THIS WEEKEND:
African-Caribbean International Festival of Life
Problem: Your eardrums are on cover-band overload. Solution: IFOL’s lineup of more than 100 international performers. The 14th annual bash also serves up global eats, arts and crafts, exhibits and more. 10 a.m. Friday-Tuesday. $10; $30 fest pass. Washington Park, 5500 S. Cottage Grove Ave. 312-559-1212.
Music highlights: LeToya, Calypso Rose, Dub Dis
Chicago Country Music Festival
You bought “authentic” cowboy boots last fall; before they become a one-season wonder, scoot ’em to this annual music bash that rides alongside Taste. Giddyup to local and national acts. Noon Saturday-Sunday. Free. Grant Park, 300 S. Columbus Drive. 312-744-3315.
Music highlights: Glen Campbell, Jo Dee Messina
Naperville Ribfest
How far would you drive for your favorite food? We’ll put our money on this ‘burb (your burping gives you away). With live music on two stages, 4th of July fireworks (Tuesday), carnival rides and more than 40 food vendors. Noon Saturday-Tuesday. $8; free July 4 after 6 p.m. Knoch Park, 700 S. West St., Naperville.
Music highlights: REO Speedwagon, Sister Hazel, Better than Ezra
Taste of Chicago
You know the drill: Sweaty crowds; a sea of elbows; a napkin drought; and food, food, food. Includes more than 70 restaurants, live music, cooking demos, a wine garden and more; see Page 38 for suggestions on booth buffets. 11 a.m. Friday. Continues through July 9. Free. Grant Park, 300 S. Columbus Drive. 312-744-3370.
Bonus: Race to the Taste Sunday; Independence Eve Fireworks Monday
ON THE RADAR:
Fifth Annual Lake View Music Fest
It’s a newbie in the hierarchy of bashes, and it’s already changed its name once. Formerly known as Wrigleyville’s Addison-Clark Street Fair, Lakeview hosts this bash with continuous live music (10,000 Maniacs, Big Wu), tastings from area restaurants, a fashion show (July 8) and merchant booths. Noon July 8-9. $5 donation. Sheffield Avenue and Addison Street, 3600 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-868-3010.
Wrigleyville Summerfest
Greater Lakeview also hosts another relatively new-on-the-scene fest, this one featuring music by Afrodisiacs and Elevation, a dunking booth, climbing wall, face painting, food vendors and more. Noon July 8. $5. Seminary Avenue (between Roscoe and School Streets), 3309 N. Seminary Avenue. 312-404-3776.
