Andersonville Chamber of Commerce. The LGBTQ-friendly festival honoring the neighborhood’s Swedish roots, informally marks the beginning of Chicago’s summer street fest season.
The Swedish American Museum kicked off the event with its traditional dance around the Maypole, and serving of native food favorites like Swedish meatballs and cinnamon rolls. Artists and merchants, both local and visiting, sold their works and local shops and restaurants offered discounts and specials as visitors were encouraged to shop local.
The three-day festival featured music and dancing among five stages, including the Pride Stage sponsored by Replay Andersonville, Mary’s Attic and Elixir.
Headliners Anthony Rapp, one of the original cast members of “Rent” on Broadway who now stars in the television series “Star Trek: Discovery”, and Billy Bungeroth of J.C. Brooks and The Uptown Sound with his new band the Chicago Soul Spectacular entertained fans.
Festival favorites ABBA Salute,16 Candles, Rod Tuff Curls and The Bench Press and Catfight also took the stage. Additional entertainment included the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus and the Chicago Spirit Brigade.
Family-friendly activities included Drag Queen Story Time, an instrument petting zoo, face painting, flower crowns, Viking hats, carnival games and a pop-up play park with recycled materials.
Attendees were also greeted by new pop-up patios throughout the fest to relax and listen to music and an expanded VIP area at the North Stage.
More photos from Andersonville Midsommarfest: Saturday | Sunday
