What makes this fest unique is that it's locally planned and managed by the West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce, thus the emphasis is on "all-things local," from the food to the talent.

The Music: The biggest difference between West Fest and other cookie-cutter Chicago street festivals is the high quality music. West Fest is all about local artists playing original music on two stages. This year's weekend lineup is as follows:

The Main Stage (at Chicago & Damen) programmed by Empty Bottle Presents:

Saturday
1:00pm YAWN
2:30pm Beach Fossils
4:00pm Bloodiest
5:30pm Class Actress
7:00pm F*cked Up
8:30pm Jonathan Toubin

Sunday
1:00pm Caroline Smith & The Goodnight Sleeps
2:30pm Light Pollution
4:00pm Dominique Young Unique
5:30pm Life & Times
7:00pm Small Black
8:30pm We Were Promised Jetpacks

BassByThePound Dj Stage (at Chicago & Wood):

Saturday
Justin Reed
Pickel & Intel
Pickel & Intel
Mark Gertz & Miguel Martin
Dj Zebo
The Rapture DJ's

Sunday
Striz
John BID Simmons
The Beat Giants
John Mork
Diz
Derrick Carter

The Activities -Kid Fest (on Wolcott & Rice): The 5th annual Kid Fest will be held in conjunction with West Fest, from noon to 6 pm both days. A jammed packed two-day event, Kid Fest features family fun with kids stage performances. All proceeds to benefit improvements at local play lots – Snowberry, Superior and Honore.

Kid Fest Stage

Saturday
12 James Sanden
1 Mindy Hester
1:45 My Gym
2:15 Laura Doherty
3:15 Super Stolie Band
4:15 Mr. Singer
5:15 Little Miss Anne Band

Sunday
12:00 Mexican Dancers
1:15 My Gym
1:45 Kiara
2:30 Mad Science
3:30 Mary Macaroni
4 James Sanden
5:00 Jeanie B

-Pet Fest (near Wolcott at Chicago): Each year West Fest features Pet Fest with pet product vendors, canine bathing pools, and plenty of pet activities for charity. This year, West Town's own Doggy Style Pet Shop will be hosting PUPfest (Protecting Urban Pets) and the charity dog wash! PUPfest will concentrate on educating Chicago's pet owners on how to keep their city pet happy, healthy and safe while navigating the city streets.

In addition, within PUPfest you will find the dog wash to benefit Chicago English Bulldog Rescue and Treehouse Humane Society for Cats. For just $10, your dog can go from hot and dirty to cool and clean. An additional $10 donation to these great charities will get a Doggy Style T-shirt! Doggy Style Pet Shop has pledged to match donations to these two amazing organizations.

-Miss Illinois: To top it off, Miss Illinois USA 2010, in her crown and sash, will conduct a meet and greet on Saturday evening with the public and pose for pictures outside the West Fest VIP tent.

The Vendors
West Fest features a plethora of neighborhood boutiques, restaurants and fine artists who set up temporary shop along Chicago Avenue – offering deals on everything from designer duds to fresh dishes and ice-cold drinks.

The Fine Print
There is a $5 "suggested" donation requested for admittance to offset the costs of the event and to benefit the West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce and West Town's Commercial Park. Hours of operation both days are noon to 10pm. For more info, call 312-850-9390 or visit www.westfestchicago.com.

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