A summer tradition continued in vibrant fashion on Saturday as Marist High School welcomed nearly 2,500 guests to the fourth annual Southside Summer Festival, transforming its RedHawk Stadium into a lively celebration of music, food and community.
Under a clear summer sky, attendees enjoyed live performances from three standout bands, fresh eats from a beloved local restaurant, and the opportunity to support Marist students through scholarship fundraising.
“This is truly a community event for all,” said Fr. Tom Hurley, vice president of advancement and ministry at Marist High School and co-organizer of the event. “It’s a very fun night of great people, great music, and great food and drinks.”
The Southside Summer Festival featured a dynamic music lineup including Red Pop Fury, Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root with guitarist Dirk Miller, and headliner Poi Dog Pondering, performing their only Chicago concert of the summer. The crowd responded with dancing, cheering and plenty of South Side spirit.
“The fact that Poi Dog Pondering chose Southside Summer Festival as their only Chicago show this summer is a huge deal,” Hurley said. “And I’ve been a fan of both Poi Dog and Rusted Root for years, so I was personally excited to see them live.”
Barraco’s served as the exclusive food vendor for the evening, offering a variety of crowd favorites including pizza, burgers and sandwiches. The local restaurant, a South Side staple, also partnered with Marist to provide food and drink service for VIP ticket holders.
“Barraco’s has been a tremendous partner and sponsor of this event,” Hurley said. “We think our attendees loved having them here this summer.”
Tickets were $35 in advance, $40 at the gate and $150 for VIP admission. All proceeds benefit Marist High School’s financial aid and scholarship programs.
“More than 60 percent of our students receive some form of financial assistance,” Hurley explained. “By attending Southside Summer Festival, you’re helping a family and a student in need, someone who may not otherwise be able to afford a private school education.”
The event was presented by Marist High School, located at 4200 W. 115th Street in Chicago, under the leadership of Hurley and school president Larry Tucker.
Organizing the festival also required support from generous sponsors including: Barraco’s, Marquette Bank, Motorola, Napleton Ford, Wintrust and the Original Pancake House in Beverly and Oak Lawn.
Security and safety were managed in close partnership with the Chicago Police Department’s 22nd District, ensuring a smooth experience for all attendees.
Now in its fourth year, the festival has grown into one of the South Side’s most anticipated summer gatherings. The inspiration for the event came from Hurley’s previous work as a pastor at Old St. Patrick’s Church, where he helped lead the World’s Largest Block Party.
“In many ways, this festival brings that same spirit to a beautiful high school campus right here on the South Side,” he said. “We wanted to create a fun event that everyone would want to attend, and I think we’ve done that.”
From the music to the food to the chance encounters with old friends, Hurley said what makes the night special is the shared experience.
“You don’t need to go downtown for an incredible night of live music,” he said. “You run into so many people you know, some you haven’t seen in years, and that just makes the whole night even better.”
With another successful year in the books, the Southside Summer Festival continues to establish itself as a highlight of the season and a celebration of what makes the South Side shine.
