'American Idol' winner Lee DeWyze at Arlington's Furlong Fest

Arlington International Racecourse will close out its live racing season with its first Furlong Fest Sept. 23-25 that features fun for the whole family while supporting the Autism Society of Illinois.

The three-day festival will feature carnival rides, two music stages, pony rides and a petting zoo for kids along with great food and live thoroughbred racing on Friday and Saturday. While Arlington's live racing season concludes on Saturday, the festival will continue on Sunday.

"American Idol" winner and Mount Prospect native Lee DeWyze will headline Saturday's musical entertainment on the Tito's Vodka Main Stage as part of a nationwide tour in support of his newest album, "Oil & Water." DeWyze will be performing at Arlington for the first time since 2010 when he played for a packed house during his run on the television show. He will be joined by Oak Brook native and fellow "American Idol" alum Chris Medina.

"The Autism Society of Illinois is excited to be a part of the inaugural Furlong Fest, bringing a brand new event to Arlington Heights and the surrounding communities," said Matthew Ackerman, executive director and CEO of the Autism Society of Illinois. "Arlington International has been extremely gracious to our organization and we hope Furlong Fest will further our mission to raise awareness and provide support for those families and individuals living with autism."

Tickets are $5 each day. All ticketing options are available for purchase at www.arlingtonpark.com. Children ages 12 and under are free. Access to the festival's carnival rides will be available for additional charges.

The festival will run from 2 to 11 p.m. on Friday, noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Additional details regarding the entertainment lineup and activities at Furlong Fest are at www.arlingtonpark.com and www.furlongfest.com.