Blue Skies are Back: Hot Dogs, Bike Rides and Art Fairs

School is back in session, but the heat is still sweltering and the bugs are still biting their way into early September. As classes pick up and homework becomes an unavoidable reality, this weekend has much to offer for students looking for a distraction or just a simple sidequest. 

Looking to bike your stresses away into the sunset? Tag along for the Midnight Bike Ride Sept. 10. For the unspoken glizzy gladiators, show your true strength at The Wiener Circle’s hot dog eating contest. Art lovers can attend the Renegade Craft fair or the Ravenswood ArtWalk.

The Loyola Midnight Bike Ride: Sept. 10

Back for the 37th year, history professor and longtime host of the midnight bike ride Timothy Gilfoyle will lead Loyola students and friends on a nine-hour historical and architectural tour across the city Thursday night. Riders will meet in the plaza just south of the East Quad and bounded by Cuneo Hall, Madonna della Strada Chapel and Mundelein Center. Don’t have a bike? Rent one for $30 dollars from igordoesmybike.com.

Oktoberfest: Sept. 11-13

Wunderbar! Lincoln Square will be hosting their 61st annual Oktoberfest Sept. 11-13 at the intersection of North Western Avenue and North Lincoln Avenue. Attendees can feast on pretzel sticks and sip on a beverage while enjoying the parade, live performances from four German bands and other festivities. The event is Friday from 5-10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.

Ravenswood ArtWalk: Sept. 12

The annual celebration of creativity in Ravenswood is back, and will showcase artists from across the city Sept. 12-13. The ArtWalk Tour of Arts and Industry includes over 80 local makers, live music, food trucks and more, where visitors can get a taste of the vibrant culture businesses and artists have to offer. Along with activities, visitors will walk through artist studios and manufacturing businesses while exploring the rich history of the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor.

Hot Dog Eating Competition: Sept.12

Hot diggity dog! Get ready to eat — The Wiener Circle on North Clark Street will be hosting a hot dog eating competition, where people will gobble down 10 dogs within minutes. The event, hosted by 2 Girls 1 Windy City, will be split into male and female-identifying contests for two rounds of speed-eating starting at 2 p.m.

Printer’s Row Lit Fest: Sept. 12-13

The 41st anniversary of the annual largest and oldest literary festival is back in town from Saturday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on 637 S. Dearborn St. Literature lovers can meet hundreds of authors, publishers and independent booksellers while interacting with over 70 live programs. Admission is free.

Renegade Craft Fair: Sept. 12-13

Division Street will come alive this weekend for the annual Wicker Park Renegade Craft Fair Sept. 12-13. Over 400 small businesses and artists from across the country will share their craft with attendees. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., visitors can shop for anything from candles and jewelry to clothes and prints. Come ready to explore and shop.