Cost: Free

Organizer: Bucktown Arts Fest Committee

What to expect: Art, poetry, music, theater, dance and film in what used to be an artists' community.

Why to go: Fight the (gentrification) powers that be with a hearty roster of local bands, art, performances and local food. Check the website for the full schedule.

Additional info: The event has drawn upwards of 30,000 people to the Senior Citizens Park (at the corner of Oakley and Lyndale) in recent years. Not just because it takes place in a park is this event grassroots; unlike many such fairs in the city, put on by commercial production companies, volunteers proudly run the fun.

The Bucktown Arts Fest kickoff party will go down on Thursday, August 27 at The Bristol from 6-9 p.m. Your ticket ($30 in advance, $40 at the door) includes food, two beverages and a silent auction.

Centerstage Reviewer: Joanne Hinkel