It likely depends on the location and what you define as being "near." I've almost never had severe problems parking in Wicker Park, even during Wicker Park Fes

It likely depends on the location and what you define as being "near." I've almost never had severe problems parking in Wicker Park, even during Wicker Park Fest. Same goes for other neighborhoods I frequent, like Bridgeport, Lake View, UIC. I'm also fine with walking a few blocks. I don't have much experience with going to the zoo on Saturdays, but I have been to Lincoln Park during Chipotle Cultivate, and again, parking was a few blocks away on Clark. Call it bullcrap if you like, that's been my experience.