If you've been out to festivals the last few weeks, you've got the drill down. Sunscreen? Check. Broken-in flip flops? Check. Cash so you can avoid the ATM fees at the fest? Major check. Now that you're a pro, one of the busiest fest weekends of the season is ready to put you to the test. With food-centric events including Taste of Randolph and 6 Corners BBQ Fest, music fests Spring Awakening and Blues Fest, plus annual favorites Puerto Rican Festival, Wells Street Art Festival and Old Town Art Fair, Chicagoans will be outdoors in 'hoods from Humboldt Park to Portage Park. With so many options, it's time to consult our planner and get strategic about your fest weekend. kbernot@tribune.com | @redeyeeatdrink
#GetFested
OK, Chicago, we're impressed. Your Instagram photos in response to our weekly fest challenge have been great-especially this way over-the-top fest outfit @nikkikinga spotted at Midsommarfest. This week, your challenge is to capture the most colorful part of a fest-the brighter, the better. Don't forget the #GetFested hashtag!
Fiestas Puertorriquenas
When: 3-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Humboldt Park, Division Street and California Avenue
How much: Free to attend
Don't miss: The long-running celebration of Puerto Rican culture returns to Humboldt Park, anchored by the annual Puerto Rican Parade (steps off at 2 p.m. Saturday at Division Street and Western Avenue). In addition to the parade, catch live salsa and merengue music, food, carnival rides and more. With more than 100,000 attendees expected, this is one of the largest fests of the summer.
6 Corner BBQ Fest
When: Noon-10 p.m. Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday
Where: 4000-4080 N. Milwaukee Ave.
How much: $5 suggested donation
Don't miss: Come hungry if you want to make the most of the food vendors, which include Chicago BBQ Company (ribs, pulled pork, smoked sausage), Hops & Barley (barbecued beef sliders and wings), Windor Ice Cream Shop (20 flavors of sundaes, root beer floats) and others. Prices range from $5-$6 for beer to $5-$7 for sandwiches and $6 (sampler) to $20 (full slab) for ribs. Entertainment includes live blues music, a zydeco band, indie rock and a headlining set from The Apache Relay (8 p.m. Sunday).
Taste of Randolph
When: 5-10 p.m. Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: 900 W. Randolph St.
How much: $10 suggested donation
Don't miss: One of the rare festivals that combines both killer food and music, Taste of Randolph has booked headliners Minus The Bear (9 p.m. Friday), Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (7:30 p.m. Friday), Kaiser Chiefs (9 p.m. Saturday) and Delta Spirit (9 p.m. Sunday) along with a dance stage curated by The Mid. Fuel up for dancing with food for purchase from Belly Q, Cone, Grange Hall Burger Bar, Publican Quality Meats and more.
Chicago Blues Fest
When: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday
Where: Grant Park (337 E. Randolph St.)
How much: Free to attend
Don't miss: The largest jazz festival in the country, Chicago Blues Fest returns for a 31st year with Petrillo Music Shell headliners Bettye LaVette (8:15 p.m. Saturday), Aaron Neville (6:45 p.m. Sunday) and Dr. John (8:15 p.m. Sunday), plus a tribute to John Lee Curtis "Sonny Boy" Williamson (8:25 p.m. Friday). Bring your own blanket or lawn chairs (plus non-alcoholic beverages and food) for three days of can't-go-wrong acts, plus food and beverages for purchase.
Spring Awakening
When: 2-11 p.m. Friday; 1-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Drive
How much: Single day passes from $110.87; three day passes sold out except for VIP option ($414.72)
Don't miss: If you want to make the most of three days of packed EDM action, you're going to need a plan. RedEye music reporter Ernest Wilkins breaks the schedule down for you: redeyechicago.com/springawakening
Old Town Art Fair
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Lincoln Avenue and Wisconsin Street
How much: $7 suggested donation
Don't miss: This juried fine art fair returns to Old Town for a 65th summer, featuring 250 artists from across the country, 40 percent of which will be new to the fair this year. Keep an eye out for a food court, live music stage and garden walk as well.
Wells Street Art Festival
When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Wells Street between North Avenue and Division Street
How much: $7 suggested donation
Don't miss: This art fest celebrates its 40th anniversary with more than 225 visual artists, plus performers including Jesse White Tumblers (2 p.m. Saturday), Andrew Belle (6 p.m Saturday) and a lineup of classic rock tribute bands Sunday evening. Neighborhood restaurants will offer food for purchase.