This weekend (that is, September 16-18), Chicago’s Eckhart Park will play host to the inaugural Brilliant Corners of Popular Amusements (BCPA), becoming “a playground for adults and children alike.” What that means is in addition to typical fare seen at music festivals – you know, like bands and various eateries – locals will also be able to enjoy more unique entertainment like circus tents, farmers’ markets, local art exhibitions, and carnival rides. So, it’s like the state fair, only far less creepy…and without the scandals.

Circus talent includes El Circo Cheapo, The Ricochet Project, The Amazing George Orange, The Zoppe Family Circus, and The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, who will join the ranks of musical acts Fool’s Gold, Shellac, Bill Callahan Sidi Touré, Dan Deacon, A Hawk and a Hacksaw, Charles Bradley, CAVE, A Lull, Bomba Estéreo, and School of Seven Bells.

What’s more, various performers inside the Magic City circus tent will act as beneficiaries of proceeds for various not for profit organizations, such as Coat Angels, which purchases coats for underprivileged children in Chicago, the always-awesome Chicago Independent Radio Project (CHIRP), who keep independent music alive on the airwaves (and throw a killer annual vinyl fair), and the non-profit writing and tutoring center 826CHI.

So, if you’re interested in doing something good and fun then grab some tickets. We’ll have full coverage of the event next week!