Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival

Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival--a barometer of the (unofficial) start of Chicago’s outdoor street fest season—returns for its 31st year to the city’s Lakeview neighborhood on Saturday and Sunday, May 23-24, over Memorial Day weekend.

And although summer doesn’t officially clock in until June 21, highlights of this popular warm-weather party include performances by several of the region’s favorite tribute bands plus food (and food trucks), beer, wine and artisans.

Among the slated performers are the Trippin Billies (Dave Matthews tribute), Wedding Banned (pop/rock tribute), eclectic popsters Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press, and all-girl rockers Catfight.

The fest is held in the shadows of the Belmont El stop on Sheffield between Belmont (3200 N) and Roscoe (3400 N). Hours are Noon-10:00 p.m. both days.

A gate donation of $5 benefits the Central Lakeview Merchants Association. For more visit www.chicagoevents.com; 773.868.3010. The entertainment schedule is:

Saturday, June 7

12:15 p.m. Hello Weekend (pop/rock)

2:00 p.m. Don’t Speak (No Doubt tribute)

4:00 p.m. Mallrats (‘90s rock)

6:00 p.m. Catfight

8:00 p.m. Wedding Banned

Sunday, June 8

Noon School of Rock Chicago (kids’ rock)

1:30 p.m. 97 Nine (rock tribute)

3:40 p.m. Stache (pop/rock)

6:00 p.m. Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press

8:00 p.m. Trippin Billies