{This Weekend} Top 4 Events

These top 4 Chicago events are guaranteed to lift your spirits. Who doesn’t need some spirit lifting right about now?

Image: Festa Italiana Chicago

Chicago Festa Italiana

When: Friday and Saturday, August 15^th and 16^th Noon – 11 p.m., Sunday, August 17^th Noon – 10 p.m.

Where: Taylor Street at Ashland Ave

Why you may want to attend: “A meatball eating contest … Experience firsthand what it’s like to make wine overseas [by kicking] off your shoes and participate in a special grape stomping.” There will be amazing food, wine, and live music throughout the weekend.

More info: http://chicagofestaitaliana.com/

Image: americanlobsterfest.com

The Great American Lobster Fest

When: Saturday, August 16^th 10 a.m. – 1 a.m. and Sunday, August 17^th 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Where: Navy Pier Grand Ballroom, 600 E. Ave

Why you may want to attend: “The Great American Lobster Fest is Chicago’s first outdoor lobster fest of its kind. Enjoy the freshest seafood that Chicago has to offer, flown in daily by New England Seafood Company’s family owned dock in Boston… live music, carnival games, and cold beverages as jets fly overhead during the Air and Water Show. Stick around on Saturday night for Navy Pier’s spectacular fireworks show.”

More info: http://www.americanlobsterfest.com/

Chicago Water and Air Show

When: Saturday, August 16^th and Sunday, August 17^th 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive

Why you may want to attend: “This year the Chicago Air and Water Show celebrates 55 years of daredevil thrills in the air and on the water at North Avenue Beach and along Chicago’s magnificent lakefront on Lake Michigan. With Chicago’s Skyline as a backdrop, audience numbers reach 2.2 million annually making the Chicago Air & Water Show the largest FREE admission air and water exhibition of its kind in the United States.”

More info: http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_air_and_watershow.html

Image: modachicago.com

Salsa Dancing at Summer Dance

When: Sunday, August 17. Dance lessons 4 – 5 p.m. Live music and dancing 5 – 7 p.m.

Where: Grant Park, Sprit of Music Garden, 601 S. Michigan Ave

Why you may want to attend: Salsa and Merengue had their time in the pop-verse. Now, only the purest remain. Join the city’s top instructors and best bands for an evening of beautiful movement and song. Chicago will instantly feel just a tad bit spicier in Grant Park this weekend.

More info: http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_summerdance.html