FAQ!

What is this ‘Middlewest Fest’?
Middlewest Fest is a music, arts, and culture street festival, taking place on Sept. 9th and 10th in lovely downtown DeKalb, IL. All Middlewest events will be hosted at The Egyptian Theatre, Ottos Nightclub, Ottos Underground, The House Cafe, The Van Buer Plaza, O’Leary’s Irish Pub, SMLTWN Skateshop, Tapa La Luna, Hometown Bar & Grill as well as various art spaces, halls and local business in the historic downtown DeKalb, just a stones throw away from Northern Illinois University.

In addition to a weekend full of live-music, Middlewest will be hosting, ‘Against The Wall’, an independent film festival, as well as a local Arts and Crafts Market on the primary day of the festival, Sat. Sept. 10th. ‘Against The Wall’ event will be held at Debutante’s School Of Cosmetology (145 N. 3rd St.) and will feature 15 Midwestern and NIU Student Film Makers screening comedy, drama, experimental and documentary min-features. The Art Market will take place in Palmer Ct, located in the heart of downtown DeKalb, featuring over 20 arts and craft vendors.

Where did you get your stupid name?
Hey, back off! ‘Middlewest’ is a slang term for the Midwest. Our festival is deeply rooted in the Midwestern music and arts scene that we lovingly call home. That’s the logic behind the name.

Are All of The Venue’s Within Walking Distance?
Why yes, they are! As a matter of fact, the venues are all within two blocks of one-another.

Is there reserved seating for any of the shows?
Nope, all shows are General Admission.

Do any of the venues have age restrictions?
With the exception of Ottos Nightclub (21+), all Middlewest venues are all ages rooms.

DeKalb!?!?
Yep, it is in the middle of a corn field. However, it is allot of fun out here! People are generally nice and we have tons of wide-open spaces for you to explore!

DeKalb?!?! Isn’t that REALLY far away?
DeKalb is not as far as you may think. Google Map it! I’ll bet you are surprised, the town is about 45 minutes from most Western-Suburbs of Chicago and an hour-fifteen from the big city. The town is two hours south of Madison, three hours east of Iowa City and two hours north of Champaign if that means anything to ya!

Who is performing at this year’s festival?
Check the ‘artists’ page!

When will you be releasing the full schedule?
Good question! Probably sometime in early August.

What happened to your face?
Next question.

What if I only want to see one show? I don’t want to purchase a Day Pass / Megaticket…
No worries! We got’cha covered. You can purchase a single-show ticket for any Middlewest event. Please do note that these tickets go on-sale after the other passes. Festival day-pass and Megaticket holders are given V.I.P. treatment as they are admitted to events prior to doors opening to the general public. Even if single-show tickets are sold out for a given show, stick around! there is a very good chance you will get in! Although all of our venues have a set capacity, we do admit more people as patrons leave the event on a ‘one-on, one-out basis’. HOWEVER, the Megaticket is, by far, the best value.

Do i have to wear this wristband?
Yes, yes yes! The wristband must be worn throughout the the day / weekend. Unfortunately, this is the only way for us to keep track of all of you rabid kids!

I am coming from out of town, do you have any suggestions on a place to stay?
Yes!

The Best Western
1212 West Lincoln Highway
DeKalb, IL 60115-2904
(815) 758-8661

Hit them up and tell them we sent ya!

Got a question we didn’t touch on? E-mail us!