Thousands attended the fourth annual Grito Fest at Summit Park from Sept. 4-7, an event featuring nearly 20 live bands, a carnival, food and vendors.
The festival kicked off Thursday with a carnival, followed by three days of music, food and family activities. One highlight Sunday was a traditional Mexican horse show, known as a Charreria.
“We continued with our annual festival as so many look forward to it,” Valladolid said. “We didn’t have any problems, although I was expecting more people. We had a great turnout, about the same as last year, but projected we would have a few thousand more.”
“It was another great year for Grito Fest,” said Adrian Valladolid, owner of V Entertainment and Valladolid Banquet Hall in Summit. “Throughout Grito Fest 2025, we had about 7,000 attendees who enjoyed the carnival, live entertainment, and 30 vendors selling merchandise. We had 8 vendors alone selling food so there was something for everyone.”
Valladolid said he fielded hundreds of calls from residents asking if the event would still take place after organizers canceled El Grito Chicago due to ICE concerns.
The festival, hosted by V Entertainment at 5700 S. Archer Road, went on without incident.
Organizers are also planning a Christmas Wonderland pop-up in Summit from November through early January, though details are still being finalized.
