Annual festival · Chicago
Inspired By: YOU!
A full-day celebration of culture, music, food, and the village we've built together.
Why we made it
What does it mean to be inspired?
Some people set out to create something new. Some take something old and make it better. Some use it as motivation to push through something hard. Some go the extra mile to make someone else's journey easier.
You can't see or touch inspiration — but what comes of it can be seen, felt, and cherished for ages.
So, what did we do? We created a Fest.
The IBYF is our way of paying forward the beautiful people, places, and things that have inspired us — the literature, the music, the art, the food, the tradition that shaped us. It's about community. About connection. About collaboration.
Join us · 06.14.2026
Three ways to be part of it.
Attend the Fest
Single tickets, family packages, and an option to donate tickets to families who otherwise couldn't come.
Buy TicketsSponsor the joy
The Festival has been a source of joy for thousands. This year you can help deliver that joy to even more families.
Become a SponsorVend at the park
Got a business or organization to share? We'd love to have you alongside us in Douglass Park.
Become a Vendor
In partnership with
The village behind the Fest.
We don't do this alone. With gratitude to the partners who showed up for last year's Festival.
Presenting partners
Sustaining partners
Westside Cultural Foundation · The Kindness Campaign · Chicago Association of Realtors · Anna M. Valencia, City Clerk · State Senator Lakesia Collins · Jason C. Ervin, Alderman
Community partners
EllieKay Events · Balton · Reggio's · Eventnoire · Mama Fresh · Moor's Brewing Company
And it was
Inspired by YOU.
See you in Douglass Park · 06.14.2026