What to do this Holiday Weekend?
By Rachelle Bowden in News on Jul 1, 2005 3:15PM
As always, there's a shitload of things to do this weekend. Go out have fun and don't forget to pick up some packs of sparklers. Even if you don't use them this year, it may be the last year you can get them legally... and you never know when a little sparkler action's gonna be needed. Stock up now. So here we go -
African Carribbean International Festival of Life: Expect big, huge, diverse crowds to gather to listen to live reggae, world beat, hip-hop, salsa, punta, rock, gospel and jazz performances. Also yum, yum, yum for your international tum - food from the Caribbean, Africa, Mexico, India, Orient, Middle East, and, of course, the U.S. of A. July 1-4
Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival: Hot air balloon launches and lumberjack shows make this festival unique. There'll also be live music, a carnival and food. And stick around for a fireworks show every night at 9:45pm. July 1-4
Naperville Ribfest: We've never been to Naperville Ribfest, but it must be pretty good if people truck all the way out there when Chicago just had it's own ribfest a couple weeks ago. Or maybe people just like ribs THAT MUCH. Event runs July 1-4, fireworks on the 4th.
Lakeview Arts & Music Festival: Music, food, and beer. The typical neighborhood festival you know and love.
Grant Park Symphony Orchestra Independence Eve Concert:More than a million peeps show up at the lakefront to see these fireworks. Some say this is THE show to go to in Chicago. The pyrotechnic display is accompanied by a concert by the Grant Park Orchestra. July 3
Navy Pier 4th of July Celebration: Ever seen fireworks from a ferris wheel? Now's your chance! July 3-4
For other local fireworks displays, check out Metromix.
We're sure you're going to go out and have fun no matter what you do, go to a fest, go to a bbq, go to the beach.. but what you should remember NOT to do is drink and drive. Besides the fact that it's just WRONG and you're endangering lives, this holiday weekend there will be 800 roadside safety checks - we here it's the biggest drunk driving crackdown in state history. And don't drink and drive your boat either.. the coastguard is on the lookout!