Bands, food draw crowd to Mane Event in Arlington Heights

The Mane Event, the first part of a two-day bash in downtown Arlington Heights that draws thousands of people, was held Friday night, featuring live music by the rock and funk band WaxWorks and cover band Mike and Joe.

It will be followed Saturday by Taste of Arlington Heights, featuring more than 25 participating restaurants, a business meet-and-greet and family entertainment. The entertainment starts at noon with young musicians from the School of Rock in Arlington Heights, followed by Orange Star at 3 p.m., the Dan Harvey Band at 4:30 p.m., Sun Fallen at 6:30 p.m. and Exit 147 at 8:30 p.m. The event ends at 11 p.m.

Arlington Heights officials closed off the four blocks leading to the intersection of Campbell Street and Vail Avenue, and streets are lined with restaurants and business vendors that offer a variety of giveaways.

Restaurants run the gamut, from traditional burgers and pizza to Asian, Mexican, Irish and Italian cuisine, plus a variety of craft beers and wine.

The Mane Event debuted in 2000. The business expo was added in 2002, and the block party itself grew into a two-day event starting in 2010.