Buffalo Grove Days returns Sept. 3-7 with five days of rides, music and fun

Enjoy five days of carnival rides, food, entertainment and more when Buffalo Grove Days returns Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 3-7, in Mike Rylko Community Park, 951 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove.

Hosted by the village of Buffalo Grove and Buffalo Grove Park District, the fest has been taking place for more than 60 years.

“After some years of Labor Day community barbecues, the first Buffalo Grove Days is recognized as starting in 1962,” said Molly Gillespie, communications and engagement director for the village of Buffalo Grove, in an email Q&A. “At the time it was a small, one day neighborhood cookout. Over years it grew to include other elements like the parade, community games, music.”

“It continues to have a community focus, and success is possible through community partnerships and dedicated volunteers,” Gillespie said.

In addition to the rides, food trucks and entertainment, the fest features a parade at 11:30 a.m. Saturday with more than 60 community groups, businesses and organizations, including the Buffalo Grove and Stevenson high school marching bands and the Jesse White Tumblers. The parade steps off on Buffalo Grove Road at Thompson Boulevard and travels south to Deerfield Parkway then west to Mike Rylko Community Park.

Gillespie also pointed out a couple of new activities this year, including a paint and sip activity (registration required), as well as line dancing on Sunday right before the country music performance.

“Every year there are new acts, but you’ll also see returning regional favorites, like Hi Infidelity and 7th heaven,” Gillespie said. “I know I’m not alone in sharing excitement for this year’s Saturday night headliner, 16 Candles. This year’s lineup is sure to be a crowd pleaser with a mix of pop/rock variety, ’80s, ’90s grunge, country, classic rock and rock styles.”

Asked about how festgoers can have their best experience, Gillespie said, “First, know how to get there. There’s no public parking on site aside from spaces reserved for handicapped placards, but there’s parking in the surrounding neighborhoods for a short walk. Check out the off-site shuttle pickup/drop-off locations, we have three conveniently located around town so this is often the best option for getting to/from the site. The shuttles are constantly looping, so you won’t wait long.” The shuttle locations are: 1100 Lake-Cook Road; Twin Groves Middle School, 2600 N. Buffalo Grove Road; and the Buffalo Grove Metra Station, 825 Commerce Court.

Buffalo Grove Days isn't just a good time, it also supports good causes.

“The festival gives back to the community in several ways,” Gillespie said. “First, the Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove is an integral partner. They host Bingo Night and the Duck Race, both which generate money that is put back into the community through the club’s grants and service efforts. Second, the village donates a portion of its proceeds from the event to the Buffalo Grove Community Foundation, who then distributes nonprofit grants with Rotary Club each year.”

Admission is free. Food and carnival rides are extra. Carnival Megabands, which provide unlimited rides for all five days of the festival, will be available for $70 through Sept. 2 and $78 beginning Sept. 3.

“Buffalo Grove Days is one of our community’s favorite traditions, bringing residents, families, businesses and visitors together for a celebration of everything that makes Buffalo Grove such a special place,” Village President Eric Smith said in a prepared release. “We look forward to welcoming everyone for another memorable five days of fun, music and community.”

“The weather forecast is looking absolutely perfect,” Gillespie said. “Take a look at the schedule and come out and enjoy every day of the festival. Try new foods, listen to new bands, meet your neighbors. This is what community is all about!”

For information, visit bgdays.com.

Most events take place in Mike Rylko Community Park, 951 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove.

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Buffalo Grove Days

Thursday, Sept. 3

5-10 p.m. Food trucks and beverage tent open

6-10 p.m. Carnival rides

6-11:30 p.m. Free shuttle bus service

6:30 p.m. Rotary Bingo

Friday, Sept. 4

5-11 p.m. Food trucks and beverage tent open

6-8 p.m. Hi Infidelity

6-11 p.m. Carnival rides

6-11:30 p.m. Free shuttle bus service

8:30-10:30 p.m. The Brothers Gibb

Saturday, Sept. 5

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Community Blood Drive at the Alcott Center, 530 Bernard Drive

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Buffalo Grove Days Parade

Noon to 7 p.m. Meet Me on Main Street Business & Craft Fair

12:30-3 p.m. Children’s entertainment, including the Community Arts Center Highlights Show, face painting, scavenger hunt activities, a Buffalo Grove Police Department K9 demonstration and animal petting zoo

12:30-3 p.m. Paint & Sip

12:30-10 p.m. Food trucks open

1-11 p.m. Carnival rides and beverage tent open

1-11:30 p.m. Free shuttle bus service

3:30-5 p.m. 7th heaven

4:30-7 p.m. Buddy Baseball exhibition game at Rick Drazner Park, 401 Aptakisic Road

6-8 p.m. Sounds of Seattle

8:30-10:30 p.m. 16 Candles

Sunday, Sept. 6

10:45-11:45 a.m. Dog Show at Reiner Park, 1101 Green Knolls Drive

Noon to 4 p.m. Community blood drive

Noon to 7 p.m. Meet Me on Main Street Business & Craft Fair

12:30-10 p.m. Food trucks open

1-11 p.m. Carnival rides and beverage tent open

1-11:30 p.m. Free shuttle bus service

2-3:30 p.m. Puzzle Palooza

2:30-3:30 p.m. Line dancing with the Windy City Dancers

3-4 p.m. Bags tournament

3:30-5 p.m. Nashville Electric

5:15 p.m. Rotary Duck Race

6-8 p.m. LP Vinyl

8:30-10:30 p.m. Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press

Monday, Sept. 7

10 a.m. to noon Fun & Food sensory-friendly event

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beverage tent open

11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Food trucks open

Noon to 3 p.m. Turning Down Today

12:30-7 p.m. Free shuttle bus service

1-6:30 p.m. Carnival rides

Info: bgdays.com