HYFIN takes on Chicago’s Hyde Park Summerfest

Hyde Park Summerfest is truly a music and Black, cultural VIBE. It’s a two-day festival in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood that happens inside Midway Plaisance Park in June. The entire event is a concert inside a block party. There are vendors, food trucks and other attractions mixed in with performances throughout the day. This year’s headliners — Clipse and Lil Kim — brought anticipation and nostalgia. To honor the 50th anniversary of hip hop, HPSF curated some Chicago legends: Crucial Conflict, Do or Die, Shawnna and Twista. Vic Mensa took the stage right after, all backed by DJ Mustafa Rocks.

The HYFIN team traveled to Chicago to experience a different kind of Summerfest (Milwaukee has its own). Check out some pictures and quotes from our time in the Chi.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hyde Park Summer Fest (@hydeparksummerfest)

“It was an honor being behind the camera lens for such a magnificent and vibrant festival. The people, the food and the entertainment were first class. If you haven’t seen Tobe Nwigwe live, then you need to add him to your list of must see concerts ASAP.” – DJ Kenny Perez

“The Hyde Park Summerfest experience was everything advertised and much more. The event was an unapologetically Black celebration of culture, community, entrepreneurship and of course music. The festival found a way to serve the needs of multiple generations of festival goers all at once. The sponsors of this festival understood the need to put their money where their mouths were, and it paid off in a major way. Festival participants were treats to tons of great food provided by local vendors that made you want to stay in the city a few extra days. Overall, this festival proves that when the city and sponsors take a real approach in investing in major in cultural events created, curated and executed by Black people, major success will soon follow.” – Element Everest-Blanks

“Hyde Park transported me back to South Africa in all the best ways. Having the chance to enjoy Uncle Waffles live was unreal. Thanks for bringing so many favorite artists to the stage Hyde Park.” – DJ Bruwer

“As a Chicagoan, Hyde Park Summerfest is a beautiful way to celebrate the city and its music, Black culture and both mainstream and upcoming artists. It’s a great kickoff to ‘Summertime Chi’ and a staple event that I will always support and share with others. I’m glad it was created and plan to continue to support Hyde Park Summerfest.” – Kim Shine