Still a great go-to event in the suburbs of Chicago. Definitely not as crowded as the Taste of…read moreChicago, with enough food vendors to try out and spend an hour or so on. Venue is setup with lots of space and shaded seating area near the Park Ridge Metra station. There is a large stage area with entertainment on the east-side of the venue. This place sells food by the ticket, so the layer of abstraction helps with not knowing you're paying $12 worth of tickets for two chicken skewers and rice. Most food items worth trying out are around 8 to 12 tickets, with prices, as of 2023, being $10 for a strip of 8 tickets. No surcharge for cash, but if you only have plastic, they do apply a surcharge. In either case, still better than $30 for a piece of lettuce at the Taste of Chicago, wading through a large crowd, while hoping to not have your food bumped out of your hand from an unaware crowd. BATHROOM REVIEW: Plenty of port-a-potties, with mine being pleasant and clean. Not a lot of use so far when I went around 2PM on a Saturday afternoon. We'll see, as the festival goes on with drunks destroying the bathroom. But for now, sit or squat? Squat... it's still a port-a-potty.

The food was great and I enjoyed the atmosphere as it was very safe and relaxing. I will be back…read morenext year.

The Park Ridge Park District puts on an excellent October Fest the last Saturday of every…read moreSeptember. It is located in Hodges Park which is right in front of City Hall. The fest is free to enter, but there are charges for food, beer and kids activities. A wrist band for all the bouncy castles and kids games is only $5. There is plenty of parking in the neighborhood behind the event or you can try by the library. There is live music at night and plenty of activities during the day. There are a ton great food vendors including Holts, Harp and Fiddle and a few other places that serve German fare. The giant pretzels with dipping sauce were a hit and the beer list was extensive. Prices were pretty reasonable for a festival and the lines to get food/drinks were not bad at all. You could use credit cards for beer, but everything else was cash only. This is a great way to celebrate the beginning of fall and hang out in the park.

This was my first visit to this nice summer festival. Without any kiddos in tow, which is not…read morereally in the job description anymore except in umm special situations, I was only interested in the free concerts. The atmosphere on a pleasant Saturday evening was crowded, festive, buoyant, well-behaved, and safe with a good visible presence by the Skokie police. This festival is really great for the area and has grown in its local renown. I actually lived in Skokie from 1982 - 1995 and this event didn't exist until 2007. We saw about half of Americana singer Micheal McDermott's performance followed by alt-rock band Vertical Horizon. For the price, t'was very enjoyable. I never heard of either and it was no biggie, but I saw that the Bash drew Foghat here at least one year, so they occasionally get some big names. I also learned I didn't need to lug around portable chairs to watch the main stage. There's fold-up chairs already set up and available and it's easy to nab a couple of seats if you're there before a performance starts. Midway through one though, it's harder at prime time, but with people coming and going, the wife and I still managed to nab a couple seats pretty close to the front. Parking can be a little challenging as it's virtually all neighborhood street parking. You just have to circle around looking for an opening and be willing to walk a little. Great festival, and a great first visit for us! Thank you Skokie!

I like the fact that I could just walk to this event from my home, no car necessary, not at all…read more Downtown Skokie is experiencing a resurgence and the Backlot Bash is part of that good feeling about living close to Oakton and Niles Center Rd. And it's a three day event (Friday - Sunday) and there's a little something for everyone - kiddie rides, funnel cake, a beer garden, car show, good food (relatively speaking), live bands and you can go during the day and at night. I really have enjoyed the bands, here's a list of who I've seen - The Wailers (without Peter, Bunny and Bob), the Fixx (One thing leads to another), Blue Oyster Cult (more cowbell please), Flock of Seagulls (actually missed them as I was in Ireland) and most recently Foghat (I just wanna make, love to you - whoops, this is a PG rated review). So that's a pretty awesome list for a free neighborhood concert. I do worry though because this event is getting bigger and bigger and bigger each year. I think they need to go West on Oakton for more space. I haven't asked the home owners though, for their opinion. I do have to say that I enjoy the folks who bring their little kids or their aging parents to watch a rock concert, that just warms my heart. Like I said, there's a little something for everyone. It's also really safe, there's always the Skokie 5-0 swat truck parked right in front. Now I just hope next years band will be even better - how about Rush, REO or Cheap Trick, The Romantics, wouldn't that be great?!?

