The addition of private catered cabanas and a new beer garden tent next to a stage that will host the return of live entertainment join the always-popular fireworks show for the July 3 Taste of Oak Brook.
The village’s largest annual event will be hosted on the Oak Brook Sports Core fields, 700 Oak Brook Road, starting at 3 p.m. and continuing through the fireworks show at dusk. Admission is free and food service starts about 4 p.m.
After a three-year absence because of heavy rains in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, Taste of Oak Brook returned a year ago and attracted an estimated 15,000 people. Village officials are looking for this year’s event to be bigger and better.
“I’m very pleased that we started meeting earlier than we have in the past to plan the Taste because I think that can only make things run smoother,” said Michael Manzo, a Village Board member who has been a liaison to the Taste of Oak Brook Committee since first being elected 12 years ago and currently serves in that capacity, along with fellow board member Suresh Reddy. “I’m also excited that we’re bringing back live music this year, which we didn’t have last year.
“The band booked to play is outstanding and has a very strong following, which probably will bring some new people out, who have never been to Taste before. I think everyone will enjoy this band.”
The band schedule to perform July 3 is Sixteen Candles, which has been around since 2003 and performs an entire concert of popular 80s music.
“The live music adds just another great aspect to this event, which already has a lot to offer,” Manzo said.
The cabanas will feature catering from Maggiano’s, complimentary beverage service, exclusive viewing areas of the stage and of the fireworks show. Also, private restrooms and complimentary parking are included.
“There’s already been interest from some of our businesses about the cabanas,” Manzo said. “I think it’s a great addition for business and for groups of people who are interested in having a private space.”
Everyone in attendance will have access to a variety of food vendors and activities, such as face painting for kids.
While the grounds on which Taste of Oak Brook will have plenty of people eating, watching and listening to live entertainment and participating in actives, the crowd for the fireworks show will include not only those at the Taste, but also several people who set up lawn chairs, many earlier in the day, along nearby 22nd Street and York Road for a good view of the fireworks show.
“The fireworks show has always been very popular and attracts a good crowd, but the Taste is a lot more than that,” Manzo said. “It’s an opportunity for us to show off our village.”
VIP, preferred and value parking lots will be open during Taste of Oak Brook. Parking will soon be available for presale, and pre-purchasing is highly recommended by village staff for a faster experience. The Value parking lot will be at Christ Church, across the street from the Spots Core.
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Taste of Oak Brook was started in 2008 and has been held each year on the polo field.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.