Chicagoland’s Largest & Longest Running Italian Festival since 1900
We’re excited to be hosting our 123rd Annual Italian Fest in honor of Maria Santissima Lauretana on Labor Day weekend, Friday, September 1st through Sunday, September 3rd, in Niles near the Golf Mill Mall. The Feast of Maria SS. Lauretana is one of Chicago’s largest and longest-running Italian festivals, drawing thousands of attendees and featuring great food vendors, entertainment, rides and games along with our parade, processions and famous “Flight of the Angels.”
NEW HOURS!
This year’s feast will begin on Friday and end Sunday night. We’re now open on Saturday at Noon! Please see the schedule below for more information.
** Food Vendors, Carnival Rides, Games & Beer Garden from open to close every day! **
AN EXTRA DAY OF FUN!
Enjoy and extra day of games and rides. The carnival will remain open on Labor Day Monday from 1:00 PM till 10:00 PM.
Get carnival deals and wristband pre-purchase specials by CLICKING HERE.
Traditional Flight of the Angels
The Flight of the Angels, or Volata, is a time-honored tradition that dates back to the 1600’s in Sicily. Of the many traditions that were brought from Sicily to Chicago, the Flight of the Angels during the Feast of Maria SS. Lauretana is one of the most breathtaking and awe inspiring. Our Blue and Pink Angels take flight over the procession to recite a prayer to the Virgin Mary. This honorary tradition of being an Angel has been passed from one generation to the next and it is common that mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers have seen their children participate in this beautiful tradition.
The Flight of the Angels will be performed twice on Sunday, September 3rd at approximately 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
ENTERTAINMENT
Bring out your inner Italian and enjoy family-friendly entertainment all weekend!
NIGHTLY PERFORMANCES BY THE SICILIAN BAND OF CHICAGO
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
FRIDAY
5:30 PM
Tony Spavone
Chicago’s Legendary Italian Singer
8:30 PM
The Rat Pack & Daniella Crocco
A Tribute to Italian America
SATURDAY
1:00 PM
School of Rock!
Arlington Heights Kids Rock
4:00 PM
Vince Amore
Chicago’s Crooner
6:00 PM
Michael Walters Band
Jazz, Motown & Classic Rock
9:00 PM
Hi Infidelity
Rock Anthems of the 80’s
SUNDAY
12:00 PM
Joe Martino
Accordion Extravaganza
1:30 PM
Nino Folino
Songs of Sinatra, Martin & More
6:00 PM
John Anthony
Italian American Classics
FOOD, RIDES, GAMES & MORE
Eat, drink and have fun the Italian way!
Joseph’s Finest Meats
Homemade Italian Beef, Homemade Italian Sausage, Combos, 1/2 lb Burgers & Ribbon Fries
Sicilian Bakery
Cannoli, Tiramisu, Fried Iris, Espresso, Hot & Iced Coffee
Brick Oven Pizza by Anthony
Wood Fired Pizza, Fried Ravioli & Pasta
Sicilian Panelle
Pane e Panelle
Dolce Famiglia
Italian Ice & Gelato
Nana’s Nuts
Lupini Beans, Dry Nuts, Gummy Bears & More
Spuntino’s Pizza
Pizza, Arancini, Italian Beef & Chicken Tenders
Mi Restaurante
Tacos, Burritos & Mexican Fare
Carnival Food by MM
Rides, Games, Hot Dogs, Funnel Cake, Snow Cones, Cotton Candy & More
Italian American Store
Italian T-Shirts, Jackets, Hats, Flags & Novelties
Digital Saviors
Image, Film, Video and Audio Conversion & Restoration
Photos by Sal Sciacca
High quality prints and visual art
Jewelry by GiamPiero
Necklaces, Earrings & Novelty Jewelry
Italian Cultural Center
Learn about the Italian Cultural Center
Zerillo Realty
Real Estate, Giveaways & More
SPONSORS
Started in 1900, the Feast of Maria SS. Lauretana is one of Chicagoland’s longest-running Italian festivals that draws thousands of attendees each Labor Day weekend. Becoming a sponsor gives you a unique opportunity to gain visibility at a highly attended event while supporting a Chicago Italian tradition. To become a sponsor, DOWNLOAD A SPONSORSHIP FORM HERE!
ENTERTAINMENT SPONSORED BY
Watch the Live Stream when it’s available at the top of this website
Watch the Live Streams on Facebook @MariaSSLauretana
VIVA MARIA SANTISSIMA LAURETANA