Algonquin, Illinois - Festivals and Traditions

Festivals and Traditions

• The Hill Climb Race, a very historic tradition in the village in which classic cars are driven up a hill in the southwestern part of downtown. According to tradition, in the infancy of automobile production, a car's worth was judged based upon its ability to climb this particular hill in the town. The event is held in the spring.
• Farmers' Markets, held every Thursday afternoon, from late May through early October at Riverfront Park
• Summer Concert Series, held in the village's downtown parks, it features several outdoor musical performances by local and regional acts on several weekends during the summer.
• Conservation Community Day, a family-oriented program educating the public about the importance of the conservation of natural resources and the protection of the environment. The event is held along Woods Creek on the village's west side in June.
• Art on the Fox, a fine art festival held at Riverfront Park, usually in June or July. Artwork is showcased and sold at the event, and live musical entertainment and artist demonstrations are sometimes featured as well.
• Founders' Days, the village's cornerstone festival and tradition, it includes a carnival, parade, fireworks display, bags tournament, Founders Run,Taste of Algonquin, and 7 year strong barcrawl starting at Tavern at the Bridge and ending at Riverview. It is always held on the last full weekend in July.
• National Night Out, a national event that the village participates in, which is designed to promote community spirit and awareness in order to combat crime. Held in early August at Snapper Field and Lions-Armstrong Memorial Pool on the east side of the village.
• Old Time Country Harvest Festival, a fall festival occurring every October that features a farmers' market, cemetery walk, and other activities, in the Old Town District.
• A number of events held annually at Algonquin Commons, including Touch-a-Truck, summer concerts, holiday carriage rides, and other special events.
• Holiday Rock on the Fox, a winter festival in downtown Algonquin that is held in early December.
• Algonquin's Public Art Program, which showcases pieces of artwork at prominent public locations in the village throughout the year. The program emphasizes the various styles of artwork and the importance of art in the community. Artwork is rotated annually.
• Polish-American Fest, held at Saint Margaret Mary's Catholic Church. Algonquin has one of the largest Polish communities in the Chicago suburbs.