Pilsen Fest routinely brings thousands to the neighborhood. Carolina Sánchez/ Pilsen Fest

Pilsen Fest Returns To Highlight Neighborhood’s Culture And Latinx Talent This Weekend

The festival is expected to draw thousands to the neighborhood.

Aug 14, 2019 7:59AM CDT Pilsen, Little Village, West Loop

Pilsen, Little Village and West Loop reporter mauricio@blockclubchi.org

PILSEN — Pilsen Fest, celebrating the neighborhood’s unique culture and Latinx talent, is expected to draw thousands to the 18th Street this weekend.

The ninth annual fest, which runs from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 18th Street and Blue Island Avenue, will feature a diverse lineup of musicians to the stage under the theme “one village, one sound.”

Celso Piña, Sussie4, Little Jesus, Los Master Plus, DJ Orange Calderon, Marcelo C. Baez, Decima, the Rewrites, the Mini Projects, Wilde, Seres De Luz and Cuize FX are among the many performers set to perform.

The outdoor fest will also include tasty eats from neighborhood vendors, theater performances, printmaking, crafts and more.

“Pilsen Fest symbolizes the type of diversity, solidarity and unity that can be found throughout the whole Pilsen neighborhood,” fest director Esmirna Garcia said.

The ninth annual Pilsen Fest comes to 18th Street this weekend.

An attendee shops at a previous Pilsen Fest.

Pilsen Fest is free, but attendees will be asked to give an optional $5 donation when entering. The donation benefits the Pilsen Community Market.

Pilsen Fest aims to promote and preserve Pilsen’s heritage as a historic port of entry for thousands of Latino and Mexican immigrants. El BeiSMan magazine is a partner of the annual festival.