Music highlights Northwest Fourth-Fest in Hoffman Estates
Northwest Fourth-Fest returns to the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates this week with live music, carnival rides, an arts and crafts fair, activities for kids and a July 3 fireworks show to give spectators an early start on their Independence Day celebrations.
The fest, sponsored by the Village of Hoffman Estates, Hanover Township and the Hoffman Estates Park District, opens at 6 p.m. Thursday with the carnival only, and continues through Monday evening outside the arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway.
After the carnival Thursday, festivities get underway in earnest Friday with the band Stereo Heart taking the main stage at 6:30 p.m., followed by Suburban Cowboys at 8:30 p.m.
On Saturday, the fest will feature plenty of activities for kids, including a zip line, climbing wall, petting zoo, pony rides, face painting and balloon art.
The Arts and Crafts Fair runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. inside the Sears Centre and continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Saturday entertainment includes a performance by Serendipity at 4:30 p.m., Beatles tribute band American English at 6:30 p.m., and a Hi Infidelity rock show at 8:30 p.m.
On Sunday, interactive events include pony rides sponsored by Schaumburg Township District Library, spider climb, a diaper derby, bags tournament, and a Mariano's-sponsored pie eating contest.
Musical performances include The Gingers at 4:30 p.m., Hairbangers Ball at 6:30 p.m., and 7th Heaven at 8:30 and 10 p.m. The evening will end with a spectacular fireworks show - advertised as the largest in the region - at 9:30 p.m.
The venue will provide traffic control, free parking with 9,000 spaces available, and routes in and out of the grounds for a convenient celebration.
The holiday weekend wraps up in Hoffman Estates with the village's annual Fourth of July Parade, stepping off at 9 a.m. and marching down Illinois Boulevard. Fourth-Fest opens at noon and runs to 6 p.m., with the carnival only.
For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit northwestfourthfest.com or call the Fourth of July hotline at (847) 252-5446. Social media users can follow event information and highlights with the hashtag #NW4F.