards and Friends (Billy Branch, Louisiana Red, Paul Kaye, Aron Burton, and Johnny Yard Dog Jones), U.S. Cellular Front Porch Stage. Edwards is one of the last original delta blues guitarists still currently performing, so be sure to catch him while you can.
2:30 p.m. - Keith Frank and the Soileau Zydeco Band, Louisiana Bayou Station and Social Club Stage (Also playing the U.S. Cellular Front Porch Stage, Friday, June 6, at 11:00 a.m. and the Gibson Guitar's Crossroads Stage, Saturday, June 7 at 12:00 p.m.)
4:00 p.m. - Diamond Jim Greene, Maxwell Street Corner Stage
8:30 p.m. - Johnny Winter with James Cotton, Petrillo Music Shell. "Bring your sunglasses to keep the glare of his albino skin from blinding you." - Chuck.

Friday, June 6
2:30 p.m. - Louis Jordan: Hitmaker of Blues, Jazz and R&B, a discussion with Howard Mandel, Bill Milkowski, Lonnie Brooks, Bob Porter, and Ernest Dawkins, The Zone Perfect All-Natural Nutrition Bars Route 66 Roadhouse. July 8th would be Jordan's 100th birthday, so it's a good time to catch this discussion on the man often called "the father of rhythm and blues."
2:30 p.m. - Omar Shariff, Louisiana Bayou Station and Social Club Stage (Also playing the same stage on Saturday, June 7 at 4:00 p.m.; not to be confused with actor Omar Sharif)
4:30 p.m. - Jim O’Neal moderates “'Sweet Home Chicago': Anthem or Cliché?" featuring Billy Branch, Bill Gilmore and Bill Dahl, The Zone Perfect All-Natural Nutrition Bars Route 66 Roadhouse. Another great discussion, this time on the legendary blues song.
7:25 p.m. - Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater’s West Side Strut with special guests Lonnie Brooks, Jimmy Johnson, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Otis Clay and Billy Branch, Petrillo Music Shell

Saturday, June 7
2:30 p.m. - Juke Joint Duo: Cedric Burnside and Lightnin' Malcolm, Mississippi Juke Joint Stage (Also play the same stage on Sunday, June 8 at 1:30 p.m.)
8:35 p.m. - Buckwheat Zydeco, Petrillo Music Shell

Sunday, June 8
12:00 p.m. - Rodney Brown’s salute to Louis Jordan, Gibson Guitar's Crossroads Stage
2:30 p.m. - Tony Joe White, U.S. Cellular Front Porch Stage
8:15 p.m. - B.B. King, Petrillo Music Shell.

Printer's Row Book Fair, Chicago, next weekend

Printer's Row Book Fair, originally uploaded by kookybites.

Coming in one week is Chicago's Printers Row Book Fair. Your guides thought it was this weekend and were remiss in not reporting on it. No fear, however, it is scheduled for next weekend, June 6 &7.

The Printers Row Book Fair was founded in 1985 by the Near South Planning Board to attract visitors to the Printers Row neighborhood (once the city's bookmaking hub). By 2002, it had grown to five city blocks (on Dearborn, from Congress to Polk), attracting more than 190 booksellers from across the country displaying new, used and antiquarian books, and featuring seven stages with more than 90 free literary programs. It is considered the largest free outdoor literary event in the Midwest-drawing more than 90,000 book lovers to the two-day showcase.

Things to do in Chicago this weekend

  Finally, Festival Season is upon us.  Closest to our neighborhood, Mayfest is held on Friday night through Saturday night in the parking lot for Augustus Burley School, at Ashland and Barry.  There is supposed to be some sort of German Heritage being celebrated here, but I couldn't find out exactly what as the website is overcrowded with logos for Hoffbrau Haus beer as well as that old German standby, Pabst Blue Ribbon.  Don't miss the "Traditional Keg Tapping" (see what I mean) on Friday at 8 pm.

 

Not so much an event, but noteworthy nonetheless, American Science and Surplus (5316 N. Milwaukee, at Foster) is having its annual scratch and dent sale.  Odd since I thought everything at American Science and Surplus was scratch and dent merchandise.  Where else on earth can you find an Ancient Radiation Meter:

Are the kids growing up with pride? Radiating good cheer? You can tell for sure with...What? It’s for nuclear radiation? An old Civil Defense meter? Bummer. Apparently, this OCD radiation meter from the Victoreen Mfg. Co. was made to sniff out the residue of the nuclear holocaust when you emerged from your bomb shelter. Calibrated 5 r/hr (Roentgen) with a X 0.1, X1, X10, X100 sensitivity selector, it runs on (1) “D” battery (not included.) The Civil Defense yellow boxes are about 8” x 4–1/2” x 3–1/2”. It comes with complete instructions for use. The CD V–777–2 includes two 4–1/2” long x 1/2” dia dosimeters and a 2” x 4” x 4” dosimeter charger. This one is used, but it works fine, even if it looks a bit scuffed.

