The annual Taste of Oak Brook had to be canceled this year because of bad weather, but the village is hosting a different event Sept. 12 that also is open to everyone.
Oak Brook’s America 250 is scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. at the village’s Sports Core fields, 700 Oak Brook Road. Village officials said they anticipate more than 15,000 people at the event.
Admission and parking are free, with several area restaurants on site selling food, along with live entertainment, children’s activities and an evening-ending fireworks and drone show presented by CD Peacock.
Among the restaurants on the event menu are Fogo de Chao, Dirty Soda Shack, Just Like Mama’s, Dippin’ Dots, Hell’s BBQ, and Rep’s Place. Face painters and balloon artists will be onsite for children to enjoy.
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Oak Brook village manager Greg Summers said while Oak Brook’s America 250 will share features similar to many outdoor community events, it is not a replacement for the canceled Taste of Oak Brook.
“The village of Oak Brook is proud to bring together Chicagoland residents to close-out summer and take a moment to reflect on what makes our community special: friends, families, neighbors and shared moments that bring us together, all in one place,” he said.
While Taste of Oak Brook is set to return next year and future summers, Oak Brook’s America 250 is a one-time event, Summers said, in honor of the nation’s milestone anniversary.
Live entertainment includes a DJ as well as 1990’s-themed live music sets from Rearview, a Pearl Jam Tribute, from 5 to 6 p.m.; and Funky Monks, a Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. A DJ will play music on the Ace Hardware Stage until the 8:30 p.m. start of the drone show, followed by a 25-minute fireworks presentation.
The village also is hosting Healing Fields in the same general area Sept. 9-13. Sponsored by American Legion Post 57, the 2026 Healing Fields features 2,977 flags, honoring those who perished on Sept. 11, 2001.
According to a news release, the 2026 Healing Fields will be presented at four locations, each offering “a moving display of American flags honoring the lives lost, the heroes who rose in courage, and the enduring strength of our nation.”
“Each flag stands as a tribute to an individual hero, telling a story of service, sacrifice, and courage. Together, these displays create a powerful and unifying experience, inviting all who visit to reflect on the legacy of 9/11 and the enduring ideals of our nation,” the release stated.
The Healing Fields display at the Oak Brook Polo Grounds, 700 Oak Brook Road, is open 24 hours per day Sept. 9 to 13. Other area Healing Fields displays sponsored by American Legion Post 57 are at the Carpentersville Fire Station at 213 Spring Street, West Dundee’s Grafelman Park at 4th and Main streets and South Elgin’s Panton Mill Park, 9 North Water Street.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
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