Crowds gather in downtown Flossmoor for the 2019 Flossmoor Fest. After a break in 2020 due to the pandemic, the fall festival returns on Sept. 11. (Chronicle file photo)
Homewood and Flossmoor are in the mood to party! Join the fun at Flossmoor Fest on Sept. 11 and Homewood’s Fall Fest on Sept. 25.
Flossmoor Fest starts at noon following the Hidden Gem Half Marathon race. Enjoy various musical entertainment, a host of activities for kids and food selections from local restaurants.
All events are in the downtown Flossmoor area.
Crowds gather in downtown Flossmoor for the 2019 Flossmoor Fest. After a break in 2020 due to the pandemic, the fall festival returns on Sept. 11. (Chronicle file photo)
Music by Evolution starts the program before a 1 p.m. opening ceremony with the Homewood-Flossmoor Marching Band. Main stage events include Jesse White Tumblers at 1:30 p.m.; Cielito Lindo, 2:30-4 p.m.; Randolph Street Blues Band, 4:30-6 p.m.; Feel Good Party Band, 6:30-8 p.m.; Dynamic Sound Band, 8:30-10 p.m.
This year, all children’s activities will be in downtown Flossmoor along Central Drive and in Leavitt Park. Children’s rides, including jump houses, bungee run and 90-foot fun slide, 2-7 p.m.; kiddie train on Leavitt Avenue, 2-6 p.m.; exotic animal show, 4 p.m.; Thomas Photographic photo booth, 4-6 p.m.; Walk Around Magic and glitter tattoos, 4-7 p.m.
The video game truck will be on Flossmoor Road, 2-7 p.m. BMX rider Matt Wilhelm will showcase a street trick demonstration starting at 5 p.m.
The 19th annual Homewood Fall Fest will return on Saturday, Sept. 25, with music and activities appealing to visitors of all ages, including the Chili Cook-off.
The fun starts at noon and continues until 9 p.m. along Martin Avenue between Ridge Road and Hickory Road. The event is free.
“Homewood is ready to celebrate fall with our annual Fall Fest. We canceled Fall Fest 2020 (due to the pandemic), and now we are ready to come back and have some fall fun,” said Mayor Richard Hofeld. “This is everyone’s favorite event, including me, and I am looking forward to trying chili from the Cook-Off and listening to live music once again.”
The annual Chili Cook-Off returns to determine Homewood’s best chili chef. There will be two judging categories: panel judges at 2 p.m. and people’s choice during the open tasting starting at 3 p.m. Proceeds from the Chili Cook-Off tasting will benefit Homewood-Flossmoor Performing Arts Council.
Cooks can pick up an application at Homewood Village Hall or go to www.HomeSweetHomewood.com.
Throughout the day patrons can sample foods from local restaurants and shop from among the unique creations of local artisans.
Fall Fest has a full schedule of music, including R&B and doo-wop hits from The Spaniels Forever, 1-3 p.m.; ‘90s hits band Rack and the Riddler, 4-6 p.m.; and Marlon and the Shakes, 7-9 p.m. performing a mixed musical cocktail of funk, pop, and rock music.
All summer beautiful, unique birdhouses have been displayed throughout downtown Homewood with the art installation Birding for Science “Home Tweet Homewood.” Business owners, individuals, and friends painted the themed birdhouses. Each birdhouse will be auctioned at Fall Fest between 5 and 8:30 p.m. benefitting the Homewood Science Center. For more information visit homewoodsciencecenter.org.