Know Before You Go: St. Gerald Fest And Carnival 2026

OAK LAWN, IL — Follow the aroma of funnel cakes to the St. Gerald Fest and Carnival 2026, Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 6 to Aug. 9, at the corner of 9310 S. 55th Ave.. A Chicago summer tradition, the parish carnival offers rides, food, music, bingo, raffles and fun.

Live music, good food, big rides, crafts and various games of skill and chance will highlight this year’s edition of St. Gerald Fest and Carnival, presented by the parish’s Holy Name Society.

Mega-passes good for rides on all four days can still be purchased online in advance through 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, for $75 at St. Gerald 2026 Carnival Innovative Ticketing. The price goes up to $100 when purchased during the carnival, cash sales only. Present your printout voucher or show a digital copy on your phone at the Modern Midways ticket booth to claim your mega pass. No single-day passes are being offered this year.

Rides and amusements are provided by Dyer, IN-based Modern Midways. A tentative list of attractions includes a vertigo 100’ tall tower swing; the Hangover, Tornado, Zero Gravity and the big gondola Ferris wheel. For the little kiddos, Modern Midways will be toting the Motorcycle Race, Tea Cups, Super Slide, Puppy Roll and Quad Runner.

The Dukes Italian Beef and Los Friends Tacos food trucks will be selling food, plus the usual carnival fare for your funnel cake cravings.

Bingo, pull tabs and other raffles offer fest goers a chance to win some great prizes and cash. The carnival committee has also lined up some great bands appearing in the beer garden and tent.

Proceeds from the carnival help keep the parish elementary school g going. Keep up with St. Gerald Fest and Carnival happenings on Facebook.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 St. Gerald Fest and Carnival:

Thursday, August 6

Carnival Hours: 5 to 10 p.m.
Beer Garden: 5 to 11 p.m.
Bingo: 6 to 10 p.m.
Band: Little Giant, 7 to 10 p.m.

Friday, August 7

Carnival Hours: 5 to 11 p.m.
Beer Garden: 5 p.m. to midnight

Bingo: 6 to 10 p.m.
Band: Hoodwink'd (8 to 11 p.m.)

Saturday, August 8

Carnival Hours: 1 to 11 p.m.
Beer Garden: noon to midnight
Bingo: 6 to 10 p.m.
Bands: Cherry Bomb, 4 to 7 p.m.; Five Guys Named Moe, 8 to 11 p.m.

Sunday, August 9

Carnival Hours: 1 to 10 p.m.
Beer Garden: noon to 10 p.m.
Bingo: 5 to 8 p.m.
Bands:Jerek and Karen, 3 to 6 p.m.; Pop Nation, 7 to 10 p.m.