Today’s column from the Kankakee Daily Journal and The (Ottawa, Ill.) Times …
Squeeze the summer out of September
The WISCH LIST
Aug. 28, 2010
Summer is almost over.
Except that it’s not.
Sure, next weekend might signify the unofficial end of summer with the arrival of Labor Day, but the calendar tells us that the season still runs through Sept. 21. And, in Chicago, it might as well run a little longer than that.
That’s because the city still has plenty of summer-style weekend fun in store throughout the month of September. Go ahead, see for yourself …
Sept. 2-5: Chicago Jazz Festival
Back in Chicago in 1978, three different annual jazz festivals were scheduled for Grant Park during just the month of August.
Recognizing the nonsense of that, the Mayor’s Office of Special Events – in a rare moment of streamlining rather than swelling a budget – proposed combining all three into the Chicago Jazz Festival.
It was a hit as all that jazz attracted 125,000 people during its first go-around in 1979. Now in its 32nd year, it’s the world’s most extensive free jazz fest. The festival officially begins on Thursday, Sept. 2, but doesn’t truly get rolling until Saturday morning. For more information, visit www.chicagojazzfestival.us.
My tip: If you’re at the Jazz Festival, but start feeling the blues, head on over to the brand-new Buddy Guy’s Legends club, nearby at 700 S. Wabash Avenue.
Sept. 10-11: Windy City Wine Festival
Situated in the center of Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain is modeled after the Latona Fountain at Versailles, located of course in vineyard-laden France.
So, perhaps, it’s only appropriate that Buckingham (500 S. Columbus Drive) is the new location for Chicago’s sixth annual Windy City Wine Festival.
Featuring more than 300 international and domestic wine varieties, as well 50 festival vendors, the event lasts from 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 10, and 3 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11. For more information, visit www.windycitywinefestival.com.
My tip: Don’t like wine? Well, the fest also features the Belgian Beer Café and its ample samplings of Stella Artois, Leffe and Hoegaarden beers.
Sept. 18: Chicago Blackhawks Training Camp Fest
It seems like hockey season just ended, but it’s almost here again.
And to help drop the puck on their 2010-11 season, the Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks are holding their annual Training Camp Festival at the United Center on Saturday, Sept. 18.
The daylong event features a 5K Run/Walk and a 10K inline skating race, as well as the opportunity to watch a live Blackhawks practice. It all costs only $5 for a general admission ticket. For more information, visit www.blackahwks.nhl.com.
My tip: If you’re looking to run or skate in the 5K or 10K races, make sure to preregister online at www.chicagoevents.com. Cost is $30.
Sept. 25-26: Randolph Street Market Festival
If you’re looking to shop in the sunshine one last time before it begins to fade away for winter, the final weekend of Chicago’s outdoor Randolph Street Market Festival is your chance.
Located in the West Loop along Randolph Street between Ada Street and Ogden Avenue, the festival features antiques, vintage collectibles and indie designer apparel from more than 200 dealers, as well as food and drink vendors, music and kids’ activities.
The fest is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www.randolphstreetmarket.com.
My tip: At $12, admission is a bit steep – you know, to just go shopping – but, you can gain free entry for the final two hours of the market each month with the downloadable “See for Free” coupon on the market’s website.