Mane Event, Taste of Arlington this weekend
Arlington Heights will host its annual weekend of food and fun Friday and Saturday, Aug. 5-6, with the Mane Event and Taste of Arlington.
The two events lead into the following week's Arlington Million at the Arlington International Racecourse.
Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jon Ridler said they are also a great way to enjoy local food and music before the summer ends, while learning more about local businesses.
"Summer goes too fast, so slow down and come enjoy the weekend," Ridler said.
Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce Associate Director Mindy Phillips said the event sold out for 2016, with 71 business exhibitors and 20 restaurants.
The Mane Event is from 5-11 p.m. Friday at Vail Avenue and Campbell Street in downtown Arlington Heights. Businesses will be giving away products or hosting raffles to educate the community about their products and services, while food and family activities will be available all night.
The musical lineup starts with the Metropolis Rock Band at 4:45 p.m., followed by Pamela Rose and Windy City Country at 6 p.m. and the Blooze Brothers at 8:30 p.m.
On Saturday, the Taste of Arlington Heights opens at noon at Vail and Campbell and runs through 11 p.m. Restaurants will offer their food in sample sizes or in full meals.
The streets will also be filled with entertainment for children of all ages, including face painting, a bounce house, balloon artists and a Legoland display.
The main stage will be filled with local talent Saturday afternoon with performances from students at the Arlington Heights-based School of Rock at noon and the Top 10 performers in Suburban Chicago's Got Talent at 2:30 p.m. The contest winner will be announced at the Taste.
Later in the afternoon the Self Righteous Brothers will take the stage at 4:30 p.m., Exit 147 at 6:30 p.m. and Infinity at 8:30 p.m.
"It's a great opportunity to come out and enjoy an evening downtown with friends and neighbors," Ridler said. "We're going to have great food, great music and people can support their local business community at the same time."