Fun and Games: Our Big Summer Festival Roundup

Gaelic Park Irish Fest, May 27-30

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Irish Fest at Chicago Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St. in Oak Forest. The annual festival features food, music, dance, games, sports and theater devoted to the Emerald Isle.

HOURS: Friday 3-11 p.m.; Saturday Noon-11 p.m.; Sunday Noon-11 p.m.; Monday Noon-8 p.m.

ADMISSION: Daily pass $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older and children 4-12, free for children 3 and younger. Admission includes unlimited carnival rides, entertainment, and free on-site parking.

ENTERTAINMENT: Bands and other performers will be on six different stages every day. For a complete list of entertainers, stages and times visit Gaelic Park Irish Fest 2011.

EVENTS: Chicago Feis starts at 9 a.m. Monday, May 31. The Feis is an Irish step dancing competition and will have 500 participants on several stages, and running for much of the day. Other events include Irish Dog Exhibit; Gaelic Athletic Association Football matches on Sunday; Sunday Mass outdoors under the Emerald Tent at 10:30 a.m.

INFORMATION: A complete list of events and times is on the website.

Orland Days, June 1-5

Orland Days is hosted each year by the Orland Park Lions Club to raise money for local charities. This year’s theme is “Salute to the Village of Orland Park.”

WHERE: Centennial Park Metra Station on 153rd Street.

HOURS: Wednesday and Thursday 6-10 p.m.; Friday 2 p.m. to midnight; Saturday noon to midnight; Sunday noon to 10 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free, $5 cover to enter entertainment and beer tent.

ENTERTAINMENT: For a complete list of performers and times, visit Orland Park Lions Club Orland Days.

EVENTS: Carnival rides, games, live entertainment, beer tent, live karaoke band contest and a parade on Sunday.

INFORMATION: Contact Mark Kazluskas at 708-912-7825 or visit www.orlandparklionsclub.com.

SummerFest at The Children’s Farm, June 4

The 23rd annual SummerFest is centered around a “Green Fair” of environmental organizations and vendors of environmentally-friendly products, plus garage sale vendors, flea market vendors and craft vendors. SummerFest also features horse rides, hayrack rides, crafts and games for kids, tours of the animal barns, live music, and food, including fresh lemonade and watermelon and favorites from the grill.

WHERE: The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park.

HOURS: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ADMISSION: $4 for adults, $2 for kids

EVENTS: Horse rides, live music, food, tours, craft show, flea market.

INFORMATION: Call The Center at 708-361-3650, by email to the.center@mac.com or visit www.thecenterpalos.org/summerfest.html.

St. Fabian’s Family Fest & Carnival, June 8-12

For 29 years, St. Fabian in Bridgeview has kicked off the summer with its annual Family Fest and Carnival. Rides are provided by Fantasy Amusements, and there are discounts on rides on Wednesday and Thursday evening, and Saturday and Sunday afternoon. The raffle this year will have a top prize of $10,000 in cash along with other money prizes. The entertainment lineup features new bands along with some from last year. The Fireworks Display will be Wednesday night at 9:30 p.m.

WHERE: St. Fabian’s, 8300 S. Thomas in Bridgeview

HOURS: Wednesday and Thursday 6-10 p.m.; Friday 6-midnight; Saturday 1-11 p.m.; Sunday 1-8 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free

ENTERTAINMENT: For a complete list of performers and times visit St. Fabian’s Family Fest and Carnival.

EVENTS: Fireworks, bingo, business expo, food court, carnival and beer tent.

INFORMATION: Call the church at 708-599-1110 or visit www.saint-fabian.org.

Homewood Art and Garden Street Fair, June 17-18

This two-day event, highlighted in the Midwest Art Fair Journal, will feature hundreds of original works, vendors, live music, performance art groups, children's activity tent, plant-your-own garden projects, onsite antique and collectible appraisals, professional family photographs, and the Annual President’s Art Contest on Saturday. Amateur artists of all ages are invited to submit artwork in 2-D and 3-D mediums. All entries must depict something about life in Homewood.

WHERE: Downtown Homewood at Martin Avenue and Ridge Road

HOURS: Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free

ENTERTAINMENT: Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and other performance art groups.

EVENTS: Beer and wine tastings, classic car show on Sunday,

INFORMATION: Call 708-798-3000 or visit www.homewoodsweethomewood.com or www.dhba.biz.

