Week 1: Planning for Urban Streets Festivals

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Consultation has concluded

Planning through Street Festivals

Can festivals be tools for social change? In this interactive session, learn how the logistics and processes of festival planning critically engage the city around arts, culture, and place-making. Eric Williams - the founder and CEO of Silver Room Block Party, a music festival that brings together talented, independent artists - will provide insight into the uniqueness of community festivals and how street festivals relate to nearby institutions and businesses. Eric will share the story of Silver Room Block Party's history, growth, and values. By the end of the session, you will leave with a greater understanding of this iconic festival and apply festival planning concepts in a short analysis for a festival of your choosing.

View a recording of the session here.


About this Page

This is the landing page for our first week on urban street festivals. Please feel free to explore the tools below and to the right of this post to gain a better understanding of what you can look forward to in this session.

  • Check out Pre-session Content below to familiarize yourself with relevant resources put together by the sessions leaders. These tools will help you form a foundation for the week's session. Take a look through them before the session on Thursday.
  • Let's Talk functions the same as the one found on the FLIP homepage. The only difference is that discussions are catered towards urban street festivals. Give us some insight to your experiences!
  • Quick Thoughts functions similarly to the homepage's Get to Know Your Peers. Answer some quick questions about your exposure to urban street festivals - whether you have or haven't gone to one, let us know!
  • Session documents can be found to the right. There, you'll find documents that we'll use during the sessions.
  • You can find out more about your session leaders under Meet the Team.
  • At the end of the week, head on over to Festival Reflection, where you can share festival images and reflections using principles you learned during your session. Fill this out at the end of session to wrap up your first week of FLIP!

Click here to go back to the FLIP homepage.

Planning through Street Festivals

Can festivals be tools for social change? In this interactive session, learn how the logistics and processes of festival planning critically engage the city around arts, culture, and place-making. Eric Williams - the founder and CEO of Silver Room Block Party, a music festival that brings together talented, independent artists - will provide insight into the uniqueness of community festivals and how street festivals relate to nearby institutions and businesses. Eric will share the story of Silver Room Block Party's history, growth, and values. By the end of the session, you will leave with a greater understanding of this iconic festival and apply festival planning concepts in a short analysis for a festival of your choosing.

View a recording of the session here.


About this Page

This is the landing page for our first week on urban street festivals. Please feel free to explore the tools below and to the right of this post to gain a better understanding of what you can look forward to in this session.

  • Check out Pre-session Content below to familiarize yourself with relevant resources put together by the sessions leaders. These tools will help you form a foundation for the week's session. Take a look through them before the session on Thursday.
  • Let's Talk functions the same as the one found on the FLIP homepage. The only difference is that discussions are catered towards urban street festivals. Give us some insight to your experiences!
  • Quick Thoughts functions similarly to the homepage's Get to Know Your Peers. Answer some quick questions about your exposure to urban street festivals - whether you have or haven't gone to one, let us know!
  • Session documents can be found to the right. There, you'll find documents that we'll use during the sessions.
  • You can find out more about your session leaders under Meet the Team.
  • At the end of the week, head on over to Festival Reflection, where you can share festival images and reflections using principles you learned during your session. Fill this out at the end of session to wrap up your first week of FLIP!

Click here to go back to the FLIP homepage.

Festival Reflection

Connect concepts from this session with a specific festival example! Share your insights for all four prompts.

  1. Choose one of the following: 
    1. a festival photo from your own photo collection
    2. a drawing of a festival that already exists or a festival you’d like to create
    3. a festival photo you found online 

  2. Answer the following questions about your festival. You can provide additional information or a narrative if you like.  
    1. Access: Is the festival in a public or private space, or are there elements of both?  What are the boundaries of the festival and how are they marked?  Is the festival accessible to everyone?
    2. Connection: Does the festival have a theme?  Does the festival have a strong connection to the place it is held in terms of design, culture, language, or food?  Does it attract mostly local people or people from out of town? 
    3. Impact: What is the impact of the festival? Who profits financially from the festival? Is any group negatively impacted by the festival?  

