Corporate burrito slingers Chipotle host the first Cultivate Festival—”a celebration of where food comes from and the people who make it”—in Lincoln Park on Sat 10/1. Music begins at 12:15 PM, and the impressive daylong lineup, headliner first, is Calexico, Mayer Hawthorne & the County, White Rabbits, the Rural Alberta Advantage, and the Cave Singers. Much of the fest (two tents’ worth!) is dedicated to presentations by accomplished chefs, including Michael Chiarello and Amanda Freitag of Food Network fame and local culinary heroes like Paul Kahan (Blackbird, Big Star), Paul Virant (Vie), and Tony Mantuano (Spiaggia). The Artisans’ Hall and Brewers’ Hall sell food and drink that’s mostly from small midwestern enterprises—Crop to Cup, Black Dog Gelato, Birky Family Farms, Half Acre, Flossmoor Station, Revolution Brewing, and more. But of course Chipotle tents will be scattered across the park, so you can get your barbacoa on at a moment’s notice. Among the other attractions are a cinema tent, an arcade tent, and a kids area (where the activities include, somewhat disturbingly, “Paint Your Produce”). Admission to the festival grounds is free. For more info, see Fairs & Festivals listings by day or visit chipotle.com.
Chipotle’s Cultivate Festival
Celebrating food with Paul Kahan, Meyer Hawthorne, and more.
