Celebrate the flavors of fall at Geneva's Festival of the Vine Sept. 9-11
Savor the flavor of Geneva during Festival of the Vine, an autumn harvest celebration.
Initially a celebration of anything grown on a vine, the festival now revolves around food and wine. The main event runs Friday to Sunday, Sept. 9-11, on South Fourth and James streets.
"Everything you love about this festival can be found in a new location," said Laura Rush, Communications Director, Geneva Chamber of Commerce. "The Geneva Police have done a phenomenal job of keeping everyone safe crossing State Street during previous Festival of the Vines. However, it was mutually decided that the event should move across the street to James and South Fourth streets."
The fine restaurants of Geneva chamber members will be showcased along with a variety of wine for purchase. There also will be beer and seltzer offerings.
For over 40 years, restaurants have set up under one huge tent offering three of their favorite signature items.
Visitors purchase tickets and buy a "taste" at one of the featured restaurants in the tent.
To accompany your food, unique wines from around the world will be available for purchase.
Enjoy versatile local and Chicago-land musical entertainers on the stage, kicking it off with Lisa Allen from 101.9 The MIX on Friday.
Jim Duncan and Tim Logsdon will be playing country, rock and blues from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, followed by Hillbilly Rockstarz from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
On Saturday, The Thompson Duo will perform from 1 to 3 p.m., Drew Clausen from 3:30 to 5 p.m., The Plant Band from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and The PriSSillas from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
On Sunday, the Geneva band The MacCartyns will open the music stage from noon to 2 p.m. and the party cover band Hitmen will close out the festival from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
The arts and crafts fair will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday on South Third and Campbell streets
First Congregational Church, 327 Hamilton St., is hosting a Washer Toss Charity Tournament from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday. All proceeds will benefit Lazarus House Homeless Shelter. Entry fee $30 a team. Register at genevaucc.org/events/washerstournament.
Other events during the festival include merchant wine events, business booths, activities for the kids, and complimentary horse drawn carriage rides plus great shopping in Geneva 's historic downtown. Additional events can be found around Geneva. Times vary for individual events and food and wine purchase.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.genevachamber.com/product/festival-of-the-vine-tickets/. These tickets must be picked up at the Chamber office by Wednesday, Sept. 7, or will be held at Will Call at the event Sept. 9-11. No refunds on unused tickets.
Tickets are $1 each. Cash and credit accepted. Food will cost 3-12 tickets. Ticket booth hours are: noon to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
In an effort to enhance the safety and security of festivalgoers, please refrain from bringing any bags larger than 12 by 12 by 6 inches to the festival.
For a complete schedule, go to genevachamber.com.