Those looking to avoid the craziness of Lollapalooza but still have a good time this weekend have many options as several neighborhoods take to the streets for their summer parties.
Edge Fest
This premier North Side street fest has an edge to it. Not only does it have all the features of a great Chicago street festival, but it has a diverse array of activities as vibrant as the community around it.
With the lakefront mere blocks away, the festival keeps with its roots by featuring more than 40 local water artists showcasing their work. Dog owners can get in on the fun as well with a dog costume contest for the ages.
Unique to this fest, attendees can be the entertainment as there is a stage solely dedicated to karaoke, which only adds to this party’s authenticity and charm.
Music from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s will be showcased as will several of the neighborhood’s local restaurants. There is a suggested donation of $5 all in support of the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce.
The fest takes place from noon – 10 p.m. on Saturday and noon – 9 p.m. on Sunday on Broadway starting at Thorndale Ave. Public transportation is the best option with the Red Line’s Thorndale stop steps away and the Broadway 36 bus leading right to the fest. For more information, visit starevents.com/festivals/edge-fest.
Fiesta del Sol
Billed the largest Latino music festival in the Midwest, Fiesta del Sol is sure to fire up family fun as the Pilsen neighborhood celebrates its continued sense of community.
Starting in 1972 as a way to celebrate a community effort to land a neighborhood high school, this fest has grown into an annual staple that receives attention at the national level.
Completely alcohol-free, the festival will have kid-friendly activities, a soccer tournament, live music, and food from several local vendors.
The event, which attracts more than one million attendees over the course of four days, also can be viewed as a service to the community, with a civil rights and immigrant’s booth offering free legal advice to immigrants and making sure they know their legal rights.
The event takes place at 1400 W. Cermak Rd. from 5 – 10 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit fiestadelsol.org.
Taste of Latin America
As the name suggests, Latin American cuisine will be on the menu of this festival that straddles Logan Square’s western border.
In its third year, Puerto Rican, Dominican, and Columbian dishes will be featured along with live music, crafts and family fun. For more information, visit chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=251.