It's time to put on your art-gazing goggles this weekend as eight art, lit and craft fests take over 'hoods from the South Loop to Edgewater. Soak up some sunshine while browsing the Old Town Art Fair and Wells Street Art Festival, or drop in to a new art, food and "happening" fest called Bellwether from the organizers of Renegade Craft Fair and Vintage Bazaar. Of course, if art isn't your jam, there's plenty of food and music to scope out at Midsommarfest and Ribfest Chicago. From barbecue sauce to sculpture, here's the best of the weekend's lineup. kbernot@tribune.com @redeyeeatdrink
Where: Clark Street from Catalpa to Balmoral avenues (Friday); Clark Street from Catalpa to Foster avenues (Saturday and Sunday)
When: 5-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
How much: $10 suggested donation
Don't miss: All of Andersonville's style and diversity is on display at this popular summer fest that combines five stages of music with lots of food, drinks and a dose of the neighborhood's Swedish heritage. The annual dance around the Maypole really kicks it off Saturday morning at 11:45 a.m., while bands such as Get Up With The Get Downs (8-10 p.m. Saturday), The Spazmatics (7-10 p.m. Saturday), 16 Candles (7-10 p.m. Sunday) and more rock the rest of the weekend. Prepare for people-watching at its prime.
Mini-detours: Before or after the fest, explore the tucked-away Vietnamese restaurants, bakeries and markets along Argyle Street. Grab a hot bowl of pho-a savory noodle soup-at Tank Noodle (4953 N. Broadway) and a red bean bun or croissant from La Patisserie P (1052 W. Argyle St.).
Where: Outside of The Hideoutalong Wabansia Avenue between Throop Street and Elston Avenue
When: Noon until dark Saturday and Sunday; after-hours market 8-10 p.m. Saturday
How much: $10 suggested donation
Don't miss: Because Bellwether sprung from the DIY minds behind Renegade Craft Fair and Vintage Bazaar, expect handmade goods from artisans such as Legacy Frameworks bike makers, Cushion Chicago home decor and Worker B skincare along local food and drinks from Ada Street, Death's Door Spirits and Bridgeport Pasty. Performances from musicians, DJs, filmmakers and more also are on the docket for this combo "market, happening and feast."
Mini-detours: Bellwether's Bucktown-ish location may seem out-of-the-way, but it's an excuse to grab drinks and snacks on the hidden patio at Ada Street (1664 N. Ada St.), or to hop over to Pizza House 1647 (1647 W. Cortland St.) for flavorful, chewy Sicilian slices.
Where: Lincoln Avenue between Irving Park Road and Berteau Avenue
When: 5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
How much: $5 suggested donation
Don't miss: It's best to come hungry if you plan on sampling barbecue platters from more than a dozen vendors including Big Bricks, Smoke Daddy and Robinson's No. 1 Ribs. Snack on funnel cakes, duck fat fries, fried candy bars and more as you watch the Ribmania rib-eating competition (6 p.m. Friday) featuring professional competitive eater Joey Chestnut, then dance off some of the calories to the sounds of local bands Mucca Pazza (8 p.m. Friday), California Wives (7:45 p.m. Saturday) and others.
Mini-detours: If it's beer you need to wash down the barbecue, take your pick of German beer garden Resi's Bierstube (2034 W. Irving Park Road), the tap room at Half Acre (4257 N. Lincoln Ave.) or the surprisingly affordable craft beer bar at The Bad Apple (4300 N. Lincoln Ave.).
Where: Old Town Triangle, with main gates at Lincoln Avenue and Wisconsin Street
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
How much: $7 suggested donation
Don't miss: The 64th annual fair showcases approximately 250 in multiple mediums with a focus on fine art and family-friendly activities.
Where: Wells Street between North Avenue and Division Street
When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
How much: $7 suggested donation
Don't miss: From photographers to painters, hundreds of artists show off their work alongside snacks from local restaurants and music from bands such as Sophie B. Hawkins (3 p.m. Saturday) and American English (7:30 p.m. Sunday).
Where: Dearborn Street between Congress Parkway and Polk Street
When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
How much: The festival (produced by Chicago Tribune) and all of its events are free, but some events require tickets. Even if an event is sold out, limited day-of tickets will be available beginning 15 minutes before event time.
Don't miss: Bibliophiles should grab their canvas totes and prepare to hang out with booksellers, publishers, authors and cultural organizers who will host panel discussions, readings and more at this celebration of all things literary.
Where: Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.) and Grant Park (337 E. Randolph St.)
When: 6:30p.m.-9 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday
How much: Free admission
Don't miss: This four-day festival is expected to attract an estimated 500,000 blues fans with a packed lineup of performers organized around the theme "Rollin' Up the River," an exploration of blues music along the Mississippi River.
Where: Multiple venues in Edgewater and Uptown
When: Thursday through June 22
How much: Some events are free; others are ticketed with a maximum price of $15
Don't miss: Many of the works debuting during this multi-disciplinary festival blur the lines between dance, music, art and even cooking.
UPCOMING FESTS: June 12-16: Puerto Rican Festival, Humboldt Park; June 15: Takin' It to the Streets, Marquette Park; June 14-16: Spring Awakening Music Festival, Soldier Field; June 14-16: Taste of Randolph Street, West Loop; June 15-16: SausageFest Chicago, Lakeview; June 15-16: 6 Corners BBQ Fest, Portage Park