And in case you're still on the hunt for the perfect bargain, check out the Ravenswood Manor Annual Garage Sale.  There's a link in one of the topmost entries with a map of all the participating houses.  This is one of the oldest and largest garage sales in Chicago.  And if I do say so myself, these homes probably have some pretty noteworthy trash/treasures to rummage through.

Upcoming Festivals in Chicago for May

May 16 & 17 - Chicago Mayfest

3100 North Ashland Avenue. $5 to enter

May 24 - Memorial Day Parade

250 North State Street. Free

May 28 to 31 - Chicago Turkish Festival

50 West Washington - Daley Plaza. Free

May 30 to June 1 - 24th Annual Gospel Music Festival

Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph Street. Free

May 31 to June 1 - Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival

3200 North Sheffield - $5 to enter

It's not too late to take part in Chicago's Whiskey Fest

We can not imagine how we missed this last week, but over the weekend, Chicago's Whiskey Fest opened.

America's Largest Whisky Celebration featuring more than 200 of the world's finest, rarest, and most expensive, single malt and blended Scotch, Irish, bourbon, Tennessee, Japanese, Welsh, Canadian and other whiskies from around the world to sample in one Grand Ballroom. Attendees will also enjoy an expansive gourmet buffet all evening and will receive a commemorative Glencairn whisky glass.

Fortunately, Whiskey Fest takes place throughout Whiskey Week.  Therefore, there are plenty of events to attend, including the final event at the Hyatt Regency on April 4.

Other local events you haven't missed yet:

Wednesday, April 2nd

- One North Restaurant, 1 North Wacker Drive, 5:30-7:30 p.m., $30.

It's Hump Day and Whisky Night! Enjoy whiskies from around the world paired with delectable appetizers, while chatting the ears off of whisky reps and distillers

- West Lakeview Liquors, 2156 W. Addison, 6-9 p.m.

Wojcik will be on hand to sample out Bulleit Bourbon, Kentucky's "frontier" bourbon.

- Chief O’Neill’s, 3471 N. Elston, 8-10 p.m., complimentary, but Reservations are required.

Duffy and special guest Gregor Cattanach, global brand ambassador for Johnnie Walker and the Classic Malts of Scotland, will be on hand for a formal sit-down seminar of whisky. There will be lots of whisky, a buffet, and music.

- Rocks Tavern, 1301 W. Schubert, 7-10 p.m.

Rocks is having a Bushmills celebration. while you're there, check out their extensive whisky selection.

Thursday, April 3rd

- Warehouse Liquors, 634 S. Wabash, 4-7 p.m.

Cattanach and Tom Bulleit of Bulleit Bourbon will be on hand from 4-5 p.m. for a special sampling and bottle signing of the Classic Malts of Scotland and Bulleit Bourbon

- Binny’s South Loop, 1132 S. Jefferson, 5-8 p.m.

Brett Potoni hosts a whiskies of the world event, with Duffy, Cattanach and Bulleit. There could be a possibility that every bottle of whisky in the store could be opened.

- Sam’s Wines & Spirits South Loop, 50 E. Roosevelt, 5-8 p.m.

Singleton and Bulleit sampling/bottle signing with Bulleit and Cattanach available from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

- Bar On Buena, 910 W. Buena, 7-10 p.m. – THE SINGLETON VIP PARTY

It's a Singleton VIP party with Master of Whisky Robert Sickler as the guest of honor. Bar on Buena will also be serving whisky flights.

- Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, 3905 N. Lincoln, 7-10 p.m.

Tiered tasting of the Johnnie Walker selections.

- The Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace, 8-11 p.m.

There will be a free Bushmills sampling.

- Red Ivy Tavern, 3525 N. Clark, 8-11 p.m.

Red Ivy will be sampling out their new whisky flights. Bulleit and Cattanach will be on hand from 8:30-10:30 p.m.

Happy Bangladesh Day!

I can't believe I didn't get you a card!

On Devon Avenue in West Rogers Park today (Saturday, March 29, 2008.)

Of course we should close Devon Avenue - the main thoroughfare through this entire neighborhood as well as the only way to get to my open house from the east.

 

Yes, the Scottish bagpipes are a bit odd, no?

Happy Casimir Pulaski Day!

Casimir Pulaski Day is a holiday observed in Illinois on the first Monday of every March to commemorate Casimir Pulaski, a Revolutionary War cavalry officer born March 4, 1747 in Poland as Kazimierz Pułaski. He was a Polish soldier. He is known for his contributions to the US military at the time by training its soldiers and cavalry. The day is celebrated mainly in areas that have large Polish populations. This is a separate holiday from the federal holiday, General Pulaski Memorial Day, which commemorates Pulaski's death at the Siege of Savannah on October 11, 1779.

