From a press release:
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to announce the return of Andersonville Midsommarfest, one of Chicago's oldest and most beloved summer street festivals. Now in its 58th year, the annual festival will be held June 7 — 9, 2024 along Andersonville's Clark Street corridor.
For three nights and two days, this vibrant and diverse community will bring together over 80,000 people to celebrate a proud Swedish summer tradition with eclectic music, great vendors, food and free kids' activities. Vendors applications for artists, nonprofit organizations, merchants and food vendors are currently being accepted here through Monday, April 1.
Midsommarfest kicks off Friday, June 7, from 5-10 p.m. from Foster Ave. to Gregory St., and continues Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 from 12-10 p.m.
This year's festival will feature more than 50 music and entertainment acts on five stages: the North Stage at Clark & Catalpa; the Center Stage at Berwyn (sponsored by Rattleback Records); the Swedish Stage at Foster (sponsored by the Swedish American Museum); the Balmoral Pride Stage (sponsored by Replay Andersonville); and the Summerdale Stage. The annual kids' area at Summerdale is sponsored by Alamo Shoes. Stage sponsorship opportunities are available.
This year's headlining music acts include exciting newcomers and returning favorites: NNAMDI, Finom, Cecy Santana, Sixteen Candles, Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press and Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute. The full entertainment line-up will be announced shortly.
As always, Midsommarfest will celebrate Andersonville's Swedish culture and history. The Swedish Stage at Clark & Farragut (sponsored by the Swedish American Museum) will feature traditional Swedish activities throughout the weekend, including a dance around the Maypole. The Swedish American Museum will serve delicious Swedish cuisine and offer free admission during the festival.
Admission to Midsommarfest is a $10 suggested donation. Proceeds from donations and beverage sales go directly back to the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (a 501c6 non-profit organization) to support festival expenses, neighborhood events, small business networking events, neighborhood beautification, and special services year round.
Portions of donations will also directly support over a dozen local non-profits including Peirce and Chappel Elementary Schools, Chicago Women's Health Center, Brave Space Alliance and more.
Historically, Andersonville has donated back more than $200,000 to non-profit organizations. Festival goers can also pick up a complimentary copy of the new 2024 Andersonville Neighborhood Guide at the Andersonville Chamber Booth located at Berwyn and Clark.
Printed Curiosities is curating this year's first time vendor booth, which supports up and coming LGBTQIA+, BIPOC and female identified artists. Vendors to date include: BriBe LLC, Claudettes Crafts, The Daydreamers Shop, Lathers by Luna, MoonPerl LLC, Painting Ms. Daisy and Sili+Bells.
ACC also encourages visitors to shop local during the days of the festival, offering half-off beverages to patrons who spend $30 or more at local brick and mortar stores and service businesses (restaurants and festival vendors, not included). To redeem, bring a receipt (paper or digital) dated June 7 — 9 to the Chamber tent located at Clark & Berwyn.
ACC will partner with WYNK this year to provide THC infused seltzers and Open Water to provide still water in recyclable aluminum twist-top bottles. WasteNot Compost returns to provide recyclable containers and composting at the festival, continuing ACC's strong record in sustainability practices.
This year's booth sponsors include: Michael Plageman Agency: American Family Insurance, Sage Stone Counseling and Gift of Hope. Gift of Hope is sponsoring the Community Booth, which supports over eight non-profit organizations by giving them a free booth space at the event. Additional festival sponsors include Genoa Italian Concession.
After 30 years with Star Events, Midsommarfest will be produced by BASH Events in 2024. This year's music is curated exclusively by Quiet Pterodactyl.
For the most up-to-date information on Midsommarfest, visit andersonville.org/events/midsommarfest. Vendors' applications for artists, nonprofit organizations, merchants and food vendors are currently being accepted through Monday, April 1.
