Wicker Park Fest is one of Chicago’s most anticipated street festivals of the summer. The annual festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors from around Chicagoland because of its elite concert line-up, wide array of arts, crafts, and retail vendors, and delicious food and drink from around the the city. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re heading to Wicker Park Fest this weekend!
Dates & Times
Friday, July 28th | 5pm – 10pm
Saturday, July 29th | 12pm – 10pm
Sunday, July 30th | 12pm – 10pm
Where
Wicker Park, obviously. The fest takes place on Milwaukee Ave. between Paulina St. and Damen Ave. You can enter from the Northwest gate near Damen and North Ave or from the Southeast gate on Milwaukee and Paulina. The festival itself is free admissions but organizers request a $10 donation that goes toward production of the festival annually.
How to Get There
As is the case with most public events in Chicago there are a few different ways you can get to Wicker Park Fest. Uber/Lyft is the easiest, simply call one to somewhere near the fest and boom you’re there. I suggest maybe setting your drop off location to Milwaukee and Ashland and walking the remaining block and a half to avoid potential congestion.
If you are looking to take public transportation, the stretch of Milwaukee the festival is on is incredibly friendly to both “L” and bus riders. Those taking the “L” can take the blue line to either the Division or Damen stops. Both are within a block of the festival entrance. Those looking to take the bus can take the Milwaukee 56, North 72, Damen 50, or Division 70 bus to one of two major intersections—Division/Ashland/Milwaukee to the Southeast or Damen/North/Milwaukee to the Northwest.
It’s shaping up to be a gorgeous weekend so cyclists can safely ride their bike to the fest where designated bike parking will be provided. Additionally, there are Divvy stations within walking distance of festival entrances.
What to Listen To
Wicker Park Fest’s biggest draw is its music lineup. Every Chicago street festival has music. But Wicker Park fest has MUSIC. With an three stages, and an extensive lineup for not one, but all three days, it’s easily the summer fest series music lovers circle on the calendar. I mean, who doesn’t love Post Sex Nachos.
What to Eat & Drink
Wicker Park Fest’s 2023 food vendors include an eclectic bunch of Chicago favorites, including:
- Blackhawk BBQ & Seafood
- Genoa Italian Concession
- Island Noodles Chicago*
- Beat Kitchen on the Riverwalk
- Bacci Pizzeria
- Suzie’s Fun Foods
- Harold’s Chicken Food Truck
- Lee Concessions
- All Belgium
- The Delta*
- Maldo Latin Grill
- 5411 Empanadas
And to wash it all down, enjoy Goose Island Beer favorites and more!
What to Do After
Wicker Park Fest’s location puts it in perfect position for you to bounce around afterwards and enjoy a fun-filled day or evening. 2023 After Parties include Smoke Daddy, Subterranean, Fatpour Tap Works, Swig Chicago, Nick’s, Gold Star Bar, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed at Wicker Park Fest? Yes. We ask that you please keep your pup leashed & clean up after them.
Can I re-enter Wicker Park Fest? Yes.
I want to stay for the weekend of the Fest. Where can I stay? Check out the hotels & lodging in the Neighborhood.
Are there street closures I should prepare for? Yes, please click this link to learn about when and where you might need to park or take different roads.
Why do I have to pay $10? We have a suggested $10 donation at the gate, which helps offset the costs of WPF and let’s face it, the porta potties don’t pay for themselves. Learn more about the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce and how it supports the WPB community.
Featured Image Credit: Wicker Park Fest