Food, music, carnival rides highlight annual Downers Grove Rotary GroveFest

DOWNERS GROVE – Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully likes to include a Rotary GroveFest countdown in his weekly reports to the Village Council.

That countdown is now over, as the annual community festival kicks off June 21 in downtown Downers Grove.

The four-day celebration officially begins at 5:30 p.m. June 21 and runs through June 24.

The ninth annual festival features something for everyone including food, live music, carnival rides, a craft beer fest and the Festival of Cars.

"We have a lot going on," said Lisa Rasin, chairwoman of the festival. "It's just a really good community feeling."

Fourteen bands will perform during the event, including Sixteen Candles, which takes the stage at 9:30 p.m. June 22.

Country band Wild Daisy and pop artists 7th Heaven will perform June 23. The final night of the festival features well-known Beatles cover band American English followed by the Boy Band Night and Semple Band, known for its renditions of popular 1980s music as well as alternative and punk music.

Three dance troupes – the Downers Grove Park District Imagine Dance Team, McNulty Irish Dancers and Versafied Dance Co. – will perform June 24 as well.

The main stage is in the village parking lot adjacent to the Downers Grove Public Library. There is a $5 cover charge after 4:30 p.m. June 22 and 23 and after 3 p.m. June 24 for individuals 16 and older.

Bands and dancers are only one of the festival’s many offerings.

A craft beer fest will be from noon to 4 p.m. June 23. The fest features more than 20 craft brews from several area breweries. Admission is free, and three 5-ounce samples are $5.

The beer garden will be open from 5 to 11 p.m. June 22, noon to 11 p.m. June 23 and noon to 10:30 pm. June 24.

The carnival midway is one of the festival's biggest attractions, and there are several specials available for ride enthusiasts. Unlimited rides are available for $25 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. June 21 and noon to 11 p.m. on the remaining days of the fest.

"It's a great deal," Rasin said. "That saves families a lot of money."

Twenty rides, eight designed for small children, will be featured on the midway, which is on Warren Avenue.

Rotary GroveFest generated more than $70,000 last year. Proceeds were donated to 27 nonprofit organizations that support causes in and around Downers Grove, as well state and national organizations. The money also is used to fund Rotary Service Scholarships, which are given to local high school students.

"In the last few years, we've given a lot of money away," Rasin said. "It all goes right back into the community."

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If you go

WHAT: Rotary GroveFest

WHEN: June 21 to 24

WHERE: Downtown Downers Grove

COST: $5 cover charge for entertainment area

INFO: rotarygrovefest.com