Edgewater Music Fest to Bring 3 Days of Free Performances, Food, and Fun to Chicago This September
CHICAGO — A brand-new neighborhood music festival is set to debut this September in Edgewater, bringing more than 35 musical acts, 100 local vendors, and a wave of excitement to the North Side.
The Edgewater Music Fest will run September 5–7 along North Broadway between Thorndale and Ardmore Avenues, marking the first large-scale event of its kind in the area — and it’s completely free to attend, with a suggested donation of $10.
Weekend Lineup Features National and Local Talent
Spanning three days, the festival promises a diverse lineup of performers. On Friday, punk rocker Laura Jane Grace, formerly of Against Me!, will take the stage. Saturday features Chicago rapper Ric Wilson, while Foxy Shazam closes out the weekend with a high-energy Sunday set.
Other acts scheduled include:
- Sludgeworth
- Bev Rage & The Drinks
- Devon Kay & The Solutions
- Pinksqueeze
- The Brokedowns
- OK Cool
- Uniflora
…and more to be announced.
Local Food, Vendors, and Family Fun
The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is putting a big focus on local flavor. Attendees can explore over 100 food and craft vendors, showcasing Chicago’s small businesses. From street eats to handmade goods, the event aims to spotlight the community.
There’s also a Kids’ Zone on-site with activities geared toward families, making the event truly all-ages.
Festival Hours and How to Get There
The festival runs during the following hours:
- Friday: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Organizers suggest using the CTA Red Line for transportation, as parking will be limited in the area.
‘Not Just the Same Copy-and-Paste Fest’
“This isn’t just the same copy-and-paste fest we see in other places,” said Garrett Karp, Executive Director of the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, in an interview with Secret Chicago. “We’re excited to launch a new music-centric experience that feels edgy and exciting, features local food and drinks, and will bring tens of thousands of visitors and new economic investment into our business districts.”
Why It Matters for the North Side
Edgewater, long known for its vibrant diversity and residential charm, is taking a big leap with this event. It puts the neighborhood on par with Chicago’s other major summer festivals like Lollapalooza, Pitchfork, and Chicago Blues Festival, but offers a more intimate and community-rooted experience.
The festival also gives local artists a chance to perform in front of new audiences and provides a needed boost to local shops and eateries.
Are you planning to attend Edgewater Music Fest? Tell us what you’re most excited for — or which band you’re showing up for — in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.