Bid farewell to summer at Elmhurst's Park Palooza

The school year has started, but the summer fun isn't over yet in Elmhurst.

Elmhurst Park District's annual Park Palooza this weekend will give families another opportunity to enjoy live music, games, kids' activities and food. The free event is scheduled for 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at Berens Park, 493 N. Oaklawn Ave., Elmhurst.

"It's kind of our end-of-summer celebration," said Kari Felkamp, the park district's director of marketing and communications. "It's a way to wrap up the summer in a fun way for families."

Park Palooza offers something for everyone and attracts about 2,000 people a year.

"A lot of families come out," Felkamp said. "So it's one of our highest attended events."

The celebration begins at 5 p.m. with kids' games and activities, including face-painting and an inflatable obstacle course. Children wanting to express their artistic side can do sand art.

"We also have different sponsors that are on site doing different little games and activities, and giveaways," Felkamp said.

Eight food trucks will be at the festival, including Toasty Cheese and Barbeque Jim's, Smallcakes and Beavers Donuts.

In addition to a variety of food options, the festival will have a beer and wine garden.

There also will be musical entertainment.

The evening of music kicks off when Music Dudes perform from 5 to 7:10 p.m. Local rock cover band Red Woody will play on the main stage from 7:40 to 10 p.m.

Felkamp said the festival is a good way for people to come together with their friends and have fun.

"Families can come out early, grab some food, grab some ice cream, do the activities and then take their kids home," Felkamp said. "For those that want to stick around and listen to the bands and enjoy a couple adult beverages, they can do that."

For more information about Park Palooza, visit epd.org.

If you go

What: Park Palooza

Who: Elmhurst Park District

When: 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25

Where: Berens Park, 493 N. Oaklawn Ave., Elmhurst

Admission: Free

Info: <a href="https://www.epd.org/">epd.org</a>