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.”
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
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
FRIDAY
5:30 PM
Tony Spavone
Chicago’s Legendary Italian Singer
9:00 PM
Pino Farina Band
Adult Alternative Rock
SATURDAY
1:00 PM
School of Rock!
Arlington Heights Kids Rock
4:00 PM
Mario DeLaurenti
Italian American Hits
6:00 PM
Jessie’s Girl Chicago
Top Hits of the 80s
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
4:30 PM
Benjamin De Los Monteros
Opera Tenor & Songwriter
6:00 PM
Mia Rago
Opera Soprano & Songwriter
7:00 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
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
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