The Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest is returning to Rogers Park this weekend, marking its 25th edition. The free annual fest allows attendees to shop artwork from over 150 artists, take in over 25 live music and dance performances, and attend live arts demonstrations.
Festival Details
The festival will take place near the intersection of Morse and Glenwood avenues from 6-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. This year’s fest marks a big milestone for what has become the most anticipated event in Rogers Park, organizers said.
The event started in 2002, the same year Rogers Park neighbors and artists formed the Glenwood Avenue Arts District, which is home to multiple murals, public art installations, and beloved local theaters and businesses. Among the district officials’ first decisions was to stage a festival, then called The Outrageous Open Studio Walk & Succulent Street Fair. In 2005, it was renamed the Glenwood Ave Arts Fest.
During the pandemic in 2020, the festival turned into a parade bringing art installations and bands through the neighborhood. When it first started, there were only about 10 vendors. It has grown considerably since then, attracting an estimated 15,000 people annually to Glenwood Avenue, organizers have said.
Commemorating 25 Years
To commemorate the 25th anniversary, the festival is selling a special T-shirt. The shirt is $25 and the purchase price includes a poster. There will also be a new collaboration beer with Half Acre Beer Company — called the Cobblestone Pilsner, a reference to Glenwood Avenue’s brick-strewn street — that will be available at the fest. Proceeds from its sale will benefit the Glenwood Avenue Arts Association.
Performers include the band Funkadesi and Oweleater. The Chicago Swordplay Guild will also perform Saturday morning. There will also be a kids’ activities area and open studio hours. A full line-up of performances can be found on the organization’s Facebook page.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
