African/Caribbean Festival of Life

This huge festival showcases African, Caribbean and Afrro-American cultures wtih music, arts, crafts, entertainment, fashions, food. Features 70 musical acts including rhythm & blues, gospel, calypso and world beat.

Washington Park, 55th St. & S. Cottage Grove Ave. Thursday to Sunday, July 3-6, from 10am to 10pm each day except for Thursday, July 3rd, 2pm to 10pm. Call 312/427-0266 or visit the Festival of Life website for more info.

Rock Around the Block

The wierd little area just north of Belmont on Lincoln -- what's it called? Roscoe Village? West Lakeview? -- holds its annual hullabaloo Saturday and Sunday, 7/5-7/6. Festivities start at noon. More info (including a band list) here. Lincoln Avenue from Belmont to School.