The Hyde Park Summer Fest has grown from its humble beginnings into a viable summer activity for the city of Chicago. The festival started in a parking lot and is now attracting thousands of people and booking big name acts for entertainment.
This year’s two-day festival started on June 11, 2022, on the campus of the University of Chicago at Midway Plaisance. Thousands came out to celebrate (almost) summertime Chi in all of its glory. Bad weather loomed over the event, however, both days were spared and the celebration continued uninterrupted.
The bill was jam-packed with star power. Lupe Fiasco, Ashanti and Busta Rhymes represented for the first day of the festivities. BJ The Chicago Kid, Marsha Ambrosious, Lucky Daye, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Jhené Aiko closed out the second day of the festival. The fans were just as diverse as the bill and created a space of peace and harmony that translates into a fun and exciting time for all.
We asked music fan Tanicka Sanders what she loves about Hyde Park Summer Fest. “Hyde Park Summer Festival is Chi-Town version of the Essence Festival. We take pride in the Hyde Park Summer Fest and look forward to it every year! The city comes out and we always have good time regardless of the weather. We did not witness one fight, no gun violence, nothing but love and a flawless execution across the board,” she said.
Rolling out spoke with one of the event’s organizers, Dave Jeff of Phli, and asked him why this event is important for the city. “It’s important because it is for us and by us. It is employing us and shows how we can make things happen for the South Side of Chicago,” he said.
Take a look at a few pictures from the festival in the gallery.
