Summer festival guide 2009

The best spots at Chicago’s summer fests: Before you blindly follow the crowds into a downtown festival, use our map to plot your plan of attack. Index fun: The peaks and valleys of summer festivals make Wall Street look downright stable. How to dress for this summer’s festivals: If you don’t have the garb for these fests, you can still get the look for less. Chicago’s summer ethnic festivals: Where to go and what to eat. Cheap drinks at Chicago’s summer festivals: Here’s how to find a stiff drink without getting stiffed. Festival treats cost plenty of cash, calories: Check out some slimmer and cheaper alternatives. Cheap summer thrills: Lack of money sucking all the fun out of your weekends? Look no further—these cheap thrills will scare the bejesus out of you. What and where to buy at this summer’s festivals: Do your shopping on the street and you’ll have plenty of cash left for beer. Volunteering at music fests can get you in free: Rock these music fests by volunteering. Bonus: free admission! Money-saving tips!: Follow our advice to enjoy summer fun at a discount.