With Buckingham Fountain flowing again, Navy Pier fireworks on the horizon, and outdoor markets announcing their imminent return, Chicago is about to enter its most magical months of the year.
Of the array of euphoric experiences that return with the good weather, it’s Chicago’s many street festivals that are some of the city’s most cherished summer events. While the likes of Lollapalooza and Pitchfork offer fun yet frenetic large-scale festivals in Grant Park and Union Park, it is the smaller neighborhood celebrations that offer the more humble yet hearty days spent sipping drinks and savoring snacks in the sun.
Kicking off on June 9, Andersonville Midsommarfest is one such unique street festival offering the jubilance of a spirited Chicago street festival fused with the unequaled energy of Chicago’s most cosmopolitan neighborhood.
There are few summer plans offering a more reliable weekend plan for just $10!
Once voted the second coolest neighborhood in the world, Andersonville began as a small village of Swedish immigrants back in the mid-19th century before flourishing into the vibrant and eccentric enclave of Chicago that we know today.
Having first begun in 1966 the Andersonville Midsommarfest will return in just a few weeks to, according to ChicagoPride, “help kick off the Chicago summer neighborhood street festival season” for its 57th year.
For those unfortunate enough to have never partaken in the merrymaking at a previous edition of Midsommarfest, Andersonville’s quintessential yearly celebration channels Andersonville’s Swedish heritage by taking over Clark Street with an abundance of food, entertainment, activities, and an eclectic mix of artisans and vendors.
The family-friendly event offers something for everybody transporting revelers back in time with charming old-world Swedish traditions and delectable Swedish snacks.
While older attendees are sampling foods and drinks, children of all ages can enjoy a pet parade and face painting as well as various other interactive activities.
A wide range of music artists will also be performing across 6 different stages throughout the weekend with a special guest performance at 8:30 pm on Saturday, June 10.
Guests can expect anything from Chicago Soul Spectacular jigging and jiving on the North Stage to Nora O’Connor’s voice resonating throughout Andersonville from the Center Stage.
Meanwhile, disk jockeys such as DJ Dan Luna, DJ Martin, and DJ Dapper will be offering locally crafted house music, drag performances will brighten multiple stages, and both ABBA Karaoke and shows by Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute will pay homage to the most renowned Swedish supergroup.
The $10 it costs to enjoy a June weekend in the sun will benefit the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce and go towards programming and events in Andersonville for the rest of the year.
The Andersonville Midsommarfest will run from June 9-11 from Foster to Gregory on Clark Street.
Head to the official Midsommarfest event page at Andersonville.org for a full list performances and vendors and get your tickets here!
[Featured image courtesy of Andersonville Midsommarfest]