Chicago’s summer months are already filled with exciting festivals of all shapes and sizes. From internationally recognized music festivals like Lollapalooza in Grant Park and iconic celebrations of identity like Chicago Pride Fest to neighborhood street festivals, craft beer festivals, and everything in between, the City of Chicago’s restless warmer months make it one of the greatest summer cities on the planet.
Last year a completely new festival joined the mix hosted by none other than The Chicago Bulls. Taking place outside the United Center on Labor Day Weekend in 2022, this year “Bulls Fest” returns for its second year and will take place this coming weekend Saturday, August 19th, and Sunday, August 20th.
The weekend-long Chicago street festival will once again feature “a 3v3 tournament, live music, local food, amazing art, and more” according to the official Chicago Bulls announcement.
The free event is open to all ages though anybody aged eight and older interested in entering the 3-on-3 basketball tournament can sign up via the Chicago Bulls website. There will be different registration fees for youth, teen, adult, and wheelchair teams all of whom will play in courts set up in the United Center’s parking lots on both Saturday and Sunday.
According to event organizers, the winners of each division will receive special prizes and tickets to a Bulls game with on-court recognition.
There will also be an invite-only FIBA 3×3 Division that will feature both male and female Elite Division brackets competing for $4,000 cash prizes as well as 3-point contests and special dunk contests featuring the Flight Brothers on Saturday.
Four open courts will provide space for fans to shoot around with friends, work on dribbling and meet other Bulls fans though for those wanting to know how they stack up against the pros, there will be NBA combine drills including “wingspan measurement, vertical jump, push-ups, shuttle run, lane agility drill, and 3/4 court sprint.”
Bulls Legends such as Randy Brown, Eddy Curry, Will Perdue, Nate Robinson, and Horace Grant will be present throughout the event through photo opportunities, providing tips at the combine, refereeing a 3v3 game, presenting championship rings to bracket champs, and coaching a kids clinic.
There will also be the chance to meet current stars such as Torrey Craig, Jevon Carter, Julian Phillips, Adama Sanogo and more.
Live performances from local music artists and DJs will be providing non-sports related entertainment throughout the weekend including the Chicago Bulls DJs, 312 Crew, and the Bucket Boys.
Bulls Fest will take place outside the United Center on Madison Street between Wood Street and Damen Avenue on both Saturday and Sunday. Check out the event map below.
Oh and of course fans will have the chance to meet and greet Benny the Bull throughout Bulls Fest 2023!
More information can be found on the official Bulls Fest website.
[Featured image courtesy of Bulls Fest]