Andersonville’s Midsommarfest Returns This Weekend With New Roller Skating Rink And Pride Stage

ANDERSONVILLE — One of the city’s oldest and most popular street fests returns to Andersonville this weekend with new features including a roller skating rink and “Urban Pride” stage.

The 57th edition of Andersonville Midsommarfest will take over Clark Street north of Foster Avenue Friday through Sunday. Midsommarfest kicks off 5-10 p.m. Friday and will run from noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Midsommarfest features five stages of live music and entertainment plus dozens of food vendors, artisan vendors and merchants, according to the event organizers with the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce.

New to this year’s fest is Roller Skating At Midsommarfest, which will take over the parking lot at Cheetah Gym, 5248 N. Clark St. Tickets are $20 for an hour-long skate session plus skate rental and can be purchased here. Walk-ups will be subject to availability.

Also new this year is the Urban Pride Stage. Located at the corner of Clark Street and Rascher Avenue, it will feature drag performances and a lineup of DJs playing a mix of house, Latin and Bollywood music.

Midsommarfest will feature a program called “Drag Is Not A Crime — Night of Joy.” Hosted by drag queen Lucy Stoole, it will take place from 4-9 p.m. Friday and feature a family-friendly celebration of the trans and gender non-conforming community with face painting and manicures, a drag show and dance party.

Credit: Kathleen Hinkel/Block Club Chicago

The annual summer street fest that highlights Andersonville’s Swedish heritage also includes a kids area in Alamo Shoes’ parking lot that will host music, a Disney-themed drag show, pet parade and the Jesse White Tumblers.

Musical acts performing at Midsommarfest include Dancing Queen: An Abba Salute, Sixteen Candles, JC Brooks, and Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press.

Midsommarfest is expected to host as many as 80,000 guests over the weekend. The fest includes a $10 suggested donation that supports groups including the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, Care For Real and Helix Education.

For more on the fest and its full lineup, click here.

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