Chicago is renowned for its summer event season. With winters lasting for what often seems like an eternity, once temperatures rise, we get it in. So while you’re debating which outdoor restaurant to visit, scan through Ground Lift’s picks for must-see events for the next few months. Everything from Festivals featuring Common, Little Dragon, Budos Band, & Keys N Krates, to a couple choice Pilsen Arts district based events where you’ll see lowriders and drink craft beers.
Brew Ha Ha. June 25, 2011 @ Chicago Urban Art Society 2229 S. Halsted, 2pm-7pm
This event just may be the best $10 dining decision you’ve ever made. Chef Won Kim’s Annual Brew Ha Ha takes over The Chicago Urban Art Society’s exhibition / gallery space for an afternoon of palette quenching eats, locally crafted beers (Low Dive, Powell Brewing, Brutally Honest Brewing), and whiskey (Angel’s Envy). As Won will tell you, “get ready to really f@#% your taste buds.” Indeed.
West Fest July 9/10, 2011 @ Chicago Avenue between Damen and Wood, 12-10pm
West Fest is always a good warm up fest for Pitchfork. This year’s lineup boasts a solid selection of indie bands (Local H & King Khan headline Saturday / Sunday respectively, Chicago Soul legend Syl Johnson plays Sunday evening) and an impressively booked dance music DJ stage. Derrick Carter, Drop the Lime, & Juan McLean DJ Set top the bill, supported by local favs including Intel & Pickel, Darkwave Disco, Diz, John Simmons, & Striz. Expect booty sweats.
Slow and Low: Lowrider Event August 14, 2011 @ Pilsen’s Creative Industry Disctrict, 11am-7pm. Car Cruise 7pm-8pm
If you’re already humming War’s song “Lowrider” then this is probably the event for you. Since the early 1900’s Lowriders have been an important part of Chicano life, and Slow & Low takes a closer look at the culture, community, and art flourishing in Chicago’s Lowrider scene. Located in Pilsen’s Creative Industry District, the event finale features a “Car Cruise” through the neighborhood. Switches will be hit.
North Coast Music Festival September 2-4 @ Union Park 1501 W. Randolph, 12-10pm
In one year of existence, North Coast has quickly risen in the ranks of music fests worldwide. 2010’s lineup broke into new ground programming-wise and as we hoped they would, the organizers upped the ante in 2011. When read all at once, the schedule almost makes your brain explode. Try it here. What else needs to be said? Don’t sleep, tickets sell out quick.
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