Fun Events in Chicago: August 19-25

August 20-24: Chicago Dancing Festival
Where can you see Hubbard Street, Giordano, the Joffrey Ballet, Ensemble Español, Natya Dance Theater and the Chicago Human Rhythm Project for free? At the best Dance Festival in the States for free. The Festival’s mission is to present a wide variety of excellent dance, enrich the lives of Chicago residents and provide increased accessibility to the art form, thereby helping create a new audience. Its vision is to raise the national and international profile of dance in the city, furthering Chicago as a dance destination. If for no other reason, you must see the Ensemble Español do their Bolero number. One of the most spectacular things you will ever see. Ole! Last year, more than 2,500 people showed up at Millennium Park for the closing performance, so make sure you get there early to find a good spot. Read More

8/20: Chicago Full Moon Jam

The jams are monthly celebrations, bringing together a diverse community of performers, musicians and spectators. Dozens of fire spinners perform to music provided by local percussionists, using performance tools such as poi (a set of chains with weighted ends), staff, hula hoops and fans. It’s a display that is part artistry and part athleticism, inspired by a long tradition of fire performance with roots in South Pacific cultures. They begin at sundown and end at 10:15pm. The jams take place at the Chicago lakefront park, between Foster and Lawrence Avenues. FREE. Read More

8/20: Movies at Millennium Park – DreamGirls

The Dreamettes are seeking fame and fortune and a Cadillac salesman seizes the opportunity to make them stars but not before he replaces the big booming voice of Effie with the slimmer Deena. The two singers take very different paths as Effie ends up on welfare and Deena becomes a star. Hudson won an Oscar for her first film, starring as Effie. 2006 (130 min.). FREE. Film will begin at 7:30 pm

8/21: How to be an Artistic Entrepreneur

Are you an emerging artist looking for guidance on how to get to the next level? Perhaps you want to learn how to take better pictures of your work? How about opening your own store? Well, then come to this amazing FREE event at CARAVAN BEADS OF CHICAGO (3339 N. Lincoln Ave). There will be four guest speakers to help you become a better Entrepreneur. They will also have free food, wine, and even a musical performance. Read More

Ongoing: SummerDance Fest
This week Summerdance offers Eastern European, Steppin’, Gypsy and Swing sance lessons and live music. FREE. Read More

Festa Italiana celebrates the history and heritage of our city’s Little Italy neighborhood. This four-day festival welcomes everyone looking to enjoy a taste of Italy. Shop on Taylor Street, eat authentic cuisine and bring your kids to the Momsay Kids Stage for family-friendly entertainment. There will also be three stages packed with lively musical acts with lineups to be announced. Read More

UPDATE: 8/23-25 Taste of Latin America has been POSTPONED until 2014

The 2nd annual Taste of Latin America that was supposed to happen this weekend in Humboldt Park has been postponed until 2014Read More

8/23-25: Brazil Fest

Celebrate Brazilian culture at the 2nd annual Brazil Fest Chicago! Immerse yourself in the richness of Brazilian culture through food, music, dance, folk art, kids activities, carnaval parades, and other art forms. By the way, I will be with Passistas Samba Dance group sharing the fun on stage on Sunday. Read More

8/24: 50th Anniversary Celebration of the March of Washington
This is a tribute by the DuSable Museum of one of the largest political rallies for human rights in United States history. It called for civil and economic rights for African Americans, and is where Martin Luther King, Jr., standing in front of the Lincoln Memorial, delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech advocating for racial harmony. FREE. Read More

8/24-25: Taste of Greece 2013 at Chicago’s Greektown

Hellenic pride will take center stage when this acclaimed annual culinary fest on Halsted Street in Chicago’s happening West Loop returns for its 24th year. As most Chicagoans know, this strip of Halsted has been the epicenter of the city’s acclaimed Greek restaurant scene for decades. If you have a sweet tooth, you should definitely try the Loukomades! Yes, food is great at Taste of Greece, but what I love the most is dancing! Greece is one of the few countries in the world where folk dances are as alive today as they were in ancient times. And here you have the chance to share a circle dance with perfect strangers to the sounds of great live Greek music. Don’t miss the chance to experience this. Read More