Fall Fest starts Friday at Lake Park in Des Plaines
Fans of the hit TV talent show “The Voice” can see Tony Lucca, one of the second season favorites, rock the Fall Fest Main Stage 6:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, as part of the free entertainment lineup at Fall Fest Des Plaines.
Lucca has spent the summer touring with his “Voice” coach Adam Levine, and Maroon 5, and will perform original music from his new EP “With the Whole World Watching.”
“We are very excited to present Tony Lucca this year on the Main Stage, as well as several new artists including Your Villain My Hero and crowd favorites like 7th Heaven,” said Linda Traina, superintendent of recreation for the Des Plaines Park District.
Fall Fest, a three-day, family-friendly festival, is back for a fifth year, bigger and better than ever. The event, produced by the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, the Des Plaines History Center, and the Des Plaines Park District, takes place at Lake Park, 2200 Lee St., on Friday, Sept. 13, from 6 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 14, from noon to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 15, from noon to 8 p.m.
Free admission, free parking, and free concerts make attendance easy at this annual community event that features a full carnival with rides, games and a kid’s midway; delicious food and beverages, including beer and a European-style wine garden; a KidZone! with crafts, pony rides, kids’ entertainment, and an interactive PlayZone; adult bags tournaments; a custom car show; a consumer expo tent; a fishing derby; a country fair tent; an open air market; and some of the best bands around.
Kids and families are the focus of Fall Fest each year. Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., there are unlimited carnival rides for $20 per person, so everyone can enjoy the 17 different attractions, including a Tilt-a-Whirl, bumper cars, a carousel, and the 55-foot Ferris wheel.
The KidZone! is open Saturday and Sunday until 6 p.m. and features pony rides, crafts, face painting, entertainment, and Minute-to-Win-It skills challenges just for kids.
For car aficionados, Black Dog Promotions will host a custom car show open to classics, antiques, American muscle cars, and hot rods, on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
On Saturday and Sunday, the Des Plaines History Center Country Fair Tent will have costumed interpreters, a display about historic Des Plaines and handmade crafts available for purchase.
New this year is a consumer expo tent where Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce merchants will showcase their wares.
“The free entertainment is a big draw to Fall Fest,” said Barbara Ryan, Chamber of Commerce executive director, “but what festival would be complete without great food?”
Patrons can feast on specialties prepared by Bangkok Belly, Hickory River Smoke House, Giuseppe’s Restaurant, Pancho’s Mexican Food, Olde Town Inn, Evans Place and Charcoal Delights, among others.
“Everyone is invited to Fall Fest to play, party, eat, and enjoy the entertainment,” Ryan said. “We thank public works, the police and fire departments, the city and the Emergency Management Agency for making this a safe event.
“We could not put on a festival this grand, however, without the generous support of our sponsors including Des Plaines Community Foundation; Power Home Remodeling Group; Millennium Bank; Town & Country Distributors; Rivers Casino; NorthShore University Health System; Great Day Improvement; Cordogan & Clark Associates; Village Bank & Trust; Renewal By Andersen; and Fantasy Amusement.”
For information, visit FallFestDesPlaines.com.
Entertainment schedule
FRIDAY
6:30 to 8 p.m., JakTripper 9 to 10:45 p.m., Vintage Blue
SATURDAY
12:30 to 1:15 p.m., Sol Azteca 2 to 3 p.m., North of Eight 4 to 5:30 p.m., Jin & Tonic 6:30 to 8 p.m., Lounge Puppets 9:00 to 10:45, Your Villain My Hero
SUNDAY
12 to 1 p.m., Artistry in Motion 1:30 to 2:45 p.m., Dan Tedesco 3:45 to 5:15 p.m., 7th Heaven 6:15 to 8 p.m., Tony Lucca