LINCOLN SQUARE — Lincoln Square's Square Roots festival celebrates the best of what the neighborhood has to offer both residents and visitors — music programmed by the Old Town School of Folk Music, food from local restaurants and beer — lots of craft beer.
The fest runs on Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson avenues from 5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday and noon-9 p.m. Sunday.
Eat and drink like a local: Food vendors draw heavily from neighborhood restaurants. Best bets include french fry poutine from Bistro Campagne, Lincoln Square Lanes' fried octopus tacos, Monti's pretzel nuggets, gourmet pizza from Himmel's (which formerly operated as Pizza D.O.C.) and Gather's cheeseburgers.
On the beverage side, whet your whistle with Fountainhead's nonalcoholic strawberry rhubarb lemonade or down a pint of Half Acre's Daisy Cutter Pale Ale, just one of more than 30 craft brews and ciders on tap.
Shop like a local: Yes, you can still find a pair of cheap sunglasses if you must, but plenty of neighborhood shops will also have their wares and services on display. Check out Amy's Candy Bar for, obviously, candy; Neighborly and Homesoul for home goods; Chicago Printmakers Collaborative for prints and info on classes; and Ruff Haus Pets, because Fido needs some love too.
In the mood for a new you? Stop by Chroma K8 Beautique and CrossFit Defined booths to make an appointment to change your hair or muscle tone.
Play like a local: See all those strollers? Lincoln Square is family-friendly to the max and Square Roots reflects that. Programming for kids (and kids at heart) includes an instrument petting zoo, swing set drum kit, teen open mic, family barn dance and yoga for families.
Listen like a local: There are two indoor and two outdoor music stages. With Old Town School handling programming, acts are heavy on folk and world music, but there's still plenty of local flavor to be found.
On Friday, catch a performance by the Flat Five, a cover band supergroup that features members of Chicago's alt-country scene.
Old Town ensembles, including the always popular Beatles Ensemble, dominate the Maurer Hall stage Saturday afternoon. Sons of the Never Wrong, which takes to the South Stage at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, is about as local as it gets — band member Deborah Lader runs the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative on Western Avenue.
Chicago-based singer-songwriter Deanna Devore will play the South Stage at 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
Get in on the act yourself from noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday during interactive jams and workshops being held in the East Lobby of Old Town School's East Building, 4545 N. Lincoln Ave. Join a drum circle, brush up on your beatbox skills or grab a harmonica — the stage is yours.
The suggested donation at the gate is $10 for adults, $5 for kids and seniors, or $20 for families. Proceeds benefit Old Town School's scholarship fund and programs and events sponsored by the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, including the summer concert series, Apple Fest and the Thursday night farmers market.
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