Arlington Hts. fests to bookend running of the Arlington Million

Celebrate the end of summer with two back-to-back high-energy events in downtown Arlington Heights Friday and Saturday, Aug. 12-13.

It all starts with Mane Event, the “Million Dollar Block Party” from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12, at Vail Avenue and Campbell Street.

The event kicks off the Arlington Million, Arlington Park’s showcase race that will be held Saturday, Aug. 13.

At Mane Event, enjoy the nonstop energy and showmanship of Libido Funk Circus or take the kids for a pony ride or enjoy other family entertainment, and fill up on great food and beverages from local restaurants.

The Mane Event, sponsored by the Arlington Heights Special Events Commission, is followed by the Arlington Heights Chamber’s Taste of Arlington Heights, from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13.

It will feature live entertainment from Exit 147 followed by Dot Dot Dot playing in Harmony Park from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.

The Mane Event has pony rides, a jump house, balloon twisters, police and fire displays and other games on Campbell Street for the kids; giveaways, coupons and information from the Arlington Heights Chamber’s Business Expo, sponsored by Verizon.

Ÿ 6 to 6:30 p.m. Metropolis Rock Band

Ÿ 7 to 8:30 p.m., Heartless, plays the music of “Heart” and other pop and rock songs.

Ÿ 9 to10:30 p.m. Libido Funk Circus, playing megahits of the ‘80s.

Taste of Arlington Heights will have:

Ÿ Food and beverages from 15 local restaurants.

Ÿ 6 to 8 p.m. Exit 147

Ÿ 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., Dot Dot Dot (they were featured on Fox TV’s “The Next Great American Band.”)