Last weekend was the weekend of Wicker Park Fest. And let's face it. The weather just wasn't cooperating. Temps in the 60's and that it-looks-like-it's going-to-rain-any-minute storm cloud cover didn't help.

In an article published this week by DNA Info, Wicker Park Fest promoter Tom Murphy of Big Creek Productions blasts Wicker Park-ers; blaming them for less-than-optimal $5 donations this year at the door.

He says and I quote:  "For whatever reason people here [in Wicker Park] have decided they are antidisestablishmentarians", he said. "They just don't like the man."

First of all, please look of the up the definition of antidisestablishmentarian.

Secondly, the 30% of attendees paid is an estimate reported by one person at one gate. It also sounded like beer sales were up 20% this year over last year.

So if sales were down in one area but up in another, was the festival a success?

Do Wicker Park-ers just not like "the man"? Or is it something else? From the feedback we've heard, the line-up wasn't compelling and the overall experience was less-than-positive. Traditionally, it's so crowded that people don't enjoy it and leave. Perhaps that's why they don't want to pay the $5 'suggested donation'. They know they're not going to be staying long or they're just coming for 1 band and leaving.

What are your thoughts about the $5 suggested donation for Wicker Park Fest?

 

To read the full article:

Wicker Park Fest Promoter Complains of Cheap Attendees: People Don't Pay [DNA Info]

 

 

This year we asked our amazing viewers to send in photos from Wicker Park Fest 2012. We received this incredible photo from Darcy Horath via Twitter at @idratherlaugh.

 

A stunner. 

 

 

A very big thank you to Darcy - and everyone - who submitted their photos this year.

Please do not copy and/or reproduce this photo without the written consent of Darcy Horath.

If you're looking for something to so today, we've got a few ideas. The weather should be just beautiful. Sunny and a high of 85 degrees.

Of course Wicker Park Fest is kicking off day 2. We can attest to the fact that Day 1 was a big improvement over last year in that there is a lot more space so the crowd can spread out. There are a lot of vendors for food and fun...  and a big section for fun events for kids too. 

But there's more going on in the neighborhood than just Wicker Park Fest. Here are a few ideas for how to spend the day. Have a great Sunday and we'll see you in the neighborhood.

 

 

 

Wicker Park Fest - Day 2

Wicker Park Fest continues with headliners Joe Pug, Lucero and Budos Band. On Milwaukee Avenue from Paulina Street to North Avenue you'll find shopping, food, music and more. For full details about Wicker Park Fest's final line up: 2012 Line Up.

 

 

Just a friendly reminder that Wicker Park plays host to 2 farmers markets each week. Every Thursday you can catch the Polish Triangle market located at Division/Milwaukee/Ashland from 3pm -7pm and on Sundays, don't miss the annual Wicker Park Farmers Market located in the park at 1425 N. Damen. Farmers Markets.

 

 

Quickly becoming a regular Summer event and fun for young and old alike, please join The Magic Boat Puppet Show at the Wicker Park Playground - 1425 N. Damen Avenue - this Sunday morning at 11am. Magic Boat.

 

 

Wicker Park Historic Walking Tour

If you've been to Wicker Park, you know how stunning the architecture is. The Chicago Architecture Foundation agrees and is hosting a Historic Walking Tour this Summer throughout the neighborhood. A tour is scheduled for this weekend. If you haven't signed up yet, you can learn more here: Historic Tour.

 

 

Featured Sale

 

 

Greenheart's Semi-Annual Clearance Sale

There's still time to score BIG savings at Wicker Park's most eco-friendly store. Greenheart is focused on fair trade practices, items using recycled materials and anything that involves being environmentally aware. Right now you can save up to 70% in their huge sale. But their sale is ending very soon so head to Greenheart Shop at 1911 W. Division Street today. Clearance Sale. 

July 27th, 2012

 

Hello and welcome to this week's edition of your Insider Weekend Guide.