South Side Polish Fest June 17-19

The 2011 South Side Polish Fest will be held at Toyota Park in Bridgeview. The fest is fun for the whole family with a carnival, live music on two stages and lots of traditional Polish cuisine. The fest will also feature Chicago's Original Pierogi Eating Contest.

HOURS: Friday 5-11 p.m.; Saturday 1-11 p.m.; Sunday 1-11 p.m.

ADMISSION: $5 for adults, free for seniors 65 and older and children 12 and younger.

ENTERTAINMENT: For a complete list of bands and their performance times visit South Side Polish Fest.

EVENTS: Live music, carnival, pierogi eating contest, food and beer tent.

INFORMATION: Call 708-582-9781 or visit www.southsidepolishfest.com

Lockport Old Canal Days, June 17-19

 The city’s longest running festival kicks off Friday with a parade and continues Saturday and Sunday with music, food, historical re-enactors, horse-drawn carriage rides along the I&M Canal, kids fun area and craft show. This year’s theme is: Old Canal Days Celebrates – 175th Anniversary of Groundbreaking of the Canal.

WHERE: Downtown Lockport

HOURS: Friday 5:30 p.m. to midnight; Saturday 10 a.m. to midnight; Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free

EVENTS: Parade at 6:30 p.m. Friday, 5K race on Saturday.

INFORMATION: Call the chamber at 815-838-3357 or visit www.lockportchamber.com.

Frankfort Fine Arts Fair

The fair showcases works of fine art and demos by premier local artists. Music throughout the day.

HOURS: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free

ENTERTAINMENT: 10 a.m. to noon Andrea Jawor (Harp), 12:30-3 p.m. Alex Blomarz Quartet (Jazz Eensemble)

EVENTS: Wine tasting by WineStyles from 1-3 p.m.

INFORMATION: Frankfort Fine Arts Fair

Homer Community Anniversary Festival, June 23-26

The festival at 14400 W. 151st St. this year is celebrating Homer Glen's 10th anniversary as a village and Homer Township's 175th anniversary.

HOURS: Thursday 6-10 p.m.; Friday 5 p.m. to midnight; Saturday noon to midnight; Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free

ENTERTAINMENT: Dancing Noodles Thursday 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Slippery When Wet Friday 6:30-8:30 p.m.; New Invaders Friday 9-11:30 p.m.; Full Circle Saturday 6-8 p.m.; INFINITY Saturday 8:30-11:30 p.m.

EVENTS: Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday starting at 151st Street and Parker Road, carnival, music, Friday night fireworks, food and beer tent.

INFORMATION: Call Homer Township at (708) 301-0522 or visit www.homertownship.com.

Art-B-Que

The grounds of the historic McCord House, 9602 W. Creek Road in Palos Park,  will be the setting for a summertime tent party. Food and music with a Polish theme will make this a fun-filled event for the whole family.

HOURS: TBA

ADMISSION: Free

INFORMATION: McCord Gallery Art-B-Que

Orland Hills 50th Anniversary Celebration, June 24-26

The Village of Orland Hills is celebrating its 50th anniversary with food, fireworks and entertainment at Kelly Park, 167th and Haven Avenue.

HOURS: Friday 6-11:30 p.m., Saturday 1 p.m. to midnight, Sunday 1-9 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free

ENTERTAINMENT: For a complete list of performers and times visit www.orlandhills50.org/music-schedule.html.

EVENTS: Music, fireworks Saturday night at 9:30 p.m., food, beer tent.

INFORMATION: Call the village at 708-349-7211 or visit www.orlandhills50.org.

Taste of Joliet, June 24-26

Sponsored by the Joliet Park District, Taste of Joliet strives to include a lineup of great food, contests, sports and musical entertainment that appeal to everyone while embracing the traditions of Joliet.

WHERE: Joliet Memorial Stadium, 3000 W. Jefferson St.

HOURS: Friday noon to midnight; Saturday noon to midnight; Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

ADMISSION: Friday noon to 3 p.m. free, 3-11 p.m. $10, front section reserved $25; Saturday $10, front section reserved $25; Sunday $10, front section reserved $25. Three-day pass $20, front section reserved $60.

ENTERTAINMENT: Headliners are Loverboy on Friday, KC and the Sunshine Band on Saturday and Kenny Rogers on Sunday.

EVENTS: Kids zone, carnival, food and beer tent.

INFORMATION: Call the Joliet Park District at 815-741-7275 or visit www.tasteofjoliet.com.

