Lake Michigan is the closest thing Midwestern America has to an ocean and, standing on the shore next to crashing waves and an expansive horizon, it’s pretty hard to tell the difference. On August 23-24, Chicago will transform Montrose Beach into a vacation getaway in the sand for this year’s installment of Mamby on the Beach at its new home. With performances from artists including Zhu, Sofi Tukker, Virtual Self and Brockhampton, people will scurry to the Northern city coast to bask in the songs and sunshine, but this year, the fest has promised much more than music.
Mamby annually curates some alluring activities for attendees to explore between sets and changing stages. Last year, a tent lined with gongs referred to as a “Gong Bath” offered a calm, shady place to sit and experience an all-over energy cleansing. A tent labeled “Advice” housed a troupe of improv actors, ready and willing to give their best (and most hilarious) advice to your wildest questions. The best part about these experiences? They’re all completely free!
For 2019, Mamby is bringing back beach volleyball courts and yoga sessions that take advantage of the perfect scenery. If the sun is making you sweat, grab your friends and sign up for the “gargantuan” water balloon fight on either day, scheduled to take place during the hottest hour of the day. After you dry off, head over to the tents to find the professional braid stylists who will pull your loose locks into line. Keep wandering until you find an artist to cover your arm in a beautiful, intricate henna design. Guess what? Still free.
Would you prefer tarot cards or palm readings? Trick question: Mamby will have both. Hopefully your readings aren’t too scary, but if they are, head over to the wellness workshops for inspiring messages and more on self-care, essential oils, and, more importantly, BBQ strategies. Everyone has a little room to improve somewhere, even if it’s in the kitchen.
The complete details have yet to be confirmed, and there are more surprises yet to be announced! With food trucks and vendors, stylists and artists, someone could show up to the fest like a hot mess on an empty stomach and leave with a fresh look and a belly full of Chicago’s finest.
Don’t miss this beachy extravaganza of music and fun where a magnificent urban skyline meets a beautiful, freshwater beach. Grab your tickets here, and bring your water balloon A-game. It’s on.
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