With the sun slowly setting on the 2015 summer season, there are only a handful of weekends left to enjoy the beautiful weather among friends, and what better way than some of the last remaining festivals of the season.
Hot Dog Fest
For as long as most anyone can remember, Chicago has been synonymous with superior hot dogs, even donning the Chicago-style hot dog that has become a nationwide success and a Midwest favorite. To celebrate hot dogs and all things bun related, come out to Hot Dog Fest, a newly expanded three-day festival. While the unquestioned star of the festival will be the aforementioned Vienna Beef Chicago-style dog, there will be countless other varieties and styles of hot dog and even many other different types of food to please any visitor made fresh by vendors that will include Chicago Classic, Flashy Hotdogs, Boricua Dog, Chubby Weiners and many more. A wide variety of musical genres will be covered as well in live music featuring headliners, Wedding Banned, Kashmir, and 97 Nine.
Hot Dog Fest will be held August 7 – 9 at 1701 N. Stockton Dr. near the intersection of Clark and LaSalle, it will go from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday and admission to this event is free, for more information go to chicagohotdogfest.com/
Retro on Roscoe
Has nostalgia been getting the best of you lately? This weekend you can take a three-day trip back to the past at the Retro on Roscoe fest in Roscoe Village. Three stages will host musical acts like The Breakfast Club, PJ and Soul, and Eric Lambert, covering oldies and throwbacks as well as today’s hottest jams at this event, which has been referred to as “Generation X heaven” by some. After checking out the music and grabbing a bite to eat from some local restaurant’s that will be in attendance be sure to grab a seat for the Antique and Classic Car and Motorcycle Show. This retro car show will showcase over 50 antique, classic, and muscle cars throughout the festival weekend.
Retro on Roscoe will be August 7 – 9 and is free admission though a small donation is suggested upon entrance to support the community. It will be held on Roscoe St. between 2000 and 2300 and will be open 5 – 10 p.m. on Friday and 12 – 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information go to starevents.com/festivals/retro-on-roscoe.
Chicago Bears Family Fest
If you want to get a first look at the 2015 Chicago Bears then come out this Saturday for the Bears Family Fest at Soldier Field when the Bears will give fans an initial glimpse of what the 2015 version of the team will look like. Activities will include alumni autographs, a live band, inflatable games, and food and drink leading up to the chance to watch the Bears practice and scrimmage.
Chicago Bears Family Fest will be on Saturday, August 8 at Soldier Field 1410 S. Museum Campus Dr. from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Tickets will range from $8 – $12 and can be bought online. For more information, go to chicagobears.com/events/family-fest.
Northalsted Market Days
In the bustling and culturally rich neighborhood known as Boystown, this festival is one of the largest outdoor events in the country. Extremely popular in the LGBT community, this Saturday and Sunday event will have live music throughout the day and into the night on two stages featuring acts like En Vogue, the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, and Aaron Carter. Attracting talent and visitors from across the country, the Northalsted Market Days have become known for its unique vendors, local art, and craft food and beer. Be sure to come out and shut down the streets of Boystown this weekend with more than 150,000 others at the largest two-day street festival in the Midwest.
The Northalsted Market Days will be this Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Halsted Street between Belmont and Addison. Admission to the event is free however a $10 donation is suggested upon entrance, for more information on the event, go to northalsted.com/pages/northalsted_market_days__2015/.
Wrigleyville Summerfest
Home to the Chicago Cubs, and one of the Windy City’s most popular neighborhoods, Wrigleyville is always happening and lively and this weekend will be no different with Wrigleyville Summerfest. Featuring all the usual suspects, the event will offer craft beers on tap paired with delicious local vendors selling their favorite savory treats. Headliner acts Too White Crew and Hairbanger Ball will ring in both days of the two-day event.
Wrigleyville Summerfest will be this Saturday from 12 p.m. — 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. at 3300 N. Seminary Ave. Admission to the event is free, however a $5 donation is suggested at the gate. For more information on Wrigleyville Summerfest, go to starevents.com/festivals/wrigleyville-summerfest.
