Sure, you know about the Printers Row Lit Fest and the Chicago Gospel Festival going on this weekend (some festivals get all the press), but there are also some under-the-radar neighborhood celebrations taking place right now that are totally worth your summer time, as well. Here are a few to fit in to your plans today and tomorrow:
For a family-friendly art fest feel, head to Chalk Festival 2009, where both professional and amateur artists will be working their magic to create a sidewalk mural in Oz Park (2021 N. Burling St. in Lincoln Park) to benefit Art Therapy Connection. Also on hand: performances by the Jesse White Tumblers, hip-hop dance troupe Culture Shock and children's music collective Wiggleworms, as well as art and games for kids. Sat. 9:30AM-3PM, free.
Get funky in Logan Square for the first annual Metronome Celebration, a street fest featuring five stages of live music, including rock, punk, electro and folk, along with a Local Stage showcasing talent from schools. Enjoy food from more than 20 neighborhood restaurants, as well as green product and service vendors, arts, crafts, jewelry and more. The festivities take place on Milwaukee Avenue at Armitage and Western avenues. Sat. and Sun. 12-10PM, $5.
The Eastside Millennium Art Festival, which takes place in the very heart of the city on Lake Street at Michigan Avenue, highlights works by 175 local artists spread out over three blocks. There will also be a tent set up with various craft activities going on, plus live music and an array of food options. Sat. and Sun. 10AM-5PM, free.
