Chicagoland’s Largest & Longest Running Italian Festival since 1900

We’re excited to be hosting our 124th Annual Italian Fest in honor of Maria Santissima Lauretana on Labor Day weekend, Friday, August 30th through Sunday, September 1st, 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.”

LABOR DAY WEEKEND: FRIDAY, AUG 30TH THRU SUNDAY SEPT 1ST, 2024 IN NILES, IL

Carnival open thru Monday, Sept 2nd! Looking for Carnival Wristbands & Ride Specials?

FEAST 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 1st 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

Sicilian Band of Chicago

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Zeigler Auto Group

FRIDAY

5:30 PM
Tony Spavone
Chicago’s Legendary Italian Singer

Tony Spavone

9:00 PM
Pino Farina Band
Adult Alternative Rock

Pino Farina Band

SATURDAY

1:00 PM
School of Rock!
Arlington Heights Kids Rock

School of Rock Arlington Heights School

4:00 PM
Mario DeLaurenti
Italian American Hits

Mario DeLaurenti Italian American Hits

6:00 PM
Jessie’s Girl Chicago
Top Hits of the 80s

Jessie's Girl Chicago

9:00 PM
Infinity
70s, 80s, 90s Classic Rock

SUNDAY

1:00 PM
Joe DeLuca
Accordion Extravaganza

2:00 PM
Gabriella Rago
Nostalgic Classics & Showtunes

Gabriella Rago Nostalgic Classics

4:30 PM
Benjamin De Los Monteros
Opera Tenor & Songwriter

Benjamin De Los Monteros Opera Singer

6:00 PM
Mia Rago
Opera Soprano & Songwriter

Mia Rago Opera Soprano

7:00 PM
John Anthony
Italian American Classics

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

Bella Luna Cafe

Wood Fired Pizza, Pasta & Fried Ravioli

Lauretana’s Panelle

Pane e Panelle

Dolce Famiglia

Italian Ice & Gelato

Nana’s Nuts

Lupini Beans, Dry Nuts, Gummy Bears & More

Spuntino’s Pizza

Pizza, Arancini, Chicken Parm Sandwiches & Italian Beef

Amici Italian Specialties

Panzerotti, Italian Subs & Chocolate Paradiso (Nutella Shakes)

Stunod’s Pizzeria

Meatball Sandwiches & Breaded Steak Sandwiches

Seafood & Italian Appetizers

Seafood & Italian Appetizers

Mexican Food

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

POLLY CRAFT – GIAN PIERO

Silver Jewelry, Clothing & Hats

VITO ALEX

Purses, Hats, Clothing & Wallets

BABY ALPACA

Children’s Clothing

TIMES PAST COLLECTIBLES

Crystals & Collectables

Zerillo Realty

Real Estate, Giveaways & More

HENNA TATTOOS

Temporary Henna Tattoos & Designs

KEEPIN’ IT REAL WITH FRANKIE D

Podcast, Books & More

ROBERT BOOKER

Complete Chiropractic & Rehab

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. The Maria SS. Lauretana Society thanks our amazing sponsors for their support in making our Feast a success!

ENTERTAINMENT SPONSORED BY

Zeigler Auto Group

Watch the Live Stream when it’s available at the top of this website

Watch the Live Streams on Facebook @MariaSSLauretana

Watch the Live Streams of YouTube or Vimeo

VIVA MARIA SANTISSIMA LAURETANA

2020 Anniversary Mass with Cardinal Blase Cupich

Support the Maria SS. Lauretana Society and help us continue our tradition of honoring our Blessed Mother