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Neighbor News

BenFest 2016

Chicago's Favorite (and Longest-Running) North Side Family Festival Returns, Bigger and Better!

Much more than a traditional church function and bigger than a block party, St. Benedict Parish’s annual BenFest is one of the north side’s longest-running family festivals and is quite unique compared to other community events. Hosted during the weekend of July 15 - 17, this renowned Northcenter neighborhood celebration offers live entertainment, craft beer, a mouthwatering menu and fabulous family fun for every age group!

As “Chicago’s best family-friendly summer festival” (Chicago Tribune), BenFest is legendary for its children’s elements but caters to all age groups; from tots to teens to the young-at-heart, there’s a variety of activities and entertainment on two stages suitable for all.

Clear the calendar and join friends and neighbors for a huge weekend of camaraderie, great music, fabulous fare, tons of activities for the kids and a chance to win great prizes.

Find out what's happening in Lincoln Squarefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

WHAT: Originally a two-day event for more than 30 years, BenFest is an annual North Side family-friendly event that was expanded to three days, and highlights a large menu of great food and refreshments, craft beer, live music for adults and children, and quality family entertainment.

Find out what's happening in Lincoln Squarefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The festival has expanded and the marketplace on Leavitt includes local vendors and merchants of art, jewelry, clothing, gifts, crafts and games.

The popular children’s area features live music and dance for various ages, games, water slide, inflatables, face-painting, arts and craft area, the all new Sport Zone and more – you must see it to believe it!

“Rock the Fest,” our junior band competition hosted by School of Rock also returns. Visit the website for info.

$5 Donation requested at the gate.

More info and band lineup is available at www.BenFest.com.

WHEN: Friday, July 15, 4-10:00 pm; Saturday July 16, 1-10:00 pm; and Sunday, July 17, 1-7pm

WHERE: Benfest is located on Leavitt Street from Irving Park Rd. to Byron St.

St. Benedict’s Church is located at 2215 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60618. Public transportation: CTA buses (Irving Park or Western Avenue Routes) and the CTA Brown Line El (Irving Park stop).

WHY: BenFest is one of St. Benedict’s largest annual fundraising event. Proceeds from the festival are utilized to benefit local outreach, school programming, and fund church operations, restoration and other Parish initiatives.

WHO: St. Benedict Parish & Preparatory School is in the heart of Northcenter, with Roscoe Village to the south, Albany Park to the west, and Lincoln Square to the north. St Benedict’s has been part of these communities and their families since 1902.

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