July 24--What young singles know as "street fairs" become "summer festivals" after we have children -- somehow it sounds family-friendlier. Here are two of the best fests for families this weekend.
Wicker Park Fest
From a bungee run to henna tattoos to Chess Wizards, Wicker Park Fest offers activities that are better than the typical kids programming at street festivals. Deep Fried Pickle supervises musical instrument-making 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 3:30 Sunday; Mad Science will conduct experiments 2:30 to 3:30 Saturday. At other times, Kids Table will oversee food creations; One Strange Bird will have crafts; Children's Learning Place will offer toddler-centric activities. Noon to 6 p.m. both days, Kids Fest activities will abound (benefiting Jonathan Burr Elementary, specifically to improve technology and programming) at Milwaukee Avenue and Wolcott Avenue. The larger fest ranges along Milwaukee Avenue from North Avenue to Paulina Street. Noon to 10 p.m. $5 suggested donation. See wickerparkbucktown.com.
Taste of Lincoln Avenue
Parents can regale their children with tales of their single nights at Double Door in the '90s when Liquid Soul performs at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Then they can take the kids home to a baby sitter and return for another blast from their singleton past: The Freddy Jones Band performing at 8 p.m. But enough about parents -- this fest has a kids carnival! Weave past the three music stages, or enter on Halsted Street and head to Altgeld, where you'll find a giant slide, pony rides, entertainers, face-painting, arts and crafts, and more. Entertainment and admission to the kids carnival are free, but tickets must be purchased for games, arts and crafts, and other activities. Noon to 10 p.m. $10 gate donation benefits the Wrightwood Neighbors Association. See tasteoflincolnchicago.com.
