Neighbors will have a chance to shop local, enjoy live music and spend a summer day celebrating Beverly’s small businesses when Bevapalooza returns to the 99th and 103rd Street business districts near the Metra tracks.
The annual festival will return for its third year under the Bevapalooza name, bringing residents and visitors together for a day of entertainment, food, shopping and family activities throughout the neighborhood.
While the event has become a summer tradition, it began with a much simpler idea.
“Years ago, a handful of businesses in the footprint of the event approached the Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association about organizing a summer festival in July, which is typically a slow retail month,” said Nora Conroy, associate executive director of the Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association. “The event started in part to boost business during a quiet time and mark the retail turnover from summer to fall with sales. It’s become an opportunity to celebrate the neighborhood and the small businesses that make up the 99th and 103rd Street corridor near the Metra tracks and draw residents out for a free, fun day.”
What started as an effort to bring more visitors to local businesses has grown into a neighborhood celebration that highlights the people, shops and organizations that make Beverly unique.
Throughout the day, attendees will be able to explore local stores, enjoy live performances, grab food and take part in activities designed for all ages. Businesses along the festival route will welcome visitors and encourage them to discover something new within the neighborhood.
Planning for Bevapalooza begins months before the event. Businesses along the 99th and 103rd Street corridors begin meeting with the Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association in January to discuss ideas, share feedback and help shape the festival.
Conroy said one of her favorite parts of Bevapalooza is that the event continues to evolve each year while keeping its community feel.
“I love being able to walk to a mini music festival, and I like that every year has a slightly different roster of live music and activities,” she said.
New additions to the festival will include a Reuse and Recycling Pop-Up organized by The Unwaste Shop, which opened its Beverly location on 103rd Street last November. The pop-up will be held at 10244 S. Longwood Ave. and will give attendees the opportunity to recycle household items while connecting with environmentally focused nonprofit organizations.
The festival also will feature an all-DJ lineup on 103rd Street, adding another element of live entertainment to the celebration.
Although music, food and activities are a big part of the day, organizers said the heart of Bevapalooza remains the local businesses that helped create the event.
“Bevapalooza has a particular focus on the businesses within the event corridor since the festival began as a small business initiative,” Conroy said. “While there’s a lot to enjoy at Bevapalooza that’s independent of shopping, we encourage attendees to visit a new business while taking part in the festivity.”
That focus on local businesses is what makes Bevapalooza different from larger summer festivals. Instead of simply providing a backdrop for the event, Beverly’s shops and restaurants are part of the celebration itself and will offer residents a chance to enjoy music, connect with neighbors and experience the businesses that help make the community special.
The festival is made possible with support from sponsors Keir Foot & Ankle and Semmer Landscape, community partners that continue to support Beverly throughout the year.
