Finally in town over Wicker Park Fest weekend and could not have enjoyed myself anymore! Wicker Park Fest is an annual fest that is rooted in all things local with a focus on music, food and art. Stretching from one end of Milwaukee Ave to the other with tents and booths lining the middle of the street all capped off by music stages at each end of the street. So, you enter and leave through music! The tents line the center of Milwaukee avenue and are two deep, making it a necessity to walk all the way up one side and back down the other to get the full experience. And along the way you can pop in to any of the local shops on Milwaukee, as they stay open during. We ventured to the festival to find artwork to take back home, and while we struck out there, we did find a few other things, namely fashion and accessory items, to take back...all while enjoying a few drinks and tasty bites along the way! Porta-potty's were decently plentiful and centrally located, as were trashcans. Attendance is free, however they recommend a donation at the door. With that donation you get a cool WPF pin, which doubles as a discount "card" of sorts for several of the booths and shops inside. Overall, this was our first Wicker Park Fest and certainly will not be our last! read more

Wicker Park Fest - Festivals Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Always a good time here at Wicker Park Fest. Donation expected $10. They do a really good job of combining performance, art and neighborhood exhibitions. They also do a good job of incorporating the kids and the dogs. The bars and restaurants are open and have specials for the occasion. On top of that there is a diverse set of food vendors. Additionally, the live music is always on point. Congrats to this neighborhood for including all the local businesses and community for a fun, safe weekend!!! read more

See all

I Believe The Wicker Park Fest is the Fests of all Fest representing everything Chicago is about , Food, Drinks , Music but most of all it's People , which consists of every walk of life , Wicker Park Fest displays that well , Multiple Bars and Restaurants participate making this one hell of a party , plenty of room to walk and explore while listening to unique music of all kinds , This Fest has it all ! read more

See all

One of the best street fest in Chicago. Great DJ's and live music. Plenty of food vendors with a variety of choices for vegetarians. But don't just go for the music and food, there's plenty of other vendors at this festival (jewelry, clothes, art, etc.). This is the fest not to miss in the city. read more

Wicker Park Fest - DJ serving it up - Festivals Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This festival is located in one of the best spots in the city. You're near restaurants, nightlife, art galleries, and lounges. The festival itself is easily accessible via public transportation. I would avoid driving, knowing that parking can be difficult. - The musical acts are off the charts! Some artists are up-and-coming and others are pretty famous! - One of my favorite parts about this festival is that even though it's rather large, it carries a community feeling. I remember jamming out to a great electronic music set and everybody was just super into the vibe. Fun all around. read more

Wicker Park fest is huge. The music is great. It's a hipstery area. If you're from NYC like I am, it hits similar to Williamsburg or LES. Lots of awesome thrift stores and art in the area. It usually has a great line up of music with multiple stages. Plenty of open art galleries as well. Every festival uniquely displays characteristic of the neighborhood and you get to experience a lot of the local vendors. I always find my self browsing pics afterwards too bookmark my favorites. Supporting local is great at festivals, but returning to give the business in the off season is great too. Definitely always makes a point to hit this festival. It's so big but dense with so much to do. read more

See all

It's one of the biggest and it's in Wicker Park. Arguably one of the hippest neighborhood in Chi Town. There's bands, beer, boobs and it's dog friendly. What more can ask for? By the time they have this summer is half way over - so what are you waiting for? read more

Wicker Park Fest is a lot of fun! It is one long street that is closed off, and everything is well-spaced out. In the middle of the street, there are many booths of crafts, clothes, and food vendors. My favorite tent was the Transit one because there were plenty of Chicago logo clothes and accessories. I bought a cool tank for $20 (no tax) and it's gray with a huge Chicago flag across the chest. I come here early because this fest gets SO busy and I am not about that life anymore. I like being able to go in and out of the bars and sit down to listen to the music. Like any fest around Chicago, they have local bands playing. The bars are also more expensive per drink. For two small cups of beer and a White Claw, Wynwood charged $21. Of course nothing had prices, either. Honestly though, the beer is better in the actual bars than in the tents, so definitely go into a bar to get your beer rather than the crappy overpriced tents. Going back to the crowds, at night, there is literally a sea of people and you can't see the street... that's how packed it gets and I'm not exaggerating. So enter at your own risk. On Sunday, the fest opened at 12pm and we got there at 11:45. We didn't have to pay, but when we left around 3, they were charging entrance "donations" of I think it was $10 a person. You technically wouldn't need to pay that, but we all know that awkward look you'd get if you didn't. read more

