For almost 15 years, Andersonville has been the home of an extensive arts weekend featuring nearly 100 artists and performers. This year, the event will be the weekend of October 14-16. There will also be a kick-off event at the Andersonville Farmers Market on Wednesday, October 12 on Berwyn between Clark and Ashland.

Joelle Scillia, director of marketing for the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce said, “We are very excited about our additional elements to Arts Weekend this year. We are doing a special preview at the October 12 Andersonville Farmers Market with artist Jeff Lassiter who will be doing live caricatures for market guests.”

Several events are planned for the weekend including live performances at First Free Church on Berwyn and Ashland. According to an Andersonville Chamber press release, “First Free Chicago hosts an outdoor block party on Berwyn between Clark and Ashland on Friday, October 14 from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. and Saturday, October 15 from 3 p.m. -10 p.m. Friday night will feature live performances on the outdoor “Free Stage” by Variations Trio and The Color Green. Saturday features family activities such as kids crafts, family dance workshop, and caricature drawings with Jeff Lassiter, as well as performances on the “Free Stage” by The pH Comedy Theater and She’s Folks.”

Scillia further said: “This is also the first year we’ve activated a vacant storefront for an additional pop-up gallery. We are very excited to showcase a prime space at 5438 N. Clark in Andersonville in hopes to draw attention to the location. It has also given us the opportunity to feature seven more artists and two groups of musicians, as well as partnerships with TrueNorth Cafe and Chutney Devis for the Friday night reception.”

Find brochures and maps at the Andersonville Farmers Market or visit the pop-up, Art Pop at 5438 N. Clark throughout the weekend for a list of all of the artists and performers. You also can obtain information about a free self-guided arts tour of the neighborhood on Saturday and Sunday.

For a list of participating companies, artists, performances and performers, visit Andersonville.org/artsweekend

Admission is free; the cost of theatrical performances varies by event. The Saturday and Sunday events take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.