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Long Grove Strawberry Fest returns with food, music, carnival

Posted June 07, 2024 5:00 am

Submitted by Jody Grimaldi

Ava Grimaldi gets decked out for Long Grove Strawberry Fest. Courtesy of Jody Grimaldi

One of summer’s sweetest fruits will take its turn in the spotlight when Strawberry Fest returns to historic downtown Long Grove June 21-23.

Strawberry Fest is centered around strawberry cuisine, family activities, and live music. Tickets, $5 per person or $10 for a three-day pass, are available at longgrove.org/festivals/strawberry-fest/.

Savor sweet treats such as chocolate covered strawberries at Long Grove's annual Strawberry Fest. Courtesy of Jody Grimaldi

Strawberry Fest eats

As the name suggests, the almighty strawberry is the star attraction at the festival. Some of the area’s most popular restaurants, cooks, and vendors pop up to serve unique strawberry-centric foods and drinks. Featured items usually include things like strawberry popcorn, strawberry jams, strawberry fudge, strawberry funnel cakes, strawberry smoothies, chocolate covered strawberries, strawberry doughnuts, strawberry shakes, strawberry ice cream, strawberry sundaes, and more.

A variety of non-strawberry-centric vendors will also be on hand to dish out other summertime delights.

Vendors will sell strawberries, along with related products, throughout the streets of downtown Long Grove at Strawberry Fest. Courtesy of Jody Grimaldi

Strawberry Fest music

For those who like to mix it up, Strawberry Fest 2024 features live music and family entertainment. Non-stop tunes on multiple stages, from solo acoustic acts on the Mill Pond Stage, to entertaining family acts on the Fountain Square Stage, to the region’s favorite party and tribute bands on the Main Stage, will electrify downtown Long Grove throughout the weekend. Main Stage headliners this year include Led Zeppelin tribute band Kashmir on Friday, ’80s tribute band Hi Infidelity on Saturday, and Hillbilly Rockstarz Presents: Don’t Rock the Jukebox on Sunday. The latest stage schedules can be found on the website.

Strawberry doughnuts were among the treats available at a previous Long Grove Strawberry Fest. Courtesy of Jody Grimaldi

Strawberry Fest activities

The festival will include a classic carnival with everyone’s favorite rides and games. Meanwhile, all-age activities in Fountain Square will include DJs, arts and crafts, and the legendary strawberry pie eating contests.

Strawberry Fest marks the kick off to the summer shopping season in town, with local merchants featuring specials throughout the weekend. Visitors are encouraged to explore the recently beautified village and discover what makes downtown Long Grove so flavorful.

Strawberry Fest 2024

When: Noon to 11 p.m. Friday, June 21; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 22; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 23

Where: Historic downtown Long Grove, 145 Old McHenry Road

Tickets and details: Admission is $5 per person or $10 for a three-day pass, through longgrove.org/festivals/strawberry-fest/. Free admission for ages 12 and younger.

Strawberry Fest draws crowds of visitors to historic downtown Long Grove. Courtesy of Jody Grimaldi

The pie-eating contest is a crowd favorite at Long Grove Strawberry Fest. Courtesy of Jody Grimaldi

Some Strawberry Fest visitors show their love for the event through themed apparel and accessories. Courtesy of Jody Grimaldi

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