While we Gen-X parents may have outgrown our Lollapalooza days (Primus so rocked it in ’93) it doesn’t mean we’re ready to hang up the proverbial Docs just yet. Which is why the Kidzapalooza summer concert has become such a rollicking annual success.

This three day family-friendly rock festival was put together by Perry Farrell himself along with producer extraordinaire Tor Hyams, and I can’t think of a better reason to plan a trip to Chicago the weekend of August 1. Scheduled performers include CMP faves The Terrible Twos, the Dream Jam Band and The Jimmies. Plus expect mainstage appearances from Farrell along with rock god friends (members of Wilco, Nine Inch Nails) who manage somehow to keep it all G-rated.

Music isn’t all you’ll find – this is a festival after all. There are activities for kids from tattoo painting by Small Paul to hip-hop and break dancing workshops, even actual music lessons from Paul Green’s School of Rock. Watch the video or check the myspace page and you’ll be dying to go like I am.

Even if I do look totally ridiculous in Doc Martens these days and my hair is hopelessly un-blue.  –Liz