Northalsted Market Days
When: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Where: Halsted Street and Belmont Avenue
Entry: Varies (see below)
Get there: No. 77 Belmont bus; Belmont Red Line “L” stop
The basics: If you want to see headlining acts Jody Watley and En Vogue at the 28th annual Boystown bash, be prepared to shell out $30 or $50. Here’s the deal: While a $7 suggested donation gets you into the main fest (three stages of live music, hundreds of vendors, etc.), the aforementioned fourth stage is not accessible (and partially hidden from view) without a VIP blessing. Two-tier prices include one drink ($30) or two drinks and premium viewing ($50). And yes, we agree: It’s crazy-expensive. 773-868-3010.
Don’t miss: Rock Candy, Eric Himan, Village People, BMR4 and tons more on non-VIP stages.
MORE FESTIVALS
Belize Day in the ParkGet a taste of Belizean beats and traditional foods at the 29th annual party. Also features live music, DJs and vendors. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Washington Park, 5700 S. King Drive. 773-881-0412.
Fiesta del SolThe House of Sol DJ stage returns for a third year with mixmasters Carlos Vazquez (Friday), Andre Harris (Saturday), Johnny Fiasco (Sunday) and more. Food vendors, bands and artists also highlight the 37th annual Pilsen street fest, which is alcohol- and smoke-free. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. 1400 W. Cermak Rd. 312-666-2663.
Gold Coast Art Fair
Peruse works by more than 300 juried artists at the 52nd annual event in the River North gallery district. Food and wine vendors and live music add a festival feel. Noon-5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. 700 N. LaSalle St. 847-926-4300.
Milwaukee Avenue Arts FestivalThis inaugural Logan Square fest is equal parts sidewalk sale, art exhibition, craft show, food fair and music fest. There’s even a beer garden at the northern edge of the 1.5-mile stretch of Milwaukee at Ridgeway Avenue. Don’t miss a farmers market (Sunday) and live music from Jim Becker (Friday), Judson Claiborne (Saturday) and Cave (Sunday). Noon-11 p.m. Friday-Sunday. 773-365-3535.
Retro on RoscoeChili — and lots of it — spices up the 15th annual fest. Try samples from more than 25 cooks (1-3 p.m. daily for $5). Also, three stages of live music feature bands like Bad Examples (Saturday) and Sixteen Candles (Sunday), while vendors sell art, antiques and food, and an antique car show boasts more than 50 hot wheels. Noon-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $5; Roscoe Street from Damen to Oakley Avenues. 773-665-4682.
