The Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association is pleased to present our first event of 2023!
Free Event!
There will be 4 Tents serving complimentary hot cocoa.
Many retailers will have cocoa-inspired treats for their customers while they shop and restaurants will have chocolate specials for their diners!
Sponsored by: COMPASS, Long Grove Confectionery and Long Grove Village Tavern
Spend $100 (before tax/tip) on February 11th and receive a FREE Long Grove mug*! Bring your receipts to the Visitors Center to claim your mug (while supplies last)
Merchant Specials during the Cocoa Crawl on 2/11/23 from 12pm-4pm:
Ash & Willow Salon:
Serving Italian-style hot cocoa, cookies, and some special sales and giveaways for the day.
Ma and Pa’s Candy:
Offering during the event:
Selling Ethereal Hot Cocoa topped with Homemade Marshmallows and Whipped Cream
Free Cocoa-Themed Item with Any Purchase
Buffalo Creek Brewing:
Peanut Buttercup Stout on tap.
Offering 12oz pours for purchase at $9.00 and 3oz samples.
Serving hot chocolate for kids.
The Village Tavern:
Featuring drink specials that incorporate the flavored hot cocoa they provided for the event.
Long Grove Confectionery/ Long Grove Coffee:
Serving delicious hot cocoa from the booth they sponsored, flavor treats for your cocoa in the Long Grove Coffee and free gift with purchase at Long Grove Confectionery.
Vintage Charm Homestead:
Selling Parisienne Hot Cocoa mix and a mint chocolate tea to soothe the chocolate cravings, without the added calories along with vintage mugs!
Broken Earth Winery:
Offering a selection of chocolates for purchase to try with their wines.
The Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association is pleased to announce that the spring tradition family fun is back! This year, families will HOP from station to station through the Bunny Hop experience area located at Brother’s Field (342 Old McHenry Road).
Check out all of the exciting things planned for this FREE event!
Colin Cimmarusti is a singer-songwriter, unique acoustic guitarist and a strong thoughtful vocalist. Colin’s music has been heard all over the country and has graced some of the best venues including numerous appearances at Nashville’s Rippy’s Honky Tonk on Broadway.
The Bono Bros Band music is characterized by Americana rock n roll, blues, country with a splash of gospel. The Bono Bros Band are Rob Bonaccorsi (vocals/guitar) and Jim Bonaccorsi (bass) who are also members of the Freddy Jones Band. Tom Albanese is on vocals/harmonica and formerly of Big G and Nick Kitsos is on drums formerly of BoDeans – Poi Dog Pondering & Chris Neville of Tributosaurus+. With decades of playing 1,000’s of shows around the country their live show experience is something you do not want to miss!
The Long Grove Chocolate Festival will return to the historic streets and parkways of downtown Long Grove, on May 19, 20, and 21, 2023. Organizers of this season’s Chocolate Fest are working to provide an amazing three days of live music, family activities, chocolate vendors, and chocolate experiences!
*NOTICE: No outside alcohol is permitted within the fest. Thank you.
“As long as there is chocolate, there will be happiness.“
As always, Chocolate Fest will host multiple stages of live entertainment and music sprinkled throughout the historic town, from stripped-down acoustic artists to Chicago’s biggest party bands. The main stage lineup is as follows:
Friday, May 19, 2023
9:00PM – 11:00PM Eliminator
6:30PM – 8:20PM Heart 2 Heartbreaker
4:30PM – 6:00PM Vinyl Goldmine – Gerald
2:30PM – 4:00PM – Daniel Cronson Band
12:00PM – 02:00PM – Eddie Andersen Trio
Saturday, May 20
09:00PM – 11:00PM ARRA
7:00PM – 8:20PM The Gingers
5:00PM – 6:30PM Charlie Foxtrot
3:00PM – 4:30PM David’s House
1:30PM – 2:30PM Six on Friday
12:00PM – 1:00PM School Of Rock Arlington Heights
Sunday, May 21
4:00PM – 6:00PM American English
1:30PM – 3:30PM The Noize
12:00PM – 1:00PM School of Rock Barrington
Chocolate Activities
For the young and young at heart, Chocolate Fest 2023 will include a dedicated children’s area with complimentary throwback games and thrilling entertainment. Chocolate Fest also marks the official opening of the spring shopping season in town, with village merchants featuring their own decadent chocolate-themed specialties and sales throughout the event weekend. It’s the perfect time for visitors to explore and fall in love with a sweet old friend – historic downtown Long Grove!
