Mamby on the Beach makes its return to Oakwood Beach in Chicago, IL for the fourth year, June 23-24 putting up a lineup that feels especially attuned to the city’s locals.
The Music
With headliners including Common, Spoon and Grizzly Bear on Saturday and Russ and Cold War Kids closing out Sunday, the names lower on the roster are sure to pull in a crowd as well. Between the two stages of headliners along with Gorgon City (Live), AJR, Tune-Yards, Towkio, St. Lucia, Roy Wood$, Oh Wonder, Whethan, Snakeships and on the Mixmag x Beatport Tent, Duke Dumont, Jai Wolf, Nora En Pure, Richie Hawtin, Dixon, Walker & Royce and so many more.
Run by the Chicago festival and booking powerhouse, React Presents, Mamby creates a more intimate experience rather than trying to compete with its brothers and sisters like Lollapalooza, Pitchfork, Spring Awakening and so on. This fest has a beautiful balance between low key alternative rock and recognized DJs.
The Vibe
In addition to the music, Mamby emphasizes on yoga, tarot-card readings, wellness workshops and with it being on the beach, obviously some lakeside volleyball. This year it only gets better. Cool off from the summer heat with a mass water balloon fight – which will take place at the hottest point of each day. If you’re looking for a calmer way to wind down, there will be yoga sessions three times a day allowing your mind and body to take a breather. Or if you’re wanting to get in touch with your inner self, make sure to check out the tarot-card and palm reading booths and even the wellness workshops where you can learn about essential oils, self-care and so much more. If you’re looking to add to your fest ‘fit, swing by the braid bar to get your hair did, and I suggest going the extra step of getting the glitter piled on…because well, that’s the best part!
With some of the best views of the city and in my opinion, Chicago’s most scenic festival, Mamby offers up more than just a mellow music scene. The vibe at this boutique fest is at an all-time high between the beats, waterside atmosphere and being surrounded by fest goers who are there solely to have a good time. There really is nothing like watching the sunset over the main stage and Chicago’s downtown Saturday and Sunday night as the headliners close out.
New to Mamby? I got you covered. The fest is located south of downtown Chicago, at Oakwood Beach on 39th St, there will be free shuttles at the designated pickup areas including the CTA Cermak-Chinatown Redline, Cermak-McCormick Place Green line stations and the McCormick Place marshaling lot. The parking lot down by Mamby will only be used for buses, taxis, and Ubers – no parking at the fest so save the planet and money and use a free shuttle!
The Afters
One of my favorite parts of festivals are the after shows and Mamby is no different. The after shows have yet to be announced, but with React heading up the fest, there are sure to be fire sets at the likes of Concord Music Hall, Prysm, and The Mid. If you’re skipping the afters and heading straight for the Chicago nightlife, I have some recommendations for that as well! Be sure to hit up my River North favorite, Joy District, the multi-level venue, a club on floor two and one of the city’s best rooftops, you will definitely find me there. A couple other favorites are right across the street – stop by Celeste to get your groove on at Disco, Celeste’s 70s chic inspired top floor or for all you night crawlers, head to Underground – the DJ heavy late night spot.
Mamby on the Beach is coming in hot and my favorite way to kick of the festival season in one of the greatest cities there is. With the chill vibes, scenic views and PLUR levels on high, this intimate fest is a must. I can’t wait to see what magical moments are in store this year. See you all there!
Festpop Sr. Writer, Ashley Siech
