CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- It's going to be a hot one this weekend, but if you do dare to venture out of the air conditioning, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.
From food and music festivals to country fairs, art festivals, and family events this weekend is fully packed and has something for everyone.
Now in its 18th year, the Taste of River North is prepared to once again dish out a sampling of neighborhood eats. Join thousands to feast your way through River North, while sipping on a good drink and listening to some jams. This riverfront festival offers samples of dishes from restaurants like Wildfire, TAO, Good Measure, Pizzeria Due, and Su Casa in addition to great view of the skyline.
Where: Ward Park at the corner of Erie & Kingsbury
When: Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Say goodbye to the stodgy old Sheffield Garden Walk—this newly-rebranded street festival brings live music, beer, food and activities for kids to thr parking lot behind the Lincoln Park Student Center. You can still tour more than 100 neighborhood gardens (for a $10 fee), but the focus of this year's event seems to be squarely on the lineup of cover bands, the adjacent Sheffield Beer Festival and grub from a variety of local food trucks.
Where: Webster Street and Sheffield Avenue (2250 N. Sheffield Ave.)
When: Friday, 4-10 p.m.; Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, noon-8 p.m.
Come to eat, stay to dance. Pilsen's Tacos y Tamales Festival takes its inspiration from the Tianguis, the traditional Mexican and Central American bazaar. Guests will be able to sample as many tacos and tamales as they can from local restaurants Between bites, cruise vendor stalls, sip a cold one inside the Modelo beer garden and dance to live Latin music.
Where: 16th Street & Peoria Street
When: Friday, 5-10 p.m..; Saturday & Sunday, noon-10 p.m.
Beer me! Serving up more than 70 local, regional and national craft beers from 35 brewers, the 8th annual Chicago Craft Beer Festival is perfect for any beer lover. Tasting ticket holders are also encouraged to savor the day after the tastings and enjoy great music acts and more!
Where: On Lincoln Ave between Addison and Roscoe
When: Saturday & Sunday, noon-10 p.m.
Named one of the best family festivals, BenFest returns this year with something for every age group. Join the parish for three days of family fun filled with music, food and tons of activities.
Where: St. Benedict's Parish, 2215 W. Irving Park Rd.
When: Friday, 4-10 p.m.; Saturday, 1-10 p.m.; Sunday, 1-7 p.m.
Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you'll cherish for a lifetime. This is a family friendly event that can be shared by everyone as people come together to create a beautiful and memorable experience.
Where: South Lagoon at Lincoln Park, 2341 N. Cannon Dr.
When: Saturday, 5:30 p.m.
This two-day fine art festival, celebrating its 4th year, takes place on Chicago's famous Michigan Avenue overlooking the Chicago River. Festival attendees will experience the hustle and bustle of the beautiful Windy City while taking in the original artwork of 65+ juried artists at this "all art" show. Michigan Avenue features Chicago's largest shopping district with upscale stores, boutiques, restaurants, luxury retailers and hotels. Attendees of Artfest Michigan Avenue will experience the city in all its magnificent glory while viewing fabulous art in a variety of mediums.
Where: Michigan between Kinzie St and Upper Wacker Dr
When: Friday & Saturday, 1 a.m.-5 p.m.
Celebrating 151 years of traditional summer family fun and 4-H, this fair is filled with exciting grandstand events, live bands and exciting unlimited carnival rides, but with a small-town feel! The fair includes music, pig racing, a car show, a tiger show, wine tastings, bingo and more. Bring the family out for some weekend fun at the fair.
Where: Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road
When: Friday & Saturday, noon-midnight; Sunday, noon-10 p.m.
Soak up the summer sun this weekend at the Friendly Confines. The Chicago Cubs take on the San Diego Padres.
Where: Wrigley Field
When: Friday-Sunday, 1:20 p.m.
Cost: Varies
