Publish Date

Youth Talent Festival Taking Place on Saturday, October 1

The Chicago Park District in collaboration with the John Walt Foundation announces the launch of Teens in the Park Fest (T.I.P. Fest). The free annual teen and youth talent showcase will return for its seventh year on Saturday, October 1 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Maggie Daley Park, located at 337 E. Randolph St. The T.I.P. Fest stage provides showcasing opportunities for youth artists, including singers, dancers, poets, spoken word artists and musicians.

“The Chicago Park District strives to keep Chicago’s teens active and engaged in positive and engaging programs year-round,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño. “T.I.P. Fest has become a staple for our artists as they showcase their talents, and we hope the community joins us in supporting and celebrating our talented youth.”  

Two auditions were held at Calumet Park and Columbus Park this summer to determine who would move on to the T.I.P. Fest stage. Ten artists, between the ages of 14-24 years old, were chosen by popular vote to compete for cash prizes and T.I.P. Fest fame. The third, second and coveted first place winners will be announced during the event. The 1st place winner will receive $500. In addition, the 2nd place will get $250, and $150 for the 3rd place winner. Professionals in the music industry, Corey, Prince Spencer, Tameka Ponce and Dawreck, will judge the performances.

Headlining the event is PivotGang's Melo, DJ Ca$h Era, and MC Ricky Rampage from local radio station, Power 92. The following are the ten finalists performing on the T.I.P. Fest stage: 

•    Authentic
•    Enama 
•    Enjoi Dance
•    KAYBUZZ
•    Out Past Midnight
•    Prince Coop
•    RaylsRay
•    Rosey 
•    Sam The Sentient 
•    Z Saj

Participating organizations that will be present at the event to provide teens with resources include:

•    Afterschool Matters
•    Anna Moran / Local Artist: Mystical Creations
•    Calumet Area Industrial Commission
•    Chicago Park District
•    City Colleges of Chicago
•    City Year
•    Columbus Park Youth Entrepreneurs
•    Hem the Artist
•    Herfection Beauty
•    Madison Elaine / Local Artist
•    Marwen
•    Mental Health Meets Hip Hop
•    Music to Me
•    Project Exploration
•    Social Works
•    Tech Corps
•    You Media, Build Chicago
•    And more! 

In addition to resource vendors, the event will also include dance performances, roller-skating, scooters, games, circus wheel, free swag, and more. Bring your friends and join us for an event you won’t want to miss! 

Follow us on Instagram at ‘ChiTeensinthePark,’ and Twitter @TeensInThePark. Stay up to date with our teen programs and events at www.ChicagoParkDistrict.com/teens-parks. 

For T.I.P. Fest event updates, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/tip-fest and www.johnwaltfoundation.org/tips-fest. For more information on Chicago Park District hosted teen events and programming, please visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/teens-parks.