This weekend's line-up is a Chex Mix of fests: a little something for everyone based on your interests. One of those boho environmental types? Head to Wicker Park Green Music Fest. Looking to shake your half-clothed self until you collapse in a pile of glitter? Go directly to Pride Fest. Interested in exploring urban planning, physical space and culture? Yep, there's even Version Festival for that, plus Gold Coast Art Fair, A Day in the Country at Hideout and Tap Beer Festival. Consult our guide below, and forgive us if we just inspired a major craving for Chex Mix.
kbernot@tribune.com @redeyeeatdrink
#GetFested
We're helping you make the most of fests this summer by issuing a mini-challenge each week. Snap a photo on Instagram and tag it #GetFested for a chance to have it featured in the paper. Last week, we asked for fest photos that made great use of color, and we give major props to @ehm_ehf who MacGyvered herself a stronger sangria at Taste of Randolph. Cheers! This week, we want to see your most outrageous selfies-don't forget the hashtag when posting!
When: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday
Where: Halsted Street between Belmont Avenue and Addison Street
How much: $8 suggested donation; $45 single-day VIP ticket includes donation, shirt, two beverage tickets and access to VIP area
Don't miss: This 12th annual LGBT celebration takes place the weekend before Pride Parade (Sunday, June 29) and features three stages of entertainment. Look out for rising Australian star Betty Who (6 p.m. Saturday), Glee's Alex Newell (4:30 p.m. Sunday) and Chicago native Jennifer Hudson (2:30 p.m. Saturday). The North Stage features live drag shows both days, while the Waveland stage hosts DJ acts.
When: Noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Damen Avenue between North Avenue and Schiller Street
How much: $5 suggested donation
Don't miss: This music/green living festival features two stages programmed by neighborhood club Subterranean, including one stage with amps and lights powered by riders on eight stationary bicycles. Listen up for headliners Guided by Voices (8:30 p.m. Saturday), Chicago post-punk rockers Meat Wave (4 p.m. Saturday) and Nashville indie rockers Moon Taxi (8:30 p.m. Sunday).
Version Festival
When: Saturday through June 29
Where: Various locations
How much: Some events are free to attend; others ticketed $5-$20
Don't miss: This 13th annual festival, centered in the Bridgeport neighborhood, tackles local urban and social issues through art, urban planning and old-fashioned talking with your neighbors. This year, join activists, artists, gardeners and creative professionals for events such as a Renegade-organized craft fair (noon-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Mana Contemporary Chicago, 2233 S. Throop St.), an electronic music showcase (8 p.m.-midnight Saturday at Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St.), neighborhood tours and more. Schedule and additional details: versionfest.org
Gold Coast Art Fair
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Grant Park's Butler Field, Lake Shore Drive and Monroe St.
How much: $5 suggested donation
Don't miss: More than 300 artists from around the globe set up shop in Grant Park for this annual juried art fair, which also features art demonstrations and live music.
A Day In The Country
When: 1-11 p.m. Saturday
Where: Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave.
How much: $10 tickets available at ticketfly.com
Don't miss: This seventh annual country music bash feature performers from across the country spectrum, including Nora O'Connor (5 p.m.), The Lawrence Peters Outfit (6 p.m.), Sanctified Grumblers (2:45 p.m.) and others. Fill up on barbecue from County Barbeque, sweets from Bang Bang Pie Shop and Lagunitas beer.
Wicker Park Bucktown Tap Beer Festival
When: 1-5 p.m. Sunday
Where: 1st Ward at Chop Shop, 2033 W. North Ave.
How much: $40 tickets available online at wickerparkbucktown.com/neighborhood-events/wpb-tap2014
Don't miss: This beer festival focused on bars and breweries from Wicker Park and Bucktown returns for a second year, this time in Chop Shop's event space, 1st Ward. Your ticket includes 10 six-ounce beer samples, music and a commemorative glass. Expect pours from Map Room, Piece, Pipeworks Brewing Co. and more than a dozen others.
See RedEye's full summer fest schedule.