The Northcenter neighborhood of Chicago hosts Ribfest Chicago, an annual three-day food festival during the summer. It has been celebrating the love for BBQ for 23 years and has gained immense popularity. Ribfest Chicago attracts over 60,000 visitors yearly who feast on an average of 50,000 pounds of pork. The festival has been featured in both local and national media, and BBQ experts from all over the Chicagoland area compete for awards such as "Best Ribs" and "People's Choice." But Ribfest Chicago is not just about delicious ribs but also a nationally recognized indie music festival. The event features top local and national acts on two stages, providing an excellent opportunity to enjoy live music. Ribfest Chicago is not only for adults but also a family-friendly event. The festival offers a "Kids Square" that provides three fun-filled days for children, including sliding, climbing, jumping, riding, dancing, and live entertainment.
The Shedd Aquarium is a magnificent destination for those interested in exploring marine life without diving into the water. The exhibits and attractions have won numerous awards. The aquarium has five permanent exhibits: Amazon Rising, Caribbean Reef, Waters of the World, Oceanarium, and Wild Reef. It houses a diverse collection of animals and marine life, including over 1,500 fish species, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. The Shedd Aquarium houses around 25,000 fish and animals, including various fascinating creatures such as sea otters, beluga whales, sea turtles, penguins, sharks, octopi, and jellyfish. Additionally, you can also find Pacific white-sided dolphins, Australian lungfish, Grand Cayman blue iguanas, sea lions, cow-nose rays, dragon moray eels, moon jellies, red-bellied piranhas, sea cucumbers, zebra sharks, and sea stars at the aquarium.
The National Veterans Art Museum is committed to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting art created by military personnel inspired by their experiences during active duty. The museum's focus is mainly on the Vietnam War, and its primary goal is to increase the public's understanding of the impact of conflict. By showcasing artworks created by military veterans, the museum aims to encourage dialogue about the effects of war, including its physical, mental, and emotional consequences. Since its establishment, the museum has amassed a significant collection of artwork created by veterans who have served in various wars, including WWII, Korea, the Gulf War, and the Global War on Terror. The collection now comprises over 2,000 pieces, a considerable increase from the 700 works created by 115 artists who served in the Vietnam War. These veterans come from different parts of the world, such as the United States, Australia, Cambodia, Hungary, Thailand, and North and South Vietnam. The museum's collection includes paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture, and literary works by military writers like Kurt Vonnegut and Tim O'Brien. The museum also offers interactive exhibitions, allowing visitors to engage with the ideas and themes presented.