I was thrilled to pieces when I heard about Middlewest Fest. William Elliott Whitmore? The Smoking Popes? Count me in, I said. I’ll even go see Lucky Boys Confusion, because, well, why not? They’re playing here in DeKalb. I have no reason not to.

Unfortunately enough, as it turns out, I do have a reason not to see these bands play. The above mentioned bands are playing Otto’s Nightclub, 118 E. Lincoln Highway, which happens to be the only 21-and-up venue booked for the fest.

Five other venues are hosting all-ages shows. The Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.; The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway; O’Leary’s Irish Pub & Grill, 260 E. Lincoln Highway; SMLTWN Skateshop, 229 E. Lincoln Highway and Tapa La Luna, 226 E. Lincoln Highway.

If you’re like me– just shy of 21, but still dead-set on seeing some great shows this weekend, here’s how I would recommend getting the most out of Middlewest Fest.

The House Cafe’s doors open at 4 p.m., and the early show starts at 5 p.m. with All But a Memory, followed by Till Death, Dorian’s Decay and Born of Osiris. So, if you’re someone looking to get your metalcore fix, this is the show to do it at.

After seeing Secret Colours play, stick around for the House Cafe’s late show. The show starts at 10 p.m. with The Frantic, an energetic pop-punk group.  After the Frantic, Treaty of Paris is playing some sexy indie rock that’s definitely worth sticking around for. The Fold will be headlining, so if you’d rather end your night on a happier note, this is the show to close your night out with.

The Egyptian Theatre’s doors will open at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, with Eli playing first at 1 p.m. Another Hero Dies will play second, and anyone that’s into the local metal scene won’t want to miss their set. Miss May I is headlining and scheduled to play at 5:40 p.m.

The Egyptian Theatre’s lineup for Saturday night looks absolutely stellar. mc chris goes on at 7 p.m., which is a show I’d have serious regrets about missing. P.O.S. is also playing, as well as the formidable folk-punk group Murder By Death,.

True, being under the age of 21 in a college town doesn’t always put you in the best position if you’re looking to get out on a weekend and catch a show. But, thankfully, Middlewest Fest has catered to under-agers by having tons of bands booked at a number of all-ages venues. While we may have to pass up a handful of shows booked at Otto’s, Middlewest Fest is clearly well worth checking out.