Friendship Fest returned to Palos Hills July 9-12, bringing four days of live entertainment, carnival rides and family activities that drew residents together for one of the community’s favorite summer traditions.
The annual festival offered something for every age, from concerts and carnival attractions to pony rides, a petting zoo, bingo and a fireworks finale that closed out the weekend.
The festivities began Thursday with the opening of the carnival and beer garden. Families also enjoyed a free petting zoo and a hands-on art activity hosted by Paint on Me Inc. The evening concluded with a performance by country band Whiskey Road.
Friday’s schedule featured another evening of carnival rides, games and bingo, along with live entertainment from The Chicago Experience, a tribute to the band Chicago. Infinity followed with a rock performance that capped off the night’s entertainment.
Saturday marked the busiest day of the festival, with activities beginning at noon. The Palos Hills Horsemen Association offered free pony rides, while families also visited the petting zoo and watched an educational presentation by The Reptile Den. Live music continued in the evening as The Ron Burgundy’s opened for American English, whose Beatles tribute performance drew one of the weekend’s largest crowds.
The festival wrapped up on Sunday with another afternoon of rides and family activities, including pony rides, the petting zoo and a donation drive benefiting local charities. Ambidextrous opened the evening’s entertainment before Anthem closed out the concert schedule with a performance of classic rock favorites.
Friendship Fest concluded with a fireworks display that brought the four-day celebration to a close.