Ash and Willow Beauty Bar and Boutique
We will have sales, giveaways, and cupcakes Friday and Saturday
Broken Earth Winery
Red Sangria $8 and Chocolate Caramel Cocktail $9 all weekend
Corked
Corked is excited to offer our nearly legendary Chocolate Old Fashioned! Made with Old Forester Bourbon and Aztec Chocolate Bitters, garnished with a chocolate covered Luxardo cherry! We will also be offering $8 glasses of world-class wine along with sangria and beers at our satellite bar on the lawn. We can’t wait to celebrate the first fest of the season with you all!
Hundreds of chocolates, plus chocolate covered strawberries, frozen hot chocolate, and croissants.Chocolate Fest will be ‘Sprinkled” with happiness and fun.
Ma and Pa’s Candy
Chocolate Grand Slam partnership with Corked, Enzo & Lucia and Buffalo Creek Brewing. See details here. https://bit.ly/ChocGrandSlam
In addition to the large variety of chocolate items always available in our retail store, we will have a specially selected package of handmade chocolates for sale. Purchasing this item gives customers the opportunity to participate in the Chocolate Grand Slam listed above.
Dipping Chocolates in our Candy Kitchen on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Irish Boutique
Irish & British Chocolate Mystery Bag $5
The Village Tavern
Godiva Chocolate Martini, Chocolate Covered Strawberry Martini, Chocolate Old Fashion, signature Chocolate BBQ Sauce on a burger or chicken breast sandwich, Tavern Toffee Sundae, Chocolate Flourless Torte and Tavern Toffee. All available starting Friday May 19th.
Viking Treasures Scandinavian Gifts
Chocolate Coffee Syrup, $12.95, available now
Vintage Charm Homestead
We have a variety of dessert teas such as Organic Cinnamon Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Caramel, and more. But don’t worry they have no calories. You get all the flavor without the guilt. Each tin of loose leaf tea ranges from $15.50 to 15.99. They are available now, for the Chocolate Fest you get 10% off any Chocolate dessert tea.
Chocolate Fest Summary Detail
Dates: May 19, 20, 21, 2023
Location: Historic Downtown Long Grove, 145 Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove, IL 60047
Hours: Fri, 12 pm – 11 pm, Sat, 10 am – 11 pm, Sun, 10 am – 6 pm
Parking: limited complimentary in all public lots in downtown Long Grove, ride sharing is recommended/encouraged
Strawberry Festival Rings in Summer in Historic Downtown Long Grove, June 23–25
Sweet summertime fun returns when Strawberry Festival, an annual family tradition, takes over historic downtown Long Grove June 23rd through 25th. The highlight of the summer fest season that inspires thousands to turn out to Long Grove year after year for decades is upping the ante for 2023. Attendees of all ages can expect three days of strawberry-infused foods and drinks, carnival rides, family activities, and live music on three stages.
As, the almighty strawberry is the star attraction at Strawberry Fest. Some of the area’s most popular restaurants, cooks, and vendors pop-up shop to serve unique strawberry-centric cuisine. A wide variety of non-strawberry-centric vendors will also be on-hand dishing out other summertime delights.
For those who like to mix it up, Strawberry Fest 2023 also features live music and family entertainment. Non-stop tunes on multiple stages, from solo acts to touring bands, will take over downtown Long Grove on Strawberry Fest weekend. The annual lineup always ensures there will never be a dull moment for teens or grown-ups.
