Edgewater’s first large-scale street fest in 6 years brings tunes & eats to Broadway

The inaugural Edgewater Music Fest is set to energize Chicago's festival scene from Friday, September 5, through Sunday, September 7, featuring more than 35 original acts. Organized by the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce and in collaboration with Kickstand Productions, this three-day event will span Broadway from Thorndale Avenue to Ardmore Avenue, offering live music and over 80 local vendors. According to the press release, this marks the chamber’s first large-scale street festival in six years.

Headlining the fest are prominent artists like punk icon Laura Jane Grace with the Mikey Erg 3 and Chicago rapper Ric Wilson. The lineup is rounded out by Cincinnati-based glam rockers Foxy Shazam. Local acts, including 90's punk rock band Sludgeworth, drag queen-led Bev Rage & The Drinks, and indie-emo duo OK Cool, promise to entertain diverse audiences.

Garrett Karp, Executive Director of the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, said in the announcement, “Edgewater has been craving a dynamic street festival for quite some time. Not just the same copy-and-paste fest we see in other places. We're excited to launch a new music-centric experience that feels edgy and exciting, features local food & drinks, and will bring tens of thousands of visitors and new economic investment into our business districts."

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Designed to attract thousands of visitors, the Edgewater Music Fest will support local businesses by increasing foot traffic and driving sales, the announcement states. The Chamber considers it an investment in Edgewater's economy, with funds generated contributing to community projects and initiatives.

The festival will be open Friday from 5–10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 12–10 p.m., with a suggested $10 entry donation supporting the nonprofit Edgewater Chamber of Commerce. For more information about performers and the schedule, visit edgewatermusicfest.org.