Wicker Park Fest - Festivals Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wicker Park Fest is a well-spaced out festival with multiple sound stages spread across 3 to 4 city blocks. There's some decent parking spots located near the area, but worst case scenario, you can park on the side streets, if you look hard enough. If finding parking ain't yo' thang, Wicker Park Fest is located super-close to the Blue Line. Wicker Park Fest layout was decent; plenty of booths/tents in the middle of the street, with enough space for foot traffic. Wicker Park in itself has a lot to offer and the tents/booths showcased this as well. Definitely come here early, if you're not into crowds. Things were bearable for me when I got here at around 4PM, but as the evening dragged on, the number of obnoxious drunkards naturally came out, to ruin it for everyone else. BATHROOM REVIEW: Plenty of port-a-potties. That's all I got to say about bathrooms here. They had enough of em and hand washing stations for people, and there was barely a line when I went. Interesting note, while I was visiting Insomnia Cookies, a couple of drunk obnoxious early 20-yrs old, carrying Moncaco beverages. They got in an argument with one of the Insomnia Cookies staff about using the bathroom (they didn't purchase anything, and barged in asking to use the bathroom) and the staff said GTFO, there's plenty of port-a-potties. Boom. Served. read more

Wicker Park Fest - Festivals Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If you've been to one city summer fest, you've been to them all, right? Well that's true with a dash of falsity thrown in. Wicker Park has a lot of the same food vendors that pop up at all the fests, a lot of the same vendors, sadly not too many that are unique to WP. Truly a shame when Wicker is full of amazingness. Pro-Tip: Do not waste your hard earned money on the cheap, crappy beer at the stands. ALL of the bars & restaurants that are on the main drag have specials going on for the fest. I was able to get good quality craft beers for the same price or less than the MGD/Bud Light shizznit at the stands. Holy goodness it's crowded! It gets even more crowded as the sun sets. Thankfully my friend and I had grabbed a perfect seat inside the High Noon Saloon to watch the 9pm concert, but we really felt for the sea of people right outside the barrier of the wall. There seriously was no room for these poor people to walk or even itch a nose. My advice if you're going is to plan accordingly. Grab an indoor seat as dusk sets in and enjoy yourself instead of being suffocated to death by human flesh. That being said, the music at Wicker Park Fest was awesome! Festivals are filled with cover bands and don't get me wrong, I love 'em, but we discovered a fabulous indie band at night. My favorite part of the evening was chilling out listening to Man Man (quite possibly my new favorite group) inside of the High Noon Saloon. We met some friendly people inside, had amazing craft beers, were able to hear the music through their huge open windows/wall plus my friend and I got hit up by guys 7 years younger than us so that's got to count for something right? read more

See all

I want to go back, to 2010 and earlier. Michael G.'s review sums up Wicker Park Fest perfectly, as it was in the past. Wicker Park has been in extreme transition in the past decade to becoming "Liquor Park", where Lincoln Parkers and suburbanites have decided to come to slum and get wasted; and this crowded sweaty Fest confirms that the transition is sadly, complete. I had the great pleasure of seeing up and coming Chicago band, Company of Thieves rock out with heart and soul on a side stage. I even enjoyed a DJ at the East Stage, and the beer lines were pretty quick. But this Fest is just a hot mess, and one I'll remember to avoid in the future. read more

