Guinness Oyster Festival September 16, 2006

As the summer begins to fade and give way to fall, the near northside of Chicago will undergo a transformation. A main stage will appear, tents housing culinary delights will be prepared for business, perfect pints of Guinness will be chilling and the musicians will tune their instruments.

As the crowd begins to gather, lured by the first of many modern and traditional Irish and American bands, this celebration of music will commence. Plan on fresh-shucked oysters, live music and food vendors, plus pints of Guinness, Harp and Smithwick's.

Any festival with "Guinness" in the title is sure to get me there, but oysters just puts it way over into the WIN column. Plus, proceeds ($5 donation per person) benefit the neighborhood and the First Ward Youth Organization.

Music Schedule:
3 p.m.: Fitz and the Celts
5 p.m.: Powder
6:45 p.m.: Bobby Conn
8:30 p.m.: Lovehammers