What’s next in this week’s rendition of Summer’s Never Ending Festivals?
Jeff Fest!
Jefferson Park’s very own music festival has us buzzing with excitement for the upcoming weekend. The festival is set for three days worth of live entertainment, delicious local food, domestic and craft beers, a designated Kid’s Zone, live art, and bags. Plus, it’s only $5. Here’s a breakdown:
Live Entertainment
Each day of Jeff Fest has a musical theme accompanying it, and the acts seem to get better every day.
Friday (80s Night)
- Eliminator
- Blackened – Metallica Tribute Band
Saturday (Eclectic Mix)
- Leonum
- The Empty Pockets
- Jonathan Jackson + Enation
- The Student Body – Cover band ripped out of your high school yearbook pages
Sunday (70s Disco, Buffet covers, and Soul)
- Pirates Over 40 – Buffet, mix of rock & oldies
- The Shagadelics – 70’s cover band
- JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound – Soul
Food
Looking at the list of vendors is enough to make your mouth water almost instantly. Jeff Fest has burgers, ribs, cupcakes, pizza, hot dogs, and much more. On top of these classics, the fest will have a rotating schedule of food trucks to keep things fresh. You may want to start working out in preparation.
- Gale Street Inn
- Leadbelly Burgers
- Caponies
- Smilin Dawgs
- Creative Cooking
- Chicago Cupcake
Beer
Jeff Fest has partnered with Bud Light, Goose Island, and Lagunitas to bring a variety of classic domestic and craft beers to festivalgoers.
Kid’s Zone
There’s almost more action at the Kid’s Zone than the rest of the fest put together, and that’s saying something. The Summer Stage and Kid’s Zone area will have performances and activities from Chicago Ballet Center, Youth Company Chicago, and John Yost Drum Circle (you can bring your own drum, which is awesome) among others.
Arts
The festival committee places a large emphasis on local arts as Jefferson Park is home to a number of theaters, concert venues, galleries, and public art installations.
And that’s about it! If you’re under 12, over 65, or a dude who goes by the name of Jeff (not kidding), the fest is free. Otherwise, it’s $5.
You can find more info at their official site, Jefffest.org.
Jeff Fest takes place on Friday, July 24th (6 pm – 11 pm), Saturday (noon – 11 pm) and Sunday (noon – 8 pm) on the grounds of Jefferson Memorial Park at 4822 N. Long Avenue.