Summer is here with plenty of opportunities to explore different neighborhoods, enjoy music and food at street festivals, and discover new cultural opportunities. Here’s a round-up of five activities that we found most interesting for you this week!
The Air & Water Show is BACK!
The largest free show of its kind in the United States returns with a variety of aerial and naval teams showcasing their best moves over Lake Michigan. You can view the air show portion across the city, but the best viewing happens from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the center point.
Date: August 20 & 21
Time: 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Cost: Free
Location: North Ave Beach & the Lakefront
More info: chicago.gov
BBQ is Your BFF at this Fest
One of the city’s best and biggest food fests is back in North Center with 50,000lbs of pork and over 30 food vendors. Ribfest is for everyone, from families looking to check out the fun in ‘Kids Square’ to long-time BBQ aficionados testing all the offerings up for “Best Ribs.” Prepare to get saucey!
Date: August 19-21
Time: Fri 5:00 – 10:00PM; Sat & Sun 12:00 – 10:00PM
Cost: $10 Suggested Donation
Location: North Center, Lincoln & Damen
More info: ribfest-chicago.com
Come for the Music, Stay for the Cute Porches
The Roscoe Village Porchfest is a neighborhood fundraising event with local musicians playing on front porches. Connect with your neighbors and community while being serenaded by incredible musicians. Ticket sales support the musicians and the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber to keep investing back into future community events!
Date: August 21
Time: 1:00 – 5:00PM
Cost: Starting at $10
Location: across Roscoe Village; register for exact locations
More info: lakeviewroscoevillage.org
The Microbrew Review is on Tap
Celebrate 15 years of The Oak Park Microbrew Review with 80+ brewers and lots of fun! Check out the largest zero-waste beer fest in the Midwest with amazing sustainable food options to match the great beers. Listen to the local musicians play while raising money to fight climate change and promote sustainability.
Date: August 20
Time: 2:00 – 6:00PM
Cost: Starting at $60
Location: Downtown Oak Park, 100 N Marion St
More info: eventbrite.com
Sun & Sangria in Humboldt Park
Sip sangria in the sun while you enjoy live bands, dance performances, and shopping from local pop-ups. Upgrade to the VIP suite for extra goodies or try one of the Instagram-friendly contests and photo ops to have fun and win some prizes!
Date: August 20 & 21
Time: 12:00 – 10:00PM
Cost: Starting at $15
Location: Humboldt Park, 3021 W Division
More info: sangriafestivalchicago.com