Arts & Entertainment

Autumn In the Park 2013 Survival Guide

Everything you need to know about Palos Park's Autumn In the Park Festival, from parking and shuttle service, to food, music and art.

It’s the grandest fall festival in the Southland. Autumn In the Park Fest opens this Friday, Sept. 20, running through Saturday, Sept. 21.

The fest features music, fun and food for all ages, including chilli and BBQ rib cook-offs, 10 food vendors and a wide variety of beer, petting zoo, hayrack rides, jumpy jumps, an arts colony, and much, much more.

The two-day festival takes place on the Palos Park Village Green, 8901 W. 123rd St.

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What’s New?


This year’s festival has been enhanced and expanded to include more food, fun, and entertainment for all ages.


Dates/Time


  • 5 to 10 p.m., Friday, Sept. 20

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  • 11 a.m. parade, Saturday, Sept. 21

  • 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21


  • Friday Parking


    FREE festival parking is available on the festival grounds, with handicapped parking at the Kaptur Building 8999 W 123rd Street


    Saturday Parking

    FREE parking is available off-site at the following locations:
    • Palos Park Metra Commuter Parking Lot at 123rd Street & 82nd Avenue,

  • Presbyterian Church at 12312 S. 88th Ave.

  • Village Courtyard at 8301 W. 123rd St.


  • Trolley/Shuttle Service (Saturday)


    FREE trolley and shuttle service at all off-site parking locations during SATURDAY fest hours.  Trolley service will run on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., making stops every 10 minutes.  


    Food


    • Aurellio’s Pizza

    • Azteca Catering

  • Frangella’s Italian Market

  • Kekes Fun Food

  • Kernel Sweetooth

  • Plush Horse

  • Uncle Bubs

  • Zacarellis

  • Also, the Palos Lions Club, Palos Park Women’s Club, and C.O.P.S. will also be offering a variety of menu items for sale including Sno-Cones, Sweet Corn on the Cob, and Hot Dogs.


  • Parade


    The Autumn In the Park Parade kicks off at 11 a. m. down 123rd Street.



    Arts Colony


    The McCord Gallery and Cultural Center and Palos Fine Arts from 12:30 to 6:00 p.m. Saturday. These two community organizations will have a full lineup of demonstrations, displays, and shopping available for fest-goers. Be sure to visit the arts colony for the very popular Wine Tasting by Cooper’s Hawk Winery.


    Chili Cook-Off


    This 9th annual chili cook-off is sanctioned by both the International Chili Society (ICS) and Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI). Prizes will be awarded in several categories. There will be a public tasting and a chance for patrons to vote for the “People’s Choice” chili winner.


    See the detailed chili cook-off schedule.


    Amateur BBQ Rib Cook-Off Contest


    Entries are closed but you can taste the ribs. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and People’s Choice Awards will be handed out.


    See the detailed BBQ rib cook-off schedule.


    Live Music


    Hitsville Revue Band & Show (Motown), main tent, 7-10 p.m. Friday

    Skip Towne and the Grehounds, 3-6 p.m., Saturday

    Libido Funk Circus (highly energetic show), 7-10 p.m. Saturday


    FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS, VISIT THE AUTUMN IN THE PARK WEBSITE.


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