Things I Like - Chicago

It’s getting to be that time again – time for the outdoor fair, festival, food extravaganza in Chicago! Now is the time to mark your calendar for outdoor fun – much of it free.

The June issue of Chicago Magazine has the 2009 Summer Guide, an advertising section listing most of the area events with a brief description and basic info. It’s probably the only ‘advertising section’ I ever look forward to. Unfortunately, the guide isn’t on the magazine's on-line site but there are several other sites that list most events. Check out Metromix (listing by date) or Choose Chicago (searchable database) for more information.

Just a few of the events that I’m looking forward to:

The 25th Annual Printers Row Lit Fest
June 6 – 7 on Dearborn between Congress & Polk
The Midwest’s largest free outdoor literary event includes 200 new, used and antiquarian booksellers and more than 200 authors scheduled to speak.

Ribfest Chicago
June 12 -14 at Lincoln, Irving Park & Damen
Over a dozen venues offering finger-licking, lip smacking barbecue plus live bands, arts & crafts and games.

The 25th Annual Newberry Library Book Fair & Bughouse Square Debates
July 23rd – 26th at the Newberry Library – 60 W Walton
From Choose Chicago: More than 110,000 donated books – many priced under $2 - will be sorted into 70 categories for your browsing convenience. Exercise your first-amendment rights and relive the days of soapbox oratory that immortalized Washington Square Park on Saturday.

Lincoln Park Fireman’s Cook-off
August 22 – 23 at 2500 N. Clark
Area firemen compete in a cooking competition to raise funds to help improve the working and living conditions of local firehouses.

There are literally hundreds of events to enjoy – you’ll need a datebook just to keep track of your Chicago activities.