NEAR WEST SIDE — It's shaping up to be a chilly start to the month of May, but two festivals dedicated entirely to the joys of rum and bacon this weekend are sure to keep you warm.
Here are our top picks of things to do and see in the West Loop, Pilsen and Near West Side this weekend:
MidWest Rum Festival — More than 20 rum brands will exhibit at the second annual fest, which moves to Chicago from Louisville, Ky. this year. Presented by the RumLab, tickets to the spirit industry session, rum aficionado session and Kupula Hula Tiki after party are for sale online. $10-$75. Noon-11 p.m. Saturday, Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St., West Loop
Baconfest 2016 — Bacon lovers, rejoice. The eighth annual Baconfest — the fest that celebrates creative bacon dishes, bacon-inspired cocktails and other bacon fun welcomes 150 restaurants to UIC this weekend. General admission tickets to one three-hour session, which includes unlimited dishes, seven drink tickets and a Baconfest tote bag, are for sale online. $100. Saturday & Sunday, UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd., University Village
Dia de los Ninos Parade — More than 3,000 kids are expected are expected to march in the 17th annual parade that celebrates children before a fiesta at Harrison Park. Chicago Park District Board President Jesse Ruiz serves as grand marshal this year. Free. Parade kicks off at Noon Saturday, at Plaza Tenochtitlan, 18th Street & Blue Island Avenue, Pilsen
Maxwell Street Market opens — On the hunt for fresh produce, tools, tires, clothing, collectibles? Launched more than a century ago, the Maxwell Street Market opens for the season Sunday, offering an eclectic mix of merchandise. Bonus: The market features some of the best Mexican and Latin street food in Chicago. Free. 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, 800 S. Desplaines St., South Loop
Duck Duck Goat debuts brunch — Starting Sunday, Top Chef Stephanie Izard will be serving up dim sum and then some at new Fulton Market hot spot Duck Duck Goat every Sunday. Try to score a coveted reservation here. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, 857 W. Fulton Market, West Loop
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
