Taste Of Orland Park: See Line-Up, Restaurants, Entertainment

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Taste of Orland Park is back! Residents can head over to the Orland Park Village Center Friday through Sunday to enjoy the 18th annual event.

According to a news release from the village, the Taste of Orland Park showcases Orland Park eateries, community organizations and several bands throughout the weekend. Special events within the fest include a new two-day Kids’ Zone, the annual Taste of Orland Park car show, themed trivia contests and live entertainment on two stages.

This year village is hosting the event with a Tropics theme. The event will include a performance by a Polynesian dance troupe followed by a showing of Disney's Moana at the Civic Center.

“The Taste of Orland Park is the event of the summer in Orland Park,” Mayor Keith Pekau said. “People look forward to the Taste of Orland Park every year,” he said. “It’s a great way to sample dishes from some the best restaurants in Orland Park, hear great music and participate in family-friendly activities.”

The Orland Park Village Center is located at 14700 S. Ravinia Ave., and the event will start at 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. The village said admission, parking and activities at the fest are all free. Participating restaurants will offer their signature dishes, beverages and desserts at individual food booths located throughout the complex, according to the release.

This year, participating restaurants include Beggars Pizza, Brass Tap, Chuy’s Tex Mex, Little Milano’s Wood Fired Pizza, Mo’s Chinese Kitchen, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant, Pueblito, Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery, Square Celt Ale House and Grill and Stan’s Donuts and Coffee.

“While many of the participating restaurants are long-time, local favorites, some are relatively new to the event,” Pekau said. “It’s great to see the large variety of local offerings from local franchises as well as many independently-owned restaurants.”

The release states that the Kids’ Zone is now a two-day event, from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on the Village Hall grounds, as well as the Franklin Loebe Center Parking lot. All activities are free of charge and fun for the whole family, according to the village.

Performances include Rock Star Rodeo and Sixteen Candles on the main stage Friday night. Saturday’s entertainment will include Linsey Alexander, Blooze Brothers and headliner 7th Heaven.

According to the release, Saturday's happenings will also include a veterans’ tribute beginning at 7 p.m. On Sunday, the entertainment continues with Rhythm Rockets, ARRA and then American English closes out the event from 7-9 p.m.

Free parking is available at a number of sites around the Village Center, including the parking tower at 143rd Street and Ravinia Avenue, according to the release.

Important to know: Guests may bring one sealed water bottle per person. No other outside food or drink will be allowed into the event. Bags will be inspected at entrance locations. Attendees are asked to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the event and reminded that no tables are allowed to be brought in, according to the village.

The presenting sponsor of the event is Waste Management. Sponsors also include Mazda of Orland Park, Christopher Burke Engineering, Brannigan Chiropractic, Com Ed, Mercedes Benz of Orland Parkm Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union, Premier Suburban Medical Group, REI Co-Op and V3 Companies, according to the release.

Complete Taste of Orland Park details are available online at www.orlandpark.org/events/taste21.