This Weekend in Street Fests

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Jul 9, 2011 3:00PM

As Tank boy mentioned yesterday in his West Fest preview, there once was a time when a neighborhood only had a single street fest. Now neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Roscoe Village hold multiple fests during the six weeks we call summer 'round these parts.

Roscoe Village already has a chili cook-off (during retro on Roscoe) and an oyster festival, so it should be able to add a burger festival to the ranks without over-saturating their food themes, right? Come for the burgers and stay for the music, headlined by the Smithereens tonight and Foghat tomorrow. We needed an excuse to break out the denim shirt and leather vest. (Belmont and Damen, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.)

If you're a fan of Gospel music and are down Auburn Gresham way, you may want to check out the 18th Ward's annual Gospel Festival from noon to 4 p.m. at Hayes Park (2936 W. 85th St.). 18th Ward Ald. Lona Lane's office presents this festival every year, featuring a host of local gospel acts and emceed by local radio personality Yvonne Wesley.

The theme of the DuSable Museum of African American History's 37th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival is "Back to our Roots." That means they're taking it back to its original conception as a showcase and juried exhibition for the original work of fine artists related to African American themes, identity, history and culture. (740 E. 56th Pl., Noon - 8 p.m. today and tomorrow.)