WICKER PARK — Between the two-day Chicago Fashion Fest with runway shows, live zydeco music and an Everyone Gets Lei's pub crawl from the makers of the popular TBOX, it's going to be a busy weekend for revelers along Division Street.
Though plans were not finalized earlier in the week due to construction on the CTA Blue Line, city officials from the Dept. of Cultural Affairs and Special Events confirmed on Wednesday that the Chicago Fashion Fest will be happening on a two-block stretch of Division Street between Damen and Leavitt.
Scheduled for noon to 10 p.m Saturday and Sunday, the Chicago Fashion Fest, which includes a New Orleans theme, will offer Jambalaya and fried alligator dishes, as well as live music and activities for children.
Highlights include over 20 runway shows where models will show off collections from local designers, hosted by NBC-Chicago's Natalie Martinez and LeeAnn Trotter.
Jaslene Gonzalez, former winner of "America's Next Top Model," will be available to pose with attendees in a photo booth. There will also be performances by Kids Rock and a canine fashion show, too.
"It's going to be a showcase of innovative, emerging talent. We are trend-setting at the hyper-local level," said Chicago Fashion Fest creator Michelle Gomez, owner of M.GO Fashion Company.
Adding to the festivities, the third annual Everyone Gets Lei's Pub Crawl, organized by TBOX creators Festa Parties, is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
Participants in the pub crawl, which kicks off at Fatpour Tap Works at 2005 W. Division St, include The Shambles, The 50/50, Moonshine, Division Ale House and more.
Division Ale House will be adding New Orleans-themed weekend food specials to coincide with the Fashion Fest such as cups and bowls of crawfish gumbo.
Chicago Fashion Fest Music line-up:
Saturday
12:30 and 2:15 p.m. - Le Travaillant (Cajun tunes)
(Two sets)
4:30 p.m. - Steamin Barracudas (zydeco)
6:30 p.m. - Low Down Brass Band (high-energy big band funk)
8:30 p.m. - Buckwheat Zydeco
Sunday
12:15 and 1:40 p.m. - Zydeco Voodoo
(Two sets)
3:10 p.m. - Cajun Vagabonds (Cajun and zydeco)
5:15 p.m. - Hurricane Gumbo (eclectic Louisiana party music)
7:45 p.m - Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers
Chicago Fashion Fest is scheduled for noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The fest's entrance will be at Division and Damen. There is a $5 suggested donation for admission, to benefit LaSalle II Elementary School, Wells High School and A Safe Haven. For updates, visit Chicagofashionfest.com.
The Everyone Gets Leis' pub crawl is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Saturday and kicks off at Fatpour Tap Works, 2005 W. Division St. Tickets are $20. For more info, visit festaparties.com.
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