BubbleFest

BubbleFest is a family-friendly celebration of childhood, bubbles of all kinds, and celebration of Spring and early Summer! Produced by Erik L Peterson Studio and Uptown United, this free hands-on family street festival takes inspiration from Uptown’s irreverent 1920s architecture, Chicago’s gum manufacturing history and status as a present-day chewing gum and confectionary capital, and Argyle and Broadway street's many incredible bubble tea (boba) cafes. BubbleFest will host Chicago's first ever Bubble Gum Blowing Competition complete with medals and a "Bubble Cup" trophy that, like the Stanley Cup, will be engraved each year with age-group winners! 

BubbleFest will take place on Saturday, May 16th, 2026 from 1-6pm on the Clifton Green, a grassy triangle at the corner of North Broadway Ave and North Clifton Ave. (Lawrence stop on the CTA Red Line!)

BubbleFest was conceived and developed by Uptown/Edgewater public artist Erik L. Peterson to celebrate the neighborhood, activate the afternoon for our kids and families, and bring the fun irreverent spirit of the Uptown neighborhood to kids and their caregivers! With a plethora of activities including hands-on art making, custom-made Bubbletea Basketball, a tee-shirt station, a free bubble give-away, and one-of-a-kind Bubble Gum Blowing Competition, this is a can't-miss event for all families!

BubbleFest celebrates Uptown's new piece of interactive public art - Pop Art (Bubble) - coming in Summer of 2026, and encourages participation in art for all!

Peterson is excited to work with the Uptown Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Arts Council, City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and Cedar St. / Flats Chicago, as well as many local Uptown businesses to produce this free event!