WICKER PARK — The neighborhood's largest street fest is turning 10.
The 10th annual edition of the Wicker Park Fest on Milwaukee Avenue between North Avenue and Paulina Street is scheduled to take place July 27-28.
Spanning just over a half-mile, the two-day festival annually draws over 70,000 people and includes live music on three stages from national and touring bands, local independent retailers and vendors, arts installations and a dedicated childrens' fun area.
A $5 suggested donation to benefit the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce and Burr Elementary School is requested for admittance to the fest, which is located on a street packed with popular restaurants, bars, galleries, boutiques, small and large retailers and salons.
The fest is accessible by both CTA Damen and Division Blue Line "L" stops; additionally, bicycle parking is available at both the North Avenue and Paulina Street entrances to the fest.
Hours of operation are Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Wicker Park Kids Fest is open from Noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday only.
Known for its live music, the fest has become "one of the most highly anticipated music events of the summer in Chicago," according to a press release. The fest's music is programmed by Subterranean, House Call Entertainment, Smoke Daddy, Big Creek Productions and SmallBar.
The Music
The festival's lineup - so far- is as follows:
Saturday, July 27
North Stage at Damen Avenue:
Man Man
Bahamas
South Stage at Paulina Street:
Cults
Center Stage:
TBA
Sunday, July 28
North Stage at Damen Avenue
Roky Erickson
South Stage at Paulina Street
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Center Stage:
TBA
The Wicker Park Fest Arts:
Presented by the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber and underwritten by the WPB Special Service Area taxing district #33, the "Wicker Park Fest Arts" area is a dedicated section of the fest showcasing visually-compelling performance and/or installation artworks. For more information on either of the arts sections, please contact Jessica Wobbekind at Jessica@wickerparkbucktown.org.
Wicker Park Fest Kids:
Wicker Park Fest 2013 will again include Wicker Park Fest Kids, a fest within a fest offering a wide variety of children's programming from Noon to 6 p.m, both days. Wicker Park Fest Kids benefits Burr Elementary School and is sponsored by the WPB Special Service Area taxing district #33.
Kids activities planned thus far include face painting, train rides, miniature golf, bounce house, an arts and crafts station, a reptile show by "the frog lady" and entertainer Mary Macaroni.
Kids Stage music - so far- is as follows:
Saturday, July 27
The Boogers at 12 p.m.
Laura Doherty at 1 p.m.
Mr, Singer trio at 2 p.m.
Sunday, July 28
Mary Macaroni at 12 p.m,
Young Stracke All Stars at 1 p.m.
Erin Flynn at 2 p.m.
Wicker Park Fest Green Efforts:
To ensure waste is recycled, this year's fest will feature 'eco-ambassadors' to guide people on proper disposal of recyclables. This greening program is sponsored by the WPB Special Service Area taxing district #33, Red Bull and Miller Coors.
Wicker Park Fest Sponsors:
This year's presenting sponsors include: Chicago Roots Hydroponics & Organics, Blue Moon, Miller Lite, Leinenkugel Classic Amber and the WPB Special Service Area taxing district #33.
Stay updated on fest news at The official Wicker Park Fest Facebook page, or the official fest website. For more information, call 773-384-2672.
