Wicker Park Fest

Lineup

• Ryan Davis & The Roadhouse Band
• The Frights
• Ovlov
• Devon Gilfillian
• Shannon Shaw Band
• Austin TV
• Georgia Maq
• Mexican Slum Rats
• Good Boy Daisy
• The Back Alley
• Future Rootz

Schedule

1. Jul 24 — Friday: Gates 5 PM · Music until 10 PM
2. Jul 25 — Saturday: Gates noon · Music until 10 PM
3. Jul 26 — Sunday: Gates noon · Music until 10 PM · full headliner schedule announced June 23

What to expect

Long-running indie/alternative street fest in Wicker Park, billed as 'Chicago's Best Street Festival of the Summer.' 50+ emerging local and nationally recognized artists performing original music across multiple stages (no cover bands). 200+ participating small businesses including 150+ brick-and-mortar shops, vintage sellers, bookstores. Art installations by local artists, kid-friendly spaces, Pet Fest area, wide range of local food vendors.

Tickets

Free to enter; a $10 suggested donation at the gate is encouraged. Donations support the nonprofit Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce and help offset production costs. Food, drinks, and merch are purchased separately.

Transit

CTA Blue Line → Damen station, drops you at the festival's center. Bus 56 (Milwaukee). Bike: tons of Divvy stations, this is one of the most bikeable festivals in the city.

Bag policy

Bag inspection at entry. Standard street fest rules. Strollers totally welcome.

Family-friendly

Yes — explicit Kids Fest area, Pet Fest activities. Daytime hours (Saturday/Sunday 12–8pm) work great with a baby. Saturday/Sunday afternoons are family time; Friday night and Saturday late evening get younger/drinking heavy.

History

Wicker Park Fest was founded in 2004 by the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce and has grown into the second-largest street festival in Chicago, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each summer to Milwaukee Avenue. The festival has long served as an incubator for emerging talent — many alumni have gone on to headline Pitchfork, Riot Fest, and other major festivals. 2026 marks its 22nd edition, with the music lineup curated by Subterranean, the legendary indie venue anchoring the neighborhood.

Local tips

1. Daytime Saturday + Sunday for the family vibe; Friday evening for the better music bookings
2. Use Damen Blue Line — driving to Wicker Park is brutal during fest weekend
3. Hit the brick-and-mortar shops on Milwaukee — many run weekend specials
4. Pet Fest is genuinely fun — bring leashed dog if you have one
5. Local restaurants set up sidewalk operations — Big Star, Piece, Antique Taco are walking distance

Frequently asked questions

How much does Wicker Park Fest cost?

Entry is free, but organizers request a $10 suggested donation at the gate to help offset the cost of producing the festival. The donation supports the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce and the local community.

What are the festival hours?

Friday (July 24) runs 5–10 PM. Saturday and Sunday (July 25–26) run noon–10 PM. Re-entry is permitted throughout the weekend.

How do I get there by transit?

Take the CTA Blue Line to the Damen stop and walk north half a block, or ride to the Division stop and walk northwest on Milwaukee Avenue. Buses 56 (Milwaukee), 72 (North), 50 (Damen), and 70 (Division) also serve the festival area.

Is Wicker Park Fest all ages?

Yes — the festival is all ages and family-friendly. A Kids Fest area features ladybug releases, mini golf, arts and crafts, and magic acts, with proceeds benefiting Friends of Burr Elementary School.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes — leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome. There is even a dedicated Pet Fest area with activities like paw painting and a dog ice-cream contest, benefiting local rescue organizations.

When is the full lineup announced?

The complete schedule and all performing artists will be announced on June 23, 2026. The 2026 music lineup is curated by Subterranean and will feature 50+ local and nationally recognized artists across multiple stages.