  3. Post your photo or drawing along with your answers.  

  4. Look at other submissions and enjoy!
Thank you for sharing your story with us.
CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
  • Share American Heritage Festival on Facebook Share American Heritage Festival on Twitter Share American Heritage Festival on Linkedin Email American Heritage Festival link

    American Heritage Festival

    by Yannik Leuz, almost 6 years ago

    The American Heritage Festival is a festival from my imagination and celebrates the unique and diverse heritage of all Americans (Not just US). The festival would be centered around a main plaza and would branch out into the surrounding streets. Thus, it is held in public space and would require roads being blocked off. There would be fences and entrances at the end of each street. Since this is a large festival, bags would be checked at the entrance points. The festival would be accessible to everyone but there would be an entrance fee of one dollar. There would also... Continue reading

    The American Heritage Festival is a festival from my imagination and celebrates the unique and diverse heritage of all Americans (Not just US). The festival would be centered around a main plaza and would branch out into the surrounding streets. Thus, it is held in public space and would require roads being blocked off. There would be fences and entrances at the end of each street. Since this is a large festival, bags would be checked at the entrance points. The festival would be accessible to everyone but there would be an entrance fee of one dollar. There would also be donation booths. Funding would be provided by many sponsors such as museums and each sponsor would get a booth and maybe a few banners. The theme would be American heritage and each street would have a different theme. So there might be a Peruvian themed street, a French themed street, a Japanese themed street, a Kenyan themed street etc. Each street would have unique music, food, and decorations. This would all lead to the central plaza with a big center stage playing lots of diverse music and performances. The goal is to bring everyone together as a American while celebrating our different backgrounds. The festival would be mainly for more local citizens, but visitors are welcomed. The festival would be two or three days long and thus would have a large impact. Sponsors would gain some recognition and awareness. The goal of the festival is to make a net zero profit. That means that every dollar worth of profit would be saved for the following year (Yes, it is an annual thing). However, vendors, artists, and companies providing services would all earn some money. The festival would try to bring awareness to traditions and aims to make everyone feel included. There might be different overarching themes each year that would change the central plaza. A negative impact will be traffic and local residents.


  • Share Taste of Greektown on Facebook Share Taste of Greektown on Twitter Share Taste of Greektown on Linkedin Email Taste of Greektown link

    Taste of Greektown

    by Sonya Ko, almost 6 years ago
    Taste of Greektown: August 26 - 28 2017 | Greektown Chicago

    The Taste of Greektown takes place in a main road which is a public space. It usually starts on a Friday and ends on a Sunday. The boundaries of the festival are marked by tents and gates. Many volunteers also greet you in and out. The festival is accessible to everyone. The festival serves Greek food, and it allows everyone to explore the Greek culture. I know many friends that attend this festival because they live near it, and it is plenty of fun to go around. The impact of the festival is to have as many people as possible... Continue reading

    The Taste of Greektown takes place in a main road which is a public space. It usually starts on a Friday and ends on a Sunday. The boundaries of the festival are marked by tents and gates. Many volunteers also greet you in and out. The festival is accessible to everyone. The festival serves Greek food, and it allows everyone to explore the Greek culture. I know many friends that attend this festival because they live near it, and it is plenty of fun to go around. The impact of the festival is to have as many people as possible be exposed to Greek cultures, foods, and designs. Many stores also have the opportunity to show off their food and allow people to have a sample of what their food tastes like. I think this festival is sponsored by many companies and many locals donate to the festival. A group that might be negatively impacted by the festival is the locals that live near the festival. There is loud music playing so if the locals wanted to sleep early, they might have trouble falling asleep.

