Taste of Orland Park Expands with More Food Options and Entertainment

The Taste of Orland Park, set to run from July 31 to August 2, will offer a wider variety of food choices for its visitors, showcasing local restaurant offerings. This year, the festival will see an increase in the number of participating vendors from 15 in the past to 22. Mayor Jim Dodge highlighted the village’s effort to enhance the seating arrangement, specifically in shaded areas near the main stage, to accommodate the 30,000 attendees expected.

Dodge mentioned planned modifications to make the road access behind the stage safer for visitors, considering both vendor needs and attendee movement. Returning vendors include popular names like Barraco’s, Buona Beef, and The Original Rainbow Cone, while new additions such as Fogo de Chao and Harold’s Chicken will provide diverse culinary experiences.

The mayor acknowledged the challenges faced by some restaurants in staffing both their establishments and the festival booths, expressing gratitude towards those able to participate.

“As you can imagine, not every restaurant has the ability to have staff in two places and keep the restaurant open,” Dodge said. “We’re thrilled that over all these years, we’ve got so many people that are coming out here.”

Musical performances will enhance the festival atmosphere. Jim Cornelison, known for singing the national anthem for the Chicago Blackhawks, will perform during the Veterans Tribute on August 1. The entertainment lineup includes Barometer Soup, Carl Sandburg Marching Eagles, and Rok Brigade for the main stage, concluding with a drone show on Friday.

Saturday’s performances will feature Petty Kings and the Hillbilly Rockstarz, while Sunday will offer Sounds of Summer and Billy Nation. Fireworks will mark the end of the festival on Sunday night.

The Taste of Orland previously took place at Centennial Park West in 2024, but it has returned to the Village Green. Dodge explained that the location offers better facilities for cooling and restroom access, which are essential considering possible weather conditions.

“More than a few people told me that walking up the hill or getting from the parking lot at Centennial Park West is challenging for people,” Dodge said. “There are some structural issues, some facility issues, with having (the Taste of Orland) at Centennial Park West.”

The village has allocated a budget of $500,000 for the festival, with $322,000 spent last year. Sponsorships have brought in approximately $116,000 so far, with last year’s revenue reaching $130,000.

Event Details

When: July 31 from 5 to 11 p.m., August 1 from 3 to 11 p.m., August 2 from 3 to 9 p.m.

Where: Village Green, 14700 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park

Parking: Available at multiple locations, including Orland Township and Orland Park Library. Ravinia Avenue will be closed off between 147th roundabout and 149th Street.

Additional event information can be found at www.orlandpark.org by exploring the Parks and Recreation section under special events.