Chicagoans flock to festivals, races and outdoor events during busy summer weekend

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Warm summer weather drew crowds across Chicago on Saturday as residents and visitors packed festivals, races and outdoor celebrations throughout the city.

It is finally beginning to look and feel like summer in Chicago. Whether you're sampling some of the unique cuisine from the city's neighborhoods, enjoying some of the best music around or just getting out and about, this is your weekend.

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Among the attractions were performances by the Jesse White Tumblers, who entertained spectators during a busy weekend of events.

The city's lineup of activities also attracted visitors from outside Chicago. Sisters Karen Morris and Kimmie Cakes traveled from Atlanta to experience the city's summer offerings.

"This is my first time here and I had to come for the experience," Morris said.

"It's not my first time, but I'm with my sister. The Navy Pier was wonderful," Cakes said.

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Food was a major attraction throughout the city. At Taste of Chicago, the Shannon Rovers marked their 100th birthday while helping Eli's Cheesecake celebrate its 46th year with a 1,000-pound dessert.

"A Chicago celebration wouldn't be complete without a big Eli's cheesecake," said Marc Schulman, president and CEO of Eli's Cheesecake.

The dessert took 10 days to assemble and only hours for attendees to consume.

"It's so good! It's really good," Chicago resident Kennedy Ortmeier said.

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The day also featured the 15th annual BTN Big 10K race along the lakefront, while the Chosen Few Picnic and Music Festival drew attendees for a day of music. The Windy City Smokeout continued near the United Center, and the 26th annual Barrio Arts Festival returned to the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture in Humboldt Park.

At Taste of Chicago, festivalgoer Jay Rashid said he spent several days sampling food from vendors throughout Grant Park.

"I have a Italian beef nachos. I have a burger from Robinson. I had a fried green tomato. That was really good too. That's it but this is my third day going," Rashid said.

Jimmy Kimmel is in town this weekend, and he posted on social media Saturday that he was at the Taste of of Chicago.

Many attendees spent the day simply enjoying Chicago's outdoor culture as favorable weather provided a contrast to the conditions that affected some Fourth of July celebrations a week earlier.

Most of the festivals and activities are scheduled to continue through the remainder of the weekend.