Andersonville Midsommarfest Returns on June 12

Andersonville Midsommarfest

One of Chicago’s most legendary street festivals and Andersonville’s quintessential yearly celebration, Andersonville Midsommarfest, returns for its 50th year on June 12 through June 14.

The yearly event will gather enthusiastic Chicagoans for a weekend filled with tangy international food, energetic entertainment, exclusive artisans and vendors, and a family-friendly array of interactive activities. The neighborhood’s lively LGBT population also makes Midsommarfest one of the most diverse festivals in Chicago. There is really something for everyone at this must-attend festivity.

Born out of Andersonville’s Swedish heritage, Midsommarfest will transport you back to the old-world Swedish traditions. Dance around the Maypole, test flavorful international food — and you can experience it all without the use of a passport! Plus, family friendly activities will allow for children of all ages to enjoy a pet parade and face painting, all while appreciating a beautiful June weekend. Midsommarfest is organized by the award-winning event planning company, StarEvents.

Suggested donation is $10 and all the proceeds benefit the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce. The money raised at Midsommarfest goes to support programming and events in Andersonville during the rest of the year, including Andersonville Arts Weekend, holiday events, the Sidewalk Sale, and support services to keep incredible local businesses healthy and strong.

Midsommarfest will be held on Friday, June 12, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, June 13 & 14, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. 3200 N. Clark St. @ Foster.

Anchored by the Swedish American Museum and home to one of the city’s largest gay and lesbian communities, Andersonville is recognized for its diversity. With a quirky atmosphere and distinctive flavor, the area has quickly become one of the North Side’s most popular neighborhoods.

Distinctive to Andersonville is a lack of national chains. In fact, the neighborhood’s commercial district is made up almost entirely of independent, locally-owned businesses. Between its specialty bakeries, dynamic bar scene and incredible array of stylish boutiques, Andersonville is a thriving example of colorful urban living.

Along Clark Street’s fabled “restaurant strip,” you will find craft brew emporium Hopleaf Bar, epic brunch spot m. henry and some of the city’s best comfort food at Big Jones. Hamburger Mary’s is famous for its lively dining atmosphere and outstanding ground chuck. In addition, Hamburger Mary’s hosts award-winning stage shows at an in-house theater, which is precisely the kind of eccentric charm that you can expect in Andersonville.

Other highlights in Andersonville include the the Yannell House, an architecturally beautiful zero net energy home. Opened in 2008, it is the greenest house in America. Please note this is a private residence. You might also want to stop by Foursided on North Clark Street. An offshoot of their original Lakeview location, Foursided in Andersonville offers custom framing, unique art and gifts, and antiques in a store that is a self-professed ‘ultimate curiosities emporium.’ Hungry? Visit Anteprima, also on North Clark Street. This popular restaurant serves honest-to-goodness, Italian home-style cooking, skillfully prepared with respect for the finest ingredients its chefs can search out. The menu changes often based on what’s best in the market. Their bias is toward local and organic producers.

 

 

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