More than 25,000 people are expected to celebrate the 30th Annual Skokie Festival of Cultures on May 21 and 22, where they will savor exotic tastes, listen to the traditional sounds of ethnic music, and experience the many cultures, languages and traditions that make up the Skokie community. 

“Not only will visitors to the festival experience dozens of cultural booths,” said the Festival Planning Committee’s Chairman Crystal Haben, “attendees will also enjoy two days of ethnic folk music and dance, a wide range of food, and unique arts and crafts.

Skokie’s unique cultural journey launches at Oakton Park in Skokie and will kick off when visitors receive their free “Passport to the World,” the official guide to all festival happenings. The passport will include a festival map, which will help attendees make their way through the park full of attractions. The opening ceremonies will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. on the World Showcase stage.

The festival will also offer something for the younger set, with a $5 children’s area featuring play and activities.

The 27 cultures represented at the festival will range from Assyrian to Swedish, Laotian to Belizean — and Armenian to Mexican. 

Oakton Park is located at the corner of Oakton Street and Skokie Boulevard in Skokie, at 4701 Oakton St. The festival will begin at 11 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, ending at 6 p.m. 

The 30th Annual Skokie Park District is sponsored by NorthShore University HealthSystem, First Bank & Trust – Skokie, Nicor, State Farm, Computer Systems Institute, Power Home Remodeling, Northwestern University, Chiro One, Charles River, the Illinois Arts Council, and the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs of Skokie Valley. The event is presented by the Skokie Park District, the Village of Skokie, the Skokie Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Skokie Public Library.

For more information about the festival, call the Skokie Park District at (847) 674-1500 or visit the official Skokie Festival of Cultures website at www.SkokieCultureFest.org.

Saturday, May 21
Festival Day 1, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies, 1 p.m.

Sunday, May 22
Festival Day 2, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.