Proof yet again that Dubstep ruins EVERYTHING! Wicker Park fest what happened?? The difference between last year and this year can only be contributed to the Dubstep music on the bill. Whether you love it or hate it (I'm somewhere in the middle), you can't deny the fact the immense popularity brings out drones of idiots. I'm not going to make this a Dubstep bashing review. IMO it's just as popular to bash it as it is to love it. What bothers me are the kids who listen to it. Young. Stupid. Rude. Degenerates. They flooded Wicker Park fest on Saturday and ruined the experience for me and maybe the festival. I sound like an old hag. I promise I'm not. I love festivals and music and people. Just not dubsteppers; they are a new breed of as*hole. Last year was awesome! We had room to breathe, walk, drink and eat listen to good music. This year was so crowded you couldn't walk a foot without some sweaty shirtless guy or 15yo in a Deadmau5 shirt bumping into you yelling WOMP! Beer and Sangria were my only savior. Maybe I could tune these idiots out if I was drunk enough. Oh the ATM's are down? You only take cash? F*ck this I'm out! I would rather deal with a festival full of Hipsters than Wompsters. Bring the old Wicker Park fest back! read more

Wicker Park Fest - www.wickerparkfestchicago.com - Festivals Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's a "suggested donation" of $10pp, and it really doesn't feel like a "suggested" donation, it's more mandatory. The festival itself just felt very disjointed and a weird hodge podge of things. While it covers a decent amount of blocks in Wicker Park, and parking wasn't too crazy, it also wasn't that well stocked. The beer tents were all the same Goose Island and wine tents offering the same thing every couple blocks, definitely would've been nice to have included some additional craft brews or some other varieties. The music was alright - there was some live music but not much of it, during the day or during the night. There were limited food options. And there were limited vendor options too. There was some art, some jewelry, some randomness but all in all a lot of the tents were focused on doggy playthings, clothing, and toys. It's something to do, but it's not necessarily something I'd feel the urge to visit every year. The good thing is that the stores, restaurants, and bars along the street are also open during the festival, so it was nice to try out some of those while walking along since there were limited food/beverage options at the festival itself. It would've benefited from better organization and cohesion. read more

I was working as a volunteer at this event and from the inside looking out it looked like so much fun. I hate I didn't truly get to experience this event with friends enjoying the music and food that was all around me. I watched as the crowd grew and grew...I would say come early so you can get an idea on what you want to do while you are there. I like Festivals and I had never heard of this one before...I would volunteer again but I would also make sure I had a day to enjoy with my friends. That is one thing about Chicago there is always something to do and if this Festival doesn't do it for you...you can find something else in Chicago that can be well worth it for you. Enjoy!!! read more

See all

Absolutely huge street festival compared to others. There was such a variety of people! 3 different stages but not much variety in terms of food vendors. I wish there were more local Wicker Park booths. Instead of buying alcohol at the tents, head over to Walgreens and buy your own! But no open drinks because you know...the law. read more

My friends and I came here and had a great time. Parking is damn near impossible. My friend and I found a park a block away AFTER driving around for at least an hour, but I was a passenger, so I did not mind. SUGGESTED donation of $10. There are a lot of vendors selling EVERYTHING, from foods, to clothes, to candles, alcohol. Its bands playing as well. read more

DO NOT GO HERE WITH YOUR CHILDREN, unless you want them with a SEVER contact high, I know its Wicker Park, but c'mon, at least you can stop during the day, there are so many kids, and dont get me started with the cigarette smokers. Again, yes I know its Wicker Park. 2018 Fest was such a letdown, lots of beer, and booze very little food available, last year it was quite common to have a food stall, this year it was super sparse, not even close enough to feed the large crowd there. Had to feed the family at Taco Bell that had the only reasonable lines, those poor kids behind the counter were beyond stressed. I know a $5 donation is not much for one of the cities biggest fests, but seriously, it has gone downhill and become more of a Wicker Park Stress Fest. Will be back next year to see if got any better, hope so. read more

