Summer festival season will be in full swing when Friendship Fest returns to Palos Hills from July 9-12, bringing four days of live music, carnival rides, family activities, food and community fun.
The annual celebration promises something for everyone, from country music and classic rock to pony rides, bingo, a petting zoo and a fireworks finale.
Festival-goers can enjoy unlimited carnival rides each day with special wristband promotions and a lineup of entertainment that stretches from afternoon into the evening.
Thursday kicks off with country music and family fun
The festivities begin Thursday, July 9, with rides opening at 6 p.m. Guests can purchase an all-around amusement pass for $40 and enjoy unlimited rides throughout the evening.
Families can stop by the free petting zoo from 6 to 10 p.m. or let children get creative during Paint on Me Inc. activities from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The beer garden opens at 6 p.m., setting the stage for a night of live country music. Whiskey Road takes the stage from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., delivering a mix of country favorites to open the festival weekend.
Friday brings rock favorites to the stage
Friday, July 10, expands the fun with rides running from 6 to 11:30 p.m. Festival organizers note that some rides may not operate during periods of wet weather.
The evening’s music lineup begins with The Chicago Experience, a tribute to the legendary rock band Chicago, performing from 6 to 8:15 p.m.
Infinity closes out the night from 9 to 11:30 p.m. with a high-energy rock show expected to keep the crowd on its feet.
Throughout the evening, visitors can also enjoy food vendors, carnival games and bingo beginning at 7 p.m.
Saturday offers a full day of entertainment
Saturday’s schedule starts at noon and continues until midnight.
Families can visit the Palos Hills Horsemen Association from 1 to 4 p.m. and enjoy free pony rides and a petting zoo from 1 to 5 p.m.
Bingo returns from 7 to 10 p.m., while animal lovers can catch a special presentation by The Reptile Den from noon to 1 p.m.
The beer garden entertainment begins with The Ron Burgundy’s, performing from 6 to 8:15 p.m. The popular cover band American English takes over at 9 p.m. with its nationally known Beatles tribute show, performing until 11:30 p.m.
Sunday wraps up with fireworks and classic rock
The final day of Friendship Fest begins at 1 p.m. and offers one last opportunity to enjoy rides, games and festival food.
Children can once again visit the horsemen’s association area and enjoy free pony rides and the petting zoo during the afternoon.
Bingo runs from 7 to 9 p.m., while a kid-friendly donation drive from noon to 2 p.m. encourages attendees to bring gently used clothes and towels.
Live music starts with Ambidextrous from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m., followed by Anthem from 7 to 10:30 p.m. with a set packed with classic rock favorites.
As the music fills the festival grounds, Friendship Fest will conclude with one of the weekend’s biggest highlights — a fireworks display at dusk.
Mega Passes Available
Festival organizers are encouraging residents to purchase Mega Passes in advance for the best value.
Passes cost $70 if purchased by noon July 9 and increase to $80 afterward. Advance passes are available through the Palos Hills Community Center.
Those purchasing passes before the festival begins can also pick up wristbands early from 3 to 6 p.m. July 8 at the Community Center, helping them skip long lines and get straight to the fun when Friendship Fest opens.