Live Music, Food Trucks, Shopping Set For Debut 'Bites, Brews And Blues' In Orland Park

ORLAND PARK, IL — A new event is set to debut in Orland Park in July, featuring blues music, food trucks and craft beers, and a mix of craft vendors and community businesses.

The Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce's "Bites, Brews and Blues" is coming to Orland Park Crossing on July 19.

Similar to OPACC’s former Arts and Drafts, breweries will be on site providing a tasting experience for attendees 21 and older. This year’s lineup will celebrate the summer season with flavor and flair, the Chamber said in a release.

Guests participating in the tasting will receive a commemorative glass and 10 tokens to sample the craft beers of their choice from various breweries, including Hailstorm Brewing Co. of Tinley Park, Lockport’s Nik & Ivy Brewing Co., and Fogo de Chão, which will be showcasing its signature Brazilian selections.

Food lovers will have plenty to pick from—a variety of food trucks will be serving up their finest dishes, including Cousins Maine Lobster, The Creole Cauldron, Mi Taquito, and Peppo’s Subs. Snacks and treats will be offered by Te’Amo Boba Bar, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Ben’s Soft Pretzels, Poppin’ Lemonade, and Sugar Plum 365.

A vibrant vendor marketplace will feature crafters and local businesses such as Big Fellas Cigar Lounge, Unique Wooden Flags, Mark Klein Caricatures, The Ravens House, Nova Permanent Jewelry, and many more. And while the event caters to all ages, special activities will be offered for children, including face painting by Colorful Smiles.

The entertainment lineup features fabulous performers, kicking off the event with the Dave Schmidt Blues Band from 3:30 to 5 p.m., followed by The Leafy Greens from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The high-energy Smiley Tillmon Band will end the evening with a soulful set from 8 to 10 p.m. Guests are encouraged to shop and stroll throughout the event, with Orland Park Crossing’s retailers also open for business and participating in the day’s festivities.

Plenty of parking will be available on-site at Orland Park Crossing, with easy access from both 143rd Street and LaGrange Road. To help guests navigate the event, including parking areas, vendor locations, and other key details, an event map is available on the Chamber’s website.

Sponsorships are still available. Current sponsors include Graphic Image Corp., Peoples Bank, Portillo’s, the OCD & Anxiety Center, Smith Crossing, and NuMark Credit Union. Sponsors will benefit from exposure through marketing, signage, and shoutouts both during and after the event. As an added benefit, sponsors are invited to participate as on-site vendors at no additional cost to connect with customers and members of the community.

“We’re incredibly proud to introduce Bites, Brews & Blues to Orland Park as our new signature event,” said Dan McMillan, President of the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce. “This celebration brings together everything we love! From great food and fantastic local businesses to vibrant music and a warm community spirit, there is so much to enjoy. We look forward to a great crowd and an unforgettable summer evening!”

• Date: Saturday, July 19
• Location: Orland Park Crossing, 14225 95th Ave.
• Time: 3 to 10 p.m.
• Registration: Now open for vendors, breweries, food trucks and sponsors! More info available online.