Debating about what to do with your crew this coming weekend? Love food and festivals, but want to make sure the little ones have plenty to do? The second annual Fulton Market Harvest Fest is this weekend — Saturday, Sept. 30, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 1, 1 a.m.- 8 p.m. — and it’s a must-do for families.
Curated by lovable Chicago chef and mom Stephanie Izard, along with Paul Kahan, the talented chef-restaurateur behind Publican, Avec, Blackbird, Big Star and other renowned eateries, the Fulton Market Harvest Fest is the perfect kick-off to fall. You can expect to see (and taste!) food from Kuma’s Corner, Swift & Sons, Formento’s and other favorites. Chicago Parent was lucky to chat with Stephanie Izard about the fest. Here’s what she had to say and why you need to go.
Chicago Parent: What’s great about Fulton Market Harvest Fest?
Stephanie Izard: It’s a combo of two things I love: a Chicago street fair and a food and wine festival. It’s very accessible and fun.
CP: What are you looking forward to at the fest?
SI: Chefs like Aaron Sanchez are on the KitchenAid Demo Stage. Bill Kim’s restaurant, bellyQ, is one of my favorites at the event. The music stage also features local Chicago performers. Wild Belle plays Saturday night and Tortoise on Sunday.
CP: What’s in it for the kids?
SI: There’s a Kids’ Alley with hands-on activities, like pumpkin decorating and yoga. There’s also kid-friendly food. Tons of families were there last year. Ernie (Stephanie’s 16-month-old son) is going.
CP: What do parents like about the event?
SI: A lot of parents still like to have fun. Most kids like music. There are adult parts of the fest and there is an area where the kids can run around. Changing tables were also a last-minute add. I realized parents need a place to change their kids at the festival. It’s going to be a big party in the streets.
If you go
Entrance is on Fulton Market and Halsted Street.
Pre-sale tickets are $30 and include $20 in food and beverage tickets and a beer mug. Kids age 10 and under are free.
Proceeds go to Pilot Light, a food-focused charity that helps kids make healthier choices.
