The smell of barbecue smoke and fried dough filled Orland Park’s Village Green as families crowded around food tents and children darted between games.
On stage Friday, Aug. 1, the ’80s cover band Sixteen Candles belted out a chorus while fans sang along, phones held high to capture the moment. Earlier in the evening, country artist Alika Arlynn and ABBA tribute band Dancing Queen warmed up the crowd before a drone show closed out opening night.
The Taste of Orland Park opened its 22nd year with live music, food and community events. Presented by Northwestern Medicine, the festival moved back to the Village Green at 14700 S. Ravinia Ave. after being held last summer at Centennial Park West.
The family-friendly fun event features more than a dozen local restaurants, performances from tribute bands and national touring artists, and family activities from bingo to a Battle of the Bands.
Nine-year-old Alex Campos, of Oak Forest, strongly recommended delicious desserts from Nothing Bundt Cakes, while Jim and Liz Hogan of Mt. Greenwood said they came out for the bands.
“The music and the food are incredible,” Liz Hogan said. “We love the atmosphere.”
Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge said the event has become a tradition that brings residents together.
“This event has long been a staple in bringing our community together, and staff worked diligently to make this year’s Taste the best event yet,” Dodge said. “I am happy we moved it back because it really highlights that block party feel.”
The festival continues Saturday, Aug. 2, with yacht rock and blues acts, along with a veterans tribute and headliners Tommy DeCarlo of Boston and Jason Scheff of Chicago. On Sunday, Aug. 3, a Taylor Swift tribute and a local talent showcase will lead up to Queen tribute act One Vision of Queen featuring Marc Martel.
Food vendors range from Cooper’s Hawk and Barraco’s to The Original Rainbow Cone. “It’s great to see the wide variety of local offerings, from franchises to independently owned restaurants,” Dodge said.
Attendees agreed, including Jessica Duer of Homer Glen.
“Great bands and good food – what more could you ask for?” she said.
Festivalgoers can also take part in live band karaoke, a Family Feud-style game show and kids’ activities running throughout the weekend. The Battle of the Bands returned Friday, while bingo hosted by the Orland Park Kiwanis and Lions clubs will run Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
A fireworks display will close the weekend’s festivities on Sunday night.