 

Another busy weekend is on the agenda in Wicker Park & Bucktown with Wicker Park Fest heading to Milwaukee Avenue. This year's fest will be the biggest to date with the festival extending from North Avenue to Paulina Street. Traditionally, the fest has ended at Wood/Wolcott. If you're there and take photos, feel free to send them to us. We may just publish them and you'll get full credit. But there's more. We also have lots of great community events happening throughout the neighborhood, art exhibition openings, fundraisers, news and more. 

 

 

Thanks, as always, for joining us. For up-to-the-minute information throughout the week, be sure to follow us on Facebook & Twitter. Have a great weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.

 

 

 ART

         

In her new exhibit of watercolors and hand-sewn hair drawings, Cap the Violence; Pile on the Sexy, Rosemary Meza-DesPlas reflects with humor and sensitivity on violence, the sexy and femininity. Opening Reception Friday July 28th at ARC Gallery in Bucktown: 2156 N. Damen Avenue. Gallery Opening.

 

 

Yo Solo Opens Tonight

You Solo - The Theatre Festival of Latino Solo Shows - opens this Friday at Collaboraction. Throughout the weekend you'll find both Visual Art Openings and Music. For the schedule of events being showcased from Friday through Sunday at Collaboraction: Yo Solo.

 

 

 

  BARS

         

 

 

COMMUNITY  

 

 

They're back! Last month ET was featured in Wicker Park proper and approximately 2,000 people attended - including us! This month, don't miss Raiders of the Lost Ark heading back to Wicker Park next week. Movies start at dusk. You may want to head there a little early to get a great seat. Also a very special thank you to our friends at Wormhole Coffee who have sponsored so many of our movies this year. Movies in the Park.

 

 

 

Quickly becoming a regular Summer event and fun for young and old alike, please join The Magic Boat Puppet Show at the Wicker Park Playground - 1425 N. Damen Avenue - this Sunday morning at 11am. Magic Boat.

 

Wicker Mic - Open Mic

Performers! Come out and perform your songs, poetry and stand up, or just enjoy listening at the outdoor open mic in Wicker Park this Friday from 6-9pm. Sign-up on the day of the event at 5pm. Each slot is 5 minutes (2 songs, 3 poems or 5 minutes of stand up). The weather should be cooperating. Wicker Mic.

 

 

Wicker Park Historic Walking Tour

If you've been to Wicker Park, you know how stunning the architecture is. The Chicago Architecture Foundation agrees and is hosting a Historic Walking Tour this Summer throughout the neighborhood. A tour is scheduled for this weekend. If you haven't signed up yet, you can learn more here: Historic Tour.

 

 

 

 

 

  MUSIC

    

 

WeHaveAirConditioningAndIndoorPlumbingFest

As many know, one of Chicago's most famous music venues - Double Door - is just steps away from all of the action at Wicker Park Fest. This weekend they're opening their doors at noon on Saturday. So if you'd like to step out of the heat and into a little a/c they'll be open and there's no cover. If you've never been to Double Door, you should go. There's a reason the Rolling Stones asked to play there. That's right. The Rolling Stones asked if they could play Double Door. WHACAIPF.

 

 

Wicker Park Fest - Saturday & Sunday

Wicker Park Fest arrives this weekend July 28th and July 29th and will be the biggest fest to date. On Milwaukee Avenue from Paulina Street to North Avenue you'll find shopping, food, music and more. For full details about Wicker Park Fest's final line up: 2012 Line Up.

 

 

 

 RESTAURANTS

 

Pizano's Deep Dish Update

In Wicker Park & Bucktown, we have a number of different pizza restaurants but they're all very different...and good. Gratto, for example, specializes in rustic Italian and it's fantastic. Pizza Metro's roots are in Rome. Piece's specialty is New Haven-style. And now Pizano's, who will focus on deep dish, is heading to Division Street. Hoping to open last June/July, Pizano's is working hard to open in August. Fingers are crossed. Pizano's.

 

 

WXRT Lobster Bash

In partnership with Supreme Lobster Co, Executive Chef Troy Graves celebrates Summer by hosting WXRT's and Supreme Lobster's Rockin Lobster Bash at Red Door in Bucktown - 2118 N. Damen Avenue next Tuesday July 31st.  Incredibly talented chefs like Mindy Segal (Hot Chocolate), Mark Steuer (The Bedford) and the Sheerin Brothers (The Trenchermen) will be participating. Get your tickets now while you can: Lobster Bash.

