Forever Mine Festival brings Y2K nostalgia and Chicago house culture to Union Park

Forever Mine organizers set out to make Chicagoans yearn and love.One stage evoked the nostalgia of summer drives down Lake Shore Drive soundtracked by Destiny’s Child, Lloyd and Monica. Nearby, pulsing lights and the basslines of DJs Slugo and Kaytranada transformed Union Park into a sprawling house party.Saturday marked the first day of the Y2K-themed festival, with Sunday’s lineup featuring headliners including Kaytranada and Monica. But the inaugural Forever Mine Festival offered more than a lineup of 2000s R&B and house heavyweights. Held at Union Park in the West Loop, the festival centered local Black and brown DJs, vendors, artists and restaurants, creating a distinctly Chicago experience shaped by the city’s own cultural communities. Art vendor Big Goat creates the first custom shirt on day one of Forever Mine Music Festival at Union Park on Saturday. | Meridian Eck/For the Sun-Times 1 of 12 DJ Cash Era performs on day one of Forever Mine music festival at Union Park on Saturday. | Meridian Eck/For the Sun-Times 2 of 12 Robinson’s #1 Ribs owner tosses meat on the grill on day one of Forever Mine Music Festival at Union Park on Saturday. | Meridian Eck/For the Sun-Times 3 of 12 Hoop earring photo opportunity near the main stage at the Forever Mine music festival at Union Park on Saturday. | Meridian Eck/For the Sun-Times 4 of 12 DJ Too Dope performs at the Silent Disco stage on day one of Forever Mine Music Festival at Union Park on Saturday. | Meridian Eck/For the Sun-Times 5 of 12 Kanto Taqueria offers quesabirria tacos on day one of Forever Mine Music Festival at Union Park on Saturday. | Meridian Eck/For the Sun-Times 6 of 12 Attendees at Hennessy social club Saturday during the Forever Mine music festival at Union Park. | Meridian Eck/For...