The Chicago Traveler

Today is Mexican Independence Day, commemorating the start of an armed conflict between the people of Mexico and Spanish colonial authorities, which started on September 16, 1810. The war lasted 11 years, resulting in Mexico’s independence from Spain.
While the parade was held this weekend (despite the rain), there’s still plenty of celebrating to do. Head on down to Pilsen for ¡Buen Provecho!, where you can sample signature dishes from more than 20 restaurants. The event takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. along 18th Street between Wood and Halsted Streets. For more information, visit http://eighteenthstreet.org/event.html
Also, be sure to check …read more

Comments Off

• In Roscoe Village, the Harvest Fest celebrates the 100th anniversary of Jahn World Language School with live music, carnival rides, and food vendors. (Sept 12-14)
• The 19th annual Festival de La Villita features carnival rides, live music, lots of food, and arts and crafts vendors, commemorating Mexican independence from Spanish rule. The fair is also the end location of the 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade (with floats, mariachi bands, and folk dancers) on Sunday. (Sept 12-14)
• A new art festival has arrived in Bucktown and Wicker Park. The smARTshow showcases the works of 75 artists inside the Flat …read more

Comments Off

• If fresh-shucked oysters and pints of Guinness sound like a good time to you, check out the Guinness Oyster Festival in Roscoe Village. There are also vendors of other foods, pints of Harp’s and Smithwick’s available, and live music. (Sept 6)
• Chow down on brats, potato salad, sauerkraut, smoked sausages, and beer at the 88th Annual German-American Festival in Lincoln Square. The 43rd Annual Von Steuben Parade (featured in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) starts Saturday at 2 p.m. (Sept 5-7)
• You can sample from more than 300 international vintages and watching cooking demos at the Fourth Annual Windy City …read more

Comments Off

• The African Festival of the Arts is Chicago’s largest neighborhood festival, featuring three music stages, ethnic cuisine, and more than 300 vendors selling everything from fine art to skin care products. Presentations include book discussions and dance workshops. (Aug 29 – Sept 1)
• The 30th annual Chicago Jazz Festival is the city’s longest-running lakefront music festival and features local, national, and international performers on several stages. (Aug 28-31)
• Get your fill of pierogi, Polish sausage, and sauerkraut at the Taste of Polonia, where you can listen to live bands play everything from rock to polka. (Aug 29 – Sept …read more

1 Comment

• Dress up as your favorite character and get your Disney on at the The Little Mermaid Sing-Along at the Music Box Theatre. (Aug 22 – Sept 1)
• MC Hammer and Cyndi Lauper perform at Glamorama 2008, a fall fashion fundraiser at The Chicago Theatre featuring top designers. A portion of ticket proceeds benefit the Art Institute of Chicago. (Aug 22)
• The seventh annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest features more than 100 art vendors and 35 bands. Be sure to check out the fashion show and fire performance on Friday, or take a self-guided tour of artists’ studios on Saturday …read more

Comments Off

• The Croatian Fest features a huge roast of 75 lambs and over 10 whole pigs at the St. Jerome Croatian Catholic Church. The festivities include homemade foods, ethnic dancing, and a beer garden. (Aug 15)
• This weekend marks the 50th Annual Chicago Air & Water Show. Arrive early and claim your spot at either North Avenue Beach or Oak Street Beach, where you’ll see the Blue Angels, the Golden Knights parachute team, an F-22 Raptor, and much more. (Aug 15-17)
• The third annual North Side Summerfest features live music from over a dozen artists and bands and plenty of …read more

1 Comment

• Celebrate with more than 35 music and dance acts at the Caribbean Festival at Union Park. The festival features traditional food, art, a talent show, and more. (Aug 8-10)
• The 51st annual Gold Coast Art Fair displays work from over 350 artists along with food and wine vendors, music, and sculpting demonstrations. On Saturday, Ted Allen from the Food Network will lead a cooking demo and wine discussion. (Aug 8-10)
• You can see singer Deana Martin and the cast of Jersey Boys at the second annual Taylor Street Festa Italiana. Sample food from a dozen local restaurants and play …read more

Comments Off

• The annual three-day festival, Lollapalooza, takes place this weekend with performances by Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine, Nine Inch Nails, Kanye West, and many, many more. (Aug 1-3)
• Play a game of Australian football at 6 p.m. in Waveland Park thanks to Chicago United’s Friday Night Metro. Everyone is welcome to participate, and coaches are on hand to explain the rules. (Aug 1, 15, Sept 20)
• Ready? OK! Matthew Hollis and the Power of Cheer pick up their pom-poms and put on their best cheers in Let’s Go Love! (Aug 1-3)
• Get your shop on at the Andersonville Summer …read more

Comments Off

• RedEye columnist Mark Bazer hosts “The Interview Show” at Hideout, where a variety of guests (including musicians, comedians, authors, and more) share their thoughts. (Every first Friday)
• The indoor-outdoor 23rd annual Irish-American Heritage Festival features live Irish music on five stages, folk dancing, food, arts and crafts vendors, and a raffle for a trip to Ireland. (July 11-13)
• You can browse through wood carvings, paintings, and jewelry from Asia, Africa, and Europe at the Black Thai International Arts and Crafts Fest in the West Loop. (July 9-11, Aug 6-8, Sept 3-5)
• More than 200 painters, sculptors, photographers, street musicians, …read more

Comments Off

To all those who celebrate, Happy Kwanzaa! The week-long Pan-African festival honors African-American heritage and is observed today through January 1.Malcolm X College holds its own Kwanzaa celebration all week, featuring African dancing, spoken word, gospel singing, a marketplace, and more. Live entertainment will take place from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free!
For a bit of history, stop by the DuSable Museum of African-American History, and see the annual exhibit on Kwanzaa, recounting the history and principles of the holiday.
Malcolm X College: 1900 W Van Buren …read more

Comments Off