 

 

 

 

 

 RETAIL/SHOPPING

 

 

Greenheart's Semi-Annual Clearance Sale

There's still time to score BIG savings at Wicker Park's most eco-friendly store. Greenheart is focused on fair trade practices, items using recycled materials and anything that involves being environmentally aware. Right now you can save up to 70% in their huge sale. But their sale is ending very soon so head to Greenheart Shop at 1911 W. Division Street today. Clearance Sale. 

 

 

Into to Ballet Starts Tuesday

If you've been wanting to try ballet but haven't known how to get started, we can help. So can Mazi Dance & Fitness in Wicker Park. Starting this Tuesday, Mazi will host an introductory ballet class with the very talented, Marisol Sarabia, as your instructor. Reserve your spot today. Here's how. Intro to Ballet.

 

 

 

Featured Deal of the Week - $30 Craniosacral Sessions

Have you ever considered trying Craniosacral Therapy? This is an amazing deal. Lindsay Burch, practitioner at Temple Beautiful, is offering 1 hour sessions for only $30. But you have to act quickly. This incredible deal is ending August 9th. $30 Deal.

 

 

Those are the highlights for the weekend ahead. Again, if you're interested in receiving up-to-the minute news & event information from us throughout the week, please feel free to join us on Facebook & Twitter.  We're getting close to 10,000 followers! If you have news or an event to share, please don't hesitate to let us know. And last but not least, if you're a Wicker Park or Bucktown business, be sure to sign up. We'd love to include you.

 

 

Have a great weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.  

 

 

 

The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide

July 26th, 2012

 

Hello and welcome to this week's edition of your Insider Weekend Guide.

 

Another busy weekend is on the agenda in Wicker Park & Bucktown with Wicker Park Fest heading to Milwaukee Avenue. This year's fest will be the biggest to date with the festival extending from North Avenue to Paulina Street. Traditionally, the fest has ended at Wood/Wolcott. If you're there and take photos, feel free to send them to us. We may just publish them and you'll get full credit. But there's more. We also have lots of great community events happening throughout the neighborhood, art exhibition openings, fundraisers, news and more. 

 

 

Thanks, as always, for joining us. For up-to-the-minute information throughout the week, be sure to follow us on Facebook & Twitter. Have a great weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.

 

 

 ART

         

In her new exhibit of watercolors and hand-sewn hair drawings, Cap the Violence; Pile on the Sexy, Rosemary Meza-DesPlas reflects with humor and sensitivity on violence, the sexy and femininity. Opening Reception Friday July 28th at ARC Gallery in Bucktown: 2156 N. Damen Avenue. Gallery Opening.

 

 

Yo Solo Opens This Weekend

You Solo - The Theatre Festival of Latino Solo Shows - opens this Friday at Collaboraction. Throughout the weekend you'll find both Visual Art Openings and Music. For the schedule of events being showcased from Friday through Sunday at Collaboraction: Yo Solo.

 

 

 

  BARS

         

 

 

COMMUNITY  

 

 

They're back! Last month ET was featured in Wicker Park proper and approximately 2,000 people attended - including us! This month, don't miss Raiders of the Lost Ark heading back to Wicker Park next week. Movies start at dusk. You may want to head there a little early to get a great seat. Also a very special thank you to our friends at Wormhole Coffee who have sponsored so many of our movies this year. Movies in the Park.

 

 

 

Quickly becoming a regular Summer event and fun for young and old alike, please join The Magic Boat Puppet Show at the Wicker Park Playground - 1425 N. Damen Avenue - this Sunday morning at 11am. Magic Boat.

 

Wicker Mic - Open Mic

Performers! Come out and perform your songs, poetry and stand up, or just enjoy listening at the outdoor open mic in Wicker Park this Friday from 6-9pm. Sign-up on the day of the event at 5pm. Each slot is 5 minutes (2 songs, 3 poems or 5 minutes of stand up). The weather should be cooperating. Wicker Mic.

