Norridge’s Island in the City festival is returning this year, opening Thursday, July 11 and running through Sunday with a full lineup of live music, food booths, an ice cream truck, a carnival and lots of rides.
The fest runs Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday from 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 1 to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 10 p.m. with the carnival closing an hour prior to the close of the festival grounds each day. It’s held at the Norridge Park District, 4631 N. Overhill, Norridge.
“We are planning to add a family fun stage in 2025,” said Annemarie Flaherty, executive director of the Norridge Park District.
This year, music highlights of the fest include:
- Thursday, July 11: Jersey Girls from 6 to 7 p.m., Seventh Heaven from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
- Friday, July 12: Sealed With a Kiss from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Hair Band Night from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.
- Saturday, July 13: Polkaholics from 4:30 to 6 p.m., Johnny Russler & the Beach Band from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Blooze Brothers from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.
- Sunday, July 14: Todd and the Ten Pins, 3:30 to 5 p.m., Starlight City from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Exit 147 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Flaherty said the fest would offer a variety of rides for all ages including a Ferris wheel, swings, Pharaoh’s Fury, fun house, Sky Rider Swing Tower and Zipper.
Wrist bands can be purchased for unlimited rides in a four-hour period.
Fest-goers will have their choice of Italian, Mexican and other specialties from local restaurants including from Rocco Vino’s Italian Restaurant, Suparossa, Sweet Oasis, Tri Café, Taco Factory, Seb’s Street Snacks, Midwest Citrus Smashers and Lee Concessions.
On the menu are pasta alla vodka, pizzas, garlic parmesan chicken, tacos, roasted corn and tamales, and much more. Sweet Oasis will sell frozen sweets from their ice cream truck.
A beer garden will also be available, per the park district’s website, but accepts cash only. The park district said an ATM will be available.
The park district recommended parking on village streets and said cars towed in businesses’ parking lots will be towed.