Apple Fest is back with nighttime entertainment
Historic Downtown Long Grove's 23rd annual Apple Fest returns from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. today and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
This outdoor festival is for apple lovers of all ages featuring "not your ordinary" apple treats, big-name bands, later hours, shopping in the streets and stores, food stands and a KidZone, where the family can bowl with apples and indulge in other entertainment.
Apple Fest features more than 30 live music performances, with headliners taking the Main Stage at night, including:
• Trippin' Billies, a Chicago-based Dave Matthews tribute band that has been together for close to 20 years and has toured throughout the U.S., from 8 to 10 p.m. Friday.
• Lucky Boys Confusion, a five-piece ska-punk outfit formed in 1997 that draws from punk, rap and reggae to create an infectious sound, from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday.
• Suburban Cowboys, a sought-after country cover act headlining more than 100 shows a year, from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday.
An impressive lineup of live music can also be found at the Mill Pond Stage, Fountain Square, as well as at locations throughout town, including Broken Earth Winery, Beans & Leaves Coffee & Tea Cafe and The Village Tavern.
Bands and DJs that will take the various stages during the day include John Till, Brent Brown, Dave Bess, Makena Hairline Duo and Jack Eiler.
Family activities on Towner Green include tug of war, limbo competition, apple pie eating contests, three-legged races, potato sack races, a strolling magician, balloon artists, face painters, a bubbler and arts and crafts. From noon to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, there will be a football toss.
A variety of specials and apple treats are featured at the festival, with details on the event website. Among apple dishes served up by Long Grove businesses are pies, doughnuts, cider, caramel apples, caramel apple lattes, apple crostatas, taffy apples, candied apples, apple candy, apple popcorn, apple cotton candy, apple pie fudge, apple cider candles, apple wine and apple sangria.
Restaurants visiting the festival include Luke's of Mundelein, Strawberry Patch, Brothers BBQ, Smokin T's and Zacarelli's Pizza.
Admission is $5 at the gate, except for 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, when tickets are $8. Kids younger than 12 are free. Tickets are available online. Free parking is available in all public lots. Proceeds from the event benefit Long Grove Business and Community Partners, a tax-exempt organization, supporting redevelopment of the downtown, yearly programming and events.
For online tickets, a full schedule of the weekend's live entertainment and festival details, go to www.visitlonggrove.com. For information, call the Visitor's Information Center at (847) 634-0888.
Originally settled as a German farming community, the village gave way to a multitude of additional cultures such as French, Polish, Greek, Irish, Canadian, Scottish, British, Scandinavian, Italian, Native American and others.
Recognized as one of the nation's genuine historic villages, it's best known for its one-of-a-kind shopping experience and unspoiled natural beauty.
Main Stage
FRIDAY
Noon to 1:30 p.m. Aryk Crowder Duo
2 to 3:30 p.m. David Paige Band
4 to 5:30 p.m. Dennis Caravello Band
6 to 7:30 p.m. 97 Nine
8 to 10 p.m. Trippin' Billies
SATURDAY
Noon to 1:30 p.m. Acoustic Alibi
2 to 3:30 p.m. Sam Fazio Trio
4 to 5:30 p.m. PettyCash
6 to 7:45 p.m. Infinity
8:30 to 10 p.m. Lucky Boys Confusion
SUNDAY
Noon to 1 p.m. Kevin Mileski Trio
1:30 to 2 p.m. Rosie & The Rivets
5 to 4:30 p.m. The Gingers
5 to 7 p.m. Suburban Cowboys