Friday, June 23
9:00PM-11:00PM – Kashmir
6:30PM-8:20PM – Petty Kings
4:30PM-6:00PM – The Prissillas
2:30PM-4:00PM – Crawford’s Daughter
12:00PM-2:00PM – AD3 Trio
Saturday, June 24
9:00PM-11:00PM – Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute
7:00PM-8:20PM – Burning Red: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
5:00PM-6:30PM – 7th Heaven
3:00PM-4:30PM – ONSET
1:30PM-2:30PM – The 77 Solution
12:00PM-1:00PM – School of Rock Arlington Heights
Sunday, June 25
4:00PM-6:00PM – KennyLive
1:30PM-3:30PM – The Yacht Rock-ettes
12:00PM-1:00PM – School of Rock Barrington
Mill Pond & Fountain Square Stages
Carnival
Returning this year, a classic carnival with everyone’s favorite rides that will thrill the young and young at heart.
Hours
Promotions
12PM – 9PM
$30 Unlimited Wristband (12PM – 5PM & 5PM – 9PM)
11AM – 9PM
$30 Unlimited Wristband (11AM – 5PM & 5PM – 9PM)
11AM – 5PM
$30 Unlimited Wristband (11AM – 5PM)
Historic Downtown Long Grove
The new and improved historic downtown Long Grove, now construction-free after a major multi-year beautification rehab, is known for its wide array of independent, family owned and operated restaurants and stores. Strawberry Fest marks the kickoff to summer shopping season in town, with local merchants featuring their own sweet summertime specials throughout the event weekend. Visitors during fest weekend are invited to explore the recently beautified village and discover what makes Long Grove so flavorful.
Strawberry Festival’s organizing group, the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association, is a not-for-profit organization led by a team of elected volunteers that represent and serve the Long Grove historic district businesses and property owners, as well as the residents of the village. By hosting memorable activities and events, they are able to support the interests of members, enhance the community, and encourage the use and preservation of the historic village.
Strawberry Fest 2023 Event Summary
Location: Historic Downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove, IL 60047
Hours: Fri, 12 pm – 11 pm, Sat, 10 am – 11 pm, Sun, 10 am – 6 pm
Admission: $5 per person, with children under 12 no charge all the time.
Parking Information
PICK-UP/DROP OFF
Shuttle services will be available on Saturday and Sunday and run a loop between:
Golf Dome Parking Lot 801 McHenry Rd Buffalo Grove, IL
AND
Archer Rd (in between Robert Parker Coffin & Old McHenry Rd) **next to the entrance to Carnival Parking Lot
Sat, July 29th: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sun, July 30th: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Summer market in Downtown Long Grove Vintage, Antique, Crafts, Reclaimed, Repurposed, Upcycled and Handmade.
Historic Downtown Long Grove, Illinois
Long Grove Vintage Days is a two-day street market for all things vintage, antique, reclaimed, repurposed, upcycled and handmade. Located in the heart of downtown Long Grove, IL.
This year’s festivities will be located all around the downtown area.
Using GPS to get here? Enter the Visitors Center address, 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove, 60047 to find us.
This is a free event open to the public. There will be live music, unique vintage vendors and more—all within our quaint village setting. So much to see and do during your visit!
Long Grove Hometown Event, hosted by the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association
Antique, handmade, vintage, upcycled and reclaimed dealers
Outdoor, open-air street market
Free admission and parking
Shop the market or one of the independently owned shops around town
Sip, dine and relax in one of the many establishments in town
Penny Carnival
Courtesy of the Historical Society
The Long Grove Historical Society’s Penny Carnival will be a blast! It is simple children’s games, geared toward the younger crowd, run by older kids. A penny a game and everyone is guaranteed to win. New this year: a craft table this year with a simple craft and an Appalachian type singing group with a fiddler, a banjo player and a washboard!
Time and Location: TBD
Trivia Contest
Trivia Contest on Friday, August 5th at Brother’s Field. The Theme is Nifty Fifties and Far Out Sixties. Costumes are encouraged and prizes will be given to the best costume. Seating begins at 6 with the game beginning at 7.
What will you discover?
We are thrilled to have this signature event return to the streets of downtown Long Grove with over 30 vendors with recycled, reclaimed, repurposed, handmade items as well as crafts! Stroll the streets, listen to live music, visit the booths, the stores and dine at one of our restaurants!
