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The 4th Annual Chicago Arabesque Festival will be held free of charge from Thursday, June 24th through Saturday, June 26th, 2010 on Daley Plaza,
the most central and vibrant part of downtown Chicago.

The festival hours are: 10 A.M. – 6 P.M. Thursday through Friday
and from 11 A.M. – 7 P.M. on Saturday.

Chicago Arabesque is proudly presented by the Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Arab Affairs. We endeavor to provide Chicago’s Arab community with a unique opportunity to share its experiences and articulate its voice in Chicago’s vast cultural arena.

Chicago Arabesque will offer a dynamic celebration and exploration of the art, cuisine, culture, music, and dance of the Arab world in the heart of the city.
It is a non-religious, non-political festival that will promote public awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of the Arab world.

Visitors will be able to browse through educational and commercial booths in an outdoor souk (bazaar) showcasing products that display the craftsmanship and industry of the Arab region, for example: traditional clothing, carpets, musical instruments, spices, hookahs, woodwork, etc. Guests will also have the chance to taste a variety of Arab cuisines; attend daily music, dance, and spoken word performances; and participate in demonstrations of artisans, henna, calligraphy, and dabke (a traditional Arab line-dance). Chicago Arabesque expects to host approximately 50,000 visitors over the course of four days. Children are welcome as Chicago Arabesque is open for all ages and admission is free for all.