July 18--What young singles know as "street fairs" become "summer festivals" after we have children -- somehow it sounds family-friendlier. Two of the best fests of the summer for the next generation are this weekend.
Taste of River North
From noon on, this fest boasts a long lineup of bands, including Chicago favorites Sixteen Candles, plus Goose Island beer and other frosty treats from neighborhood restaurants' booths. But The Kid Zone along the Chicago Riverwalk and Montgomery Ward Park's top-notch playground are the reasons it's one of the best fests for families. In the past, our young companions have watched a magic show, leafed through used kids books and sat for face-painting, plus swung, slid and soaked themselves in the playground. One of the Kid Zone sponsors, Lurie Children's Community Volunteer Corps, will oversee interactive games on bike, pedestrian and safety for kids. New to "ToRN" this year is the Walmart-sponsored Pet Zone dedicated to pet activities and pet-related vendors. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are invited to woof it up or rest amid pet beds, water bowls and taste-portion treats. (Full disclosure: Some pets will be available for adoption.) But the grassy knolls overlooking the river are where the relaxed spirit of summer is -- picture Georges Seurat's "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte" -- minus the monkeys, parasols and bustled skirts. You can even arrive by water taxi for more family fun. Friday to Sunday at the corner of North Kingsbury and West Erie streets. $5 suggested donation; tickets for refreshments are sold in strips of five for $5. tasteofrivernorth.com.
BenFest
At St. Benedict Parish and Preparatory School, kids can take their pick of carnival games, a water slide, train rides or live music, including the Rock the Fest competition among kid bands, plus performances by Justin Roberts, magician Sean Masterson and the Ohana Hula Dancers. There's plenty of music and food for grown-ups, too, as well as craft beer and a $10,000 cash raffle prize. Friday to Sunday at St. Benedict Parish, 2215 W. Irving Park Road (benfest.com). $5, kids 5 and under free. Kids activities wristband $10 (daily) or $25 (whole weekend).
