Get Ready To Make New Friends At Palos Hills Friendship Fest

PALOS HILLS, IL — Get ready to make some new friends at Palos Hills Friendship Fest 2023. Presented by the Palos Hills Resource and Recreation Department, the festival runs four fabulous days from July 13 through July 16 at 107th Street and 88th Avenue. Admission and parking are free.

Advanced purchase of mega passes is available only at the Palos Hills Community Center, 8455 W. 103rd St. for $50 before noon, and $60 after noon, July 13. Mega passes are good for rides all four days of the fest. The passes are $60 when purchased at the fest.

Palos Hills Friendship Fest offers wholesome family entertainment, including a classic car show, petting zoo, pony rides, arts and craft vendors, big rides and more. Fest goers will also find an assortment of draft and craft beers and wine in the beer garden, along with live music all four days of the fest. The fest culminates with a giant fireworks display at dusk on Sunday, July 16.

Two new bands join the fest lineup this year. The popular Boy Band Night makes its debut in the Beer Tent Thursday, July 13, playing the hits of such 1990s boy bands as BackStreet Boys, NSYNC and New Kids On The Block. Be sure to feather your hair.

Anthem has been tearing up the burbs with their classic metal rock experience, including such hits by Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Bon Jovi and more. The band hits the stage at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 16, before the fireworks.

Double K Productions invites classic car owners to show off their rides, Sunday, July 16. Registration is $25 from 9 a.m. to noon. The runs until 4 p.m. Awards will be given for Best Engine, Best Paint, Best GM, Best Chevy, Best Ford/Lincoln/Mercury and Best In Show.

Finally, the recreation department and Palos Hills Police Department will be enforcing a safety plan including:

• No one under age 21 will be admitted with a backpack
• No outside alcohol will be be allowed on festival grounds
• No pets will be allowed into the festival. (Service animals are welcome with proof of certification)
• Palos Hills police have the right to refuse admission or ask people to leave at any time.

Thursday, July 13, 6 to 10:30 p.m.

Wilson Family Carnival - 6-10:30 p.m. ($30 armbands good from 6 to 10 p.m.)
Food Court opens at 6 p.m.
Free face painting by Paint on Me Inc. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
BINGO, 7-10 p.m.
Music Line-Up - Beer Garden
NEW, Boy Band Night (1990s boy bands), 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Friday, July 14, 6 p.m. to midnight

Special Needs Time, 3 to 5 p.m. Friendship Fest will have a designated time for adults and children with physical and/or mental challenges, or sensory sensitivities, so they can experience the carnival this year, when the noise will be less and crowds decreased. For more information, call 708-430-4500.
Wilson Family Carnival, 6-11:30 p.m. Opens to the public.
Food Court Opens at 6 p.m.
BINGO. 7-10 p.m.
Music Line-Up - Beer Garden:
Chicago Experience (Chicago tribute), 6 to 8:15 p.m.
Infinity (classic rock to current), 9 to 11:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 15, noon to midnight

Wilson Family Carnival, noon-11:30 p.m. ($30 day-of pass good for all rides, noon to 4 p.m.)
Food Court opens at noon.
Crafter Booths, noon to 8 p.m.
Palos Hills Horsemen Association, 1 to 4 p.m.
Free pony rides and petting zoo, 1 to 5 p.m.
Kids Entertainment, Juggling and magic with Mr. Josh, 2 to 3 p.m.
BINGO 7 to 10 p.m.
Music line-up - Beer Garden
The Ron Burgundy’s (70s yacht rock) - 6 to 8:15 p.m.
American English (Beatles tribute), 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 16, 1 to 10:30 p.m.

Wilson Family Carnival - 1 to 10:30 p.m.
Food Court Opens at noon
Crafter Booths, 1 to 10 p.m.
Palos Hills Horsemen Association, 1 to 4 p.m.
Free Pony Rides & Petting Zoo, 1 - 5 p.m.
Kids entertainment, Dave DiNaso’s Traveling Reptile Show, 2 to 3 p.m.
BINGO 7-10 p.m.
Music line-up, Beer Garden:
Friday at Five (pop), 4:45 to 6:15 p.m.
NEW: Anthem (classic rock), 7 p.m.
Fireworks, dusk

Also on July 16:

Double K Classic Car and Bike Show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration $25, from 9 a.m. to noon. Awards will be given for Best Engine, Best Paint, Best GM, Best Chevy, Best Ford/Lincoln/Mercury and Best In Show.