Blooming Fest returns to the heart of West Chicago’s downtown on Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering a full day of community activities, entertainment, shopping, and seasonal charm.
Now in its 24th year, Blooming Fest will once again feature the West Chicago Garden Club’s popular plant sale, with over 5,000 plants available for purchase. Visitors can also explore over 60 vendors offering a wide range of handcrafted goods—from jewelry and woodcrafts to garden décor—throughout the downtown area.
In addition to exploring the plant sale and craft vendors, the festival will include a variety of food vendors, serving everything from savory to sweet.
The fest will also offer an assortment of entertainment at the Main Stage, featuring family-friendly performances including a juggler, an animal show, and music from Leman Mariachi and the District 33 Choir. Entertainment will kick off at 9:30 a.m. and continue through 1 p.m., followed by live music from Katie Kostner from 1 to 3 p.m. to close out the event.
Families can also enjoy activities in the KidZone, which will offer a bubble show, face painting, balloon twisting, a petting zoo, and a variety of spring-themed activities hosted by community partners.
Additional highlights around downtown include:
- Mayor Bovey will be hosting his first Coffee with the Mayor at the City of West Chicago's tent near the Main Stage from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- American Legion Auxiliary poppy distribution for Memorial Day.
- The West Chicago Museum (132 Main Street), offering downtown walking tours and access to the Rooted in Place
- Gallery 200 (103 Washington Street), featuring an art demonstration at 10 a.m., the Art in Full Bloom exhibit, and a flower pot painting activity presented by Healthy West Chicago.
- A second Gallery 200 location (200 Main Street) will host the Arteculture Exhibit, presented by the City’s Cultural Arts Commission, showcasing works from more than 25 regional artists. The event also coincides with the unveiling of the Summer Art Banner Exhibit, with 17 new artworks to be displayed on street poles throughout downtown.
Planning Your Visit?
If attending Blooming Fest, please be aware of the following street closures:
- Galena Street (between Main and Tye Court) will be closed from 10 a.m. on Friday, May 16 through 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 17.
- Main Street (from Chicago Street to W. Washington) will be closed from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 17.
- Turner Court will reverse its one-way access and be open only to local residents and event vendors during that time.
Free Public Parking is available at:
- 508 Main Street
- 101 Main Street
- 124 Fremont Street
- Bible Church Parking lot at Chicago & Fulton
Don’t miss one of West Chicago’s most beloved traditions! For more information, including a full list of entertainment, visit westchicago.org/bloomingfest.
