Shorewood Feast 2023

A Festival Feast

Find free family fun and fantastic food at Shorewood’s ultimate block party

BY JENNIFER ANDERSON

The 4th Annual North Shore Bank Shorewood Feast, presented by the Shorewood Foundation, has grown into a high-energy street festival for all ages, and this year’s event on Sat., September 9 has more attractions than ever. From noon to 9 p.m., the party will be hopping from the 4200-4400 blocks of North Oakland Ave., which will be closed off to usual street traffic for the all-day affair.

“There are going to be so many free, engaging activities for everyone to enjoy,” says Janet Henning, BID director. “The BID has worked for months to find, schedule and sponsor a terrific lineup of entertainment for all ages. We think this is a great way to celebrate and showcase Shorewood and so many of the things we offer here: unique artists, amazing food and great live music.”

The Feast will include two live music stages, one for local acts featuring music from School of Rock, Brio Studio and The Flood, and a main stage that will showcase popular musicians like Trapper Schoepp, Rob Knapp & Soul Patrol, and the always crowdpleasing ‘80s band Radio Radio.

Casey Murdoch from Shorewest Northshore is generously sponsoring a kids’ area with loads of family fun. Little ones can show off artistic creations from Mom & Daughter Facepainting and get their own balloon creations from Jest for Fun Joke Shop. Caricature artist Paul Merklein will be on hand from noon to 4 p.m. to draw funny portraits of adults and children, and anyone can try their hand at rock climbing on Adventure Rock’s massive portable wall sponsored by Metro Market. All these activities are free.

Well-loved food truck vendors include Flour Girl & Flame, Pop’s BBQ, Venture Taco and Pete’s Pops, among many others. Booths will feature the unique works of area artists like the James Steeno Gallery, which specializes in one-of-a-kind graphics of local maps and landmarks, and Paloma Wilder, who specializes in personalized, permanent bracelets, anklets and necklaces that are welded in place.

As visitors enjoy live music at the north end in the early evening, 125 diners will gather at the south end at a long table set up in the middle of North Oakland Ave. for the magical Harvest Feast. This six-course dinner features distinctive dishes from local chefs, served up by friendly volunteers. Tickets for the dinner typically sell out within hours of becoming available.

“The Feast is a celebration of our community and all the amazing people and businesses that call Shorewood home,” says Village Trustee Arthur Ircink, an original founder of the Shorewood Feast. “We wanted there to be something for everyone, regardless of age or finances. The Feast has become so much more than just a dinner on the street. It’s the ultimate neighborhood block party!”

PRESENTED BY SHOREWOOD FOUNDATION