The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce brought back Andersonville Midsommarfest, after a two-year hiatus, for its 56th year on June 10-12.
More than 50 music and entertainment acts were featured across five stages on Clark Street from Catalpa Avenue to Foster Avenue. Sponsors for the stages included Replay Andersonville/Elixir, Chicago Magic Lounge and @mosphere Bar.
The Summerdale Stage hosted the Waldos Forever Fest lineup after a fire near Dispensary 33 canceled a previous pop-up endeavor in April. Drag artist Lucy Stoole introduced an original performance by rapper Mykki Blanco on June 10. That same night, a group of trans and gender non-conforming entertainers took to the Center Stage at Berwyn. Transgender Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commission candidate Precious Brady-Davis spoke to the crowd during a special segment called Blooming Beyond the Binary: Queer Joy, Trans Liberation and Non-Binary Love. Eisah Love and Reyna Ortiz conveyed the impact of legislation while Chicago Therapy Collective's board member Alexis Martinez covered transgender hiring practices. A moment of silence honoring Evanston trans activist Elise Malary ended the evening.
June 11 highlights included "Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute" and concluded with a set by DJ Martin at the Balmoral Pride Stage.
The following day featured more music with the popular Sixteen Candles, Molly Callihan's new group Too Much Molly Band and DJ Ca$h Era's tunesall bringing party vibes with their talents.
Flower crowns, symbolizing rebirth and fertility, were worn by many festivalgoers over the weekend. A tall looped Maypole was constructed near the Swedish Stage on Foster Avenue and The Swedish American Museum offered free admission during the festival to attendees.
Proceeds from the $10 admission donation benefitted the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce along with several non-profit organizations such as Care for Real, Friends of Andersonville and Windy City Performing Arts, to name just a few.
This popular Scandinavian celebration will surely be back in 2023 possibly bigger and better than ever. Visit andersonville.org for more information on upcoming Andersonville area events in the future.