One of the most magnificent things about summers in Chicago are its festivals. Every year, the city sponsors numerous music and art festivals of all kinds, from the parks along Lake Michigan, throughout its diverse and friendly neighborhoods. While the coastal cities like Los Angeles and New York tend to try to dominate the music and art scenes, Chicagoans and others in the know understand something quite different: festivals like the 8th Annual Wicker Park Fest can rival even the biggest-name headliner at a place like Madison Square Garden. In many ways, it's even better - because there really is nothing as invigorating as discovering new and original music. This year's stellar musical lineup of original and cutting-edge music included three live stages and over 40 bands, as well as DJs that kept the crowd jumpin' in between sets. Most people outside of Chicagoland may know of "Wicker Park" as the 2004 moody film starring Josh Hartnett and Diane Kruger, about a haunted advertising executive. What the Chicago Tribune refers to as one of Chicago's "best street festival of the summer" Wicker Park Fest hosted an excess of 52,000 people this year. Held on Saturday and Sunday, July 23 and 24, 2011, from Noon to 10 p.m., the Festival was located on Chicago's vibrant and lively Milwaukee Avenue from North Avenue to Wood Street. Every band performance was simply outstanding. From musicianship to stage presence, each act's uniqueness shone through like the promise of the sun on a partly cloudy day. There really was something for everyone. Whether your thing was hard-edged punky tunes like those of Off With Their Heads, Fleetwood Mac-esque harmonies like those of local darlings, Van Ghost, funky beat electronica like MiMOSA, El Ten Eleven or Flosstradamus, or even more traditional sounds like Joe Pug or Blitzen Trapper's folky blue grass stylings, Wicker Park Fest showcased some of the best and most original musical acts available today. Offered congruently with the neighborhood's Summer Sizzle Sidewalk Sale, over 40 local stores offered great deals on everything from clothing and music, to kid-friendly activities like a petting zoo and face painting. In a time when a simple movie ticket can cost over $10, the $5 donation to experience everything this festival had to offer was so nominal, it was really next to nothing, and surely only provides a pittance toward what it costs the neighborhood and city to put it on every year. For that reason alone, anyone who can attend owes it to themselves to participate. But, be warned: do it once, and you could be hooked! You'll be hard pressed not to put it on your calendar as an annual, not-to-be missed event. If you are in Chicago or planning to be in the vicinity when the Wicker Park Fest is occurring, you owe it to yourself to be a part of this amazing gathering of high-energy and lively entertainment, that only a city as great as Chicago could provide. Visit http://www.myspace.com/wickerparkfest for a sample of the music and to hook up with the bands who gave a piece of their heart and soul at the Festival. Put the event on your calendar for next year so you can experience Chicago's own Wicker Park Fest! The Wicker Park Chamber of Commerce would like you to know that you can still get a t-shirt to support the community. TransitTees.com offers their 2011 t-shirt featuring Wicker Park's landmark Coyote building, complete with guitar picks and equalizer bars. read more

I'm a fan of drinking beer...and an even bigger fan of any event that involves drinking beer outdoors on the streets of Chicago. Wicker Park Fest. You are in Wicker Park people, NOT the Pleasantville County Fair. Don't complain about the presence of hipsters/yuppies or the stench in the air. Instead, enjoy the live music, cold beer, and hot eats! There were three music stages to choose from. I enjoyed the fact that there were several neighborhood bars there to spill in and out of. I came here with some buddies and enjoyed a few brews at Nick's Beer Garden while sitting on large open window front. Several cool tents selling hats/art/knick-knacks. If you didn't have a good time then it was probably because of who you were with. Yeah, I said it. read more

