The Insiders Guide to Oak Fest!

The Oak Fest is an Oak Forest tradition that has been taking place for the past 31 years. It runs this year from July 3rd to the July 8th. It has everything from local bands to one of the best fireworks displays in the Chicago-land area. I have been a resident of Oak Forest for the past 14 years and have attended Oak Fest every year. I have learned a few tricks along the way and I am going to share my wealth of knowledge with the Patch audience.

The Set Up

The Oak Fest consists of basically two areas. The first is area is the carnival which is located on the north side of 159th street just east of the Food For Less Commons Mall. The second area known as the Fest Grounds is located just north of the carnival. The Grounds is a grassy area which is fenced in and holds the beer garden, all concessions, and the vendors. This is where the bands are, the bingo tent and where all the family events occur. The grounds are very clean and the grass is nice. They have a volunteer crew cleaning almost all day and they have a crew at night.

The Carnival

The carnival is open starting on the 3rd and goes through the 8th. There are different hours for each day, so check here for the schedule. The carnival is located on a lot just east of the Food For Less on 159th Street.

• Oak Fest sells a wrist band for $60 which is good for the whole carnival. This wrist band is best for teenagers who are going to be going to the carnival a lot to hang out with friends. You can purchase this wrist band at the Oak Forest City Hall or purchase it here online. If you purchase it at the carnival, it is $75. Go herefor the details.
• The great choice for families is the $25-$30 wrist band, depending on which day you go. I found that one day is enough for kids who still need parent supervision to be in the carnival. My kids usually have enough of the carnival after about 2 hours. They get bored and it is usually hot. Another nice thing, is you can buy it at the carnival so you can gauge the weather before you purchase the wrist band.
• Speaking of hot, it usually is. There is no shade at the carnival so lather everyone up with sunscreen and have a hat for everyone, including your self. If gets really hot, standing there waving to your little one as they go by on the Merry Go Round. If you have a little one, make sure the hat has a strap for under the chin because they will loose it on the rides. Plan to take a break if you are going to be there for more than a few hours (see tips below for places to lunch). And bring water!
• The carnival lot is rocky and dusty. Do not even attempt to wear flip flops or sandals. Gym shoes are your best bet.
• Night time is really for teenagers and adults. After dark, the carnival takes on a different atmosphere. By no means is it dangerous but it is not a great environment for kids. It is crowded and there is loud music. I went one year at night with the kids and never again.
• Like I said above, strollers are useless at the carnival. The rocks make it almost impossible to push. Best bet, put the baby in a sling. You will thank me.
• Best Place for parking for the carnival is the Food For Less parking lot at 159th and Central. It is free during the day, it is your shortest walk and you won't have to worry about parking tickets.

The Beer Garden

The beer garden consists of a big tented area on the Oak Fest grounds. It is very spacious and has a ton of seating. At the front of the tent is a big stage where all the music is performed. The beer is purchased with tickets you buy at several conveniently located booths.

• They have big bean bag tournament on Saturday the 7th which is very popular.
• The Beer Garden is not super crowded most days and is okay for kids. But at night, especially when there is a popular band, it is no place for kids. It is crowded and it is adult time under the tent. So leave the kiddos at home with the sitter.
• It is free to get into the beer tent but make sure you bring ID. They will give you a wrist band upon entering the grounds and they are strict about it.
• There is $3 drink specials almost everyday but check here for times.
• A beer at any other time will run you $5 and they have a nice selection of beers and drinks.

Food

The concessions at the Oak Fest consists of local restaurants and they have a nice variety. There is everything from Chinese food to pizza and really everything in between. It would be a very picky person who would not find something to eat. The food is delicious and I find it hard to go to the Oak Fest and not indulge in at least a little something. My favorite though would have to be the elephant ear or you might call it fried dough.

The prices are comparable to other summer feasts. A piece of pizza is a couple bucks and I love that they don't gouge you on pop or water which runs $1 a bottle. For a family of 4 or more though, it can add up. When the kids where little I would spend our money on the carnival and not the food. The great thing is you can bring your own food and picnic at Central Park which is just about 3 minutes down a black topped walking path, north west of the Oak Fest Grounds. There is a nice shelter there with picnic tables or bring a blanket because there is a grove of shade trees where you can set up a blanket. There is also a park for the little ones with a nice sized sand pit.

