First-Ever 'Front Street Fest' Set To Rock Mokena's Downtown

MOKENA, IL — A three-day fest shining a spotlight on Mokena's downtown has long been a goal for the town's chamber of commerce.

Residents have clamored that Front Street should be front and center for residents' entertainment, shopping, and dining, Chamber Executive Director Melissa Fedora said. And she agrees.

After months of planning, the vision is coming to fruition, with the first-ever Front Street Fest to be held Friday, May 16 through Sunday, May 18 at the Mokena Metra Station Lot, 11064 McGovney St.

The fest will feature live music under a tent, beverages, food trucks—even community bingo.

"We just know that people really, really want to have things on Front Street," Fedora told Patch. "You asked, we answered, now come out and support it!"

Music is staggered throughout each day and evening, with food trucks also scheduled and offering a selection of eats. The bands featured are well-known in the Chicago area, often playing at places including Jamo's Live in Mokena and 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park.

Friday kicks off with roll and rock hits of the '60s and '70s, then pivoting to '90s hits, with pop, one-hit wonders, sing-alongs, and dance favorites.

Saturday afternoon's band—Beyond the Blonde—features a female-led group performing hits from Lady Gaga, P!nk, No Doubt and Taylor Swift. Open to all, but definitely girl-centric, Fedora said.

"A great time for moms, daughters, grandmas," she said. "It’s going to be kind of a 'girl vibe.'"

Beverage sales include beer, seltzer, wine and margaritas from the Dock on Front Street; non-alcoholic beer, pop and water will also be available for purchase.

With a $10 admission in advance—$15 at the door—fee for each show, it's designed to be a fundraiser for the chamber, which is a 501c6 nonprofit.

"We have to fundraise every single dollar that we make, through membership dues, fundraisers, special events, sponsorships," Fedora said. "We just thought that this would be a nice, big signature event. ... we want to make sure there are still fun things happening on Front Street.

"It’s checking the box of a fundraiser, checking the box of bringing fun to Front Street, and checking the box of getting some exposure for the businesses on Front Street. It brings people from the community—and from other communities—down that street to see what we have to offer."

For businesses like Hustle & Heart Boutique, Zap! Taco House and Curtain Call Theatre, the fest could be vital exposure.

"We are so excited about the Front Street Fest!" Hustle & Heart owner Carly Baranak said. "The girls at the chamber have worked so hard and we cannot wait to enjoy this weekend as a community.

"As a small business owner, every bit of exposure means the world—it helps us grow, connect with our community, and keep doing what we love. I’m very excited for the fest to be right outside of our doors and get the chance to connect with community members this weekend."

The weekend also ties in a fundraising event at Little Al's Mokena Inn, 11034 Front St. Set for Saturday, at 1 p.m. pub owners Jim and Julie Christopher will hold the First Annual Fight For ALS, featuring live music, raffles, and community support. A $20 coverage charge buys access to two bands, and supports advocacy, and research for individuals and families facing ALS.

"We kind of worked together to make this be on the same weekend," Fedora said. "We wanted to have a weekend where Front Street is poppin'."

While mulling bringing an event like the fest to downtown Mokena, Fedora has worried about conflicting with the Mokena Lions Club Firecracker Dance, typically held on Front Street. This year, though, the event is being moved to Yunker Farm and rebranded as Firecracker Fest, she said.

Its relocation opened up the possibility of making the multi-day festival happen, Fedora said.

"Yunker Farm is a beautiful venue," Fedora said. "We're happy to see it used for something like their event."

Fedora started planning months ago, with the bands booked early and other pieces falling into place. Now she's just hoping people will soak in the fun—and support their effort.

"There’s a lot of overhead for something like this," Fedora said. "If it’s successful, it can help with resources that we need, like more staffing, more technology. We have so many ideas of things that we want to do—my part-time assistant and I can only do so many things in a day."

Tickets can be purchased in advance online.

Anyone wishing to volunteer can sign up online. Three-hour shifts are available, and earn volunteers free tickets to the entire weekend. Sign up online.

Check out the lineup of bands and food trucks below.

Please note: No outside food or drink permitted. (except for the Sunday Community Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) Beer, seltzer, wine, margaritas, non-alcoholic beer, pop, and water available for purchase.

FRIDAY, MAY 16

$10 in advance | $15 at the gate

• 5 to 7 p.m.: "Time Bandits." Timeless rock & roll from the '60s and '70s.
• 7:30 to 11 p.m.: "90's Pop Nation." All the biggest pop hits, one hit wonders, sing-alongs, and dance hits from the 90s.

Food Vendors

• Avocado Theory
• Chick-fil-A
• Joey's Red Hots (featuring tacos too!)
• Nothing Bundt Cakes.

SATURDAY, MAY 17
$10 in advance | $15 at the gate

• 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Free community Bingo under the tent. Free to enter. Play for prizes! Sponsored by Zap! Taco House of Mokena.
• 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Live Radio Remote Broadcast with Milner Media - WVLI, WFAV and WIVR. Sponsored by Zap! Taco House of Mokena.
• 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.: "Beyond the Blonde Band." Chicagoland's ONLY tribute to P!NK, Gwen Stefani, Lady Gaga and more. Showcasing the energy and songs of the multi-platinum-selling, Grammy award-winning stars with other fierce female artists of rock and pop. Costume changes paired with a colorful and artistic stage show display. ALL AGES SHOW!

Ages 18 and under FREE, but MUST be accompanied by an adult 21 and over.

• 5 to 7 p.m.: "Space Buoy." Mokena's very own.
• 8 to 11 p.m.: "Libido Funk Circus." Chicago's premiere dance and party band!

Food Vendors

• Avocado Theory
• Chick-fil-A
• Joey's Red Hots (tacos, too!)
• Nothing Bundt Cakes

SUNDAY, MAY 18
$10 in advance | $15 at the gate

ALL AGES DAY! Ages 18 and under FREE for the concert, but MUST be accompanied by an adult 21 and over.

• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Community Luncheon. Join us for lunch under the tent. Bring your own picnic or purchase from the food vendors in attendance. NO entry charge.
• 2 to 5 p.m.: "The Country Night Band." Delivering all your favorite new country hits plus the classics.

Food Vendors

• Cousins Lobster Truck
• Joey's Red Hots (tacos, too!)
• Kona Ice
• Nothing Bundt Cakes