WEST RIDGE — The summer is winding down, and this weekend the North Side is offering plenty of ways to cling to the glorious warm weather.
From watching the Air Force's A-10 Thunderbolts whip across the sky at 517 miles per hour, to eating fresh, authentic Pakistani food, to playing classic arcade games with (and possibly adopting?) a cat — there is no excuse to sit inside and continue binging Netflix while the sun is out.
Check out six fun things to do on the North Side this weekend below.
Watch Jets Soar At The Air And Water Show: Chicago's Air & Water show hits the lakefront Saturday, with high-flying performances from jets, parachuters and much more. Avoid the congestion and crowds of North Avenue Beach by hanging further north along the Rogers Park and Edgewater shoreline. The rainbow pier at Hollywood Beach offers great views of the lake and sky. Learn more here.
Play Arcade Games With A Cat: Cat-lovers rejoice — a new arcade-themed cat shelter and lounge (that actually has arcade machines) is holding its grand opening in Lakeview from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at 1235 W. Belmont Ave. Stop in to grab a drink and hang out with adoptable cats in one of several lounge areas, at the movie screens or over by the game machines.
Catch A Local Parade: At 11 a.m. Saturday, the India Independence Day parade kicks-off at Devon and Western avenues, celebrating the Indian national holiday all the way to California Avenue. Though the Indian national holiday technically falls on Aug. 15, the event marks the country's freedom from the British in 1947. Learn more here.
Get The Best Of Devon's Shopping And Food: Immediately after the parade from 2-7 p.m. is the Inside/Outside Devon Sidewalk Sale, an international bazaar to show off the very best of Devon and Western Avenue businesses, which represent a rich, vibrant and varied segment of the neighborhood's population. The event features sales at local stores both inside and out on the sidewalk, including delicious food items. Learn more about it here.
Celebrate Rogers Park At Glenwood Avenue Arts Festival: Friday night is the first of three dedicated to celebrating Rogers Park with the 16th Annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Festival. Check out more than 50 live performers on the festival's three stages and 150 vendors who will line Morse and Glenwood avenues. Come hungry — neighborhood eateries will be on hand for food and beer supply. Learn more here.
Enjoy A Peaceful Night Of Drinks At The Beach: Prefer more relaxation? Escape to a tropical paradise by ordering a meal, or snack, or even Prosecco, if you will, from one of the Rogers Park and Edgewater beachside cafés and snack shacks. The Waterfront Café, Nacho Mama's Beach Bar and Crepes on the Beach all sit on or next to Chicago's lakefront and provide some much needed peace and tranquility. Learn more here.