  • Share Swedish Days on Facebook Share Swedish Days on Twitter Share Swedish Days on Linkedin Email Swedish Days link

    Swedish Days

    by kendall forbes, almost 6 years ago

    Swedish days is a street festival held in downtown Geneva that starts on a Tuesday and ends on Sunday with a parade all around the downtown area. Having lived in Geneva all my life, I have been attending this festival for as long as I can remember. The festival is held in a public space where anyone can attend.The city blocks off 3rd Street for vendors, a stage for music, and a carnival. The theme of the festival is Swedish, and I think it has a strong connection more with design and food. Everywhere you look there are decorations that... Continue reading

    Swedish days is a street festival held in downtown Geneva that starts on a Tuesday and ends on Sunday with a parade all around the downtown area. Having lived in Geneva all my life, I have been attending this festival for as long as I can remember. The festival is held in a public space where anyone can attend.The city blocks off 3rd Street for vendors, a stage for music, and a carnival. The theme of the festival is Swedish, and I think it has a strong connection more with design and food. Everywhere you look there are decorations that remind me of Sweden like flags and as for the food, on Saturday the church on 3rd street makes Swedish pancakes, vendors have Swedish meatballs, and more recent a new tent that has more things that tie back to Sweden. This festival attracts people from all over Illinois because every year I always meet someone who comes up to me and my friends and tells us where they are from and says how great they think Swedish days is. Swedish days is also advertised on the radio so more than just local people attend.I think the impact is that everybody just has a good time and there is always something fun to do there. Area merchants, food vendors, and the carnival all profit the most from this festival. Any businesses that are trying to function normally have a hard time because of all the foot traffic and lack of parking but overall the festival attracts many people from all over and it is my favorite festival that I attend.

  • Share Tugfest on Facebook Share Tugfest on Twitter Share Tugfest on Linkedin Email Tugfest link

    Tugfest

    by GeorgeB, almost 6 years ago

    Tugfest happens on public grounds on both sides of the Mississippi river, and uses the streets of LeClair, Iowa, for an additional parade and festival. There are loose boundaries for the competition with a sprawl of over 35,000 people watching the competition on the banks, in small stands, and in countless small boats. It is accessible to everyone. The main theme around this festival is the massive tug-of-war competition they hold. Teams of 20 compete on opposite side of the river using a 2,700 foot, 680 lb rope, stretching between LeClair and Port Byron. It attracts many locals as well... Continue reading

    Tugfest happens on public grounds on both sides of the Mississippi river, and uses the streets of LeClair, Iowa, for an additional parade and festival. There are loose boundaries for the competition with a sprawl of over 35,000 people watching the competition on the banks, in small stands, and in countless small boats. It is accessible to everyone. The main theme around this festival is the massive tug-of-war competition they hold. Teams of 20 compete on opposite side of the river using a 2,700 foot, 680 lb rope, stretching between LeClair and Port Byron. It attracts many locals as well as decent amounts of visitors, due to its small $5 fee. It is a major event for the area, and has grown to include a food fest, parade, firework show, and 5k run. The towns organize this event along with help from the coast guard to shut down the river for the day. No group is negatively affected by this festival, though river barge traffic must be stopped for several hours.

  • Share Swedish Days, Geneva, Illinois on Facebook Share Swedish Days, Geneva, Illinois on Twitter Share Swedish Days, Geneva, Illinois on Linkedin Email Swedish Days, Geneva, Illinois link

    Swedish Days, Geneva, Illinois

    by Isaiah Irlbacker, almost 6 years ago

    Living in St. Charles, a part of the Tri-Cities, the Tri-Cities consist of Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles, I go to and through Geneva often. Geneva is a popular tourist destination with it’s location along the Fox River and numerous shops and restaurant. Geneva is also noted for it‘s Swedish Days festival, which I’ve been to in years past. Swedish Days in Geneva is a festival that honors the City of Geneva’s notable Swedish-American heritage. It is centered in and around downtown Geneva. The festivities are accessible, there are ample sidewalks, crosswalks, adequate parking, Geneva’s Metra train station on the... Continue reading

