b5media.com

Advertise with us

Enjoying this blog? Check out the rest of the Travel & Culture Channel Subscribe to this Feed

The Chicago Traveler

Weekend Stuff

by Matt B on September 20th, 2007

When it comes to these weekend info posts, I usually try to feature large fairs and festivals while giving a quick mention to other smaller ones. Well, this weekend, there is a little school holding a little festival in Ukrainian Village, which probably wouldn’t register on the radar of most folks outside the neighborhood. So why is it headlining this entry? Because the carnival rides, Eastern European and Latin music, beer garden, and ethnic food are all being hosted by St. Helen School, an elementary school I attended oh-so-many years ago. Admission to the St. Helen Festival is free, and all the proceeds from the carnival rides and food sales benefit the school. Swing by with me, and we’ll revisit all my memories of ruler-wielding nuns, unfortunate ’80s uniforms (brown and gold?!), and secret scribbled notes of “I Like Like You!”

One of my favorite comedians, Margaret Cho, is in town with her new show, The Sensuous Woman. It’s a bit of a variety show, featuring several artists, including Kelly! (If you don’t know who Kelly is, shame on you! You must check out the Internet phenomenon that all started with Shoes. [foul language warning]) Don’t miss the impressive lineup of burlesque performances, stand-up comedy, and hilarious skits.

  • Get your groove on, girl. Estrojam features plenty of exciting music, as well as poetry slams, workshops, and panel discussions. (Sept 18-22)
  • Doctors Without Borders is holding an eye-opening event called A Refugee Camp in the Heart of the City, exhibiting the troubles and work of refugees around the world. Learn how aid workers build shelter, provide health care and vaccines, and find food and water. (Sept 19-23)
  • The UniverSoul Circus hits town this week, delighting audiences of all ages and backgrounds with a vibrant blend of traditional circus acts and urban-inspired music. (Sept 20-Oct 14)
  • Celebrating their 100th anniversary, the Italian-American Chamber of Commerce presents Italian Style at Navy Pier, featuring fashion, music, wine, cars, tourism, food, and more. (Sept 21-23)
  • There have been plenty of wine festivals this month… so what’s one more? Sample a variety of vintages along with cheeses, chocolates, and foods from neighborhood restaurants. Winefest Chicago will even send you home with a commemorative wine glass. (Sept 21-23)
  • Celebrate the summer weather while it lasts by enjoying the Friday cookout at the Ravenswood Bank Fall Festival, featuring grilled food and apple pie. (Sept 21-23)
  • The Chinatown Moon Festival is a traditional harvest celebration offering a lion dance competition, Japanese drums, lantern show, Chinese American Idol (no lie), and kung fu performances. Mmm… mooncakes! (Sept 22)

St. Helen Festival @ St. Helen Church/School (free!): 2300 W Augusta Blvd; 773-486-1055
Sept 20-21: 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sept 22-23: 12 noon - 10:00 p.m.
Street parking available
Public trans: Bus # 49, X49
http://www.sthelenchicago.org/difference/festival.htm

Margaret Cho @ Lake Shore Theater ($40-$45): 3175 N Broadway St; 866-468-3401 (tickets), 773-472-3492 (box office)
Running through Sept 22
Street parking difficult, pay lot available
Public trans: Bus # 77, 156
http://www.margaretcho.com/

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

POSTED IN: Entertainment, Events

0 opinions for Weekend Stuff

  • No one has left a comment yet. You know what this means, right? You could be first!

Have an opinion? Leave a comment: