Chicago’s next generation of artists and creatives will take center stage as the John Walt Foundation launches its first-ever HALOFEST at Columbus Park.
THE WORD
- WHAT: The John Walt Foundation’s inaugural HALOFEST 2026
- WHEN: Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 12 PM–5 PM
- WHERE: Columbus Park Football Field, 500 S. Central Ave., Chicago
- HEADLINERS: Pivot Gang, Star Bandz and Mike DFG
- HOST: BigMouf’Bo
- SOUNDS BY: DJ TAI
- ADMISSION: FREE — registration is required
- REGISTER: Click here to register for HALOFEST 2026
- MORE: Live youth performances, open mic, beatmaking workshop, food, games, vendors and free community resources
Chicago music, youth creativity and community will come together this Saturday as Pivot Gang, Star Bandz and Mike DFG headline the first-ever HALOFEST, presented by the John Walt Foundation.
Taking over the Columbus Park Football Field from noon until 5 p.m., HALOFEST is designed as more than a concert. The free community event will bring established and emerging Chicago talent together while creating a space for young people to perform, learn, connect with resources and celebrate the final stretch of summer.
The lineup stays rooted in Chicago. Along with Pivot Gang, Star Bandz and Mike DFG, HALOFEST will feature performances and appearances from the Jesse White Tumblers, Kay Eye, Too Much Swagg, Snacks Pivot, Emmy Extra, Empire Dance Crew, Del Marie, Happiness Club, JO7IAH, Litty Gang Twinz, Yung Uri, GimmeAsec, Solino, Asha Omega, Zia Jenaye, Walt The King, Genius Footwork Mob and more.
BigMouf’Bo will host the inaugural festival, with DJ TAI providing the sounds throughout the day.
HALOFEST continues the mission of the John Walt Foundation, which has worked to provide opportunities and creative spaces for Chicago youth through music, scholarships, artist development and community programming. The organization was created in honor of late Chicago artist John Walt, a founding member of Pivot Gang whose legacy continues to have an impact on the city’s creative community.
That connection makes Pivot Gang’s place on the inaugural HALOFEST lineup especially meaningful. What began as an effort to preserve Walt’s legacy has grown into programming that gives another generation of Chicago creatives opportunities to develop their own voices.
COMMUNITY STAGE
The festival’s Community Stage will add an interactive element to the day.
12 PM–2 PM: Beatmaker’s Toolbox
B4Lasers will lead a hands-on beatmaking workshop, Open Aux session and special live performance, giving young creatives an opportunity to learn and engage directly with music production.
2 PM–5 PM: Community Open Mic
Young Chicago Authors will host a family-friendly open mic where artists of all kinds can sign up to perform and share their work. Performance slots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Guests can also expect food and vendors, outdoor games and activities, free community resources and programming for youth, families and the entire community.
HALOFEST is being presented in partnership with the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks, with Power 92 also featured as a partner.
HALOFEST 2026 takes place Saturday, August 22 from 12 PM–5 PM at Columbus Park Football Field, 500 S. Central Ave. Admission is free, but registration is required.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR HALOFEST 2026
For the John Walt Foundation, the first HALOFEST represents another step toward keeping John Walt’s name and impact alive while investing directly into the young Chicago artists coming behind him.
LONG LIVE JOHN WALT.
