West Fest is an annual street festival in Chicago's West Town Community on Chicago Avenue
between Damen Avenue and Wood Street. The event began in 2004 with 40 vendors and one live
music stage, and each year West Fest has grown in size and popularity. Last year there were over 80 vendors, two live music stages, one DJ stage, and over 40,000 people attended!

Over 50,000 people are expected to attended the event in 2010.

What makes West Fest so unique?

West Fest stands out from the rest because it is locally planned and managed by the West Town
Chicago Chamber of Commerce, and the music is booked by local power house Empty Bottle
Presents, thus the emphasis is on local offerings and local talent. West Fest features neighborhood
retailers and restaurants, fine artists, crafters, and more.

The event reflects the eclectic and hip West Town community,
and also features cutting edge live music.

The 2010 West Fest live music stage will be booked by Empty Bottle Presents and will feature cutting edge original live music. Featured headliners in the past have included world renowned rock bands The Meat Puppets, Office, Camper Van Beethoven, Urge Overkill, Local H, The Ponys, Redwalls, Califone, Mucca Pazza, The Waco Brothers, and many more. The DJ Stage is also a unique feature for a street festival and it has hosted some of the most well known DJs in Chicago such as Jesse De La Pena and The Sound Republic.

The high quality music makes West Fest stand out from other
cookie cutter street festivals in Chicago.

There is something for everyone at West Fest.

West Fest's PUPFest and Kid Fest are big draws. Kid Fest takes place on Wolcott Street adjacent to the Chicago Avenue fest site and offers quality children and family activities including pony rides, stroller parades, live "kid" music, local theatrical performances and more. PUPFest is an area within West Fest with exclusively pet related vendors and sponsors, dog activities such as bathing pools and mobile grooming for charity.

The family and pet friendly atmosphere and activities are a great fit
for the West Town neighborhood.


$5 Donation.
Proceeds benefit the West Town Chamber of Commerce, a local non-profit providing economic
Development and community development programs.  PUPFest proceeds benefit local animal shelters, and Kid Fest proceeds benefit neighboring parks and play lots.