My friend from Atlanta was in town for the weekend and he wanted to get a true Chicago experience. So instead of going to Millennium Park or the Willisears Tower Skydeck, he decided to check out an authentic Chicago street festival. He chose Wicker Park Fest. As he departed the Blue Line from downtown, the first thing that he saw was a woman stumbling the other direction up the stairs to the Damen stop wearing a tight summer dress. She stopped. And then puked on her shoes. Now that's not only what I call a true Chicago experience, but it also describes that woman and this festival nicely. Wicker Park Fest is a hot mess! Unlike a lot of other festivals, where the city's up-and-coming young professionals (*cough* yuppies *cough*) get jazzed up (sorry, I'm reading a book about New York in the 1920s) and show off their latest sundresses, Ed Hardy shirts, and designer sandals, Wicker Park Fest is where the other half of the festival-going population lives. Hipsters, punks, and metalheads (it's a surprisingly heavy line-up) all have their own fashion show and drunken binge weekend with their bands. All in scorchingly hot (usually) temperatures. Only Pitchfork comes close to a similarly loud, quirky, and name-droppy lineup (though that one's on a larger scale). But this concert is only $5 (a day and that's only "suggested") so the riff-raff who can't afford the big music festival come out in force. And they make Milwaukee Avenue really sticky. I mean, I've been to a lot of festivals, but I've never had my All-Stars stick to the pavement so much. Beer. Puke. Sweat. Gum. The entrails of crushed food. It was an obstacle course to avoid the disgusting. And this was not helped out by the way the organizers set it up. The Center Stage, where the biggest act of the Sunday night - Local H - played was set up down a side street. When the crowd grew to, not unexpectedly, huge sizes, it blocked both walkways created on either side of the booths to get from the North Stage to the South Stage. Sadly, the prices don't match the downwardly mobile crowd. Beer and food (which included such great places as Mana) is about what you'd expect from a festival ($5 to $6), though the bars up and down Milwaukee are open and each vie with each other to undercut the price of PBR. One had a $2 special! So why do I go back each year? Because, one, I like the music. And, two, it's the greatest preparation for Lollapalooza there is. If one can survive a full day at Wicker Park Fest, it's like running a 10k to prepare for the marathon (not that I or almost anyone else at this fest would do those things). Sure I feel like this festival is judging me. It judges everyone. But, I just remember it's a hot mess and it's not so scary. read more

OH yeah. i popped mah wp-fest cherry this year. i tried to be amongst the hipsters last year, but it was too hot and crowded. ...aaaand it goes a little somethin' like this: came in on a sunday. partied. ms. moneybags here bought some rustic jewelry among other things - made it rain. thinks she's a hot shot now. got buzzed off-a sangria. ate more cevapcici (3rd time this year, thanks) and sat on the sidewalk while some old dude hit on her and her blonde friend. observed some peeps in a plastic bubble, one was a housewife cleanin' the bubble with a mop. went into some stores, made it rain some more. dogs be barkin' bc she was wearin' wedges. ...hit it! read more

Great block party in the wicker, though essentially identical to west fest. Long enough of a block party that actually allowed enough space to roam around (aside from the entrance where it was ridiculously packed). Will definitely come back next year if I can. read more

Wicker Park Fest - Festivals Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Great music, great food and good people. As if there wasn't enough things to do walking down Milwaukee Ave, adding in 3 stages, more food and more booze makes it even better. Almost all the bars and stores were having specials so even if you didn't want to just stand in the street, there were multiple places to sit down and get some cheap food. Managed to catch a really good Reggae set on Sunday. I just wish I got the band/musicians name. Till next year! read more

Dear god, what a mess. To me, there were two bright spots - (some of) the bands and the volunteers (very pleasant all the way around). El Ten Eleven played a great show, mixing in new and old stuff and creating some great sounds for only being two dudes with no laptops. Also, Murder By Death played Sunday, which I wasn't able to see, but I was told it was fantastic. I caught a couple minutes of an all female band Saturday night that sounded good as well, but I don't know them yet. But I've never been around such a disappointing group of people. Ever. Disappointing because I've never seen so many lazy, inconsiderate, immature, and purely stupid people in my life and unfortunately, they are the youth. No, I don't want to move away from the curb and not be able to see the stage so you can sit your lazy ass down and smoke a bowl. And no, dub step is not new composition. It's house music from 20 years ago slowed down with sampling from today's music. So in summary, a star each for some bands and friendly volunteers. Zero stars for everything else. read more