    Living in St. Charles, a part of the Tri-Cities, the Tri-Cities consist of Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles, I go to and through Geneva often. Geneva is a popular tourist destination with it’s location along the Fox River and numerous shops and restaurant. Geneva is also noted for it‘s Swedish Days festival, which I’ve been to in years past. Swedish Days in Geneva is a festival that honors the City of Geneva’s notable Swedish-American heritage. It is centered in and around downtown Geneva. The festivities are accessible, there are ample sidewalks, crosswalks, adequate parking, Geneva’s Metra train station on the Union Pacific West Line is located in downtown Geneva too, providing direct commuter, passenger, service to currently as far west as Elburn and as far east as Ogilvie Transportation Center in Chicago. Geneva’s some major roads include Illinois Route 38, Illinois Route 25, Illinois Route 31, Randall Road, and Kirk Road, which connect to numerous other communities. The festivities attracts people from around the City of Geneva, other communities in the Tri-City Area, other communities across Chicagoland, across the State in general, and across the Midwest. Festivies take place on both public and private grounds. Third Street from James Street to Campbell Street by the Kane County Courthouse, is closed to vehicle traffic during the event. Many local businesses have marketing promotions. Swedish Days provides a lot of revenue for local business, but larger than normals crowds can lead longer wait times at restaurants and an increase in traffic can cause for delays in travel times. Like the many other communities in CMAP’s scope, the Tri-City Area, Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles, are very welcoming of those from other communities, appreciate having local businesses, enterprises, organizations, patronized and/ or visited, local historical sites visited, our parks visited, and those from other communities investing their time and resources in our communities.

  • Share Vegandale Festival on Facebook Share Vegandale Festival on Twitter Share Vegandale Festival on Linkedin Email Vegandale Festival link

    Vegandale Festival

    by Kristen McDavis, almost 6 years ago

    Originating in Toronto, Canada, The Vegandale Festival is an all ages, one day only event that makes it's rounds in many cities in the US, one of them being in Downtown Chicago (Grant Park). It is a festival celebrating vegan food and drinks, and according to their website "This premiere destination for the vegan and vegan curious is the only one of it's kind, promoting a world where animal exploitation is a thing of the past." You do have to pay a fee to get in and pay for your food, but it is accessible through walking, public transportation and... Continue reading

    Originating in Toronto, Canada, The Vegandale Festival is an all ages, one day only event that makes it's rounds in many cities in the US, one of them being in Downtown Chicago (Grant Park). It is a festival celebrating vegan food and drinks, and according to their website "This premiere destination for the vegan and vegan curious is the only one of it's kind, promoting a world where animal exploitation is a thing of the past." You do have to pay a fee to get in and pay for your food, but it is accessible through walking, public transportation and biking. Since the festival takes place in many cities, the crowd there are mainly city locals and from surrounding areas. It is a great festival to go to if you want meet other vegans, but also to get introduced to veganism and learn more about the exploitation of animals, and to eat delicious vegan food. Games, live music, and giveaways also take place at the festival. Vendors profit financially through selling their food, drinks, and merchandise.


  • Share 57th St Art Fair on Facebook Share 57th St Art Fair on Twitter Share 57th St Art Fair on Linkedin Email 57th St Art Fair link

    57th St Art Fair

    by Guttmansm, almost 6 years ago

    The 57th Street Art Fair in Hyde Park has been operating for about 73 years. It is held between Kenwood and Woodlawn in Hyde Park on the street. Artists come from all over the world to sell art for a few days and it reflects the neighborhood's diversity. The boundaries are usually marked by traffic cones or a car parked sideways. It's accessible to mostly everyone as it's on an even path that is easily walkable and accessible by bike and the CTA with wheelchair access. It attracts people from the neighborhood and general southside community but also from over... Continue reading

    The 57th Street Art Fair in Hyde Park has been operating for about 73 years. It is held between Kenwood and Woodlawn in Hyde Park on the street. Artists come from all over the world to sell art for a few days and it reflects the neighborhood's diversity. The boundaries are usually marked by traffic cones or a car parked sideways. It's accessible to mostly everyone as it's on an even path that is easily walkable and accessible by bike and the CTA with wheelchair access. It attracts people from the neighborhood and general southside community but also from over the city and country. There are usually plenty of different food vendors. The neighborhood benefits from the art fair because it builds community and supports local and regional artists. People always run into their friends and family members while walking throughout the fair. This is something Jane Jacobs would really value in a neighborhood.

