LINCOLN SQUARE — With an eclectic music lineup programmed by the Old Town School of Folk Music, food served up by neighborhood restaurants, more than 30 craft beers on tap and a vendor market drawn from local retailers and artists, Square Roots is one of Chicago's most distinctive summer street fests.
Here's what you need to know before you go.
Where, When and How Much
Square Roots runs 5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-9 p.m. Sunday.
Head to Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson. Entertainment programming is also held inside Old Town School's east and west buildings, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. and 4545 N. Lincoln Ave.
Admission is a suggested $10 donation, $5 for seniors and children, and $20 for families.
Eat, Drink, Shop, Make
More than a dozen Lincoln Square restaurants are participating in the fest. Chow on Artango's empanadas, Luella's catfish tacos, Miku Sushi's rock shrimp tempura, Essence of India's samosas, Carbon Arc's elotes salad and Isla Pilipina's fish ball skewers and halo halo, just to name a few of the offerings.
Nearly 20 breweries will be pouring craft beers, including Half Acre, Begyle, Dovetail and Metropolitan.
Local businesses will have goods for sale — from handmade candy to housewares — and information about their services.
New this year is Makers Square, a collaboration among Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, Everlasting Fire Studio and Tytin Jewelry. This "groovy little collective of studios" in north Lincoln Square will be demonstrating how to make prints, glass and jewelry.
Sing, Dance, Listen
Dozens of acts are programmed across five stages. Country rocker Nikki Lane is Friday's headliner, the Meat Puppets will hit the stage Saturday and Los Texmaniacs close out the fest at 8 p.m. Sunday.
In addition to live music, entertainment includes dance lessons, jam sessions, drum circles, yoga and sing-a-longs (the popular Beatles Ensemble is booked for 5:30 p.m. Friday). Enjoy a brass and choir pop-up parade, Midwest fiddle championship, teen open mic and more.
For Kids
This being Lincoln Square, the fest is plenty family friendly. Entertainment includes live band karaoke for youngsters and a special joint performance on Sunday by Justin Roberts and Laura Doherty, both favorites of the under-tween crowd.
Family fun also includes an art tent, an instrument "petting zoo" and swing set drum kit.
