BY MDFC STAFF
Summer in Chicago is finally here: from miles and miles of runs and walks, to blocks and blocks of neighborhood festivals. There is never a shortage of things to do in this amazing city.
Festivals again dominate the weekend scene with the Taste of Chicago headlining. Still there are many alternatives to suit your festive spirit, such as a Bastille Day celebration. The neighborhood farmers markets are in full swing with twenty taking place across Chicago this weekend.
Friday July 12
100 Days of Chicago Photo Contest Opening Reception. Join our friends at The Local Tourist for the opening exhibit of their 100 Days of Chicago photo contest. Watch a continuous slideshow of all 100 finalist photos. Chicago Photography Center 3301 N. Lincoln Avenue.
Chicago Zombie Prom. A ghastly…okay, cheesy blend of nostalgic high school Americana and the living dead. Bottom Lounge 1375 West Lake Street.
Half Acre Beer Company: The Tap Room. Every Friday at noon, The Tap Room taps a 10 gallon firkin of finely crafted Half Acre brew so that you can try something new and unique. 4257 N. Lincoln Ave.
Saturday July 13
Bastille Day Chicago. For French culture enthusiasts, it’s time to party like it’s 1789. This Bastille Day celebration commemorates the French National Day with raffle prizes, dancing, games and a 16-foot tall Eiffel Tower replica. 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Daley Plaza.
To celebrate as the French do, include Troquet (1834 West Montrose) and Toni Patisserie and Cafe (65 East Washington Street) in your Bastille fête plans. Bistronomic (840 North Wabash) serves an incredible Bastille Day prix fixe menu that includes a red, white and blue Baked Alaska. Bastille Day at Webster’s Wine Bar (1480 West Webster Avenue) includes fantastic French wines, Champagne Henriot and a unique “Provencal Signature Cocktail” as well as delicious French food including a charcuterie and cheese station and much more.
Chinatown Dragon Boat Races. Watch a fast-paced race along the Chicago River on beautifully decorated dragon boats. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Live music, dance and vendors. Ping Tom Memorial Park, 300 West 19th Street.
Stix and Roses & Dirty Rotten Vintage Summer Festival Fashion Show. Sararose of Stix and Roses will show you great looks for all the summer festivals at the event, taking place at the Stix and Roses studio. 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 3854 West Irving Park Road.
3-Day Festivals: Friday July 12 to Sunday July 14![Square-Roots-Festival_BbI2]()
Taste of Chicago. Get your grub on at the world’s largest outdoor food festival. See My Daily Find Chicago’s Guide to Taste restaurants, their menu items and entertainment schedule. You will be among the 3 million guests at the 5 day event. Grant Park.
Square Roots. Co-presented by the Old Town School of Folk Music, this festival will feature the best in alt-country, Americana, roots rock, soul and world acts. Family-friendly activities. Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson.
Irish American Festival. Music, dance and family activities. Singles mingle Friday night at the Hooley Hook-Up. Compete in contests: mashed potato eating, freckle, and men in kilts. Irish American Heritage Center 4626 North Knox Avenue.
Windy City Smokeout. The inaugural festival brings together the best of live country music, beer and BBQ to the River North. Rush Street and Illinois Street.
2 Day Festivals July 13–July 14
“Du Something Green” DuSable Museum’s Arts & Crafts Festival. Two outdoor, two indoor stages, over 60 acts! Unique vendors, delicious local food, and they’re pouring over 30 craft beers. A special kids area in the children’s pavilion. DuSable Museum, 40 East 56th Street.
Bucktown Tree and Garden Walk . The Gardens are open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Explore 75 gardens in historic and eclectic Bucktown. Club Lucky, 1824 West Wabansia.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest. Mouth-watering patties and great music on two stages. “Kids’ Zone” activity area as well arts & craft vendors. Vote for your favorite Chicago burger. Belmont and Damen.
West Fest. Like booming West Town, West Fest has grown from a quaint street party into one of the most popular festivals of the year. 2000 West Chicago Avenue (North Damen and West Chicago).
Saturday Farmers Markets
61st Street Farmers Market, 6100 South Blackstone Avenue. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Bridgeport, 35th & Wallace (parking lot). 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Bronzeville Community Market, 4400 South Cottage Grove Avenue. 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Division Street, Division between State and Clark. 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Edgewater, Broadway and Norwood Streets. 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Green City Market, Lincoln Park between Clark & Stockton Drive. 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lincoln Park, Lincoln Park Armitage Avenue & Orchard Street. 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Northcenter, Town Square: Belle Plaine/Damen/Lincoln Avenues. 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Printers Row, Printer’s Row Park: Dearborn & Polk. 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Southport, Blaine School: 1420 West Grace. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
West Humboldt Park, NHS Parking Lot: 3801 West Chicago Avenue. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday July 14
“Yoga & Oats” Athlete Cooking Camp. This gentle yoga practice is for all levels. After yoga, learn how to set yourself up for success, starting with breakfast basics. From eggs to oatmeal, rediscover your favorite staples cooked to order…by you! 8 a.m. Centered Chef Studios 177 N Ada St.
5K Run! To End Homelessness. The event benefits A Safe Haven, an organization dedicated to transforming lives from homelessness to self-sufficiency with pride and purpose. Douglas Park 1225 South California Avenue. 8 a.m.
Summer Winery Tour. Join CitySwarm to visit some of the best local wineries on the Lake Michigan Shore. Includes coach bus transportation, a four-stop winery visit and grilled lunch at. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday Farmers Markets
Beverly Market, 95th & Longwood. 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Devon Community Market, Republic Bank: 2720 West Devon Street. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 North Central Park Avenue. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Glenwood Market, 6950 North Glenwood Avenue between Morse & Lunt. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Logan Square, Palmer Square Park Kedzie St/Milwaukee Ave. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Pilsen, Citizen’s Community Bank: 18th & Halsted Street. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
South Shore, Rainbow Beach Park, 70th Street & Lake Michigan 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Wicker Park/Bucktown, Wicker Park & Damen. 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
