The first weekend in August is always reserved for Lollapalooza madness across the city. The CTA, Metra and Toll ways are always packed with concertgoers heading to Grant Park in their finest festival wardrobe. For those with a three-day wristband, this weekend is awesome. For those without, it can be a total bummer. However this weekend doesn’t have to be a completely lost cause. There’s plenty else going on in the city this weekend to cure even the worst case of lack-of-lolla blues.
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Wrigleyville Summerfest will be taking place this Saturday and Sunday at 3400 North Seminary Avenue. If you haven’t checked out many street festivals this summer, Wrigleyville Summerfest is a great one to hit up. There will be great local food as well as many other vendors at the festival. The music line-up for Sunday includes Stache and Too White Crew. And Sunday, you can see Hey Jimmy and Hairbangers Ball. Make your visit to the festival a family affair, if you have any younger relatives. The festival has an interactive kids’ zone that includes an obstacle course, mini golf and a moon bounce. There’s a suggested $5 donation at the gate.
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If a festival with lots of music this weekend is a must, check out Edge Fest in the Edgewater neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday. The festival features two music stages that’ll be pumping out tunes from a multitude of artists all weekend. Saturday night on the North Stage, Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press will close out the night. And Sunday, 1980s cover band 16 Candles will end the festival. Edge Fest also celebrates the creativity in the neighborhood. More than 40 local Edgewater artists will be showcasing their work at the festival. A $5 suggested donation is asked at the gate and will go toward the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce.
1990s boy band lovers also have another musical option this weekend. Backstreets back, all right; and they’ll be playing at Northerly Island Friday night. Joining the Backstreet Boys on stage are Jesse McCartney and DJ Pauly D. Face value tickets are still available for the concert and range from $23.25 for standing room only to $227.30 for the best seats in the house. Experience the magic of seeing “I Want It That Way” performed live while you have the chance. There’s always the slight chance the Backstreet Boys could pull an N*Sync and never reunite again, breaking the hearts of an entire generation.
However, if Lollapalooza is the only option for you this weekend, don’t let work or tickets stand in your way. The festival will be live streaming the entire festival on their YouTube channel all weekend. It doesn’t exactly compare to being there, but it’s still a decent option for those who can’t attend.
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Friday Stream (starts 2:30 p.m.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK6zhpuBZVo
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Saturday Stream (starts 10:00 a.m.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDW02BrApgY
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Sunday Stream (starts 10:00 a.m.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA6YQdHJ98E