Weekend Festivals
Being Mexican-American, I can’t help but be excited about this coming weekend. This Sunday is Mexican Independence Day, celebrating Mexico’s victory in the armed conflict between the people of Mexico and Spanish colonial authorities, which started in 1810. A huge and colorful celebration parade will be held on Sunday on 26th Street, as over half a million spectators will cheer on the floats and mariachi bands. It’s a perfect time for dancing in the streets!
The annual Green Tie Ball takes place on Sunday with a “Garden of Good or Evil” theme, raising funds for the Chicago Gateway Green, a non-profit organization dedicated to the beautification of the Chicagoland area. Considered the social event of the season, thousands of Chicago’s biggest names will enjoy food from more than 60 restaurants, live music, fireworks, casino games, and auctions at Northerly Island.
- The 18th Annual Festival de la Villita is the biggest and most important Mexican celebration in the Midwest and takes place in the heart of Chicago’s Little Village. (Sept 13-16)
- A celebration of a classic, Oktoberfest features bratwurst, portabella sandwiches, an oompah band, and plenty of Berghoff beer. Raffle proceeds benefit Horizons for Youth. (Sept 13-14)
Being the second largest Serbian city in the world, Chicago is now hosting the 1st annual Serbian Film Festival, featuring nearly 15 films, documentaries, and shorts, including the 2006 Oscar-nominated “Tomorrow Morning”. (Sept 13-16)- The 26th Annual Festival of the Vine in Geneva features local restaurant samplings, wine tastings, arts and crafts, a flower market, live music, and carriage rides. (Sept 14-16)
- A selection of more than 200 wines will be available for sampling at the 5th Annual Naperville Wine Festival, where you can also learn the art of pairing wines with food. (Sept 14-15)
- Not all graffiti is vandalism. Check out some great urban art in the making as well as some of the best local hip-hop talent at the 4th Annual Meeting of Styles. (Sept 14-16)
- Chicago’s 9th Annual World Music Festival features more than 60 events at 28 venues, showcasing the best of international music via concerts, radio broadcasts, in-store performances, and more. (Sept 14-20)
- Love bobbing for apples but can’t wait until Halloween? Celebrate the arrival of autumn with produce vendors, live music, sidewalk sales, and a pie-eating contest at the 20th Annual Lincoln Square Apple Fest. (Sept 15)
- Have a pint, grab your kilt, and enjoy all things Celtic at the Celtic Fest Chicago in Grant Park. (Sept 15-16)
The Taste of Romania offers a variety of Romanian food, music, and dance. Delicious food includes ox, pig, and lamb (roasted on a spit), stuffed cabbage, charcoaled “mititei”, handmade skinless sausage, and free fresh squeezed grape juice. Grape stomping is part of the festival, too. (Sept 15-16)- The Eli’s Cheesecake Festival celebrates the 11th anniversary of Eli’s Cheesecake world, the 62,000-square-foot bakery, caf', retail store, and visitors’ center where Chicago’s favorite dessert is made. And yes, there are free samples. (Sept 15-16)
- Cool crafts, jewelry, knitting, and ‘zines from nearly 300 do-it-yourself vendors can be found at the 5th Annual Renegade Craft Fair. (Sept 15-16)
26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade: 3100 W 26th St; 773-521-5387
Sept 16: 12 noon
Public trans: Bus # 52, 60
Green Tie Ball XVI ($120-$250): Charter One Pavilion (1300 S Linn White Dr); 312-670-2222
Sept 15: 6:30 p.m. (VIP reception), 8:00 p.m. (Gala)
Public trans: Bus # 12, 146
http://www.greentieball.org/
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Art, Collectibles and Hobbies, Entertainment, Events, Shopping
0 opinions for Weekend Festivals
No one has left a comment yet. You know what this means, right? You could be first!
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: