Enjoy season with farmers markets, festivals

Ah, this weather rocks. There's absolutely nothing better than summer in the city. Festivals (!), sports events, ice cream, cookouts - when accompanied by family, friends and sunshine, I can think of few things that put a bigger smile on my face.

To make sure you celebrate the season appropriately, here's a list of some festivals and farmers markets going on now or in the next few weeks that you shouldn't miss (and that I can't wait to attend!).

* Farmers Markets - They're amazing. Cheap flowers and produce?  Check. Unique jellies, jams, breads and other items? Got it. Support local growers? You know it. Here's a detailed brochure with market times, dates and locations.

* Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest - noon-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-9 p.m. Sunday (May 30, 31), located on North Sheffield Avenue from Belmont Avenue to School Street. Bands like the Trippin Billies and Mike & Joe will be there to provide some tunes and there's also fine arts and crafts. There's no cost for admission but they ask for a $5 donation at the gate.

* An event after my own heart: Printers Row Lit Fest. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 6-7 in the blocks surrounding Dearborn and Polk streets, free to attend. Booksellers, wine tastings, exhibitors, poetry, cooking demonstrations and more. If you want to attend the free author events at Harold Washington Library Center, you have to register for tickets online.

* Old Town Art Fair - 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 13-14 at Lincoln Avenue and Wisconsin Street. 260 nationally acclaimed artists will be on-hand. $7 donation requested.

* Chicago Turkish Festival - 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 29-30 (hurry over!) at Daley Plaza, Washington Street between Clark and Dearborn streets. Free to attend, cultural performances between noon and 2 p.m., food, exhibits, music and more.

* I know there's a lot of people, I know it's usually hot, but I saw a bus advertisement for the Taste and it's approaching: June 26-July 5, free entry and free music! There's a list of musicians, but Counting Crows, Barenaked Ladies, Buddy Guy and The Wallflowers caught  my eye. And - bam! - Emeril Lagasse will be in attendance opening day.

* Eastside Millennium Art Festival - noon-5 p.m. June 5 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 6-7 on Lake and Stetson streets on Michigan Avenue. Free admission, live music, food and 175 artists (reader Janie's sister is one of them!).

Get your summer on!
xoxo,
Lisa Marie

*photo courtesy of city tourism

Comments

[Janie]

Yay festivals! I love them (and the markets) too. Here's a new one to add to your list: the Eastside Millennium Art Festival. It'll be just north of the Art Institute and Millennium Park. Here's a link: http://www.amdurproductions.com/f-eastside-public.html. My sister is going to be exhibiting as an artist, which is how I heard about it. :)

[Laid-off Lisa Marie]

Hi Janie!

I know - festival time makes me so happy. Thanks for the heads-up on the Eastside fest! I added it to the list and hope to make it!
xoxo,
Lisa Marie