Uptown Rhythm Festival

Uptown Rhythm Festival is where tradition meets transformation. Join us in Chicago’s vibrant Uptown neighborhood for a powerful day of dance, rhythm, and climate action. Experience performances that move your body and stir your soul—while inspiring us all to protect the planet we love.

This isn’t just a festival. It’s a movement.
One rhythm. One earth. One community.

Schedule

2:00 PM: Yoga

3:00 PM: Korean Drum Workshop

4:00 PM: Recovered Art by Amy Johnston

4:30 PM: Dance Programming

5:30 PM: "Rhythm Within" Award - Karen Snyder

6:00 PM: Closing Ceremony with Sana Collective

The Uptown Rhythm Festival is a climate-conscious dance and arts festival that brings together artists, storytellers, and changemakers to spark connection and collective action through rhythm.

Born in the heart of Uptown Chicago, the festival is grounded in graceful rebellion—we use movement to honor our cultural heritage while reimagining our future. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or just dance-curious, this is your invitation to feel beautiful, powerful, and connected.

🌱 Our Mission: To move people—literally and emotionally—toward a more just, joyful, and sustainable world.

Captivating dance performances from across cultures, from classical Kathak to contemporary fusion

Interactive workshops where you can move, create, and explore your own rhythm

Family-friendly activities, community art projects, and storytelling corners

Climate conversations that don’t preach—but move you

🧭 Why Rhythm? Why Dance?

Because stories live in the body. Because movement breaks down barriers. Because art can shift hearts faster than data can.

We believe that Kathak footwork can shake the ground, that hip hop can change the narrative, and that dancing in community can feel like coming home—to each other and to the planet.