This Week In Street Fests: Ribfest, Midsommarfest, Printers Row Lit Fest & More
By Samantha Abernethy in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 8, 2012 8:40PM
Ribfest
Ribfest in the Northcenter neighborhood is one of the meatiest events of the year. Meat beer, music, eating contests... what's not to like? There is some "non-rib" food there, for those who don't like tender meat on the bone. Check out the full list of food vendors, from Italian ice and gelato to the meatiest meat in town.
Ribfest is on Lincoln Avenue just north of Damen and Irving Park avenues. Friday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Midsommarfest
This is the 47th year of Midsommarfest on Clark Street in Andersonville. The festival music, dancing, food and vendors, plus beer and sangria. They also promise Swedish dancers and shirtless boys. The party starts tonight with DJ Dan Luna at 5 p.m., followed by 80s cover band 16 Candles at 7 p.m. As for the rest of the weekend, check out the full lineup, which includes a stage dedicated to children's acts, and The Out Rock Stage from Hamburger Mary's & Gay Chicago TV.
Midsommarfest is on Clark Street between Balmoral and Catalpa avenues, Friday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Printers Row Lit Fest
The Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest is the prime event of the year for bookworms. The 27-year-old festival features more than 200 booksellers, seven stages of events and 100 free literary programs. It's the largest free outdoor literary event in the Midwest. To guide you through the events, download the official Lit Fest app for iPhone and Android. Also see our previous recommendations on the top events.
Printers Row Lit Fest is on Dearborn Street between Congress Parkway and Polk Street, Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wells Street Art Festival
This is the 38th year for the Wells Street Art Festival, a juried art festival in the Old Town neighborhood. The fest features 260 artists working with a number of mediums from paint to wood to glass and everything in between. Of course there's music, too. We're particularly intrigued by Abba Salute and American English on Sunday evening.
Wells Street Art Festival is on Wells Street between North Avenue and Division Street, Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Chill & Grill
Here's another festival dedicated to meat: The Chill & Grill festival presented by Better Homes And Gardens. This Lakeview event features grilling demonstrations, classes and tastings from Chicago area restaurants. The list of guests includes Guy Fieri, Ina Pinkney, Jared Van Camp and Jaime Purviance.
Chill & Grill is at Waveland Park off of Recreation Drive by the south Waveland Tennis Courts, Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
Blues Fest
We didn't forget about the city's biggest event. See our preview from earlier today to see what's in store at Grant Park.