Weekend Festivals
The 24th Annual Chicago Blues Festival starts today and runs through Sunday the 10th. It is the world’s largest FREE outdoor blues event. There are a remarkable number of performances by over 70 local and national artists. Did I mention “free”?
One of my favorite summer events takes place this weekend: the 23rd Annual Printers Row Book Fair. The largest FREE literary event in the Midwest, this fair allows tens of thousands of people to meet authors; browse through new, old, and antique books from nearly 200 booksellers; and even attend chef demonstrations. Although you will find tents from familiar names like Borders and Barnes & Noble, you’ll find more than enough independent booksellers who represent all the different ethnic and cultural communities of the country. There are eleven stages where experts speak on topics like politics, children’s storytelling, politics, sports, and more. The event is Saturday and Sunday (June 9-10), from 10 ’til 6. If you’re really looking for a bargain, stick around until the closing hours on Sunday. Many booksellers, desperate to empty their shelves and tables, will break out great deals. “Fill this plastic bag for only $3!” Every year, my mother and I would come home with nearly our own weight in books.
The 42nd Annual Andersonville Midsommarfest also takes place this weekend (June 9-10) just down the street from me and attracts about 50,000 people every year. The festival has emerged from the neighborhood’s history of Swedish heritage and offers live music, family activities, and international food. There’s even a dance around the Maypole! Stop by and check out the artistic goods being offered by over 100 vendors.
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s the 29th Annual Superman Celebration! This super event (June 7-10) takes place in Metropolis, IL, about 6 hours south of Chicago. SuperFans can meet actors, actresses, and comic artists before attending the Superman banquet dinner, Superman auction, or even the superhero costume contest. Come enjoy a little of the red, yellow, and blue.
Photo credit: (c/o SXC) mauro simonato
Chicago Blues Festival: Grant Park (300 S Columbus Dr); 312-744-3370
Thurs - Sun: 11:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Public Trans: Bus # 1, 3, 4, X4, 6, 7, 14, 26, X28, 126, 127, 145, 147, 148, 151 or Orange/Purple/Pink/Green/Brown Line train (Adams)
http://www.chicagobluesfestival.org/
Printers Row Book Fair: Dearborn & Polk (800 S Dearborn); 312-222-3986
Sat - Sun: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Pay lots available
Bus # 22, 36, 42, 62 or Red Line train (Harrison)
http://www.printersrowbookfair.org/
Andersonville Midsommarfest ($5 donation): 5200 N Clark St; 773-665-4682
Sat-Sun: 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult
Bus # 22, 52, 92
http://www.starevents.com/mid_fest.html
Superman Celebration: Metropolis, IL; 1-800-949-5740
Thurs: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Fri: 10:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Sat: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sun: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
http://www.supermancelebration.net/
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2 opinions for Weekend Festivals
Daddy Forever
Jun 8, 2007 at 1:48 am
We use to have the Mt Hood Blues Festival, but they ran into money problem. Too bad because it was a great event in the Portland, Oregon area.
Huey’s Hot Dogs
Jun 9, 2007 at 9:46 pm
[…] just got back from Chicago’s Andersonville Midsommarfest a couple hours ago. With all the great food and music, I didn’t want to leave! I had walked […]
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