Ian's Party

If you see crowds of folks in jean jackets shivering and smoking in front of Subterranean and Chop Shop during the first weekend of January, it can only mean that Ian's Party is in full swing. The annual three-day festival kicks off the new year with a bill devoted to raucous local bands, accompanied by plenty of cheap beer to knock back during the marathon of live music. Head to Wicker Park to see propulsive rockers Meat Wave, pop chameleon Bobby Conn, post-punks Ganser or veteran noise-makers Ono. Spring for a weekend pass and see a bit of every band on the extensive lineup (more than 60 acts!), or snag a daily ticket at the door.