THIS WEEKEND
TASTE OF LINCOLN AVENUE
The food-centric fest covers six city blocks, so consider fueling up with a second funnel cake if you plan to make the rounds. For dessert, dive into an audio buffet of live music on four stages. With arts and crafts, fashion shows, cooking demos and more. Noon Saturday-Sunday. $7-$10 donation. Lincoln Avenue, between Fullerton and Wrightwood Avenues. 773-868-3010.
Music highlights: Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, Will Hoge, Blue Oyster Cult
49TH ANNUAL VENETIAN NIGHT
See about 30 lighted boats cruise the lakefront, dressed up to the theme of “Rockin’ All Over the World.” A fireworks display follows with a synchronized score by XRT (93.1-FM). 8:30 p.m. Saturday parade; 9:30 p.m. fireworks. Free. Monroe Harbor, Monroe Street to Roosevelt Road along the lake. 312-744-3370.
Bonus: It’s the cheapest Mediterranean vacation you’ll get ’til next year’s parade
FIESTA DEL SOL
This annual Pilsen affair is alcohol-free, but that’s no reason to avoid it. Plenty of bands serve up Latin beats, and we bet the street fare will soothe your cravings for a lime-drenched ‘rita. With arts and crafts, dance classes and more. 5 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. Friday-Sunday. Free. Cermak Road, between Loomis and Morgan Streets. 312-666-2663.
Music highlights: Descarga, Maria Fatal and more
GHANA FEST 2006
You saw this country’s flags waving during last month’s World Cup, now experience more of this African nation’s culture at this fest, billed as the largest Ghanaian cultural exposition in North America. With a display of traditional attire, music, dance and food vendors. 11 a.m. Saturday. Free. Washington Park, 5500 S. Cottage Grove Ave. 773-905-8096.
Bonus: Browse African arts and crafts
BASH ON WABASH
The South Loop jumps on the fest bandwagon with this celebration of cultural diversity featuring local artwork, signature fare from area restaurants and live music. Noon Saturday; 11 a.m. Sunday. $5 donation. South Wabash Avenue at East 14th Street. 773-665-4682.
Music highlights: Lonnie Brookes, Maggie Speaks
ON THE RADAR
NORTHALSTED MARKET DAYS
The 25th annual Lakeview must-see-it-to-believe-it bash, billed as the Midwest’s largest outdoor two-day fest, offers plenty of eye candy, plus arts and crafts, food and more than 40 musical acts on three stages. 11 a.m. Aug. 5-6. $6 donation benefits the Northalsted Area Merchants Association. Halsted Street, between Belmont Avenue and Addison Street. 773-868-3010.
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RKPALMORE@TRIBUNE.COM
