Biking, drinking beer and seeing live music are activities that we enjoy partaking in when summer in Chicago rolls around, so it makes perfect sense that a summer festival like Tour de Fat has managed to pack all those pastimes into a single afternoon. Organized by New Belgium Brewing, the annual festival has become a tradition for many Chicagoans, drawing cycling enthusiasts, craft beer nerds and music aficionados from throughout the city. Before the latest Chicago edition of Tour de Fat kicks off in Humboldt Park this weekend, here's everything you need to know about the fest.
RECOMMENDED: See photos from previous Tour de Fat Chicago festivals
When is Tour de Fat Chicago?
Saturday, June 30; the festival itself takes place from noon to 5pm, but the bike parade kicks off at 11am.
Where does Tour de Fat Chicago take place?
This year, the festivities will be hosted in Humboldt Park, near the Humboldt Park Boat House (1301 N Sacramento Ave). Registration for the morning's bike parade will take place in the parking lot by the boat house, beginning at 10am.
What's the deal with this bike parade?
The bike parade is one of the most beloved parts of the Tour de Fat festival, sending hundreds of cyclists on a slow ride through the streets of Humboldt Park and Logan Square. It's free to join the parade and many participants dress up in costumes or decorate their bikes to mark the occasion. As we mentioned, the parade kicks off at 11am and should return to the site of the festival by noon. Participants can begin gathering in the Humboldt Park Boat House parking lot at 10am—don't forget to pack a water bottle.
Who is performing at Tour de Fat Chicago?
The headlining act at this year's festival is California indie-rock act Best Coast, who will take the main stage at 3:45pm. Performers Sedan Halen, The Handsome Little Devils, Daredevil Chicken and KOLARS will entertain crowds throughout the afternoon with comedy, music, stunts and more.
What else is there to do at Tour de Fat Chicago?
It's a festival organized by a brewery, so you can drink—all beers are $5, and all proceeds go to local nonprofit organization West Town Bikes. There will also be a bike pit filled with strange, rideable creations; giant lawn games; a balloon artist and a roaming stage that hosts performances throughout the festival. Plus, you can take part in a talent show at 2pm or a dance contest at 3:10pm.
Do I need a ticket to attend Tour de Fat Chicago?
Yes! While past Tour de Fat events in Palmer Square Park were free to attend, this year's edition of the festival is a ticketed event. You can snag a $15 ticket to Tour de Fat via the festival's website, or take your chances and try to buy a ticket at the gates.
What's the weather going to be like?
According to Accuweather, the high on Saturday could reach 94 degrees (and feel like 104). Needless to say, you should plan on drinking lots of water and covering every inch of visible skin with a thick layer of sunblock.