Make this weekend a cultural affair with four fests to hit. Honor Ukrainian independence at Ukrainian Days Festival, hear an array of music at Albany Park World Fest, chow down on Greek eats at Taste of Greektown and browse art from more than 150 artists from across the country at the first West Loop Art Fest.
Ukrainian Days Festival
When: 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday
Where: Smith Park (2526 W. Grand Ave.)
How much: $5 suggested donation
The skinny: Celebrating Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union (Aug. 24), this fest in its 32nd year brings together local and international musicians and dancers and food vendors serving up traditional cuisine such as sauerkraut, sausage, crepes, stuffed cabbage, desserts and varenyky (stuffed dumplings). On Sunday, catch an independence day program at 1:30 p.m.
Albany Park World Fest
When: Noon–10 p.m. Saturday and noon–9 p.m. Sunday
Where: Lawrence and Kimball avenues
How much: $5 suggested donation
The skinny: Hear music from around the world at this second annual neighborhood fest, honoring residents’ cultural diversity. Playing Saturday are Magic Carpet, with East African and Arabic tunes (4:30 p.m.), and Latin American cumbia band Dos Santos Anti-Beat Orquesta (8:30 p.m.). On Sunday, catch Nicolae Feraru & his Romanian Gypsy Band with Eastern European music (2 p.m.) and Indo-Flamenco-Arabic fusion ensemble Surabhi (3:30 p.m.). On the food front, feast on Ruk Sushi & Thai, 2 Asian Brothers Vietnamese restaurant, La Cebollita and more.
West Loop Art Fest
When: 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday
Where: Washington Boulevard between Aberdeen and Halsted streets
How much: $10 suggested donation
The skinny: This new art fest brings together more than 150 artists from across the nation, including biomechanical sculptor Lewis Tardy, mixed media artist Mariano Pilatti and other painters, ceramicists, photographers, jewelers and more. Art will be available for purchase until 7 p.m. each evening, but food vendors and music on three stages will continue through close.
Taste of Greektown
When: Noon–11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Halsted and Van Buren streets
How much: Free
The skinny: Celebrate Greek life (not the fraternity/sorority kind) with authentic food and music at this fest in its 26th year. Grab a bite from Artopolis bakery, Greek Islands, The Parthenon and others, and catch traditional dance and music, including Orpheus Dance Troupe (5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, South Stage, and 7 p.m. Saturday, North Stage) and Hellas 2000 (4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, South Stage).
Fest survival tip 15
Artists and musicians dig free promotion. If you record a video or snap a pic of a band or piece of art for social media, try to tag the artist or group. It’s a win-win for both of you.
#ChiFestQuest
Share a photo of your festival adventures (festi-ventures?) on Instagram and Twitter with #ChiFestQuest for a chance to have it featured in RedEye.
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