I know there are a few people who would disagree, but I miss Des Plaines old summer party, where it…read morewas a "taste of" and actually had tents serving DP restaurant's food! Tents, not 4 tents, but a slew of them. The Des Plaines Summer Fling, while better entertainment than we had in years past (if you're into David Cassidy), didn't hold a candle to years past! 1. $3 cover! WTH? Lucky they had a singer (David Cassidy) who drew a bunch of people (odd though, I really wasn't a big Partridge Family fan, but had a ton of friends who went just for him). 2. 4 food booths, and I do not believe any of them were DP restaurants. 3. Carnival rides, complete with carnies and a full-fledged rip-off! 20 tickets for $20, rides were 3 - 5 tickets... I've got three kids who wanted to ride stuff, if I let them ride that stuff, there, I may as well have taken them to Six Flags for the day... it was a ridiculous waste of money. 4. ONE beverage tent, right by the stage (since that was the draw, I guess if you're only going to have one, that's where you'd put it) 5. Arts and crafts... BULL @#$%! There were 4 tents with artsie-craftsie stuff, two of them (the ones on the ends, because they were all in a row) had the same stuff! See below for a brief description of what this used to be if you want, but if it's run by the same organization next year, we won't waste our time! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Years past, when a company wasn't contracted to do this, but it was done by the city: 1) our restauranteurs came out and represented with good food and great personality; 2) free bouncy houses for the kids to play on, along with arts and crafts station; 3) historical center sold fresh baked pies from the porch for $3 a slice and it was GOOD!; 4) free to get in because you spent a ton-o-cash while you were there; 5) arts and crafts: portraits, hand made jewelry; knick-knacky stuff; you name it - it was there and it was worth seeing; and 6) local bands with local flavor and local followings were showcased.

The best part about this fest was the band JAKTRIPPER. They should headline this event next year!!!read more

Grew up in Niles, so many great memories and places. Now they dont seem to care about beggers at…read moreGolf/Milwaukee and Oakton/Milwaukee. I have seen them knock on windows, stare down people, and make their little kids stand out there in traffic to beg for money. This makes Niles look awful and they dont seem to care. They are all over homeowners for little things but ok with scamming beggers bothering people at lights. Used to be Where People Count but now its just Where People Beg and that is just so sad

These folks are alright. I'm currently dealing with them regularly. They are efficient, pleasant,…read moreand capable of running a cool quiet little village. I'm with You Niles.

It finally happened! Morton Grove has its own farmer's market. Instead of going to Park Ridge or…read moreEvanston, there's a place in-between. I came out there with my wife and kids on the grand opening weekend. Located in the lot behind Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, there's no shortage of parking and it doesn't require any crazy maneuvering to get into the lot either. For the grand opening, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Morton Grove's mayor and trustees were present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. So were photo and video people to document the event. But formalities aside, I think we got the making of a community destination for the summer and fall. They have covered Radio Flyer wagons for the kids to sit in and get towed around through the place. I don't know if it will be a regular feature or not, but there was a face painter and storyteller. My kids got to plant beans in cups and we'll watch them sprout and grow, then transplant them to our garden. In terms of food, I spent a lot of time by the Lehman's Orchard stand, where they sell freshly made, natural peanut butter, almond butter and cashew butter, in addition to dried fruits. I bought a cashew butter package to try. Pretty awesome on a cracker or by itself! I resisted buying the honey roasted peanut butter in case it's too sweet and be out $5 for it. Hint to the vendor: I would have tried it and possibly bought more if there was a sample available. Tibet Farms did not have much to offer but there was fresh bok choy and mustard greens. Since I grow some of my own greens at home, I talked to the guy about his growing methods to share ideas. A well-known name in drinkable yogurt, Lifeway Kefir has a booth too. They let us try their strawberry kefir, which my older son loves. Locally, there's Maier's Bakery with a selection of baked goods to offer. There was also a cheese vendor and a sharpening service for scissors and knives on site, while you shop. While I won't stop going to my local Park Ridge Farmers' Market, the one in Morton Grove has enough unique qualities to hold its own and attract a loyal following of locals. And I will be back for more cashew or peanut butter.

I love markets, fresh produce, and being out and about on Saturdays. Needless to say, I was uber…read moreexcited to visit Morton Grove's own farmers' market. Several vendors boasted their berries, cherries, arugula, radishes, baked goods, flowers, and more. I walked home with a pint of cherries, a pair of madelines, and a brownie. I expected the cherries to be sweeter and the madelines to taste light, fluffy, and fresh vs. tasting like they had been made 2 days ago. I will be back though. There is easy, breezy parking. Amy's stand had some chocolatey treats to offer, and the frozen, chocolate covered key lime pie is calling my name.

