DOWN TOWN DOWNTIME

SPONSORED BY

THINGS TO DO

Hitting Chicago in mid-July? Two insider tips—the weather tends to be gorgeous this time of year and you can’t swing a brat without hitting a festival—music, street, ethnic or otherwise. So, might as well make plans to eat, drink and listen to music on a block somewhere.

AROUND TOWN: Roscoe Village Burger Fest

This event used to be the BAM!—Belmont Arts & Music Festival. Now it’s a celebration of meaty goodness from vendors, including Jaks Tap and Select Cut Steak House. Also: live music and non-beef foods.
July 10–11, 12PM–10PM
Belmont Avenue at Damen Avenue
Tickets: $5–$7

SPORTS & RECREATION: L.A.T.E. Ride

Join 9,000 other cyclists for a 25-mile overnight ride through neighborhoods (high-five the drunkards) and along the lake (watch the sunrise).
July 10–11, Times TBD
Meet at Buckingham Fountain, 500 South Columbus Drive
Fee: $45–$75

MUSIC: Chicago Folk & Roots Festival

Get down with the folk at this annual tradition of music and merriment. Learn everything from hula to rhumba in the dance tent. Little ones can make music in the kids’ tent. A great lineup includes Budos Band, Etran Finatawa, Shemekia Copeland and Red Baraat.
July 10–11, 12PM–10PM
Welles Park
Tickets: $10, seniors and kids $5

EAT OUT: Twisted Bakery

Just a skip ’n’ jump from North Street Beach, this straightforward old-fashioned bakery has respectable tarts and cupcakes (red velvet, carrot cake)—but it is the cookies, such as rustic cornmeal rounds with a hint of lime and buttery shortbread, that deserve “instant classics” billing.

AROUND TOWN/MUSIC: Old St. Pat’s—World’s Largest Block Party

This jammy summer singles’ fest boasts that it has brought together several sets of spouses over its 26 years. Headliners include Ben Folds, Counting Crows, Los Lobos and Rusted Root.
July 9–10, 5:30PM–10:30PM
Old Saint Patrick’s Church, 700 West Adams Street
$45, advance $40