Thousands are expected to celebrate the 34th Skokie Festival of Cultures on May 16 and 17, where they will savor exotic tastes, listen to the traditional sounds of 51 music and dance acts, and experience the many cultures, languages and traditions that make up the Skokie community.
“We are excited this year to welcome the 34 cultures represented in our Cultural Pavilion,” said festival chairperson Aryn Fletcher, “as well as a park full of fun attractions.”
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 east stage. The Sunday finale at 5:45 p.m., will feature a ‘Festival of Colors,’ with music, dance and the throwing of colors near the same stage.
The annual festival will also offer something for the younger set, with a $5 children’s area featuring play and activities.
The cultures represented at the festival will range from Pakistani to Japanese, German to Indian — and Assyrian to Eritrean.
Click here for the full entertainment schedule.
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 34th Skokie Festival of Cultures is largely made possible by a generous grant from the Illinois Arts Council and is presented by the Skokie Park District and the Village of Skokie.
For more information about the festival, visit the official Skokie Festival of Cultures website at www.SkokieCultureFest.org.