Chicago, IL

Enjoy the Start of Summer at the 57th Annual Andersonville's Midsommarfest This Weekend in Chicago

Natalie Frank, Ph.D.

This year boasts five stages, and plenty of merchants and food sellers along with new roller-skating rink and Pride stage

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Photo byJoey ThompsononUnsplash

Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood is gearing up to host the 57th edition of the highly anticipated Midsommarfest, one of the city's oldest and most popular street festivals. This year, the festival brings exciting new features, including a roller skating rink and an "Urban Pride" stage. Taking place from June 9 to June 11, Midsommarfest promises a weekend filled with vibrant activities, diverse acts, and family-friendly entertainment.

Midsommarfest will transform Clark Street north of Foster Avenue into a lively celebration of Andersonville's Swedish heritage and the community's vibrant spirit. The festival will kick off on Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., followed by full-day festivities from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

A highlight of this year's Midsommarfest is the newly introduced Roller Skating At Midsommarfest. Located in the parking lot at Cheetah Gym on Clark Street, festival-goers can enjoy an hour-long skate session along with skate rental. Tickets for the roller skating experience are available for $20, and advance purchase is recommended to secure a spot.

Another exciting addition to the festival is the Urban Pride Stage, situated at the corner of Clark Street and Rascher Avenue. This stage will showcase electrifying drag performances and a lineup of talented DJs, offering a fusion of house, Latin, and Bollywood music.

The Urban Pride Stage will host the "Drag Is Not A Crime — Night of Joy" program on Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring drag queen Lucy Stoole as the host. This family-friendly event celebrates the trans and gender non-conforming community, featuring face painting, manicures, a drag show, and a dance party.

The festival's child's area, located in Alamo Shoes' parking lot, promises a delightful experience for young attendees. The kid's area will offer music, a Disney-themed drag show, a pet parade, and the exciting performance of the Jesse White Tumblers. Families can expect a wide range of entertainment options tailored to children.

Midsommarfest is renowned for its exceptional lineup of musical acts and entertainment across multiple stages. Attendees can look forward to an array of performances, including Dancing Queen: An Abba Salute, Sixteen Candles, JC Brooks, and Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press. The festival aims to provide an eclectic mix of music genres to cater to diverse tastes.

With an estimated attendance of up to 80,000 guests, Midsommarfest has become a beloved tradition that brings together the Andersonville community and visitors from across Chicago. The festival suggests a $10 donation, which goes toward supporting organizations such as the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, Care For Real, and Helix Education

For more information about the weekend lineup, click here.

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# Lifestyle# Entertainment# Summer Festivals# Drag Queens# Diversity

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