Edgewater Chamber of Commerce today announced the full music lineup and additional programming for the inaugural Edgewater Music Fest, a brand-new music fest launching Sept. 5–7. Taking place along Broadway from Thorndale to Ardmore, Edgewater Music Fest will run Friday from 5–10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 12–10 p.m.
Newly announced artists joining the lineup of 30+ renowned live acts include Cleveland indie rock heavyweights Cloud Nothings with a headlining slot on Friday night; Philadelphia emo outfit Sweet Pill; critically acclaimed and forcefully rhythmic Massachusetts rockers Speedy Ortiz; Chicago hip-hop/electronic duo Air Credits (consisting of rapper Showyousuck and producer Steve Reidell); newly reunited alternative punk band Dr. Manhattan from Wauconda, IL; and Universal Togetherness Band, a genre-blending disco/jazz/funk group that saw their hey day in the early ‘80s and reunited in the 2010s.
This is the largest street fest to hit Broadway in six years, bringing fresh energy to Edgewater’s charming lakeside streets. More than just a music event, it’s a celebration of the neighborhood’s small businesses, local eats and creative spirit, with more than 80 vendors participating in the fest.
“We’re incredibly proud of the music lineup we’ve assembled for Edgewater Music Fest’s first year,” said Garrett Karp, Executive Director of the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce. “This is not your average neighborhood fest. We’ve curated a lineup that’s bold, diverse and reflective of the creative energy that defines Edgewater. It’s our way of inviting the entire city to discover what makes this community so special.”
The complete 2025 music lineup includes: 100 DAYYS, AIR CREDITS, BABE REPORT, BEV RAGE & THE DRINKS, BLACK BEAR COMBO, CLOUD NOTHINGS, COWBOY JANE, DEVON KAY & THE SOLUTIONS, DISCUS, DR. MANHATTAN, EDGING, FOXY SHAZAM, FREDDIE OLD SOUL, MOYANA, NAKED BRUNCH, OK COOL, PINKSQUEEZE, RIC WILSON, RICH JONES, SCHOOL OF ROCK ANDERSONVILLE, SLUDGEWORTH, SPEEDY ORTIZ, SWEET PILL, THE BROKEDOWNS, THE REAGANOMICS, TIGHTWIRE, TROMBLAU & FRIENDS, UNIFLORA
Past Edgewater Chamber of Commerce Event – Photo Credit: Michael Courier
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Previously announced headlining acts for the inaugural Edgewater Music Fest will include Chicago hip-hop/funk sensation Ric Wilson and Cincinnati-based stadium rockers Foxy Shazam. A diverse lineup of local acts will join them, including, 90’s punk rock band Sludgeworth (featuring members of Screeching Weasel), drag queen-led garage-pop band Bev Rage & The Drinks, ska punk and power-pop band Devon Kay & The Solutions, queer femme indie rockers PINKSQUEEZE, The Brokedowns, a punk group out of Elgin, IL, indie-emo duo OK Cool, and postpunk trio Uniflora, who released their debut album in June.
The full schedule of performances (subject to change) is as follows:
FRIDAY, SEPT. 5
North Stage
• 09:00 – 10:00: Speedy Ortiz
• 07:45 – 08:30: PINKSQUEEZE
• 05:45 – 06:15: Universal Togetherness Band
South Stage
• 08:45 – 10:00: Cloud Nothings
• 07:30 – 08:15: Bev Rage & The Drinks
• 06:30 – 07:00: Discuss
• 05:30 – 06:00: Babe Report
SATURDAY, SEPT. 6
North Stage
• 08:45 – 10:00: Sludgeworth
• 07:15 – 08:00: The Brokedowns
• 05:45 – 06:30: Tightwire
• 04:30 – 05:15: The Reaganomics
• 03:30 – 04:00: Cowboy Jane
South Stage
• 08:45 – 10:00: Ric Wilson
• 07:15 – 08:00: Air Credits
• 05:45 – 06:30: Rich Jones
• 04:15 – 05:00: Freddie Old Soul
• 03:00 – 03:45: MOYANA
• 12:30 – 02:30: School of Rock Andersonville
SUNDAY, SEPT. 7
North Stage
• 09:00 – 10:00: Sweet Pill
• 07:30 – 08:15: Edging
• 06:00 – 06:45: OK Cool
• 04:30 – 05:15: Black Bear Combo
• 03:15 – 04:00: Naked Brunch
• 02:00 – 02:45: 100 Dayys
South Stage
• 08:30 – 10:00: Foxy Shazam
• 07:00 – 07:45: Dr. Manhattan
• 05:30 – 06:15: Devon Kay & The Solutions
• 04:15 – 05:00: Tromblau & Friends
• 03:00 – 03:45: Uniflora
• 12:30 – 02:30: School of Rock Andersonville
Alongside the exceptional music lineup, a selection of local Edgewater food and retail vendors will be at the fest, including Edgewater Candles, DMApothecary, Hello Thai, Beard & Belly, Urban Table and many more. Additional fest programming includes Edgewater Music Fest’s Kidz Zone taking place in the parking lot of Broadway Armory along the festival footprint, featuring 15+ organizations hosting hands-on activities for kids, teens and families. Activities will include face painting, coloring, games, soccer drills, circus equipment, dance, music lessons and more. Broadway Armory, a facility operated by Chicago Park District that houses multiple gymnasiums, a theater, exercise facilities and more, will remain open for its normal operating hours and programming during Edgewater Music Fest.
Edgewater Music Fest supports the Chamber’s broader mission to boost local economic activity and strengthen the business community. Karp notes that many street festivals are not profitable in their first year, and that Edgewater Chamber considers Edgewater Music Fest an up-front investment in the local business community. A suggested $10 entry donation supports the nonprofit Edgewater Chamber of Commerce to ensure the festival and other community-focused initiatives can continue for years to come. Gate donations also support CareForReal, a non-profit organization that provides food, clothing and support to low-income residents on Chicago’s North side.
For more information about Edgewater Music Festival, visit edgewatermusicfest.org and the social pages @EdgewaterChamber. Sponsorship opportunities and vendor spots are available, please email info@edgewater.org to learn more.
About Kickstand Productions
Founded in 2006, Kickstand Productions (KSP) produces festivals and events at some of the most esteemed venues in the Midwest. KSP serves as the in-house talent buyers for Subterranean, Beat Kitchen and Do Division Street Fest, in addition to producing events throughout Chicago, Michigan, Central Illinois, Milwaukee, and Iowa City.
About the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1984, the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization that promotes and supports business in the Edgewater community through marketing, education, networking, and advocacy programs. The Chamber also works with the Edgewater Development Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to further the goals of increasing commercial activity, promoting economic development, and strengthening existing businesses in the Edgewater community.
The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce administers Special Service Area #26, a special tax district provides funding for additional services, programs, and improvements in Edgewater’s business corridors on Broadway (from Foster to Devon) and Devon (from Broadway to Glenwood). More information about the Chamber can be found at Edgewater.org.