3rd Annual Vogt Visual Arts Center Art Show

A quaint art show and sale located on the beautiful grounds of the Vogt Visual Arts Center. This is a juried fine art show.

HOURS: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free

INFORMATION: Vogt Art Show and Sale

Blarney Stone Summer Solstice Craft Beer and Wine Festival, June 25

This is the Blarney Stone Pub's first Summer Solstice Craft Beer & Wine Festival featuring beer from more than two dozen brewers and wines from local, national and international vintners.

WHERE: Blarney Stone Pub, 15400 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Forest

HOURS: 3-9 p.m.

ADMISSION: $20, which includes 10 tasting tickets and 2 food tickets.

INFORMATION: Call the Blarney Stone at 708-535-4800 or visit www.blarney-stone.net.

23rd Annual Evergreen Park Day in the Park, June 25

It’s the biggest block party in Evergreen Park and takes place at the Maher Community Center, 3450 W. 97th St.

HOURS: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free

ENTERTAINMENT: Live entertainment by Cirrus Falcon

EVENTS: 5K run, music, craft show, face painting, food and a beer and wine garden.

INFORMATION: Call village hall at 708-422-1551 or visit www.evergreenpark-ill.com.

Oak Fest, June 30-July 4

WHERE: 159th Street and Central Avenue in Oak Forest

HOURS:

ADMISSION: Free

EVENTS: Salute to Hometown Heroes, music, carnival, 5K Liberty Run, bean bag tournament, bingo, car and bike show, food, wrestling, 2 fireworks shows on opening night and the Fourth of July.

INFORMATION: Visit www.oakfest.com.

Palos Hills Friendship Festival & Carnival, July 7-10

This annual fest is sponsored by Ald. Bill Hanson and his family and takes place on the east grounds of Moraine Valley Community College at 109th Street and 88th Avenue in Palos Hills.

HOURS: Thursday 6-10 p.m.; Friday 6 p.m. to midnight; Saturday noon to midnight; Sunday 1-10 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free

ENTERTAINMENT: For a complete of performers and times, visit Palos Hills Friendship Fest.

EVENTS: Car show, craft show, bingo, petting zoo, fireworks, food and a beer garden.

INFORMATION: Palos Hills Friendship Fest.

Homewood Days, July 8-10

For 35 years, this has been an annual three-day block party right in downtown Homewood at Ridge Road and Dixie Highway.

HOURS: Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday noon to 9 p.m.

ADMISSION: $5

ENTERTAINMENT: For the complete entertainment schedule visit the Chamber website.

EVENTS: Food, music, craft show, beer garden.

INFORMATION: Call the Homewood Chamber at 708-206-3384 or visit the Homewood Chamber website.

Frankfort Bluegrass Festival, July 9-10

Down Home Guitars is organizing the first Frankfort Bluegrass Festival, which it hopes will become an annual tradition, offering premier bluegrass bands, workshops, jamming and a weekend of music and fun all wrapped in the backdrop of historic Frankfort.

WHERE: Breidert Green at Kansas and Oak streets in downtown Frankfort.

HOURS: Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free

ENTERTAINMENT: For a list of the musicians coming check Bluegrass Festival 2011.

EVENTS: Kids fishing derby Saturday morning, food, music workshops.

INFORMATION: Call Down Home Guitars at 815-469-6321 or visit www.frankfortbluegrassfest.com.

Oak Lawn Classic Car Show, July 10

A car show produced by Showcase Classics.

WHERE: Village Green

HOURS: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free

EVENTS: Food, music, 100 trophies.

INFORMATION: Call the village at 708-636-4400 or visit the Oak Lawn website. Register a car at www.showcaseclassics.com.

Palos Heights Classic Car Event, July 21

Palos Heights' Beautification Committee sponsors one of the largest classic car events in the area. This year a 1976 Corvette will be raffled off to one lucky winner. Food, drinks and live music will accompany the retro rides. The event will be held at 123rd Street and Harlem Avenue.

HOURS: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free, Raffle Tickets are $20

ENTERTAINMENT: Live Music, DJ

INFORMATION: Visit the city's website and the Car Event's Facebook page.

3rd Annual Oak Lawn Irish Musical Festival, July 29-30

The Village of Oak Lawn in conjunction with the Goal Post Tavern will host the 3rd Annual Irish Musical Festival behind The Goal Post Tavern by the main intersection of 95th Street and 52nd Avenue.

