Since 2004, West Town has been home to West Fest, a fantastically curated summer festival that mixes local and touring musical talent, an assortment of homegrown vendors, craft beer, and fun activities for the whole family. With three days of nonstop entertainment, including two stages of live music, this year’s West Fest is one of the summer’s most highly anticipated bashes. Empty Bottle Presents books the West Stage (Damen and Chicago), the Bass by the Pound DJs book the East Stage (Wood and Chicago), and together they’ve once again assembled a thoughtful, eclectic bill that showcases emerging and established acts. In fact, I’d recommend clearing your schedule so you can come out all three days. Among the highlights are Brooklyn art-punks Les Savy Fav, who headline the West Stage at 8:45 on Friday night. In 2024, the five-piece put out Oui, LSF, their first album in 14 years, and hearing the material live should be a sweet treat.
On Saturday afternoon at 4:15, south-side trio Blood Club will bring deliciously tragic postpunk to the West Stage—and make sure you stay till 7:15 for uncompromising New Orleans dance punks Special Interest, one of my personal favorite punk bands. But those sets just scratch the surface of a great weekend of music that also includes many more local artists, including psychedelic Ethio-funk ensemble Radio Outernational (Sunday at 3 on the West Stage), alt-soul singer Sparklmami (Sunday at 4:15 on the West Stage), and posthardcore group Ira Glass (Saturday at 3 on the West Stage). On Sunday evening, groundbreaking Chicago DJ and producer Derrick Carter will close out the East Stage at 8 with an epic dance party, and North Carolina rapper Mavi will headline the West Stage at 8:45 with his soulful, existential hip-hop. Put on comfortable walking shoes, grab your sunscreen, and arrive early. Big, fun crowds are the norm at West Fest, and space fills up quickly—but even when it’s a tight squeeze, this neighborhood gathering is totally worth it.
West Fest day one Fri 7/18. Les Savy Fav, Edging, and Cel Ray play the West Stage; Bianca Oblivion, Phantom 45, Intel, and others play the East Stage. Complete schedule at westtownchamber.org/west-fest-chicago. 5–10 PM, Chicago Avenue between Wood and Damen, $10 suggested donation, all ages
West Fest day two Sat 7/19. Narrow Head, Special Interest, She’s Green, and others play the West Stage; Hiroko Yamamura Hyperactive, Frankie Vega, and others play the East Stage. Complete schedule at westtownchamber.org/west-fest-chicago. Noon–10 PM, Chicago Avenue between Wood and Damen, $10 suggested donation, all ages
West Fest day three Sun 7/20. Mavi, Priyanka, Amantes del Futuro, Sparklmami, and others play the West Stage; Derrick Carter, DJ Heather, Julius the Mad Thinker, and others play the East Stage. Complete schedule at westtownchamber.org/west-fest-chicago. Noon–10 PM (music begins at 1 PM), Chicago Avenue between Wood and Damen, $10 suggested donation, all ages
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