Porta Potties

The Oak Fest is fabulous with the porta potties. There are a whole line of them just off the beer tent which is super convenient for obvious reasons. There is another line of them by the bingo tent and another row by the carnival. They are numerous and usually there is no line. They refill the toilet paper every night and they have the portable hand washing stands outside of the porta potties which I love. I have washed my hand though to find they are out of hand towels. If you are a mom or porta potties just gross you out, bring a handful of baby wipes with you. That way you are covered.

The Bands

The bands have always been great at the Oak Fest. It is one of the things they are known for. The stage is big and can be scene from everywhere in the beer garden. The sound system is great and the atmosphere is always really fun. By far the most popular night is when the band, Infinity, a rock tribute band, takes the stage. This year it is on July 3rd starting at 9:30. They will play all your favorites from the 80's and 90's. You will see every soccer mom from the area in their tightest jeans dancing their booties off. It is a really fun time. Please check here for an entire list of bands. And again, leave the kids at home with the sitter.

Bingo

The bingo test is jumping. I can't believe how many people play bingo. It never ceases to amaze me. The tent is big with rows of tables. It is crowded at times but you can always find a seat. Our mayor, Hank Kuspa, is known to come out and call games which is always fun. It is clean and organized. I believe it is a dollar a card, but don't quote me on that. A nice thing is that you can get something to eat (concessions are right there) and play a few games of bingo under the tent and out of the sun. You can also bring your beer into the bingo tent, a definite plus. Bingo is played everyday and go here to check the times.

Parking

Oak Fest uses the lot for the Food For Less Commons Mall for parking. It is a big lot and there is always parking. It is safe and it is conveniently located right on the NW corner of 159th Street and Central. It is about a 2 minute walk to the carnival and a little bit further to the Oak Fest Grounds. During the day, parking is free. At night, it costs $5. I have had many friends who want to cheat the $5 parking and will drive around the neighborhood looking for free parking. The neighborhood streets around the Oak Fest all have no parking signs up and they are pretty strict about it, so don't even bother. It is not worth a ticket or your car being towed, so just plan on paying the $5. It is your best bet. If you live within a mile of the Oak Fest, I would say walk. We walk every year and it part of the fun.

Pets

Pets are allowed in the carnival area although they don't much enjoy it. It is hot and hard on their feet. It is also very noisy. Pets are not allowed within the fenced area of the Oak Fest Grounds. I think it is better to leave your furry babies at home.

Pets are allowed to the fireworks display but take it from me, they are better left at home. It is dark when the fireworks start, very crowded and of course, dogs hate fireworks. I brought my dog one year, not thinking, and my husband had to miss the whole show while taking the dog home.

Fireworks

And last but not least, you have the Fireworks at the Oak Fest and they are fantastic and not to be missed. They take place on 4th of July and start at 9:30. I am never disappointed in the show and it seems to get better every year. The best place to view the fireworks is Raiders Field which is just northwest from the Oak Fest Grounds. You can walk to the field from the grounds of the Oak Fest in just minutes. The field is a big grassy area and very clean. Make sure you bring chairs or a blanket. The fireworks display has some fireworks that only can be seen from this area. The area gets crowded so come at least an hour early to get a good spot. There is a nice atmosphere while the crowd waits for the show to start. Some people bring beach balls and it is bounced around the blankets and kids waiting. There are concessions open right on Raiders Field which is nice to grab a pop while you are waiting. If you have kids, bring a little cash because there are vendors walking around selling neon necklaces and the sort. I always get all my kids a necklace. It is a few bucks but they love walking around with their glowing necklaces. The actual fireworks display lasts close to 30 minutes. It is really something. Prepare to be dazzled.

If you have small kids and don't want to be up close, a great place for viewing is the lawn of the Oak Forest Acorn Library. It is at Independence Ave and Central Park. You need to get there early though to secure a spot and to find parking. Another great spot is the field behind Scarlet Oak Middle School. Scarlet Oak Middle School has a huge field behind the school. There is a nice sized parking lot. Many families from the area go here to watch the fireworks. It is not as crowded as the other two spots and there is a park there for the little ones while you wait for the display to start. It is located at 5731 Albert Drive.

No matter where you view the fireworks, be prepared for the congestion when leaving. My family has always just hung around for a while after the fireworks are over and wait for the congestion to die down.

The trick to enjoying the Oak Fest is in the planning especially if you have kids. Visit the website here for all the information. And of course, have FUN!