This festival has everything: photography, flaming hula hoops, balloons, sculptures … Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect frame to hang over that one lonely space in your common area or just looking for something to keep you occupied for a few hours this weekend, the 26th annual Bucktown Arts Fest is a weekend best bet.
THE ARTISTS
Though it may be easier said than done in certain time constraints, take your time strolling through the aisles of booths of the more than 200 artists on site displaying their works—everything from paintings, photography and ceramics to sculptures, clothing and jewelry. If you’re on the hunt for some Chicago-centric goodies, stop by the Circa Ceramics booth to gawk at their dinnerware sets with a Chicago flag motif or check out Dan Cuevas’ (Printed Canvas) fun take on hand-painted city landscapes.
THE MUSIC
Yes, there’s plenty of music, too. No, none of the acts are cover bands. Take a break during your shopping excursion to catch a listen of indie shoegazers Kid Million (5 p.m. Saturday) on the main stage and Macie Stewart and members of Kids These Days (5:30 p.m. Sunday) on a brand new stage dedicated to jazz artists.
THE REST
Truly representing art in most, if not all, of its forms, the festival also features a Tai Chi workshop, poetry readings, flaming hula hoops, magicians, ballet performances, Joe the Balloon Guy and more. Keep your eyes peeled throughout the weekend for mind-bending performance art pieces taking place around the park.
Jessica Galliart is the Metromix events producer.
Bucktown Arts Fest
Senior Citizens Memorial Park, 2300 N. Oakley Ave.
Time: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Cost: (Free!)
Info: bucktownartsfest.com
