By: Celia Martinez
Who said the weekend started on a Friday night? Thursday, Aug. 9th marks the return of Chicago’s Summer Dance! The 16th annual festival will be held at Grant Park’s Spirit of the Music Garden at 6pm and run through September 16th. Join fellow dance enthusiasts for lessons with professional instructors and live music.
Not much of a dancer? Stop by the Little Italy neighborhood for Festa Italiana. Beginning Thursday, August 9th at 5pm and running through Sunday, Aug. 12th, the Italian themed fest will run along Taylor Street between Racine and Ashland and will feature food, live music, vendors, dancing and even a meatball eating contest!
Interested in eating healthy this weekend? Stop by Naperville’s Veggie Fest on 4S 175 Naperville-Wheaton Rd. The will take place Saturday, August 11th to Sunday, August 12th from 11am to 8pm and will feature live music, food demos, speakers from around the world and an international vegetarian food court.
The Mayne Stage in Rogers Park will host Brazilian Carnaval 2012 on Saturday, Aug. 11th from 10pm to 2am. The 18 and over event will bring together local musicians including DJ SoundCulture and Swing Brasileiro for a night of Samba, Samba Reggae, Batucadas and dance performances by Folia Tropicalia Dance Group. Tickets are $20 at the door and $15 for advanced purchase.
Pilsen’s Resurrection Project will host Unisono Festival on Saturday, August 18th from 12pm to 10pm. The peace promoting celebration will run along Paulina Street between 18th Street and 18th Place from the 18th Street Pink Line Stop, and will feature face painting, dancing, and workshops on printmaking and live musical performances.