Complete garbage. Too crowded. Stupid kids lying in the street high and/or drunk. Bought a $6 schnitzel from some food tent. Was half-pink inside. Brought it back, they said it was ok. No, poultry should not be half-pink. No other real food options around. Cevapcici stand is not awesome; it is at every festival in a 50-mile radius selling overpriced breakfast sausage. Took 20 minutes to get out of the fest in a dangerous bottleneck of people. That should not have happened. I think I got to second base with some sweaty hoodrats behind me. read more

I always judge a street fest by musical performers (or free popsicles)... Wicker Park Fest always has a great variety of music that I'm excited to see. Having been to Taste of Randolph and an Evanston street fair, most of the vendors were similar. It was pretty muggy when I went, and it was great that there were so many air conditioned stores to wander around when I was waiting for bands to go on. read more

The Wicker Park of poetry slams, real dive bars with old timers talking about all the old Polish clubs up and down the block are gone for good. The Wicker Park of Wrigley-ville guys, Suburban kids shopping on the street at stores that used to be at the mall, and eating establishments owned by investment bankers and corporate lawyers have taken over. Well, that is the way it goes. It can't be helped. Anything that was cool, becomes mainstream within 10 years. So, take Wicker Park Fest for what it is. It is a huge drunk fest. This place is full of young kids on X, and old folks slamming drinks and I loved it. It was raw, silly, and the place was full of good looking people trying to beat the heat by wearing very little. What's not to like about something so trashy? I love flashy and trashy and I got what I expected. I met some friends who were here to see the rising band Company of Thieves. I had been to a party the night before at a loft in the West Loop and saw some of the band members playing jazz which was amazing. I did not know who that band was until I realized that about half of them were on the sage as Company of Thieves. Great show! I had fun, and really enjoyed all the flash, trash, and exposed midsections (thanks girls), and somewhere I hope someone lit a candle to the Wicker Park of Polish immigrants, drunks, poets, artists, and graduate students slumming. Those days are gone, but I remember them and have to say that Wicker Park Fest is the biggest, loudest, and wildest of the street fests in Chicago. Way to go. read more

I have never been to Wicker Park Fest in the past, but from what I've been hearing this year it took a turn for the worse. It was like an earthquake just outside of hipster ocean caused a massive tsunami of hipsters and hippies to wash over the Wicker Park area as they destroyed everything in their path. I don't think I've ever seen more fedoras and birkenstocks in one place in all my life. The fresh scent of marijuana laced the air as drunken teenagers ran from one end of the fest to the other in order to catch the latest "Transformers having sex" music.. aka Dubstep. Do people actually consider this music? I didn't think turning 30 would make me realize that when my parents complained about my music as a kid, they were right. The only redeeming part of Wicker Park Fest was Smoke Daddy.... mmm, love me some Smoke Daddy. So unless you enjoy ridiculous crowds of idiotic drunk hipsters and teenagers dressed for a rave, then I would avoid Wicker Park Fest from here on out. Hopefully in the years to come it can figure out what it wants to be, but in the meantime I would just avoid it completely. read more

I was completely disappointed in this fest this year. It was crowded with High School aged kids who couldn't stand up straight. People were terribly drunk and high. The food selection was mediocre at best. read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE!! Yes it was 3000 degrees. Yes there were 1 Billion People. And Yes....I BYOBd. I went to Wicker Park Fest 7/23 And Lost my mind! The MUSIC WAS PHENOMENAL. The Music line up was insane, I stayed by Porn & Chicken , Flosstradamus! I lost it the energy was amazing it was totally DUB STEP NATION, HOUSE HEAD FREAKS! I forgot how hot I was I was way to busy raging! I'm so happy I made it out Saturday because it looks like it will be raining all day today. I did go to the Sangria Tent and I was AMAZING. Irazu also had a tent and I was pleasantly surprised. I was a little taken back on the lack of food choices, but HIPSTERS DON'T EAT THEY RAGE! lol All and all good times.....how will you out do yourself next year? read more

Where else can you go to walk around, drink beer, people watch and even buy something at one of the tents...this festival is a lot of fun. This year the West stage over by Damen had the best music and DJs. At one of the stages, in the middle of the fest, there were actors on raised platforms performing skits. It was entertaining. Bike parking at the entrances. I will be back next year! read more