Edison Park Fest is a fantastic weekend neighborhood festival located in, well, Edison Park. If…read moreyou're not familiar with Edison Park, it's a neighborhood of Chicago north of Harlem Ave, on Northwest Highway, just south of Park Ridge. Edison Park fest spans several blocks and runs parallel to the Union Pacific Northwest Metra line. The festival totes two music stages, plenty of port o potties, several good vendors, a kids section, traveling carnival games,and several business vendor tents. There's pretty much something for everybody. Edison Park fest was well organized and spaced-out. I really had a good time walking around, sipping a beer, and perusing the many business tents. Metal barricades stops any temptation to trample on any residential front lawns running along this neighborhood festival, so make sure you get in on either Oliphant Ave or Ozark Ave. I had a really good time. So if you are in the north side and looking for a street festival without the crazy amount of crowds, definitely check out Edison Park fest.

Edison Park fest is a decent street festival located on the far North side of the city. The fest…read moreruns in mid August and always draws a healthy crowd. Edison Park is home to many police / first responders so you know it is going to be safe here. The crowd from here can get a little sketchy, but it is always a good time. The fest is between the Metra stop and Moretti's and spans a few city blocks. The food here is standard carnival fare. Nothing too great that I saw, but I enjoyed the fresh squeezed lemonade. They have vendors that serve up everything - most unhealthy, but delicious. Prices aren't too bad and the lines were pretty short when I went on a Saturday. There is a giant area of kids bouncy castles. These are pay as you go and is managed by an outside company. Some rides are good and take a few minutes, others are over in 30 seconds. They all cost $2-$3 each, so choose wisely if you don't splurge on the $30 day pass. There are several live music acts performing all weekend. It isn't my cup of tea, but people seem to like the 80s/90s rock cover bands. Rock on!

You know how the Field Museum has Christmas trees from around the world during the holidays, you…read moresee ornaments from around the world and it stirs some curiosity and passion in you (as a child) to visit and see other countries. In a way, this festival of cultures can create the same type of thoughts for little ones as they visit the booths which represent different cultures and countries. I think that's pretty cool, to walk around and get some fresh air, learn about other people and let that inspire/prepare a kid for a trip abroad. Yes, have them put the iPad down and get out here and interact with someone outside of their bubble. There are some live performances/dancing on stage and good food like funnel cake and cheese fries in a bucket to feed your family members too. The parking lot was full when I came by but you can easily park in the neighborhood and walk in.

This is a truly great event, held over two days every year in May at Oakton Park, celebrating the…read morevast cultural diversity of Skokie. For the last several years my daughter's dance troupe has performed here. There's a variety of enjoyable entertainment, a good selection of food vendors, and some really nice tents manned by representatives of the many ethnic communities within the Village. We have practically everything; Slavic, German, Filipino, Jamaican, Bulgarian, Polish, Belizean, Pakistani, you name it!! (Our new slogan isn't "Skokie Welcomes Everyone" for no reason!) Some are providing information about their cultures while others have items for sale, in addition to a retail booth for various goods for sale. Village offices have booths providing useful information and resources to residents, and they also have a train ride and a variety of games and activities for children. Plus it's right beside the playground. General admission is free and weather permitting, it's really a fun day for the entire family -- worth a visit, whether or not you're from Skokie.

This was a top notch event. So happy Yelp (and our amazing North Shore Manager Angela!!!) hooked it…read moreup with tickets. I dont know where to start. Delicious wines, great beers, filling and absolutely delicious food. And. It. Was. All. Free. We brought Quinn with us so we couldn't get as weird as we wanted to, but we still enjoyed ourselves! The biggest surprise was the food at the Glenview Golf Club table. I know I'm mislabeling the gold course, so I'm sorry! It was the golf course that hosted the event. They served fried macaroni balls and some buffalo chicken dip or popper or something. It was sooooo good!!! There was also a really good meatloaf and chocolate brownie from Teds Montana Grill. Definitely good choices on their part to sample those. We will check their restaurant out because of their participation. We had s couple samples of Revolution Brewing and many wine samples. Not enough to get buzzed though, c'mon we are responsible parents!!

Man, I love a good event! We found out about this brews and bites from our Yelp manger, I entered…read moreto win tickets, and we won! We love tasting local foods, but we have a 1 year old, and if we got a sitter every time we wanted to go out, we'd never see our baby! This event was the perfect way to taste some of the local restaurant's fare and be with our little one. The food was phenomenal, the drinks were great, but most of all the staff and samplers were so nice! We really had a wonderful time! Thanks Yelp!!