 

 

Wicker Park Historic Walking Tour

If you've been to Wicker Park, you know how stunning the architecture is. The Chicago Architecture Foundation agrees and is hosting a Historic Walking Tour this Summer throughout the neighborhood. A tour is scheduled for this weekend. If you haven't signed up yet, you can learn more here: Historic Tour.

 

 

 

 

 

  MUSIC

    

 

Girl In A Coma Tonight

When we first published this event on Twitter we said: Girl In A Coma Heads to Double Door. One of our fabulous twitter followers responded: "True but that probably sounds little different than you intended". Duly noted. So, San Antonio's amazing "Girl In A Coma" is playing at the Double Door tonight. If you haven't gotten your tickets, do it now. This should be a great show and no one's been hurt: Girl In A Coma.

 

WeHaveAirConditioningAndIndoorPlumbingFest

As many know, one of Chicago's most famous music venues - Double Door - is just steps away from all of the action at Wicker Park Fest. This weekend they're opening their doors at noon on Saturday. So if you'd like to step out of the heat and into a little a/c they'll be open and there's no cover. If you've never been to Double Door, you should go. There's a reason the Rolling Stones asked to play there. That's right. The Rolling Stones asked if they could play Double Door. WHACAIPF.

 

 

Wicker Park Fest - Saturday & Sunday

Wicker Park Fest arrives this weekend July 28th and July 29th and will be the biggest fest to date. On Milwaukee Avenue from Paulina Street to North Avenue you'll find shopping, food, music and more. For full details about Wicker Park Fest's final line up: 2012 Line Up.

 

 

 

 RESTAURANTS

 

Pizano's Deep Dish Update

In Wicker Park & Bucktown, we have a number of different pizza restaurants but they're all very different...and good. Gratto, for example, specializes in rustic Italian and it's fantastic. Pizza Metro's roots are in Rome. Piece's specialty is New Haven-style. And now Pizano's, who will focus on deep dish, is heading to Division Street. Hoping to open last June/July, Pizano's is working hard to open in August. Fingers are crossed. Pizano's.

 

 

WXRT Lobster Bash

In partnership with Supreme Lobster Co, Executive Chef Troy Graves celebrates Summer by hosting WXRT's and Supreme Lobster's Rockin Lobster Bash at Red Door in Bucktown - 2118 N. Damen Avenue next Tuesday July 31st.  Incredibly talented chefs like Mindy Segal (Hot Chocolate), Mark Steuer (The Bedford) and the Sheerin Brothers (The Trenchermen) will be participating. Get your tickets now while you can: Lobster Bash.

 

 

 

 

 

 RETAIL/SHOPPING

 

 

Greenheart's Semi-Annual Clearance Sale

There's still time to score BIG savings at Wicker Park's most eco-friendly store. Greenheart is focused on fair trade practices, items using recycled materials and anything that involves being environmentally aware. Right now you can save up to 70% in their huge sale. But their sale is ending very soon so head to Greenheart Shop at 1911 W. Division Street today. Clearance Sale. 

 

 

Into to Ballet Starts Tuesday

If you've been wanting to try ballet but haven't known how to get started, we can help. So can Mazi Dance & Fitness in Wicker Park. Starting this Tuesday, Mazi will host an introductory ballet class with the very talented, Marisol Sarabia, as your instructor. Reserve your spot today. Here's how. Intro to Ballet.

 

 

 

Featured Deal of the Week - $30 Craniosacral Sessions

Have you ever considered trying Craniosacral Therapy? This is an amazing deal. Lindsay Burch, practitioner at Temple Beautiful, is offering 1 hour sessions for only $30. But you have to act quickly. This incredible deal is ending August 9th. $30 Deal.

 

 

Those are the highlights for the weekend ahead. Again, if you're interested in receiving up-to-the minute news & event information from us throughout the week, please feel free to join us on Facebook & Twitter.  We're getting close to 10,000 followers! If you have news or an event to share, please don't hesitate to let us know. And last but not least, if you're a Wicker Park or Bucktown business, be sure to sign up. We'd love to include you.

 

 

Have a great weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.  

 

 

 

The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide