Do-Division Street Fest & Sidewalk Sale returns for an eighth consecutive year. Shopping is merely one diversion at the signature West Town music festival booked by Empty Bottle and Subterranean. With three days of non-stop live music on two stages, the $5 suggested donation for admittance is one of the steals of the summer concert season.
In addition to the bands and shops, Do-Division boasts all the remaining elements of a great Chicago street fest: local restaurants, artisans, and family fun, as well as a dedicated “Do-Fashion” area. Spanning 10 city blocks on Division from Ashland to Leavitt, the 2014 edition is set to give the 75,000 anticipated attendees a taste of what makes West Division Street one of the hottest neighborhood corridors in Chicago.
The Music The music at Do Division Street Fest features original bands – from cutting edge to national touring acts – and djs continuously on two stages from Friday to Sunday. Music critics and fans alike typically rate the lineup among the best of the music fest season – and it only cost a fraction of the ticket price as most of the others (a $5 suggested donation is asked for admittance). The two live music main stages are programmed by Empty Bottle Presents and Subterranean.
Do-Division Family Fun Fest Do-Division Family Fun Fest is the family and kid-friendly area of one of the City’s signature street festivals: Do-Division Street Fest. This is the 6th year Friends of Pritzker and LaSalle II PTO are organizing this event. The Family Fun Fest occupies one and one-half blocks on Hoyne Avenue between Division and Crystal and on Crystal between Hoyne and Damen. The event includes popular festival attractions such as pony rides, face painting, and balloon animals, train rides, arts and crafts, and mini golf, as well as locally sourced vendors and artists. Plus boogie on down at the main stage with Environmental Encroachment, Mary Macaroni, Trinity Irish Dancers and more.
The Sidewalk Sale Division Street between Ashland and Leavitt is packed with salons, spas, cafes, bakeries and boutiques in addition to droves of popular restaurants that can satisfy any craving. Throughout the weekend, many of the local merchants participate in an elaborate sidewalk sale outside their shops that spans the full length of the fest. They will offer great deals on everything from local designer garments to fine hand-made jewelry.
Do-Fashion Fest Do-Fashion returns for three days dedicated to the latest styles from the Do-Division corridor. Do-Fashion will take place Friday through Sunday on Hoyne Street (just off Division), and feature a who’s who of Division Street designer pop-up shops and merchandise. The highlight here will be the Do-Fashion Runway Shows – happening frequently throughout the weekend – showcasing the hottest kids, teen and adult seasonal looks exclusively from the Do-Division corridor.
Friday: 5 – 10 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday: 12 – 10 p.m. Family Fun Fest: 12 – 6 p.m. (Saturday & Sunday only)
Photo credit: REP3 Photography
