As of Wednesday it is officially summertime in Chicago, and the city is giving you plenty of ways to celebrate this weekend!
Yes, summers in Chicago are hot, and yes, five minutes after you walk outside your fingers start sticking together because of the humidity, but is that any reason not to celebrate the first official weekend of summer?
Chicago has too much to offer to stay indoors all weekend, and besides this first Saturday of Summer is supposed to be about ten degrees cooler than last week’s roasting 94 degrees. If nothing else, at least celebrate that!
Check out some awesome events around town this weekend:
For Pride-ful People...
Chicago Pride Fest at Halsted & Waveland
When: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday
Admission: $7 suggested donation
Buzz: For the two days before Pride Parade, Halsted & Wavelend will be a blast, with a plethora of food vendors, arts & crafts showcases, and of course live entertainment on two different stages.
Chicago Pride Parade at Broadway & Montrose Avenue
When: 12:00 p.m. on Sunday
Admission: Free
Buzz: Over 450,000 people are expected to turn out for Chicago’s 43rd annual Pride Parade. Pride Month’s last hurrah include will include marching bands, local organizations, and of course floats of all shapes and sizes.
Pride North on Glenwood Avenue
When: 4 p.m. on Sunday
Admission: Free
Buzz: After the parade, take a load off on the North Side with live music from Sixteen Candles and music from MooseBox with DJ VoxBox. Pride North is on Glenwood Avenue between Morse and Lunt in Andersonville.
Pink Party at Redmond's Ale House, 3358 N. Sheffield Avenue
When: 4 p.m. on Sunday
Admission: $20
Buzz: Or, if Pride North isn't your thing head to Redmond's Ale House for food, drinks, and lots and lots of pink. Deck yourself out in pink to win prizes for your outfit, and hang out with the Chicago Dragons Rugby Football Club. There will be a $20 food and drink package.
For Music Lovers...
Green Music Fest at 2000 W. North Avenue
When: 12 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
Admission: $5 suggested donation
Buzz: For eco-minded people, this music festival includes live music on two stages, but also recycled arts and crafts, DIY musical instruments, cooking demos, and more as part of their family fun fest (noon to 5 p.m. daily).
Chicago Gospel Music Festival in Ellis Park at 37th and Cottage Grove
When: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
Admission: Free
Buzz: At the 27th annual festival, music lovers can enjoy headliners Fred Hammond, Take 6, Mary Mary, and The Blind Boys of Alabama.
Local
Stranger Danger Music Festival at Abbey Pub and Restaurant on 3420 W. Grace Street
When: Starts at 12 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday
Admission: $25 for each day
Buzz: If you love local funk-rock, then check out this festival featuring top Midwest bands on two stages such as Strange Arrangement, DrFameus (Allen Aucoin of Disco Biscuits), Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Sexfist, Twin Cats, Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, Cosby Sweater, Spare Parts, Old Shoe, Sidewalk Chalk, and more.
For Shop-a-holics...
Summer Block Party at Oak Street
When: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday
Admission: Free if you are window shopping
Buzz: Take advantage of sales and giveaways in Chicago high-end stores while enjoying music, sidewalk murals in-store events and more at the area shops. Attendees can even visit a tarot card reader at the festival to see if a good sale is in their future.
For Foodies...
The Long Grove Strawberry Festival at Old McHenry and Robert Parker Coffin roads
When: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday
Admission: $5
Buzz: Feast on chocolate covered strawberries or compete in the strawberry pie eating contest at this fun festival dedicated to this tasty fruit.
For Fun...
Chicago Summerfest on Clark Street at Armitage
When: Bands take to the stage at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday
Admission: $5
Buzz: More than 25,000 locals flock to this annual festival in Lincoln Park each year to chill out with live music, enjoy food and drink from various venders and spend time in the family area which includes activities for kids of all ages.
Randolph Street Market Festival at 600 E. Grand Avenue
When: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday
Admission: $8 - $10 for Adult, Free for kids 12 and under
Buzz: This European-style, indoor-outdoor urban antique market in the historic West Loop neighborhood features over 200 dealers of art and apparel.
Navy Pier Fireworks
When: 10:15 p.m. Saturday
Admission: Free
Buzz: Fireworks blast off over Lake Michigan and can be seen all along the lake while enjoying the skyline. But those who make the trip to the pier will enjoy music to go with the fireworks show.
If you end up attending one of theses events, don’t forget to share the experience and send us a picture through Twitter using the hashtag #Chicagogram or emailing it to isee@nbcchicago.com. We may select your picture to use in a photo gallery or in next weekend's guide, so be sure to include your name and where the picture was taken.