Classic Sponsor Level deliverables:
10’ x 10’ Promotional space; including electricity for both days of the festival
Company Name/logo, link included on “Sponsors” portion of the festival website
Social Media mentions
Company name/logo included on all onsite “Thank you to our Sponsors” banners
All eyes will be smiling when the historic shopping district of Long Grove presents Irish Days, a celebration of Irish culture, music, food, and drink. The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 2 – Monday, September 4.
Admission and parking in municipal lots are free.
What to expect:
Irish Dancers
Irish Music
Irish Inspired Food
Irish Inspired Drink
Irish Dog Contest
Best Looking Men’s Legs in a Kilt
Long Grove Fountain Square 228 Robert Parker Coffin Rd, Long Grove IL
How do you like your apples? Fresh? Baked in pies? Dipped in chocolate or caramel? Candied? Are you drooling yet (We know you are)? How ever you like them, we have them. Long Grove’s Apple Fest is known for the apple pies, donuts, caramel dipped to candied apples, apple wine, sangria, and more! In addition to all of the delightful apple specialties, you can even try some options right off the menu at our local hometown restaurants.What’s a Long Grove fest without a stage full of great rhythm and sounds showcasing all your favorite styles of music? We’re again curating artisans in the area to come and showcase their wares and talents. Indulge yourself (and your taste buds) with three fun-filled days that the entire family (including your fur-baby) can enjoy. We will see you there! If you have any questions or would like to participate, please reach out to… info@longgrove.org
Well behaved, leashed dogs are permitted as long as their family brings them water and waste bags.
3-Day PassFriday PassSaturday PassSunday PassView all options
Main Stage Music
For those who like to mix it up, Apple Fest 2023 also features live music and family entertainment. Non-stop tunes on multiple stages, from solo acts to touring bands, will take over downtown Long Grove on Apple Fest weekend. The annual lineup always ensures there will never be a dull moment for teens or grown-ups.
Line up Coming Soon!
Carnival
Returning this year, a classic carnival with everyone’s favorite rides that will thrill the young and young at heart.
Hours
Promotions
12PM – 9PM
$30 Unlimited Wristband (12PM – 5PM & 5PM – 9PM)
11AM – 9PM
$30 Unlimited Wristband (11AM – 5PM & 5PM – 9PM)
11AM – 5PM
$30Unlimited Wristband (11AM – 5PM)
Parking Shuttle Available
PICK-UP/DROP OFF
**Run a loop between:
Golf Dome Parking Lot 801 McHenry Rd Buffalo Grove, IL
AND
Archer Rd (in between Robert Parker Coffin & Old McHenry Rd) **next to entrance to Carnival Parking Lot
Get spooky with us this October! From ladies night out, to family fun, hop on your broom sticks and enjoy some halloween fun.
Saturday, October 7th, 2023
DIY Scarecrow Day 12pm-4pm Brother’s Field
The suburb’s biggest homage to scarecrow-making returns again to Historic Downtown Long Grove. Do It Yourself Scarecrow Day is an afternoon dedicated to harvesting charm and family fun. Scarecrow engineers are invited to reserve a time to build their own custom scarecrow modeled after any character or idea they can create. We encourage participants to plan ahead, gather clothing and accessories and register in advance. Sign up here!
Please choose the SCARECROW NUMBER to cast your vote for the funniest, scariest, and most creative scarecrow below. Entries will be accepted through DAY, DATE. Winner(s) will receive bragging rights for a year! Winner(s) will be announced on Halloween 2023! Vote for your FAVORITE HERE
Thursday, October 12th, 2023
Witches Night Out 5–8pm Participating merchants in downtown Long Grove
Businesses in Historic Downtown Long Grove will be open late for grown-up witches and warlocks to have fun shopping, sipping and dining! Participating businesses will have specials, discounts, give-aways and more planned for all the little pretties who attend. Witches who register in advance or at the event will be entered to win prizes donated by our merchants throughout the night.
Sunday, October 15th, 2023
Pet Costume Parade 12pm (weather permitting)
Pets throughout the region are invited to don their best Halloween duds and howl at the moon at Halloween Town’s 4th Annual Pet Costume Parade! It’s free to watch the parade, and all dogs must remain leashed.
