Lakeview East Arts Festival

A great place to shop to furnish your home with local artwork! Meet local artists and maybe get an autograph or two. I thoroughly enjoyed being out in the nice weather and listening to great music. I was actually impressed by the variety & quality of the music, yes it was amped up loud like its supposed to be at street fairs but the musicians were actually very talented and you could purchase music cds from them if you wanted to.
I can’t really comment on the food and drink since I usually don’t eat much at these things. I much rather bring in my own food which I saw several people do and they didn’t seem to have a problem with that.
The only odd thing about this festival is that the booths block the sidewalks and so anyone wanting to just walk through the festival to get to their homes had to walk straight through the middle of the festival with the grocery bags, bikes, big rolls of paper towel & TP packages, etc. Rather odd…

Lakeview East Arts Festival is a fun little 2 day street fest. It’s nice way to walk around, people watch, and a check out some local artists. Some of the art is pretty cool, some a bit edgy, some is predicable stuff.
You’ll also find all the usual jive you find at any street fest: the booths promoting various internet providers, a table offering 5 or 15 minute neck or back massages, a sample table with some promotional product like a new granola bar, and some social organization with free condoms. They also have food and beverages tables (that aren’t free). It also is a reason to wander into any of the East Lakeview stores or businesses or bars. Lakeview is such a pretty neighborhood in Chicago, with a warm and welcoming community and art is so edifying.

I didn’t buy anything except for lots of beer with a friend. The kids really liked all of the different ideas and really exposed them to some more creative things in life. I may visit again next year. A really fun afternoon. I’m sure the concerts get a bit more fun as the evening progresses.

Just a great annual two day art festival that show case the area business and restaurants in Lakeview East. I always enjoy attending this festival.
It seems more booths have been added for food and adult beverages which is nice. The art work continues to be amazing.
The display at the north end is always a highlight.

After being in Chicago several years and going to several of these festivals, the artists tend to be the same ones show up frequently, but they are always interesting to watch evolve. Some stay just the same but others continue to build some interesting work. The photographers of Chicago tend to come up with the most fun stuff: prints on blocks or class, unique views of the city. There is not really an impressive line up of great art but some of it isn’t bad — but not worth the listed price to me. The neighborhood is always a great setting with a mix of different cultures coming together. Interesting landscaping at the north end that makes the middle of Broadway feel like an outdoor garden.

Awesome exhibit of creativity and craftsmanship! Several blocks of artisans displaying their works of art for sale. Multiple styles and themes… modern, retro, grunge, whimsical, contemporary, vintage, etc.
Wide variety of paintings, prints, photography, multi-​media, sculpture, ceramics, pottery, jewelry, clothing. A few furniture booths and functional wood pieces here and there.
Definitely a festival to check out whether you’re looking for a unique piece of art or for creative inspiration! There’s something for everyone.

I was so impressed this year. We went 3 years ago and I remember it having cruddy shops, smaller and no where to walk. I also had my arm in a sling after fracturing my elbow, so I might have been a wee bit irritable, but my other half concurs with this.
This year it was gorgeous and a blast! Goose Island Green Line on tap for only $ 5? yes please! Renaldi’s pizza. Belgium pretzels for only $ 2? A steal! And feel free to choose from toppings.
The artists were so varied in their mediums and I enjoyed going through a few times. Donations were accepted but you weren’t hounded about which made me want to give to them even more!
After we came home full, with one tired puppy, we pulled out all our business cards and fliers and immediately began looking up these artists for future purchases.
This is a gem in the neighborhood — so glad it’s improved so much!

Finally a festival in my ‘hood that does not involve age inappropriate debauchery! My kid’s and I spent Saturday and Sunday afternoons walking amongst art and crafts, dodging true street performers, not those using our ‘hood as a weekend release from reality and any sense of propriety, and enjoying entertainment… that was… get this entertaining– Indonesian Performing Arts.
As a bonus, my children felt welcomed by the crafts activities available to them. It was nice of Blick to provide three employees to paint faces and teach crafts! As a sweet bonus they gave out free pads, pens and crayons.
And as an almost startling plus– the food was good and reasonable.
Thank you Lake View Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring an event that welcomes all of our community!

Glad to have this as a festival to check out nearby. It’s free (no donation) and has a good selection of affordable art. They do have a diverse selection of mediums so it’s not all the same stuff. Can’t wait to go again next year.

Way more decent art than I would have expected, but Chicago themes WAY over-​represented.
Nice that it’s not loaded with leatherworks, tie dye and the usual street fair crap.