NEAR WEST SIDE — From a music fest celebrating Pilsen's culture to a tot Olympics in Skinner Park, here are our top picks of things to do and see in the West Loop, Pilsen and Near West Side this weekend.
Pilsen Fest, Two-Day Music Fest in Pilsen — Expected to draw 30,000 people to the neighborhood, the sixth annual fest celebrates Pilsen's unique culture and Latino talent with 36 bands and 30 DJs across three stages. Pilsen Fest aims to promote and preserve Pilsen's rich heritage as a historic port of entry for thousands of Latino and Mexican immigrants. Sponsored by bilingual online magazine El BeiSMan, a full music lineup is online. Free, donations encouraged. Noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 18th Street and Blue Island, Pilsen.
Pilsen Fest 2016 lineup [Pilsen Fest]
Festa Italiana — Little Italy's best restaurants and Italian and Italian-American singers take on the 10th annual Festa on Taylor Street, a celebration of Italian culture. The fun includes meatball and cannoli-eating contests and merchandise from a number of Italian vendors. Donation encouraged. 5-10 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Noon-11 p.m. Saturday, Noon-10 p.m. Sunday. Taylor Street at Ashland, Little Italy.
Max Out Maxwell in University Village — Sponsored by UIC Student Affairs and Maxwell Street businesses, the Saturday fest features inflatables, games, balloon artists, tumblers, lucha libre wrestling, music and much more. Free. Noon-10 p.m. Saturday, corner of Maxwell and Halsted streets, University Village.
[Max Out Maxwell]
#FeministFriday Night Out in Union Park — Vocalo Radio's Jill Hopkins hosts a night of music, dancing and girl power in Union Park Friday. Performances include DJ Chanté Linwood, co-founder of the all-woman Cliche Art Collective, and Chicago hip hop powerhouse Psalm One. Free. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday. Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., Near West Side.
Tots Olympics in Skinner Park — In the spirit of the Olympics, kids ages 1-5 are invited to participate in a morning of games, races, sports and fun. Free. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Skinner Park, 1331 W. Monroe St., West Loop.
Pinwheel Records Anniversary Party in Pilsen — To celebrate one year in business, the Pilsen record store will feature live in-store performances by Official: Courtship, Minihorse, Jesse W. Johnson, plus food and more fun. Free. 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Pinwheel Records, 1722 W. 18th St., Pilsen.
Green City Market West Loop — The West Loop's outdoor farmers market brings fresh produce to the neighborhood and artisan treats every Saturday through the summer. Free. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, 211 S. Peoria St., West Loop.
Pilsen Community Market — Pilsen's weekly outdoor farmers market features homemade tamales, fresh produce and so much more. Free. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, 1800 S. Halsted St., Pilsen.
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