Find out what's happening in North Center-Roscoe Villagefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
BenFest 2013
North Side Neighborhood’s Favorite Family Festival
Find out what's happening in North Center-Roscoe Villagefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Expands Onto Leavitt Street
Much more than a traditional church function and way bigger than a block party, the annual BenFest is one of the north side’s longest-running family festivals and quite unique compared to other community events. Hosted during the weekend of July 19 - 21, more than 5,000 residents, friends and St. Benedict parishioners are anticipated to attend the neighborhood celebration that offers live entertainment from great bands, a variety of menu and beverage options, and fabulous family fun for every age group!
Regularly held on the grounds of historic St. Benedict’s parish and school property, the NEW 3-DAY party pulls out of the lot this year and heads out to the street! While the music stage and several activities will remain in the courtyard, Leavitt will provide an open and casual “street festival” setting for singles, couples and families to peruse an all-new marketplace of artists and merchants and sample the cuisine from local restaurateurs.
As Chicago’s best family-friendly summer festival (Chicago Tribune), BenFest is legendary for its children’s element and makes every effort to cater to all age groups; from tots to teens to the young-at-heart, there’s a variety of activities and entertainment suitable to all.
Clear the calendar and feel free to bring your lawn chairs to join the community for a fabulous weekend of camaraderie, great music, fabulous fare, tons of activities for the kids and a chance to win great prizes.
WHAT: Originally a two-day event for more than 30 years, BenFest is an annual north side family-friendly event that has newly expanded into three days, and highlights a large menu of great food and refreshments, beer selections, live music for adults and children, and quality family entertainment.
The festival has also expanded out onto the street, and the all new market-place on Leavitt includes local vendors and merchants of art, jewelry, clothing, gifts, crafts and games.
The renowned children’s area features live music and dance for various ages, games, water slide, costumed characters, inflatables, face-painting, arts and craft area, train rides and more – you must see it to believe it!
Adult admission is just $7 or $10 after 8 p.m. Child admission is $5 (under 2 – FREE), and the Family Pack for 4 is $20.
More information and band lineup is available at www.BenFest.com.
Proceed benefit the schools and Parish of St. Benedict.
WHEN: Friday, July 19 from 4 -11 p.m.; Saturday July 20 from 1 -11 p.m.; and Sunday, July 21 from 1 - 7 p.m.
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 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 Bendict’s Parish 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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