Geneva’s signature autumn event is back for three days of food, wine and entertainment at Festival of the Vine. The fun happens Sept. 6-8 this year in downtown Geneva, on James Street between South Fourth and Fifth streets.
The entire weekend brings out fun for the family, with lots of live music, a Saturday and Sunday arts and crafts show, and a Flavor Fare tent that puts local restaurants front-and-center.
“Festival of the Vine is meant to be a celebration of all things fall, the vine and our Geneva restaurants,” says Johanna Patterson, communications director for the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the event. “It’s an opportunity to enjoy great food, have a sip of wine and see live entertainment.”
Live music sets the tone with performances from local and regional bands. Friday night opens with Last Dance, a tribute to the late Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. They take the stage from 3 to 5 p.m.
Friday ends with the Mackenzie O’Brien Band, a group that wows audiences with country hits ranging from the likes of Little Big Town and Miranda Lambert to the iconic Dolly Parton and Waylon Jennings.
The following day, the female-fronted Jolly Ringwalds perform a wicked cornucopia of ’80s hits. Closing out the weekend on Sunday, singer and acoustic guitar player Drew Clausen plays hits from top country artists like Keith Urban and Tim McGraw from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Great music is just the start. All weekend, local restaurants bring the best of Geneva’s cuisine to the Flavor Fare tent. Most years, this venue brings together more than 15 restaurants and a craft beverage vendor, all of whom showcase a tantalizing setup of samples. This year’s offerings include Tarcatz Taco, which is bringing chicken and steak tacos, quesadillas and fajita wraps. Sweet Sensations is bringing its homemade ice cream sandwiches.
Pair up those mouthwatering food samples with a lineup of wine, beer and spirits, many of which come from local sources. While this year’s lineup is still under wraps, Patterson promises it includes high-end wine vintages from SavWay Fine Wines & Spirits and a lineup of seltzer drinks from Geneva’s Penrose Brewing Co.
The Flavor Fare is open to all ages, but a valid ID is required to receive a wristband for alcohol purchases. To pay for samples, all you need to do is purchase tickets for $1 each. They can be purchased at the fair or ahead of time by going to genevachamber.com.
Outside the Flavor Fare, there’s plenty of fun for families, too.
The Art of the Heartland arts and crafts show takes place on the Kane County Courthouse lawn Saturday and Sunday, and it brings out a selection of unique seasonal items – everything from handmade door wreaths to fabric pumpkins, and lots of surprises in between.
“The arts and crafts show features anything that was made by someone,” says Patterson. “There are seasonal items, jewelry, wood features, collectibles, decorative items for your yard and house, and more. More than 75 exhibitors from across the Midwest come for that.”
Little ones enjoy big thrills on Saturday with complimentary activities from noon to 4:30 p.m. Cherry Berry Blast Facepainting Co. brings children’s crafts from noon to 2 p.m., followed by balloon art fun with Papa Balloon from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Complimentary horse-drawn carriages pick up passengers on the corner of James and Third streets and venture through downtown Geneva.
The Geneva Chamber of Commerce hosts several festivals year-round, but Festival of the Vine holds a special place in the hearts of residents and visitors alike. For Patterson, the best part of the weekend is being around others – and of course, the food and wine.
“I enjoy seeing all of the people the festival brings out,” says Patterson. “I enjoy the bands and the dancing, but I love tasting the different samples of food.”
To learn more about Festival of the Vine or to order tickets, visit genevachamber.com or call (630) 232-6060.
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