    Due to COVID-19, they've moved online, and it is very easy now to support the artists from home. It is a shame not to be able to talk to them in person, though. You can see the art gallery here:

    https://www.57thstreetartfair.org/virtual-fair

  • Share Chicago Jazz Festival on Facebook Share Chicago Jazz Festival on Twitter Share Chicago Jazz Festival on Linkedin Email Chicago Jazz Festival link

    Chicago Jazz Festival

    by kathychen11, almost 6 years ago

    The Chicago Jazz Festival is an annual, four day festival showcasing talented adult and student jazz and blues groups from across Chicagoland. Utilizing several public spaces including the Pritzker Pavilion and the rooftop stage, the festival creates a free, immersive, and enjoyable experience for everyone. Every performance has audiences close to capacity, and many of the members are local people. Proceeds go to the not for profit Jazz Institute of Chicago, who strives to promote jazz education for both adults and children by presenting programs for all to attend.

    The Chicago Jazz Festival is an annual, four day festival showcasing talented adult and student jazz and blues groups from across Chicagoland. Utilizing several public spaces including the Pritzker Pavilion and the rooftop stage, the festival creates a free, immersive, and enjoyable experience for everyone. Every performance has audiences close to capacity, and many of the members are local people. Proceeds go to the not for profit Jazz Institute of Chicago, who strives to promote jazz education for both adults and children by presenting programs for all to attend.

  • Share Puerto Rican Festival & Parade on Facebook Share Puerto Rican Festival & Parade on Twitter Share Puerto Rican Festival & Parade on Linkedin Email Puerto Rican Festival & Parade link

    Puerto Rican Festival & Parade

    by Muskan Dhingra, almost 6 years ago

    1.) It takes place in the area of Humboldt Park neighborhood where the local surrounding communities gather together for the festival. It is held in a public place, mostly on the streets, so it is very accessible.

    2.) The festival does have a certain theme which is to show and celebrate the rich culture of the Puerto Rican community, so the flag of Puerto Rico is very significant. Since a large number of Puerto Ricans live in Humboldt Park, the festival attracts mostly local people.

    3.)The festival has a positive impact because local businesses in the neighborhood would profit financially... Continue reading

    1.) It takes place in the area of Humboldt Park neighborhood where the local surrounding communities gather together for the festival. It is held in a public place, mostly on the streets, so it is very accessible.

    2.) The festival does have a certain theme which is to show and celebrate the rich culture of the Puerto Rican community, so the flag of Puerto Rico is very significant. Since a large number of Puerto Ricans live in Humboldt Park, the festival attracts mostly local people.

    3.)The festival has a positive impact because local businesses in the neighborhood would profit financially due to a large gathering of people. The parade includes dance and musical performances, floats, and marching bands. No group is impacted negatively because the festival’s goal is to recognize and honor the traditions/customs of the Puerto Rican community. This festival is for everyone from young children to adults.


  • Share Art & Activism Festival on Facebook Share Art & Activism Festival on Twitter Share Art & Activism Festival on Linkedin Email Art & Activism Festival link

    Art & Activism Festival

    by amyheldman, almost 6 years ago

    My festival idea: Art & Activism.

    1. Access: The festival is on public space, it is on the streets but also connected to alleys. The boundaries are marketed by cones and signs in the alleys and on the streets. It is also accessible to everyone, there is no cost.

    2. Connection: The theme activism including but not limited to: climate justice, pride, indigenous justice, black lives matter, and free Palestine. The place has no specific connection to the theme of activism, for the space simply provides large spaces for people to display art. It attracts people from all over. It... Continue reading

    My festival idea: Art & Activism.

    1. Access: The festival is on public space, it is on the streets but also connected to alleys. The boundaries are marketed by cones and signs in the alleys and on the streets. It is also accessible to everyone, there is no cost.

    2. Connection: The theme activism including but not limited to: climate justice, pride, indigenous justice, black lives matter, and free Palestine. The place has no specific connection to the theme of activism, for the space simply provides large spaces for people to display art. It attracts people from all over. It is a space to engage in different forms of art, such as film, music, poetry, and painting.

    2. Impact: The impact of the festival is to allow a creative, diverse display of art that showcases the many different issues going on in the world. It is a space that allows for all types of movements to connect and support one another. The festival is funded by different non-profits in Chicago who are willing to show their support to these movements. The only people that may be negatively impacted are those who live near the streets and may face transportation barriers, or perhaps individuals who do not support a movement featured.