Carnival rides, local food, patriotic light show add flair to Antioch's Taste of Summer

The nightly patriotic musical light show is one element that sets Antioch's Taste of Summer apart from other festivals.

The festival opens Thursday, July 14 and runs through Sunday, July 17, at the Antioch band shell on Skidmore Drive.

Festival hours are 4-10 p.m. Thursday, July 14; 4-11 p.m. Friday, July 15; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 16; and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 17.

In addition to the light show, which takes place at 9:15 p.m. nightly, there will be music, food, carnival rides, games, sidewalk sales, crafters, and more. Admission is free.

The entertainment lineup includes music from Second Hand Soul at 7 p.m. Thursday; Simply Elton at 5 p.m. and Dancing Queens at 8 p.m. Friday; Aging Teen Idols at noon, Neverly Brothers at 4 p.m., and Heartache Tonight at 8 p.m. Saturday; and Modern Day Romeos at 3 p.m. Sunday.

Food vendors include Brat Shop, Casa Ruiz, Lodge of Antioch, Rivalry Alehouse, Barone's Restaurant, Crazee Ice, Mama Jerk N Tings and Super Mercado San Judas. In addition to regular menu items, each food vendor will also sell a $1 "Taste" item. You can vote on Saturday for your favorite $1 "Taste" item.

Families with special needs are invited to a complimentary carnival afternoon from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday. The carnival is closed to the general public during these hours. The special needs family member must attend with the family and be accompanied on rides. Each family will receive up to four wristbands. Advance registration is closed, but walk-in participants can check in at the ticket booth located at Skidmore and Orchard.

The sidewalk sales take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday) throughout downtown Antioch.

No coolers, glass or alcohol may be carried in to the festival, and no bikes, skateboards or scooters are allowed.

For details, call (847) 395-2233 or visit antiochchamber.org/pages/taste-of-summer.