In 1999, the first “What’s Blooming on Harrison” spring street festival budded into the Oak Park event scene.
Now, nearly three decades later, the event has blossomed as one of the village’s most beloved and anticipated street festivals, proudly showcasing the Art District’s growing vibrancy and passion for bringing together neighbors of all ages.
This year, the fun returns on Saturday, May 30 along the district’s bustling Harrison Street corridor. Thanks to increased support from the Village of Oak Park, the festivities will reach three blocks further west, from Humphrey Avenue through Ridgeland Avenue.
“What’s Blooming is one of the few festivals in this area of town, and that really brings a lot of excitement from neighbors and businesses,” said Jake Worley-Hood, Oak Park native and marketing and events coordinator for the arts district. “It’s been a great fit for the community — and as a result, we’ve seen a lot of desire from the community to be involved in the festival.”
Between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., festivalgoers can dive into a day packed with activities. Featuring 175 vendor booths — 50 more than last year — offerings will spotlight artists, craftspeople, local businesses and nonprofits.
And, alongside the perennial favorite children’s carnival, What’s Bloomin” promises nonstop excitement for residents of all ages.
As always, the day will feature a jam-packed schedule of live music — this year, from two music stages. Located at Highland Avenue will be the Oak Park Area Arts Council (OPAC) Jazz Festival Stage, and the Oak Park Bank stage will be stationed near Taylor Avenue.
Back by popular demand will be the craft beer garden from Berwyn’s Babygold Barbecue and FitzGerald’s, where adults can enjoy a curation of drinks across from the Oak Park Bank stage. Excitingly, this year brings the debut of a new wine garden, sponsored by Oak Park’s Anfora Wine Merchants and located across from the Jazz Festival stage. Live music, along with the craft beer garden and wine garden, will last through 9 p.m.
Worley-Hood says that the 27 years of fun with What’s Blooming has been made possible by collaborative efforts from the Arts District’s business partners, residents and visiting neighbors. With the district’s wide range of business options from storefronts, health services, art galleries and restaurants to basement boutiques in vintage apartments, he says What’s Blooming captures the true essence of what makes the Arts District one-of-a-kind.
“I think what really makes the Arts District special is the opportunity and the diversity of what we offer,” Worley-Hood said. “The Arts District offers a wide variety of access to owning either a first business or long-standing business. You can find something really interesting, no matter what day or what time you come.”
As for why locals won’t want to miss the festival? The answer is simple.
“If you haven’t been to What’s Blooming, this is the best year to start,” Worley-Hood said. “It will be the biggest festival yet — this is certainly something you want on the calendar.”