Oak Park’s second annual Southtown Summer Fest will be from noon to 4 p.m. July 13 on Van Buren Street on both sides of Oak Park Avenue.
The community event, according to Village Manager Kevin Jackson’s weekly report, will feature activities including live music, games, face-painting and a dunk tank.
North Grove Band and Francis Bassett-Dilley Trio will entertain attendees with live performances. North Grove Band plays indie or funk-style music, while Francis Bassett-Dilley Trio performs jazz.
Festival-goers might also be interested in shopping at the event’s artisan market, where all proceeds go to the artist. Local foodies may be excited about the opportunity to taste dishes from restaurants in the Southtown Business District, which will be available at the festival. Kettlestrings Tavern, Addis Cafe and Margaritas are participating.
Crafts are one of the fun activities for all to enjoy at Southtown Summer Fest. Credit: Courtesy of Stern Glass Works, photo by Adam Miller. 
Dunk tank participants pose during the 2023 Southtown Summer Fest in Oak Park. Credit: Courtesy of Stern Glass Works, photo by Adam Miller. 
Patrons shop at the 2023 Southtown Summer Fest celebration. Credit: Courtesy of Stern Glass Works, photo by Adam Miller.
The event, coordinated by Stern Glass Works and other local businesses, will also have a bouncy house, obstacle course, craft tables, a raffle, an art exhibit and a “healing booth,” according to organizers on the event’s page on Facebook. Those fascinated by the firefighting profession can even explore an Oak Park Fire Department firetruck and meet local firefighters.
According to Stern Glass Works, the festival will benefit Seven Generations Ahead, an organization that works with community, government and private leaders to promote sustainability. All profits from activities and a portion of artisan and business participation fees will be donated to Seven Generations Ahead.
Activity tickets must be purchased to participate, according to Stern Glass Works. One ticket cost $2, five tickets cost $8 and 10 tickets cost $14. Some activities, such as hula hooping or playing with bubbles, are free.
Donations from each artisan will be grouped to make raffle baskets worth about $50 or more, according to Stern Glass Works. Raffle enthusiasts can purchase two tickets for $5, five tickets for $10 or 15 tickets for $20. Winners will be announced at 3:30 p.m.