Taste of Orland Park Offers New Food Options and Entertainment

The Taste of Orland Park will run from July 31 to August 2, promising attendees more food choices than last year. The event will feature increased offerings from local restaurants. Mayor Jim Dodge announced plans to improve seating behind the main stage to accommodate the expected 30,000 attendees.

Efforts are underway to enhance safety by modifying road access behind the stage, ensuring a safer experience for festival-goers. Dodge expressed pride in growing the number of participating vendors from 15 in 2025 to 22 this year. Familiar names returning include Barraco’s, Buona Beef, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Crave Cookies, and others. Newcomers like Barone’s, Fogo de Chao, and Jet’s Pizza will also be present.

“Balancing the needs of vendors and attendees is crucial,” Dodge noted. He highlighted the challenge vendors face in staffing both their restaurants and stalls at the festival.

The festival will spotlight Jim Cornelison, known for singing the national anthem at Chicago Blackhawks games. Cornelison will perform at the Veterans Tribute on August 1 at 6 p.m., honoring local veterans and active military personnel in the year marking the United States’ 250th anniversary.

This year’s entertainment includes a variety of main stage performances. Barometer Soup will cover Jimmy Buffet songs on Friday, followed by the Carl Sandburg Marching Eagles, Rok Brigade with 1980s rock, and Wedding Banned. A drone show will end the night.

Saturday’s lineup features Petty Kings performing Tom Petty’s music, Hillbilly Rockstarz playing country, Annika Starander Weaver as a Cher tribute, and 7th Heaven with pop rock. Sunday will close with Sounds of Summer performing Beach Boys tunes, Elevate Dance Company, Rock the 90s with 1990s hits, and Billy Nation honoring Billy Joel. Fireworks will conclude the event on Sunday night at 9 p.m.

Last year, Dodge led the relocation of the Taste of Orland back to the Village Green from Centennial Park West. The Village Green is seen as a better fit due to its nearby cooling centers and restroom facilities. Some visitors found accessibility at Centennial Park West challenging.

The village has allocated $500,000 for the festival and spent around $322,000 last year. Sponsorships have brought in $116,000 so far, compared to $130,000 in revenues last year.

If You Go:

• When: July 31, 5-11 p.m.; August 1, 3-11 p.m.; August 2, 3-9 p.m.
• Where: Village Green, 14700 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park
• Parking: Available at Orland Township, Orland Park Library, John Humphrey Complex, Orland Park Recreation North Lot, and the parking garage at 9650 W. 143rd St.

Ravinia Avenue will be closed from the 147th roundabout to 149th Street. For more information, visit orlandpark.org under the parks and recreation section.