This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/02/summer-drinking-outdoors-festivals-chicago

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Let's hear it for the simple, summertime joy of drinking outdoors Let's hear it for the simple, summertime joy of drinking outdoors
(about 1 hour later)
I live in Chicago and every summer it feels like the entire city is just one big festival.I live in Chicago and every summer it feels like the entire city is just one big festival.
From barbecue to taco festivals to the weekly music festivals in almost every neighborhood, you seemingly can’t walk a block in the city without being asked for a $5 to $10 donation to enter one.From barbecue to taco festivals to the weekly music festivals in almost every neighborhood, you seemingly can’t walk a block in the city without being asked for a $5 to $10 donation to enter one.
According to Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the city has over 400 street festivals each year with a majority of them taking place during the summer months. This means that on average there are over two each day, but most are reserved for the weekends, so there might be four or more on any given Saturday or Sunday.According to Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the city has over 400 street festivals each year with a majority of them taking place during the summer months. This means that on average there are over two each day, but most are reserved for the weekends, so there might be four or more on any given Saturday or Sunday.
The best part about these festivals is not the food, but rather that you can legally walk down the street with an alcoholic beverage and not get a ticket.The best part about these festivals is not the food, but rather that you can legally walk down the street with an alcoholic beverage and not get a ticket.
I think most Americans love drinking al fresco. And it’s something we especially relish in Chicago, because our weather rarely permits it throughout the year.I think most Americans love drinking al fresco. And it’s something we especially relish in Chicago, because our weather rarely permits it throughout the year.
Sure, we have restaurants and bars that have outdoor seating, but it’s usually snowing here - even sometimes in May. This causes the city to feel like it’s in a constant state of winter. So when it’s actually warm we take advantage of those few months where we can actually be outside and enjoy our beloved city. Sure, we have restaurants and bars that have outdoor seating, but it’s usually snowing here – even sometimes in May. This causes the city to feel like it’s in a constant state of winter. So when it’s actually warm we take advantage of those few months where we can actually be outside and enjoy our beloved city.
Over the years living here, I have learned that the festivals are never actually about the tacos or barbecue, but rather just an excuse to drink outside, and I am fine with that. I even look forward to it.Over the years living here, I have learned that the festivals are never actually about the tacos or barbecue, but rather just an excuse to drink outside, and I am fine with that. I even look forward to it.
Nothing says “summer” like a sidewalk margarita, and maybe a taco or two.Nothing says “summer” like a sidewalk margarita, and maybe a taco or two.