Arlington Alfresco season ends when Harmony Fest setup begins
The sun will soon set on summer and the annual Arlington Alfresco outdoor street dining area, but not before downtown Arlington Heights hosts its yearly going away party.
Harmony Fest, the two-day block party on Vail Avenue and Campbell Street, is scheduled from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, and 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. The last day to dine at restaurants’ expanded outdoor seating areas will be Monday, Sept. 23, so crews can set up for the fest, village officials said.
Food and drink will be available for purchase from 16 local establishments participating in a “Taste of Arlington Heights,” and more than 70 vendors are expected to man tables where they’ll sell their wares and promote their products.
Live music at the free fest begins at 5 p.m. Friday in Harmony Park with Starlight City, which plays a high-energy mix of pop, dance and rock hits from the 1980s through today. The popular 1980s party band Sixteen Candles takes the stage at 8:30 p.m.
On Saturday, youth rockers from the local School of Rock kick things off at 3 p.m., followed by Dirty Pop Live at 5 p.m. and 7th heaven at 8:30 p.m.
The Nak4 Orthodontics Kids’ Zone featuring fun family games will be open from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday and 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, and village forestry division vehicles will be on display Friday.
The fest, sponsored by the village’s special events commission and the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce, is an outgrowth of the old Mane Event and Taste that was long held in the same area in August.
With 15,000 attendees expected to crowd the downtown streets, organizers encourage drivers to park in one of the village’s nine nearby lots or garages.
And because fall and winter can’t be far away, village officials this week reminded residents to mark their calendars for two other community events.
Autumn Harvest, a family-friendly fest featuring horse-drawn hayrides, a petting zoo, scarecrow decorating, crafts and music, is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at North School Park.
The tree lighting at North School Park is set for 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, while a free “Holly Trolley” will take attendees to more festive fun — including ice carvers, reindeer and music — at Harmony Park.