Cool and sunny weather is predicted for this year’s Backlot Bash end-of-summer celebration in Skokie this weekend, Aug. 22 through 24.
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The Backlot Bash returns to its usual time and location, Friday through Sunday in downtown Skokie, with an addition of after-parties scheduled at Ascione Bistro from 10 p.m. to midnight each night. The three-day festival will offer live music, including funk, rock, folk, soul, jazz and pop across 18 different acts.
Headliners include an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute from the group Elements on Friday at 8:45 p.m., Strangelove playing a tribute to Depeche Mode on Saturday at 8:45 p.m. and Tributosaurus playing a tribute to Van Halen on Sunday at 8:45 p.m.
Festivities begin Friday at 5:30 p.m. and continue all day Saturday and Sunday, and offerings include a carnival, Bingo, beer and food.
The Backlot Dash 5K Run/Walk registration is available online at https://www.backlotbash.com, and race-day registration begins at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, with the kids’ run scheduled for 8 a.m. and the 5K for 8:30 a.m.
A movie marathon at the Skokie Public Library is scheduled for Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Skokie Heritage museum is open from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
Food vendors will include Grecian Kitchen, Lee Concessions, Johnny & Tess, El Zorro Tacos, Tamales Express, Perk ‘n Pickle, Blackhawk BBQ & Seafood, Ralph’s Red Hots, Urban Tables, Carny Brothers, Buona Beef and Hello Boba.
Skokie’s Farmer’s Market will move from the Village Hall parking lot to Oakton Street on Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Rotary Club of Skokie Valley will also host its $8 pancake breakfast with bloody marys and mimosas.
Entrance to the Backlot Bash is free, but the Bash is bringing back its VIP tickets. The VIP ticket, $25 for a day, or $75 for unlimited drinks a day, includes access to exclusive seating near the Main Stage, free dinner, unlimited soda, water and popsicles, a Backlot Bash T-shirt and private restrooms. Three day VIP tickets are available for $210.
Discounted VIP Child tickets are $15 a day, and $30 for the whole weekend.
Bicycle parking is available throughout the Backlot Bash grounds and at village hall and the library. General parking is available at St. Peter’s Catholic Church at 8116 Niles Center Rd., St. Paul Lutheran Church at 5201 Galitz St, and at the northwest corner of Elmwood and Warren Streets, Skokie.