West Fest 2008

Date: August 9-10, 2008 Cost: $5 donation Organizer: West Town Chamber of Commerce What to expect: Look for local bands, local food and a hip, artsy vibe.

Why to go: It's perfect for pet owners. In addition to the Pet Fest area with grooming stations and dog games, there's the "Westfester Mutt Show" for all aspiring canines and their owners.

The lineup:

Main Stage at Damen Avenue

Saturday, August 9
8:30 p.m.: The Redwalls
7 p.m.: Catfish Haven
5:45 p.m.: Sybris
4:30 p.m.: Mannequin Men
3:15 p.m.: Havana
2 p.m.: Dorian Taj
12:45 p.m.: For Pilots

Sunday, August 10
8:30 p.m.: Meat Puppets
7 p.m.: Office
5:45 p.m.: Bound Stems
4:30 p.m.: Brian O'Hern And The Model Citizens Big Band
3:15 p.m.: Kevin Flynn and the Avondale Ramblers
2 p.m.: M13
12:45 p.m.: Sergio Pires & ElectroSamba

Lava DJ Stage at Wood Street

Saturday, August 9
8:30 p.m.: Klever
7:30 p.m.: RocktaPussy
6:30 p.m.: Million $$ Mano
5:45 p.m.: Willy Joy
5 p.m.: DJ Zebo
4 p.m.: Justin Reed
hosted by Mic Terror
after party at Lava Lounge hosted by UR Chicago

Sunday, August 10
8:30 p.m.: Derrick Carter
7:30 p.m.: The Sound Republic
6:30 p.m.: The Beat Giants
5:45 p.m.: Diz
5 p.m.: John BID Simmons
4 p.m.: Striz
after party at Lava Lounge hosted by The Sound Republic

West Fest officially is Chicago’s best street festival.

Published August 11, 2008

Well, at least in the opinion of one blogger. I spent several hours last night prowling Chicago Ave. between Wood and Damen, soaking in the sights of local retailers, food establishments, taverns and of course talent. That talent was in full force late last night, as on the Eastern Wood street stage Derrick Carter was manning the ones and twos, while on the Western Damen stage, the fabulous Meat Puppets were tearing through a raucous set…I did my very best to be in two places at once. Lets just say I can navigate those two blocks of Chicago Ave. in under four minutes without looking like total dork or spilling any of my delicious adult beverage. What a great night!

West Fest 2008

West Fest is an annual street festival in the Chicago's West Town neighborhood. The event started in 2004 with just just 40 local vendors and one musical stage. The event grew in popularity that in 2007, West Fest attracted over 80 vendors and approximately 20,000 people.

West Fest expects bigger and better for 2008. The event is expected to draw in over 30,000 in attendance. This year, West Fest is held August 9th and 10th on Chicago Avenue (between Damen and Wood).

With two musical stages and a DJ stage, this years entertainment is figured to be a blast. Headlining the Main Stage will be the RedWalls and The Meat Puppets. On the Lava Stage will be the Klever and Derrick Carter. The DJ Stage will feature well known Chicago DJs such as Jesse De La Pena and The Republic.

As always, West Fest is Kid friendly and friendly. Kids Fest features activities such as pony rides, stroller parades, and a "live" kids musical. Your pets will love the various pet activities of Pet Fest.

As always, the event is FREE. The event sponsor is simply asking for $5 donation.