Wauconda Fest returns for weekend of music, rides and cars

Wauconda Fest returns for four days of fun for both adults and children.

The festival, set in Cook Park, 600 N. Main St., starts Thursday, June 23, and runs through Sunday, June 26. It is packed with a variety of activities, including live music, bingo, carnival rides, a car show and even a 5K.

"We have everything from rides to food for the children and wine for the adults," said Annie Reising, marketing coordinator at Wauconda Park District, which organizes the event. "Something new that we have this year is the kickball tournament open to both children and adults."

Festival hours are: 5 to 10 p.m., Thursday; 5 to midnight, Friday; noon to midnight, Saturday; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Daily highlights include:

• Thursday: While children enjoy carnival rides, adults can sit back, taste wine and cheese while listening to smooth jazz that will be performed live by a jazz trio from 5 to 9:30 p.m. After a DJ plays music from 5 to 7 p.m., Illinois-based rock band 7th Heaven will perform starting at 7:30 p.m.

• Friday: Families can dance and groove out to live music by bands Stereo Heart and Infinity. Bingo games will be held from 6 to 10 p.m.

• Saturday: The festival opens at noon, but families can arrive at 10 a.m. for the first kickball tournament. Water fights, a police dog demo, cupcake decorating, an adult bags tournament, bingo and music performances by Rockstar Rodeo, American English and 97 Nine follow.

• Sunday: Activities get an early start with a 6:30 a.m. registration for a 5K/10K, which begins at 8:05 a.m. The minimum age to participate is 10 years old. A car show, teen bags tournament, bingo and musical performances by Sones De Mexico and country music band Bella Cain will follow.

Admission is $3 for all four days and tickets for carnival rides are $1 per ticket.

For details, visit wauconda parks.org.