Visitors attending this year’s Taste of Orland Park from July 31 to August 2 can look forward to more food choices, featuring offerings from local restaurants. Mayor Jim Dodge announced enhancements to seating arrangements, adding shaded areas behind the main stage for the expected 30,000 attendees of the three-day festival. The village is also improving road access behind the stage to ensure safety for patrons as they stroll through the event.
This year, the number of participating vendors has increased from 15 to 22. Returning vendors feature popular entities such as Barraco’s, Buona Beef, and Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, among others. New additions include Barone’s, Fogo de Chao, and TE’AMO Boba Bar, thus providing a wider range of cuisines for festival-goers.
Mayor Dodge expressed satisfaction with the vendor turnout despite challenges restaurants face in staffing both the event and their main locations. This continued support illustrates the strong community interest in the festival over the years.
This year’s festival features a special performance by Jim Cornelison, recognized for singing the national anthem at Chicago Blackhawks games. Cornelison will perform at the annual Veterans Tribute on August 1 at 6 p.m., celebrating local veterans and active-duty service members during the United States’ 250th year.
Entertainment highlights include performances by Barometer Soup, Carl Sandburg Marching Eagles, and Wedding Banned on Friday. The day ends with a drone show. Saturday will see acts like Petty Kings and Hillbilly Rockstarz, culminating with fireworks. Sunday’s lineup includes Sounds of Summer, Rock the 90s, and Billy Nation. Festivities will conclude with a firework display at 9 p.m.
The festival, traditionally held at Village Green, offers easy access to cooling centers and restrooms, addressing issues faced at Centennial Park West. Mayor Dodge remarked on the logistical advantages of returning to Village Green, including avoiding the challenging hill or parking lot walk at Centennial Park West.
The village allocates $500,000 for the festival and spent about $322,000 last year. To date, sponsorships have brought in $116,000, with the previous year’s revenue totaling $130,000.
Event Details:
• When: 5-11 p.m. on July 31, 3-11 p.m. on August 1, 3-9 p.m. on August 2.
• Where: Village Green, 14700 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park.
Parking Information:
• Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave.
• Orland Park Library, 14921 S. Ravinia Ave.
• John Humphrey Complex, 14825 West Ave.
• Orland Park Recreation North Lot, 14600 S. Ravinia Ave.
• Parking garage, 9650 W. 143rd St.
Ravinia Avenue will be closed to through traffic from the 147th roundabout to 149th Street.
For more event information, visit www.orlandpark.org and click on ‘departments,’ then ‘special events’ under the parks and recreation tab.
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