If the fests keep on giving, don’t quit now! This weekend serves up a seven-fest special in neighborhoods all over the city. Catch Aaron Carter or Salt-N-Pepa at Northalsted Market Days, celebrate the beginning of a new school year at the Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic or get your dog on at Chicago Hot Dog Fest. Hear cover bands at Wrigleyville Summerfest and Retro on Roscoe, learn about Japanese culture at Ginza Holiday Festival in Lincoln Park, or check out Slow & Low: Community Lowrider Festival to geek out over auto awesomeness.
Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic
When: Parade steps off at 10 a.m. Saturday, picnic to follow
Where: Parade route: Martin Luther King Drive from Oakwood Boulevard to 51st Street, Ellsworth Drive (in Washington Park) from 51st Street to Garfield Boulevard
Picnic: Washington Park
How much: Free
The skinny: Celebrating Chicago youth since 1929, the Washington Park parade is the second largest in the nation. Catch high school marching bands, drill teams, cheerleaders, dancers and more, followed by a picnic with food vendors and a gospel fest including performances by Joshua’s Troop, the Turner Sisters and comedian Ron Baker.
Northalsted Market Days
When: 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Halsted Street between Belmont Avenue and Addison Street
How much: $10 suggested donation
The skinny: The LGBT street fest in Boystown marks 34 years this weekend with art, food and music on four stages. Catch big-name headliners such as Jack & Jack and En Vogue on Saturday (5:30 and 8:30 p.m. respectively, North Stage) and Aaron Carter and Salt-N-Pepa on Sunday (1 and 5 p.m. respectively, North Stage).
Wrigleyville Summerfest
When: Noon–10 p.m. Saturday and noon–9 p.m. Sunday
Where: School Street and Seminary Avenue
How much: $5 suggested donation
The skinny: This block party boasts 13 years of experience with local music acts and food from vendors including Churro Factory and AH Catering Grill & Kabobs. Browse merchants including Simona Calla handbags, Life on Leather Jewelry, Mistura watches and more.
Ginza Holiday Festival
When: 5:30–9 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Midwest Buddhist Temple (435 W. Menomonee St.)
How much: $6-$7 suggested donation. $12 gate fee after 7 p.m. Saturday.
The skinny: The 60th annual festival of Japanese food and culture brings an array of traditional entertainment. Feast on chicken teriyaki, sushi and other menu items while watching performances by taiko drummers, a classic dance troupe and a ukulele group, as well as self-defense and Japanese fencing demonstrations. Inside the temple, check out bonsai trees and samurai swords and see traditional Japanese art, including ikebana flower arranging, calligraphy and brush painting. On Saturday, catch Japanese folk-blues artist Yoko Noge and her band (8 p.m.).
Retro on Roscoe
When: 5–10 p.m. Friday and noon–10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Roscoe Street and Damen Avenue
How much: $10 suggested donation
The skinny: For those looking for a blast from the past, this flashback-filled street fest in its 20th year is where it’s at. Along with antique vendors and a car and motorcycle show featuring about 50 vintage cars, catch cover bands on three stages, including ’80s tribute band The Breakfast Club (6 p.m. Friday, East Stage); Sushi Roll with dance tunes from The Jackson 5, AC/DC and current artists (6 p.m. Saturday, West Stage); and Suburban Cowboys for country fans (8 p.m. Sunday, Center Stage).
Chicago Hot Dog Fest
When: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Sunday
Where: Clark Street and LaSalle Drive
How much: Free admission, food tickets vary (purchase at gate)
The skinny: The Chicago-style hot dog is king at this Chicago History Museum fest. Grab a dog from Flashy Hotdogs, Fatso’s Last Stand, The Abbey Pub and others. And what good would it be without a little history? Hear speakers talk turkey, including Bill Savage with “Ketchup: The Condiment of Controversy” (noon Friday), Rich Bowen with “Adventures in the Wiener City” (noon Saturday and Sunday) and Bob Schwartz with “The Passion & People Behind Chicago’s Hot Dog Stands” (1 p.m. Sunday).
Slow & Low: Community Lowrider Festival
When: 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Sunday
Where: 600 W. Cermak Road
How much: $5. Tickets: eventbrite.com
The skinny: This Pilsen fest brings together car and bike clubs from across the Midwest. See artfully curated lowriders; meet craftsmen, mechanics and custom detailers; and catch mariachi music and a performance by an Aztec dance group (2:30 p.m.).
Fest survival tip 13
Bring cash. This may sound like a no-brainer to some, but cash is a hassle for others. It’s worth it to grab cash before you go to keep lines moving and tip food and beverage vendors. Show them some love—it’s tough slinging your beer and hot dogs all day.
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