Historic downtown Long Grove invites you to rediscover the magic of the holidays this season. The annual Vintage Holidays campaign is what the classic holiday small town experience is all about… quaint shops, old-world charms, and family memories. Organized by the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association, Vintage Holidays 2023 will feature:
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Starting November 19th and continuing every weekend through December 18th, groups of family and friends can get in the holiday spirit with vintage carriage rides throughout historic downtown Long Grove.
Merchant Open Houses and Promos: Merchants throughout historic downtown Long Grove will feature decorations, specials on merchandise, food, drinks, and more throughout the Vintage Holidays campaign. Beginning November 25th and running through December 18th, anyone who spends $150 before tax/tip at any of the downtown merchants will receive a free gift from the Long Grove Visitors Center (maximum of four gifts per person, receipts must date between 11/25 – 12/18. While supplies last).
Holiday Caroling and Santa: Visitors who stroll historic downtown Long Grove during Vintage Holidays will not only enjoy the sights but the sounds of the holiday season too, with festive holiday carolers setting the tone. Additionally, on select weekends November 19th through December 18th, visits by Santa Claus himself will surely put holiday smiles on all kids at heart.
On Dec 3rd there will be Pictures with Santa in the NEW HDLGBA Covered Bridge Park Project in partnership with Comed, from 12:00pm-4:00pm.
Santa in the Village! November 25th, 26th, 27th (12-4pm) December 3rd (Photo Op by the decorated bridge), 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th (12-4pm)
Caroling Schedule: We are excited to again welcome our amazing carolers to the Village of Long Grove this season. The following groups will be out and about on the days below bringing additional holiday cheer and wonder to the visitors of downtown.
December 3rd
Family Caroling (12-2pm)
December 10th
A Family Sing Along (11-3pm)
December 11th
Buffalo Grove High School (11-1pm)
Barrington High School (2:30-4:30pm)
December 17th
Long Grove Community Church (2-4pm)
December 18th
Hersey High School Dickens Carolers (2-3pm)
Barrington High School (2:30-4:30pm)
November & December 2023
Carriage Rides
Carriage rides are one of our most beloved activities during the holidays and are back again for the 2022 Vintage Holidays season.
From the twinkling Covered Bridge to the storefront Christmas trees, passengers are invited to sit back and take in the nostalgia of the holiday season as the clattering of horse hooves lead the way.
Sponsored by The Graff Group and Alden Long Grove Rehab & Health.
This year we will once again be offering pre-registration for our 10 seater carriage. Please ensure that you sign up at the link below and have the waiver filled out before your ride is to begin. You will need to bring your waiver with you to your ride. Children who are 5 and under and can ride on your lap, are free.
Ride Dates
November 19, 20, 25, 26, 27
December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18
Ride Fees
Reservations are $15 per seat (ages 5 and under ride free on an adult’s lap).
*Rides may be cancelled due to inclement weather for the safety of the horses and our guests. If this should happen, refunds will be issued for reservations.
**Photo disclaimer: Occasionally, the Historic Downtown Long Grove will be filming content for social media and website posting. If you object to having your likeness posted, please advise the Visitors Center so your wishes may be accommodated.
Friday, November 24 – Sunday, December 17, 2023
Holiday Sip, Shop & Dine Gift Promotion
To thank our patrons for supporting the historic downtown Long Grove businesses, we are again offering our FREE Gift with purchase promotion.
Collect $150 (pre-tax & tip) in receipts from historic downtown Long Grove shops and restaurants, dated November 25–December 18 and redeem them for a FREE Gift!
Choose from:
Pashmina Scarves
Long Grove Ornament
Green/White Campfire Mug
Red/White Coffee Mug
Delicious Treats from Long Grove Confectionery and Ma & Pa’s Candy
11×14 Photo of Long Grove Covered Bridge
Holiday Tote Bag
Hand Painted Ornaments by local artist, Sheila.
Gifts available while supplies last. Redeem your receipts early for the best gift selection.
