Chicagoland's Largest & Longest
Running Italian Festival since 1900
We're excited to be hosting our 126th Annual Italian Fest in honor of Maria Santissima Lauretana on Labor Day weekend, Friday, September 4th through Sunday, September 6th, 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.” Carnival open thru Monday, Sep. 7! Looking for Carnival Wristbands & Ride Specials?
Click HereFEAST 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! **
4:00 PM – Feast Opens
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM – Jack Miuccio
7:00 PM – Final Novena at Shrine Tent
9:00 PM - 11:30 PM – Infinity (Classic Rock Favorites)
11:00 PM – Feast Closes
12:00 PM – Feast Opens
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM – School of Rock
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM – TBD
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM – Vince Amore
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM – Mario DeLaurenti
7:30 PM – Carro & Torch Parade
8:30 PM - 11:30 PM – Chicago's Own Piano Man (Variety Hits, including Billy Joel, Elton John and others)
11:00 PM – Feast Closes
9:00 AM – Candlelight Procession
10:00 AM – Mass of the Feast of Maria SS. Lauretana
11:30 AM – Feast Opens
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM – TBD
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM – Gabriela Rago
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM – Benjamin De Los Monteros (Opera Tenor & Songwriter)
5:00 PM – First Flight of the Angels
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM – Mia Rago
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM – Tony Spavone
8:00 PM – Second Flight of the Angels
9:00 PM – Fireworks Display immediately following the last Flight of the Angels
9:30 PM - 11:30 PM – Erik Donner (Variety hits from all decades from the 1950's to present day)
11:00 PM – Feast Closes
** Flight of the Angels times are approximate
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 6th 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
FRIDAY
5:30 PM
Jack Miuccio
9:00 PM
Infinity
Classic Rock Favorites
SATURDAY
1:00 PM
School of Rock
3:30 PM
TBD
5:00 PM
Vince Amore
6:30 PM
Mario DeLaurenti
8:30 PM
Chicago's Own Piano Man
Variety Hits, including Billy Joel, Elton John and others
SUNDAY
12:30 PM
TBD
2:00 PM
Gabriela Rago
4:30 PM
Benjamin De Los Monteros
Opera Tenor & Songwriter
6:00 PM
Mia Rago
7:00 PM
Tony Spavone
9:30 PM
Erik Donner
Variety hits from all decades from the 1950's to present day
FOOD, RIDES, GAMES & MORE
Eat, drink and have fun the Italian way!
Joseph's Finest Meats
Italian Sausage, Beef, Combos, Burgers, Ribbon Fries
Sicilian Bakery
Cannoli, Tiramisu, Fried Iris, Espresso, Hot & Iced Coffee
Caputo's Fresh Markets
Mortadella Panino, Fries zucchini flowers, Octopus salad, and more Italian favorites
Bella Luna Cafe
Wood Fired Pizza, Pasta & Fried Ravioli
Panelle di Sicilia
Panino con Panalle
Dolce Famiglia
Gelato & Italian Ice
Nana's Nuts
Lupini Beans, Dry Nuts, Gummy Bears & More
Spuntino's Pizza
Pizza, Arancini, Chicken Parm Sandwiches & Italian Beef
Trattoria RNB
Mussels, Clams, Calamari, Octopus, & Pasta dishes
Da Wing Whip
Chicken wings
Que Bola Cafe
Cubano sandwich, Lechon sandwich, Spicey Habanero sandwich, Croquetas, Empanadas, Maduro Fritos
Carnival Food by Modern Midways
Traditional carnival favorites
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!
2020 Anniversary Mass with
Cardinal Blase Cupich
Support the Maria SS. Lauretana Society and help us continue our tradition of honoring our Blessed Mother
Donate