Chicago Fest West

Chicago Fest West is Saturday, March 19, outside the Mesa Convention Center with proceeds benefiting College Bound AZ. The festival is a celebration of Chicago through music, food, and other attractions and coincides with Cubs and White Sox Spring Training.

The inaugural festival celebrates the music, food, and sports history of Chicago during the Cactus League Spring Training to attract Chicagoans and Arizona locals. Visitors to the event can experience authentic Chicago dogs, deep dish pizza or try their first White Castle hamburger while sipping a Chicago beer. The event also features a hot dog-eating contest, cornhole tournament and a kid zone with chalk artists, face painting, bounce house and the Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow treasure hunt. There’s non-stop music beginning with a St. Patrick’s Day bagpipe performance followed by blues and rock artists Palomas, Bluesman Mike and the Blues Review, Carvin Jones, Ocean’s Rat Pack, and Tom Petty, REO Speedwagon and Chicago tribute bands. Visitors may also access the VIP Lounge for a private bar, catered food and special seating experience. The one-day festival hours are 2 to 9:30 p.m.. Children, Veterans, police and fire personnel have free admission.

Tickets can also be purchased for the Friday, March 18, VIP Party from 6 to 10 p.m. at Hob Nob Sports Grill, where fans can get an autograph or photo taken with Chicago Bears Quarterback Jim McMahon. Carvin Jones and Ocean’s Rat Pack will also perform. Free food and beverages from 6 to 8 p.m. are included in the ticket price. There will also be a silent and live auction included to raise additional funds for College Bound AZ’s education programs.

For festival information or to buy tickets to the Friday and Saturday events, visit www.chicagofestwest.com.