Chicago Folk & Roots Festival, Saturday and Sunday
The Old Town School of Music returns to curate its 14th annual Folk & Roots Festival in Lincoln Square’s Welles Park (Montrose & Lincoln). In addition to the Main Stage, there are also areas for dane instruction, kids’ music and activities, world music, group jam sessions, and a stage featuring instructors from the Old Town School. While there aren’t that many Big Name Acts at the festival, every performer is pretty much guaranteed to put on a solid show. The Main Stage includes the 9th Annual Midwest Invitational Fiddle Contest (12:30 pm), Rosie Flores (7 pm) and Delbert McClinton (8:30 pm) on Saturday. On Sunday, you can find the Lawrence Peters Outfit (5:15 pm) at the dance tent. Admission is a $10 suggested donation.
West Fest, Saturday and Sunday
The Ukrainian Village puts on West Fest this weekend at Chicago and Damen, with a strong music lineup curated by Empty Bottle Presents. See Hollows (7 pm) and Local H (8:30 pm) on Saturday, and go Sunday for A Lull (4 pm), Those Darlins (5:30 pm) and Syl Johnson (7 pm). West Fest also features activities for kids and families, as well as a separate area for Pet Fest, featuring pet supply vendors and adoption/foster centers. Admission is a $5 suggested donation.
The Ultra-Violet Petting Zoo Festival, Sunday
This one-day event kicks off at 2 pm in Revere Park (3900 N. Rockwell, just west of Western & Irving Park) and benefits the Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club. In addition to bands, there will also be games, carnival rides, and a real petting zoo. The lineup includes Bailiff (6 pm), Tom Schraeder & His Ego (8 pm), and White Mystery (9:15 pm). Admission is a $5 suggested donation.