Grooves and Vibes: Bass By the Pound’s Electric DJ Lineup at West Fest 2025

Jul 24

By Lori Sapio

“West Fest is the Best Fest” is the phrase we’ve used for years…. Since it is! The West Town Chamber of Commerce puts on this street fest on Chicago Avenue between Damen and Wood for longer than I can truly remember. West Fest is special because it has two stages, a rock stage at Damen and a stage put on by drum and bass promoters Bass By the Pound.

You will always find me at the East stage, dancing, photographing and catching up with people I’ve known for over 25 years. The lineup changes every year, though DJ Glyde, Phantom 45, DJ Heather are staples…. with Derrick Carter closing out the fest on Sunday night. A mash up of hometown heroes, with an out of town DJ coming in to close out Friday night.

This was the first year I was there to catch Derrick Carter’s set and witness the 2,000 or so people who were dancing on Chicago Avenue. It was a beautiful site to see, Derrick closed it out with the crowd dancing to his entire set.

This fest is a fundraiser for various organizations, and my favorite fundraiser within the fest happens Sunday backstage. “The Mayor” Hipolito Sanchez, Won Kim, Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar and Marz Community Brewing bring the deliciousness with BBQ, yummy sides and beverages for the artists and those who contribute to their fundraiser.

West Fest truly never disappoints!

7/18/25-7/20/25, West Town Chicago