One of the most anticipated summer events in Chicago and the best street festival of the summer (according to the Chicago Tribune) returns tomorrow for three days of “eclectic music, great local food, arts and crafts, and retail vendors.”‘
Organized by the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, Wicker Park Fest takes place at the end of July every year along Milwaukee Avenue from North Avenue to Ashland Avenue.
Building on the area’s unique character, the weekend festival reflects the neighborhood’s rich musical heritage, vibrant nightlife and acclaimed restaurants.
The 3-day festival, which will run from Friday, July 27 through Sunday, July 30 will this year feature 200+ local vendors and a stacked lineup of 50+ live music acts across three different stages including headliners Built To Spill and The Regrettes.
As well as a stacked lineup of talented musicians and a variety of food vendors there will again be a dedicated Arts Area presented by Special Service Area #33 which will showcase unique thought-provoking artworks and interactive exhibits commissioned by the festival.
So far the festival has confirmed that this will include work by Chicago sculptor Jyl Bonaguro and Argentinian painter Melina Scotte.
A Kids Fest benefits Blurr Elementar every year and offers an exclusive child-friendly area of family-fun programming at Wolcott and Milwaukee Avenues.
After parties take place in the area over Wicker Park Fest weekend though these are yet to be announced on the official website.
Getting to Wicker Park Fest
If you’re taking the L, hop on the Blue Line to the Division or Damen stops. If you’re coming from Division, walk Northwest on Milwaukee; from Damen, go one-half block north.
If you’re traveling by bus, you’ll want to take either the Milwaukee 56, North 72, Damen 50, or the Division 70 bus to the Division/Ashland/Milwaukee Avenue intersection and/or the Damen/North/Milwaukee Avenue intersection.
The usual street closures are expected with Milwaukee Ave, Honore St, Evergreen Ave, and Wolcott Ave all closing from today (Thursday, July 37).
A generous $10 donation at the gate benefits the nonprofit Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce and comes with festival pin perks, including discounts from vendors and businesses in the area.
More information can be found at www.wickerparkbucktown.com.
[Featured image courtesy of The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce]