Growing up in Roselle, I often visit the Taste of Roselle which really is a craft fair/carnival…read morewith nearby restaurants as vendors. Even this year, while it was good, it wasn't great. There were plenty of options but lets face it, there isn't the quality you might expect for what you have to spend. My gal pal invited me to join her for this Festival of the Vine in Geneva this weekend. Since it was expected to be so hot on Saturday, and I expected it to be a lot wine options, we chose to go on Friday night so we could partake in the wine options they offered! I'm so glad we went on the Friday night. After driving around a bit, we found some street parking on 5th street and walked the few blocks to the main event. Just follow the live music! We found that there were several tents set up. You get your tickets at a booth near Roosevelt which allows you to purchase foods and drinks throughout the festival. First thing I noticed was how well organized everything was. There was an individual sign for each food vendor. It seemed most vendors had about 3 options and many of them included one dessert item. Each ticket was valued at a dollar so a ricotta stuff meatball from the Italian place was 5 tickets or $5, for example. I noticed some of my favorite Geneva restaurants were at the fest: Chez Moi Catering, Gen Hoe, 318 Coffeehouse, Egg Harbor, Riganato Old World Grille, and Graham's Chocolate to name a few. The wine was really restricted to one tent and they had it set up by price. There was a $4 per glass line, $6 per glass line and a $12 per glass line. Being that I only had $9 in tickets left, I didn't hesitate to ask for a glass and a half. Yep! That's how I roll. Good thing the bartender was generous enough to give me two glasses worth. Thanks, Guy! The music was a bit loud but for the amount of people that were there, the volume was quite necessary! After the fest, and sampling some guacamole from Bien Trucha, the Lemon Chicken from Gen Hoe, some Mac & cheese from Presevstion Bread and Wind and the Ricotta Stuffed meatball from Riganato Old World Grille, we made our way down 3rd street and shared a bottle of (White) Señorita Sangria wine at Galena Cellars. The night was a lot of fun and didn't cost too much money. You were able to taste a little of this and a bite of that instead of having to go to all these places individually to find out how the food is. I will def attend next year. Now that I know this fest is more about the food, I'll be prepared next year! Maybe I'll see YOU there!!

Always fun to walk around Geneva especially during this annual festival. This year the weather…read moreeven cooperated. Shops are open and it's a good way to get a jump start holiday shopping.

Went on July 4th to see the band Anthem (Classic Rock and Styx) and the fireworks. This festival is…read morealways crowded! Parking is difficult since most of the neighborhood streets allow for no parking. We parked at Rt 59 and Stearns and walked. The carnival area is always super crowded and the area with the band is connected to the food tent. They do have it fenced off which makes no sense since no one was checking if people were leaving the area with alcoholic beverages. Most people bring their own chairs even tho there are tables and chairs in the food tent. Fireworks begin around 915pm and are launched over the adjacent golf course. You can pretty much see them from anywhere so ng Stearns Rd. A fun neighborhood festival but expect it to be very crowded!

Normally I don't care for festivals. They're over priced and surrounded with people I'd rather not…read morebe around. However, I WILL go if my dad's band is playing at one. Case in point, I came to Bartlett fest to see my dad's band play. After some cold beverages, I enjoyed myself and didn't mind the crowds. Bartlett fest is free, which is always great in my book. Certain places that charge $10+ per person (like a certain fest in my town) is redic. I'm sorry but people are more willing to spend their money on beer and food. Charging admission is lame. Thank you Bartlett fest for doing it right. The bands were great and everyone had a blast. The food seemed decent (didn't get any) and I saw tons of kids enjoying carnival rides. On site parking was well organized and we easily found a spot at 4:45 I definitely looking forward to future visits to Bartlett fest. Despite it being a bit of a drive for us, the casual and relaxed atmosphere (how a festival SHOULD be) is a welcomed change from any overpriced b.s. in Naperville, anyday.

Elburn Days is not just a fest, it's an entire community stopping to celebrate and take some time…read morefrom the every day norm to let loose. You can take the train, drive straight in on 38, or shoot down 47. There's plenty of parking all around the city, and even if you walk around town, which there are some quaint shops and bars to eat... AND DON'T FORGET REAMS!, you aren;t far from the fest. Highly recommend a visit, you won' be disappointed.

Basically for kids - not adults. Not much food either. Just want what I was expecting at all. Was…read moredying for a corn on the cob - had none.

We have been going to the scarecrow festival on and off for at least 20 years. This years was not…read moreat all like previous years. There are not as many scarecrows as in past years, and they are no longer displayed in the park. They are scattered around town in front of stores and restaurants. The craft fair was half the size it was in the past. In the past the vendors would be from all over the state, many were selling bought items. St. Charles has lots to offer, but this fest could not compare to previous ones.

Saw a TV news article about this 2-day festival and decided to check it out with my daughter this…read morepast weekend 8/16 & 17 at the Kane County Fair Grounds. Wish we would have gone on Saturday, but Sunday was a good experience too, albeit probably a bit more mellow as things were winding down. There were many exhibits featuring a multicultural casts of characters, horses galore, live bands, and dogs were welcome and being walked about the grounds. The junk food was abundant and delicious (in moderate quantities, of course). I would recommend bringing the kids next summer and wearing a pair of shoes you're not afraid will get dusty. Wish they would advertise this event more as I'm sure many more folks would attend!