Chicagoans love a summer music festival: From Lollapalooza to Chicago Blues Festival to Pitchfork Music Festival to Chicago Jazz Festival, there’s no shortage of good tunes that entertain concertgoers. And now there’s a new music celebration coming to Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood this summer.
For the first time ever, Edgewater Music Fest—not to be confused with the Colorado-based festival of the same name—will bring more than 35 live musical acts and 100 vendors to North Broadway, between Thorndale and Ardmore Avenues in Edgewater, on September 5–7 for a three-day festival unlike any other, especially for this part of the city.
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Headliners include former Against Me! performer Laura Jane Grace, performing on Friday; Chicago’s own, rapper Ric Wilson, lighting up the stage on Saturday; and groovy rockers Foxy Shazam, playing on Sunday. The rest of the weekend's live bill includes Sludgeworth, Bev Rage & The Drinks, Devon Kay & The Solutions, Pinksqueeze, The Brokedowns, OK Cool and Uniflora, among others.
“Edgewater has been craving a dynamic street festival for quite some time. Not just the same copy-and-paste fest we see in other places,” said Garrett Karp, Executive Director of the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce to Secret Chicago. “We’re excited to launch a new music-centric experience that feels edgy and exciting, features local food and drinks, and will bring tens of thousands of visitors and new economic investment into our business districts.”
The Edgewater Music Fest runs from 5–10 pm on Friday and noon–10 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The CTA Red Line is your best transportation option as parking will be limited. The event is free; however, a $10 donation is suggested. And the fest is open to all ages, with a Kids' Zone activity area for the youngins.