THIS WEEKEND:
57TH ANNUAL OLD TOWN ART FAIR
Not willing to drop $500 on an abstract, over-the-couch whim? Peek for free while strolling beneath this quaint hood’s leafy canopy at the country’s oldest juried outdoor art fair. Features 260 artists, a garden walk, live music and food vendors. Main gate entry at Lincoln and Wisconsin Avenues. Rain or shine. 10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. $5 donation. Old Town Triangle Park, 1763 N. North Park Ave. 312-337-1938.
Bonus: Create your own foamy masterpiece in the food court.
23RD ANNUAL CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL
We all get the blues. Now you can experience group therapy for free at this annual summer blockbuster. 11 a.m. Thursday-Sunday. Free. Grant Park, 300 S. Columbus Drive. 312-744-3370.
Music highlights: Bettye LaVette, Walter Wolfman Washington and the Roadmasters, Bobby Blue Bland
41ST ANNUAL ANDERSONVILLE MIDSOMMARFEST
Your Nordic knowledge consists of IKEA, meatballs and Jim Henson’s Swedish Chef? Learn more about Swedish heritage–or just rock out. 11 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. $5 donation. Foster Avenue and Clark Street, 5200 N. Clark St. 773-665-4682.
Music highlights: Waco Brothers, Funkadesi and more
32ND ANNUAL WELLS STREET ART FESTIVAL
Party arty at this showcase of fine works by more than 300 national artists. Like to rock while you shop? Live music starts at 1:30 p.m. With a silent auction, food vendors and more. 10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. $5-$7 donation. North Wells Street, 1300 N. Wells St. 773-868-3010. Music highlights: Trippin’ Billies and more
RIBFEST CHICAGO
Warm up your mouth and crack your knuckles for lip-smacking and finger-licking aplenty. This annual Northcenter bash features ribs from local restaurants, live music on two stages and more. Noon Saturday-Sunday. $5 donation. Lincoln Avenue and Irving Park Road, 4000 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-525-3609.
Music highlights: French Kicks, The Changes, The M’s
ST. MIKE’S CELEBRATION
You don’t have to wear your Sunday best to this church outing. Listen to live music and scarf Home Run Inn Pizza and Hecky’s barbecue from the food court. 6 p.m. Friday; noon Saturday-Sunday. $10. Proceeds benefit church restoration. St. Michael’s Church, 1633 N. Cleveland Ave. 312-642-2498.
Music highlights: Hairbanger’s Ball, Too White Crew
ON THE RADAR:
CHICAGO SUMMER-DANCE FESTIVAL
This year, the Nomadic DJ Series returns as a roaming session at multiple city venues (Petrillo Band Shell, Daley Plaza, more) on various days. The rest of the details remain the same: 11 weeks of alfresco, hourlong dance lessons followed by live music. 6 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 4 p.m. Sundays. June 15-Aug. 27. See metromix.com for music and details. Free. Grant Park, Spirit of Music Garden, 601 S. Michigan Ave. 312-742-4007.
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RKPALMORE@TRIBUNE.COM
