Slide over to the 27th annual Bucktown Arts Fest Saturday and Sunday where 200 participating artists will be showing off their wares, along with musicians, dancers, poets and performers.
Emmy-nominated actress Christina Hendricks of "Mad Men" fame will be among the famous faces at the kickoff of the third annual Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival on Thursday. The festivities continue through Labor Day weekend with culinary events, cocktail parties, runway shows and special sales at all participating retailers.
In case you haven't heard, Friday afternoon is the new Saturday night, when the ABSOLUT Lunch Break premieres in Chicago. It's an hour-long midday dance party that's free with an RSVP and includes a free cocktail and bagged lunch. It all goes down at River North's Untitled from 1-2 p.m. RSVP here
Festa Italiana hits, where else, Little Italy, on Thursday through Sunday. Groove to live music on four stages, eat lots of Italian food or shop among the arts and crafts vendors.
If Greece is your preferred European locale, hit the Taste of Greece Saturday and Sunday in Greektown. Greek food is the main attraction, but stay for the bands, belly dancers and games to keep the kids entertained.
Hit the South Loop for the annual Bash on Wabash Saturday and Sunday. This kid-friendly festival even has its own kids stage, and lots of other activities including fitness classes, drum circles, face painting and more.
Fine art, music and food are three pretty good reasons to trek over to the 25th Annual Long Grove Fine Art and Wine Fest on Saturday and Sunday. More than 100 fine artists from across the country will showcase and sell their original work in a variety of mediums.
Downtown Highland Park is the place to be on Friday when the Taste of Highland Park takes over Friday through Sunday. Several local restaurants will be on hand offering unique cuisine, and bands will keep the party going.
Thirsty? Head to Naperville Friday through Sunday for the annual Naperville Wine Festival. A variety of local restaurants will also be on hand, along with musical entertainment.
Raheem DeVaughn and Avery Sunshine headline the annual Chicago Westside Music Festival Saturday and Sunday at Douglas Park. Doors open at noon each day with local talent taking the stage in the afternoon.
