Chicago street festivals at risk due to rising costs, dip in donations, organizers say

Chicago street festivals at risk due to rising costs, dip in donations, organizers say

CHICAGO (WGN) — Chicago street festivals are facing rising costs and declining donations, prompting the formation of a coalition to try to save the events. Launched on April 18, the Save Our Street Festival Coalition brings together nearly two dozen organizers. As a result of financial strain, Pamela Maass, executive director with the Wicker Park-Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, warns that many festivals may not be able to continue. "In 2024, we ha…

Chicago street fest organizers noticing a shift in attitudes towards donations

Organizers of some of Chicago street festivals are sounding the alarm about rising costs, and pushback about those suggested donations have increased. Unlike city produced music festivals, neighborhood street festivals are produced by non-profits. Pamela Maass is the executive director of the Wicker Park-Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, which produces Wicker Park Fest. She says people’s attitudes toward the suggested gate donation has shifted.  “Ty…