5 Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend

While Labor Day may have come and gone, Chicago’s summer festivals are continuing in full force and these events are a great way to keep the summer fun going, especially with the gorgeous weather forecast for Saturday and Sunday. And while your friendly neighborhood Realtor (me!) believes that Open Houses are always a fun and entertaining way to explore our neighborhoods and see great real estate, I also wanted to share a selection of neighborhood festivals, food events and even an unexpected film festival that you might enjoy checking out this weekend…all the while supporting our Be Local campaign!


INTERNET CAT VIDEO FESTIVAL

Step away from your computer and into your own feline reality show! This Festival, hosted by feline internet star Lil BUB and Mike Bridavsky, will offer attendees of the fest a chance to watch a 75-minute compilation of cat videos, adopt kittens and check out a midnight performance by Sarah Donner, the cat-inspired musical artist. Who could resist?
When: Saturday, September 6
Where: 3730 N. Clark Street
Hours: 1:30pm
Admission: $11 – 119


SHOCK TOP OYSTER FEST

Taking advantage of the season, Roscoe Village will host the 16th annual Shock Top Oyster Fest featuring tons of fresh seafood from local restaurants. In addition, there will be arts and crafts and live acts, including Gaelic Storm, the classic Chicago festival band 16 Candles, and more.
When: Saturday, September 6
Where: Damen Avenue & Roscoe Street
Hours: 11am – 10pm
Admission: $7 suggested donation


THE HIDEOUT BLOCK PARTY & ONION A.V. FEST

This music-centric block party returns to help close out the last days of summer, with plenty of food, drinks and live performances by Death Cab for Cutie, the Meters, the War on Drugs and many more.
When: Friday, September 5 – Saturday, September 6
Where: 1354 W. Wabansia Avenue
Hours: 5pm (Friday) & 1pm (Saturday)
Admission: $39 – 65


GREAT AMERICAN BACON FESTIVAL

Another bacon fest hits town, but is anyone going to complain? Learn bacon recipes, test your knowledge of bacon and check out bacon infused dishes like Bacon S’mores, Moroccan bacon-wrapped scallop and Cajun bacon-wrapped shrimp. Because, as they say, everything is better with bacon. Isn’t it?
When: Saturday, September 6
Where: 500 W. Jackson Boulevard
Hours: 7 – 9:30pm
Admission: $65 – 110


RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR

Rounding out this weekends’ festival line-up, the 12th annual Craft Fair returns to Wicker Park this year, hosting one of the largest gatherings of indie craft-makers in the country. From jewelry and clothing, to art prints and housewares, this craft fair promises something for everyone.
When: Saturday, September 6 – Sunday, September 7
Where: Division Street & Damen Avenue
Hours: 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free