Those first few weekends of fests? Just warm-ups. Do-Division and Maifest mark the first "big" summer fest weekend, offering the chance to catch top acts such as JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound, High On Fire and J Mascis (of Dinosaur Jr.) while dancing on asphalt and clutching a plastic cup of beer. This weekend also offers artsy options including Millennium Arts Festival and Pivot Arts Festival, plus some taco goodness in Little Village. With a little something for everyone, there's no excuse not to hit the pavement this weekend.
kbernot@tribune.com | @redeyeeatdrink
#GetFested
Each weekend, we challenge you to make the most of the fest lineup with a (mini) quest. Last week, we asked you to show us your best vintage finds at Randolph Street Market. Nice work, @boltedmke, who scored this great Yves Saint Laurent necklace. This weekend, show us what you're eating or drinking at the fests-and make sure to use the hashtag #GetFested when posting on Instagram or Twitter.
Do-Division Street Fest & Sidewalk Sale
Where: Division Street between Ashland Avenue and Leavitt Street
When: 5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
How much: $5 suggested donation
Don't miss: Programmed by Empty Bottle and Subterranean, it's no wonder Do-Division's two-stage music lineup is annually one of the best of the summer. This year is no exception, with contemporary soul group JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound (8:45 p.m. Friday), rock and soul band The O'My's (5:45 p.m. Friday) and L.A. hip-hop group People Under The Stairs (8:30 p.m. Sunday) all set to perform. Looking for a fest-worthy summer outfit? An eight-block-long sidewalk sale puts local boutiques front and center.
Where: 2361 W. Leland Ave
When: 5-9:30 p.m. Thursday, 5-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-10 p.m. Sunday
How much: Free to attend
Don't miss: Everyone can pretend to be a little bit German at Lincoln Square's annual beer-and-music fest, which includes plenty of steins, lederhosen and sausages. A few bands perform Thursday evening, but the festivities really kick off Friday with a keg tapping and opening ceremony at 6 p.m.
Where: 2600 S. Kostner Ave.
When: 6-11 p.m. Friday, 3-10 p.m. Saturday, 3-9 p.m. Sunday
How much: Free to attend
Don't miss: I mean, it's a taco festival. Need we say more? Feast on tortilla-wrapped treats including pork carnitas from La Mexicana and gorditas and enchiladas from Juanita's Mexican Foods. Carnival rides, crafts and a full line-up of Latin music round out the Little Village festival.
Where: Lake Street at Michigan Avenue
When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
How much: Free to attend
Don't miss: More than 100 artists display their sculpture, jewelry, paintings and more at this annual art fair located near Millennium Park. Browse the art, listen to some live music and decamp for a post-fest picnic.
Where: Various locations throughout Uptown, Rogers Park and Edgewater
When: Wednesday, May 28-June 14
How much: Prices vary; many events are free to attend
Don't miss: Music, theater and dance converge around this year's theme: Art Meets Science. Dozens of events span the two-week festival, including The Ecology of Eating, a two-show exploration of food (Multiple dates and times at Alternatives [4730 N. Sheridan Road]); The Acoustics of House dance party headlined by Baathhaus (May 31, 8 p.m. at Flats Studio [1050 W. Wilson Ave.]); and performances by The Dance Colective (Multiple dates at times at Swift School [5900 N. Winthrop Ave.]).
See our full summer fest schedule here.