Plainfield Fest Will Be 'Just Loaded' This Year: Here's What's New

PLAINFIELD, IL — Plainfield Fest will return June 27, 28 and 29 in downtown Plainfield.

Every activity residents and visitors alike have loved about the weekend-long event is coming back: A carnival, a beer tent, live music, artisan vendors and food options.

After 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, each visitor will be charged a $5 fee upon entry to the carnival and entertainment area, benefitting the nonprofit Plainfield Riverfront Foundation, which hosts Plainfield Fest as a fundraiser each year.

"Beyond paying for bands and the stuff that we sell, every nickel goes back to the Foundation," Margie Bonuchi, the president of the Riverfront Foundation and a trustee on the Village Board, told Patch. "We don't take a salary. ... When people are coming out and [supporting us], it's been wonderful. We're not out there to make money ... we're doing something special."

The carnival will run in the parking lot of Plainfield Central High School, and the craft and vendor show — it's admission-free — will be established at Village Green. A stage for live music will be found on Des Plaines Street, near Oak Street.

Plainfield Fest is a family affair, and the Village Green will also be home to several kids' activities, including a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting and balloon art.

"We're real excited. ... [Village Green] is gonna be just loaded," Bonuchi said. "It's probably over 70 vendors-slash-crafter-type people in there, so we're excited about that."

New this year is an afternoon at the carnival dedicated to families who require special accommodations. From 2:30-4:30 p.m. Friday, lights won't be flashing, rides will slow down and music won't be loud.

"It's important for the kids to enjoy some of these rides without being negatively impacted," Bonuchi said.

The carnival provider, who sets the prices for rides, will charge $15 for admission to the modified carnival — almost half the cost for regular admission unlimited rides, which is $35 on Friday and Saturday and $30 on Sunday. The carnival will operate from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, from 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday and from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Bonuchi said the sound at the entertainment stage will also be improved this year, and entry to the festival will be expanded "to allow people to get in the door and not be stuck in some big long line or big conglomerate of people."

As in years past, the bags tournament will take place Sunday, with registration beginning at 10 a.m. Bags will fly at 11 a.m. The cost to register is $80 per team.

Here's a look at the band lineup for the weekend:

June 27

• 7-9 p.m. Ashe Brothers
• 9:30 p.m. Midnight Semple

June 28

• 1-2:30 p.m. School of Rock
• 3-4:30 p.m. The Leftovers
• 5-7 p.m. Friday at Five Band
• 7:30-9:30 p.m. Don't Matter to Me
• 10 p.m. Midnight All American Throwbacks

June 29

• 1-5 p.m. Ashe Brothers Acoustic Duo

Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect that the $5 fee will be charged only after 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday to enter Plainfield Fest's carnival and entertainment area.