It’s not all Lollapalooza all weekend, but it’s close. If you want absolutely nothing to do with the monster music fest in Grant Park, we can’t promise you’ll be able to escape it, but Pilsen’s Fiesta del Sol with Latin food, art and a house DJ fest might be a good attempt. Head to Taste of Latin America in Logan Square for South American flavors in a different ‘hood, or hit up EdgeFest in Edgewater for local art, food and cover bands. Those of you getting Lolla-ed, follow along with our coverage on Twitter and at redeyechicago.com/music/lollapalooza.
Lollapalooza
When: 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Friday to Sunday
Where: Grant Park
How much: Sold out
The skinny: This music fest needs no introduction. Tickets sold out in about 45 minutes in March, but those lucky enough to snag them have the chance to see Paul McCartney, Metallica, Florence and the Machine, Sam Smith and many more. Check out what’s on the menu at the fest here. And if you didn’t get tickets, there are plenty of after-shows and Lolla deals you can take advantage of all weekend.
Fiesta del Sol
When: 5–10 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday
Where: 1400 W. Cermak Road
How much: Free
The skinny: Billed as the largest Latino festival in the Midwest, the Pilsen fest has it all with food, art, music and dance. Grab grub from 26 vendors, including Churro Factory, La Bomba and La Reyna Del Sazon. Along with two stages of traditional music and dance performances, catch fest-within-a-fest House of Sol, with dozens of house DJs such as Kid Enigma (9:30 p.m. Friday), Local Options (9:15 p.m. Saturday) and DJ Heather (6:45 p.m. Sunday). At Galeria del Sol, browse artwork, see live painting demonstrations or take a workshop with an artist.
EdgeFest
When: Noon–10 p.m. Saturday and noon–9 p.m. Sunday
Where: Broadway between Thorndale and Ardmore avenues
How much: $5 suggested donation
The skinny: Beer, food, music and local art are all reasons to stop by the fourth annual Edgewater street fest. Along with cover bands on two stages, festgoers can sing their own favorite tracks on a karaoke stage. Food vendors including Little Vietnam, Mas Alla del Sol and Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro bring a diverse array of ethnic options. Browse work by local artists and catch the DockDogs aquatic dog competition at 1 p.m. each day.
Taste of Latin America
When: Noon–10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Armitage Avenue between Central Park and Avers avenues
How much: Free
The skinny: Explore flavors of Central and South America at this Logan Square fest in its third year. Along with art and live music, fill up on food from Cemitas Puebla, bringing chalupas and a milanesa sandwich with shredded pork and chipotle sauce; La Bomba, with tamales, rice dishes, roast pork and sausage; La Palma Puerto Rican Restaurant, with papas rellenas (beef-stuffed fried potatoes); Sabor Latino, with alcapurria banana dumplings and jibarito plantain sandwiches; and sweets from Mekato’s Colombian Bakery and Churro Factory.
Fest survival tip 12
Phones aren’t always the most reliable at big music festivals. It could take hours for a text message to go through, so save your friends and yourself some confusion by using time stamps (i.e. “Craving a Rainbow Cone. Meet me at the stand at 3:30 p.m.”). And don’t forget your charger. With all of those texts trapped in cyberspace, your battery is sure to drain quickly. Take advantage of the charging stations at the fest. You’ll be glad you did. Find more music fest survival skills here.
#ChiFestQuest
Share a photo of your festival adventures (festi-ventures?) on Instagram and Twitter with #ChiFestQuest for a chance to have it featured in RedEye.
For more eat & drink news, click here.