HOURS: Friday 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturday noon to 2 a.m.

ADMISSION: Free on Friday, $5 all ages, all-day pass on Saturday.

ENTERTAINMENT: A complete list of performers and times.

INFORMATION: Visit the village website.

Tinley Park 13th Annual Caribbean Beach Block Party, July 17

Oak Park Avenue in downtown Tinley Park adopts an island theme for the day.

HOURS: Noon to 7 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free

ENTERTAINMENT: Live music on two stages.

EVENTS: Mini Taste of Tinley Park

INFORMATION: Call the Tinley Park Main Street Commission at 708-444-5000.

Proud American Days, July 28-31

This annual festival is sponsored by the New Lenox Park District at the Lions Community Center, 1 Manor Drive.

HOURS: Thursday 6-10 p.m.; Friday 5-11 p.m.; Saturday Noon to 11 p.m.; Sunday Noon to 9 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free, cover charge for some of the Main Stage and Teen Stage performers.

ENTERTAINMENT: A complete list of performers and times.

EVENTS: Chamber Expo on Sunday, pet parade, baby contest, Big Wheel race, car show, mud volleyball tournaments. For a complete list of events, visit Proud American Days Events.

INFORMATION: Call the Proud American Days hotline at 815-462-2564 or visit their website at www.proudamericandays.org. A brochure will be mailed out in June.

Ridge Fest, July 28-31

WHERE: Freedom Park, Birmingham and Oak in Chicago Ridge

HOURS: Thursday 5:30-10:30 p.m.; Friday 5:30-11:30 p.m.; Saturday 1-11:30 p.m.; Sunday 1-10:30 p.m.

ADMISSION: $8 for adults, free for kids under 12

ENTERTAINMENT: Headliners are Second Helping on Thursday, Infinity on Friday, Ted Nugent on Saturday and Ryan “The King” Pelton on Sunday.

EVENTS:

INFORMATION: Visit the Chicago Ridge Fest website.

Taste of Orland, Aug. 5-7

The annual Taste of Orland Park show cases some of the community's finest restaurants.

WHERE: Village Center, 14700 Ravinia

HOURS: Friday 5-11 p.m.; Saturday 1-11 p.m.; Sunday 1-9 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free

ENTERTAINMENT: For complete information on performers and times, visit the Orland Park Recreation Department website.

EVENTS: Live entertainment, booths, country line dancing on Friday, car show and bingo.

Worth Days, Aug. 5-7

WHERE: 7425 W. 115th St. in Worth

HOURS: Friday 4 p.m. to midnight; Saturday 1 p.m. to midnight; Sunday 2-10 p.m.

ADMISSION: $5 for nonresidents, $3 for residents; free for children 16 and younger, military personnel with ID and seniors 60 and older.

ENTERTAINMENT: For a complete list of performers and times, visit Worth Days 2011.

EVENTS: Fireworks Saturday night, craft show Saturday and Sunday, carnival, parade, food, car show.

INFORMATION: Visit the village website at www.villageofworth.com.

Homewood Dog Days of Summer, Aug. 20

The Homewood Community Relations Commission and Homewood-Flossmoor Park District host this annual event in August at Irwin Park.

HOURS: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free

EVENTS: Flea market, hot dog eating contest tour the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile, pooch parade.

INFORMATION: Call the village at (708) 798-3000.

Frankfort Fall Festival, Over the Rainbow, Sept. 3-5

Each year, over Labor Day weekend, more than 300,000 visitors flock to the Village of Frankfort to enjoy the Frankfort Fall Festival with more than 300 participating artisans (from 30 different states), and unlimited entertainment and food options. The Festival has received continued recognition as one of the best shows, and has been ranked as the 4th best in the United States by Sunshine Magazine.

WHERE: Downtown Frankfort

HOURS: All Day

ADMISSION: Free

EVENTS: Carnival, craft sale, beer tent, Labor Day parade

INFORMATION: Village of Frankfort

South Side Oktoberfest, Sept. 2-4

The 2nd annual South Side Oktoberfest will be at Toyota Park 7000 S. Harlem Ave. in Bridgeview. The fest will have live music, food, a carnival for all ages, and what's an Oktoberfest without BEER?

HOURS: Friday 5-11 p.m.; Saturday 1-11 p.m.; Sunday 1-11 p.m.

ADMISSION: $5 for adults and children over 12, free for children 12 and under and seniors.

EVENTS: Fireworks