One of the top fests in Chicago every year, for the crowd watching, music and the neighborhood; all uniquely distinguished in this neighborhood as opposed to the more generic and interchangeable components of the other street festivals in neighborhoods of lesser character. Warning: very crowded, younger and drunker, especially later in the day. If you are only doing a few festivals this is a main one to hit. read more

I won't lie; evening fests are fun. This fest however, is starting to lose its sparkle. The crime rate, traffic & excessive policing required to keep the peace of this fest makes it less desirable for us 30 somethings. This has always been a more 20 somethings environment but it now it's exclusively that. I'm definitely passing on this one this year. read more

A TON of people, great dynamic, awesome music! If you're in the area definitely come out! Parking is horrendous though so be forewarned! read more

I love Wicker Park Fest!! always ALWAYS great musical line-up's every single year. This year I got to finally see Veruca Salt and it was a dream come true. So first and foremost thank you for that WPF. There are always plenty of vendors to sell you beer or other refreshing beverages as well as wacky antics going on. We can't forget the bucket of french fries! I absolutely love checking out all the arts and crafts tents. This year they had a DJ on some sort of contraption that spewed out endless bubbles! and I mean, come on who doesn't love bubbles?! Only downside every year is how crowded it is, but on the plus side it just means they are doing something right. I look forward to returning next year. read more

The only thing differentiating this from any other crap street festival in this city is the typically somewhat excellent music lineup. They usually get legit bands and for a $5-6 donation, it seems like a bargain. Saw Deafheaven this past year and they were pretty killer and again $5 admission wasn't bad. Otherwise, these street festivals seem like contrived bs excuses for people to drink outside (which you could do anyway on a patio). The usual hipster wares are being hocked from booths which are just representing nearby stores that sell the same stuff. The beer was Lagunitas and $6 a cup which wasn't the worst. The food seemed like a rip and nothing seemed remotely enticing that you honestly couldn't get otherwise. There were tons of drunk and/or obnoxious teenagers which made it suck because I feel I can at least handle drunk and/or obnoxious people my own age (and people give you such disparaging looks when you knock out a few teenagers... I don't get it). Return attendance will be based solely on the music lineup and less on the need to get constantly elbowed while walking and drinking slightly overpriced beer. read more

I only made it to Sunday night of Wicker Park Fest, but it was my favorite fest year to date. Lots of great vendors/booths, loved the sangria and Dimos pizza!! (Check my Dimo's review to learn more about my love for Dimos). Really though, being new to Chicago I have only attended a few fests and haven't been overly impressed with them so far, but I did enjoy this one! Great music and a great display of the community and shops/restaurants around the area. I really enjoyed how big this one was, I feel like a lot of the other ones I have been to are really small and narrow compared to this Wicker Fest. read more

My favorite festival. I love the diversity of people there. Lot's of interesting things for sale & some nice crafts. Good original bands. Parking is limited. I always take the blue line to Damen. read more

Great fest, has come a long way in recent years. I used to live in the area and attended every year for about 5 years. Hadn't visited in about 3 years and was pleasantly surprised with my time there on Saturday. We went with our daughter during the day. They had a nice area set up for kids. There were some interactive/live art installations going on as well that she really liked. They also had a kids music stage. So definitely suited for families. Came back later that night without our daughter. The crowd was a good mix of people. It was definitely crowded, but not too hard to get around and order food/drinks. They have 3 different stages and did a good job of mixing up the artist genres across the stages. So there was always something for everyone to enjoy musically. They had a good mix of vendors for art and such. As well as good choices for food/drinks. Everything was reasonably priced. They did a great job with sponsor activations, wasn't expecting that. Providing some nice areas for sitting/hanging out. My only gripe was that it is cash only. It's 2018, get a POS sytem and allow people to use cards. read more

I enjoyed the music, lot of arts n crafts tents to check out,was cool. Bands were decent. Was very crowded at one end of the festival,traffic jam trying to exit out at the end of the crowded area. Other than that,I enjoyed my time there. read more