14th Annual Retro on Roscoe
When: Noon Saturday-Sunday
Where: Roscoe Street from Damen Avenue to Leavitt Street, in Roscoe Village
Entry: $5
Get there: No. 50 Damen bus; Addison Brown Line “L” stop
The basics: This tranquil, tree-lined Roscoe Village strip is loaded with boutiques, so expect (or brace yourself for) a good side of shopping when Roscoe Street gets a fest-focused makeover. More than 30 bands play on three stages; 16 Candles and Hairbangers Ball appear both nights. Also hear Dot Dot Dot (Saturday) and Funkadesi (Sunday). Piazza Bella Trattoria, Costello Sandwich & Sides and Turquoise Restaurant are among the 16 food vendors. Want more retro? Check out the antique car show.
Don’t miss: The Windy City Chili Cook-Off, which includes all-you-can-eat samples from 25 competitors for just $5 each day.
MORE FESTIVALS
Belize Day in the Park. Spend Sunday in Washington Park for this 28th annual event with DJs, merchants, ethnic food and live Belizean music.
Fiesta del Sol. Salute the sun in the streets of Pilsen Thursday through Sunday at this alcohol-free bash with music, food and artwork. Don’t miss the nightly House of Sol DJ lineup, featuring Julius “The Mad Thinker,” Michael Serafini and others. Thursday night’s Noche de Rock, featuring bands Pastilla, Goodbye Satellite, La Brecha, Malafacha and others, is also a best bet. Cermak Road between Loomis and Morgan streets.
* Lollapalooza 2008. Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine, Nine Inch Nails, Kanye West, Wilco and a dizzying number of others play to sweaty crowds for three days in Grant Park. Check metro mix.com all weekend for reviews, photos and video. Turn to Page 28 for our interview with local Lolla act Kid Sister.
* Serbfest. Try Serbian cuisine Saturday and Sunday at this cultural bash on the grounds of the Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral on the Far North Side. Beer and wine vendors are on hand.
Uptown Summer Unity Festival. The 14th annual neighborhood fest moves to Clarendon Park this year due to construction at Truman College. The Saturday affair includes food and music ranging from gospel to rock, R&B, funk, blues and jazz.
