Festival season is in full swing, and two upcoming fiestas are back in full force next weekend. 

Fiestas Patronales Puertorriqueñas is bringing tropical tastes, culture, and sounds to Humboldt Park from June 9 – 12. The event will feature multiple mainstage musical acts, including a freestyle music night on Friday, Charlie Aponte and La Makina on Saturday, and Lalo Rodriguez and Johnny Rivera on Sunday. A full carnival, food and craft vendors, arts and dance events, and a domino tournament are part of the festivities. 

Event producers Michelle and Melissa Gomez say the Puerto Rican community is more than ready to celebrate La Isla del Encanto once again.

“Everyone’s just itching to get out, bring out the family,” said Michelle Gomez. “They want to show their Puerto Rican pride, people want to learn about the culture, so we’re excited to put this together and make it an awesome community experience. 

And Fiesta Back of the Yards will be back on 47th Street from June 10 -12 after taking two years off due to COVID-19. The festival will feature two stages with 30 bands playing everything from mariachi to banda, Ballet Folklorico performances, art experiences, and over 30 local food vendors. 

Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council CEO Craig Chico says their 30th year will be a celebration that authentically reflects the culture of the community. 

“The culture we celebrate is something that the community really enjoys because we’re identifying now as a predominantly Mexican community, African American community – people enjoy that, they want to be proud of their heritage.”