Galewoodstock is back for its fourth year, bringing music, food and family-fun to the West Side.
The free music festival takes place on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 12 to 9 p.m. It will be held both in the field and on the street at 1850 N. Newland Ave., adjacent to the Sayre Language Academy.
It’s all about having fun, said Beth Ranucci, the Galewoodstock Committee lead and vice chairperson of Galewood Neighbors Inc.
“I think it’s important that we, as people and a community, take time for fun,” she said. “We’re brought up on the grind – going to work, going to school, coming home. You know, taking care of business. I think it’s a way for people to relax and enjoy each other in a different format, and also get exposure to different things and people.”
She said that this year’s festival has been expanded from past years. New offerings include a cornhole tournament, a larger kids’ area and painting activities for both kids and young adults. Before the event, a parade will move throughout the Galewood neighborhood starting at 11 a.m.
Kids activities will run from 12 to 6 p.m., and include face painting, arts and crafts, games and inflatables. The event is partnering with Frick Kids Art, Wonder Works, and Toast to Paint for these artistic festivities.
From 4 to 5:30 p.m., Toast to Paint will host a painting session for youth ages 13 to 18. Sign up is necessary since space is limited; the session costs $10 for supplies.
Live music puts the “stock” in Galewoodstock, and this year’s lineup includes six music performers from a mix of rock, blues and Latin jazz genres.
Every year, the festival books one band with Galewood roots. This year it will be Test Pattern, a six-member classic rock cover-band that frequently plays at Gallery Cabaret and Montrose Saloon.
John Cates, a vocalist and guitar player for Test Pattern and a Galewood resident for about 27 years, said this will be the first Galewoodstock he’s been to as a performer.
“It’s been kind of fun to tell some of my neighbors who aren’t aware that I play in a band, ‘I hope you’re going this year, because I’m going to be one of the bands playing,’” he said. “I can start to explain some of the noise that’s been coming out of my basement for so many years.”
The event also will show off a variety of food offerings. A beer tent from FitzGerald’s Night Club, a Berwyn bar and live music venue, will offer adult beverages. Multiple food vendors including A&M Italian Ice, Baby Gold Barbecue and Fatso Hard Kitchen will be serving up at the event too.
Steve Green, chairperson for Galewood Neighbors Inc., said the festival is also a way to showcase some Galewood pride.
“We’re very proud of this event because it puts a spotlight on our neighborhood,” he said. “Galewood is kind of an unknown little-gem of a neighborhood in Chicago, and we love it. We want people to come on over and see what we’re all about.”
Cates hopes Galewoodstock will become a trademark of the neighborhood, which could bring more positive attention to the lesser-known community, he said.
“As somebody who lives here, what they’re doing is obviously getting bigger every year. This is such a great neighborhood. I always say it’s like Chicago’s best kept secret,” Cates said.
Find more information about the event and parade route on their website here. Sign up for the sip-and-paint here.