Augustfest opens Thursday in Des Plaines
Augustfest, the big Des Plaines festival sponsored by St. Zachary Church, begins Thursday and runs through Sunday, Aug. 10, on the church grounds two blocks east of Elmhurst Road at 67 W. Algonquin Road.
The festival, which is celebrating its 30th year, includes carnival rides, entertainment by festival bands, children's games, bingo, casino games, cash raffle, and food and drinks. Admission is free. The latest festival information is at augustfest.saintzachary.org or (847) 956-7020.
The carnival is open all four days, with $20 unlimited ride specials in effect from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. An unlimited pass for the festival is $50.
Children games will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday. The adult games tent will be open during all hours of the festival.
"Las Vegas" Casino hours are 6 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Bingo hours in the air-conditioned Parish Life Center are 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday and 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday
The raffle winner gets $5,000. Tickets will be on sale throughout the fest at the raffle tent next to the food tent.
Food stands at the event include Evan's Place, Giuseppe's La Cantina, Fit to be Fried, Zak's Kitchen and Zak's Chicken.
Entertainment
THURSDAY
7 p.m. American English, Beatles tribute band
FRIDAY
6:30 p.m. Chasing Amy, four member female-fronted band does rock, alternative and pop
9 p.m. Hi Infidelity, cover band playing mostly '80s rock
SATURDAY
1:30 p.m. El Rey Music Center
6:30 p.m. Serendipity, forged from the El Rey Music scene in Arlington Heights, this is a fairly new all-girl band
9 p.m. 7th heaven, an entertainment staple for 28 years
SUNDAY
11:30 a.m. Outdoor Mass with Pastor Jack Plotkowski, Deacon Jack Smith and the St. Zachary Parish Choir