Illinois enacted a law on June 20, 1977 to celebrate the birthday of Casimir Pulaski and held the first official Pulaski Day celebrations in 1978. The bill was introduced by Senator Leroy W. Lemke (D)- Chicago. Chicago celebrates Pulaski Day on the first Monday in March with an annual parade. Cook County government (which includes Chicago) and the Chicago Public Library also close on this holiday. The holiday is also observed in Wisconsin public schools, celebrated March 4th, as outlined in state statute 118.02 (although this is not universally observed). Indiana also marks the day as a commemorative day by governor's proclamation (IC 1-1-12.5), although it is not a state holiday.

Thank you, Wikipedia.

Handmade Market this Saturday at the Empty Bottle

It's only one day away! Get your shopping list in order.

Please join us for the December Handmade Market. Buy handmade for the holidays. Something for everyone on your list.

The Handmade Market is an event to connect the makers of beautiful things to people who appreciate the unique and handmade. There will be 32 fabulous sellers at the Market selling jewelry, purses, knitted items, clothing, paper crafts, and more!

The Handmade Market
Saturday, December 8th
noon to 4:30
free to the public
at the Empty Bottle
1035 N. Western Ave.
21+ or with a parent

See all the details and a list of our sellers at www.handmadechicago.com.

The Market will be holding monthly events on the second Saturday of the month from December to March. Mark your calendars now.

December 8th
January 12th
February 9th
March 8th

Chicago Jazz Festival this weekend

The City of Chicago is proud to announce the lineup for the 29th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival, August 30-September 2. The festival begins with a ticketed concert at the Chicago Symphony Center on August 30 and then moves to Grant Park for three days of free music, August 31-September 2.

Opening night will feature An Evening with Herbie Hancock beginning at 7:30p.m. This Academy Award and multiple Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist and composer from Chicago is known for incorporating elements of rock, funk and soul into his songs. Ticket prices range from $16 to $46 and are available at the Chicago Symphony Center box office (312) 294-3000 or on www.cso.org.

Friday, August 31 through Sunday, August 2, all are invited to join the festivities in Grant Park FREE music on three stages. The event opens daily at 11 a.m., with music beginning at noon on the Jazz on Jackson stage and 12:30 p.m. at the Jazz and Heritage Family Stage. Then at 5 p.m., music lights up the night at the Petrillo Music Shell for three evenings of spectacular Jazz performances, tributes and entertainment for any fan of Jazz music to enjoy.

Other notable fests this weekend...

• African Festival of the Arts in Washington Park
• Taste of Polonia in Jefferson Park

Another BIG festival weekend in Chicago

The Chicago Air and Water Show comes to town this weekend. The Chicago Air and Water Show shakes up the lakefront August 18 - 19, 2007 for the largest FREE show of its kind in the United States. This year the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights will headline the Chicago Air and Water Show along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point. The water show begins at 9 a.m. and air show runs from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. both days. Agents and real estate shoppers should be warned to avoid having or trying to attend open houses in the Gold Coast, Old Town and south Lincoln Park.

Just because you're away from the lakefront doesn't mean you've escaped the chaos. Check out the Bucktown Arts Festival in West Bucktown.

Art, in all its forms, has been the sole focus of the Bucktown Arts fest since its inception in 1985. From its roots as a small gathering of local artisans to its current incarnation as one of Chicago’s premier gatherings of painters, sculptors, photographers and craftspeople (not to mention musicians, actors, poets, and dancers), the fest puts the spotlight squarely on that mysterious amalgam of inspiration and perspiration that delights the eye and stirs the soul.

Others include:

• Edison Park Fest
• Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest in the Loyola neighborhood
• The Whole Foods Flavorfest in West Lincoln Park

Now get outside and have some fun!

BIG Party Weekend in Chicago

Get your groove on at Retro on Roscoe held in the Roscoe Village neighborhood. Check out the roster of performing artists. Other highlights include the Windy City Chili Cook Off, a Retro Car Show and one of the most popular games in Chicago history - Bozo Buckets!

Expect almost a million people to converge on Grant Park downtown for Lollapalooza - Chicago's largest outdoor concert. Lollapaloooza continues throughout the weekend, with Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Regina Spektor, Spoon and headlining sets from Muse and Interpol scheduled for today. Visit Billboard.com, their Jaded Insider blog and our Lollapalooza microsite for continuous updates.

Just because traffic isn't bad enough, let's throw in the Gold Coast - River North Art Fair being held along Clark and Wells Streets from Chicago Ave. to Ontario. It's billed as the third oldest in Chicago and features a variety of juried artwork, including painting, sculpture, jewelry, glass, photography and more. Includes an appearance by author and "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" Ted Allen (10 a.m. Saturday), live music, food vendors, art activities and a craft area for kids.

Oh yeah, don't forget the Cubs host the Mets this weekend.

Now get out there and have some FUN!