Northcenter Considers Killing Summerfest to Create New Irish Fest

North Side Summerfest might be getting an Irish twist this year as the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce considers rebranding the event with a new format, location and date.

But first, Ald. Ameya Pawar (47th) wants to hear what neighbors think of the idea.

Pawar is asking the community to come together with the chamber on Monday from 6-8 p.m. to give feedback on the plan. The meeting will be held at NCC’s office at 4054 N. Lincoln Ave.

“For the past two years, the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce (NCC) and Star Events organized and held the North Side Summerfest street festival on Lincoln south of Irving Park in the month of August,” Pawar said in a statement. “… North Side Irish Fest would be held on Lincoln north of Irving Park to Berteau (same blocks as Ribfest) on the weekend of September 13 to 15 which is half-way to St. Patrick’s Day.”

The new event would be Friday from 5-10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m., organizers with Star Events outlined. It would feature arts, music and Irish cuisine, and local restaurants would feature their best interpretation of classic Irish food.

Roughly 20,000 people show up to the Summerfest event, with around the same expected for the “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day” event. It would also be one of the last summer festivals of the season.

Those who cannot attend the community meeting are encouraged to contact the chamber directly to answer any questions or provide feedback about the idea. Based on what he hears, Pawar says he’ll decide whether he’ll provide support for the change.