Chicago Ridge's RidgeFest 2018: What You Need To Know

CHICAGO RIDGE, IL -- It’s what we’ve been waiting for all year. Chicago Ridge’s famous Ridgefest kicks off this weekend, July 26 through July 29. Ridgefest 2018 will be held on the grounds of Freedom Park at Birmingham and Oak. Featuring bands, food, beer, rides, family entertainment, a car show, fireworks and merchant lane carrying everything from handcrafted items to light-up toys, it’s easy to see why Southsiders flock to Ridgefest year after year.

Pick up a few baubles or a handcrafted item at Merchant Lane or head over to Restaurant Row, featuring Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe, Durbins of Burbank and Palos, La Playita and other carnival fare.

RidgeFest's Car and Bike Show gets underway Saturday, July 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring classic cars, rods and customs. Same-day registration is available until noon, with 40 awards and plaques -- including the Mayor's Award -- handed out at 3 p.m. Participation fee for exhibitors is $25; spectators are free.

Sorry, but mega passes will not be available this year.

For more information, visit the RidgeFest website. You can also keep up with RidgeFest happenings on Facebook.

RidgeFest 411

Thursday, July 26

• Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
• Admission $5
• Carnival ride special, $25 from 6 to 10 p.m.
• Carnival 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.
• Hairbangers Ball, Chicago 1980s tribute hair band covers including Van Halen, Def Leppard, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Ozzy and more, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Juke Box Heroes, 9 to 11 p.m.

Friday, July 27

• Gates open 5:30 p.m.
• Admission $10
• Carnival 5:30 to 11:30 p.m.
• The Ron Burgandy’s, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Delivers all of your favorite yacht rock and soft rock hits from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, including Kenny Loggins, Toto, Huey Lewis, Fleetwood Mac, Boz Scaggs, Steely Dan, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart and many more
• Uncle Kracker, 10 to 11:30 p.m. Uncle Kracker’s deep melodies and sense of what the heartland means has made him a perfect fit in today’s post-rural realm of country music. Uncle Kracker is still having a blast playing sold out shows across the country.

Saturday, July 28

• Gates open at 3 p.m.
• Admission $10
• Car Show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 10455 S. Ridgeland Ave. Same-day registration until noon. Participant fee is $25. Awards at 3 p.m.
• Carnival 3 to 11:30 p.m.
• Primetime Racing 4 to 8 p.m.
• Bingo
• JW and the Wannabees, 6:15 to 7:45 p.m.
• Hillbilly Rockstarz, 8 to 9:30 p.m. Chicago's very own country super group, specializing in covering the latest hits in country music, along with many of your classic favorites.
• Scott Stapp of Creed, 10 to 11:30 p.m. Creed’s former frontman brings his soul-piercing lyrics backed by thundering rock riffs to Ridgefest.

Sunday, July 29

• Gates open 2 p.m.
• Admission $5. Residents admitted free with current ID
• Carnival ride special $25, 2 to 6 p.m.
• Carnival, 2 to 10:30 p.m.
• Primetime racing, 2 to 8 p.m.
• Bingo
• Richie Z Band, 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. Solo Acoustic Singer and guitarist. Richie Z plays a large variety of great songs from the golden age of rock and roll through the 70's.
• The Four C Notes, 7 to 8:30 p.m. The Four C Notes are the Midwest’s only tribute dedicated to recreating the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
• Hotel California, 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. and 10 to 10:45 p.m. The original Eagles tribute band.
• FIREWORKS SHOW, 9:30 p.m.

Super Sunday Family Fun Day

• 2 to 6 p.m. - Michael’s Makes Creativity Happen
• 2 to 7 p.m. Balloon Dude Dale, John Measner Magic, Ghost Ship Galleon, Kapow, climbing wall, Hippo Bungee, Grab, bumper cars, giant selfie station
• 2 to 8 p.m. Niarome Clowns
• 5:30 to 5 p.m. Special performance by the Jesse White Tumblers

Animal Area:

• 2 to 7 p.m. Friendly Farms Petting Zoo and pony rides
• 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dave DiNaso’s Traveling World of Reptiles
• 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Big Wolf Run Ranch