Carpentersville's Music Fest Revival: What's New and What's Not

Carpentersville is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to revive Jamboree Days, a beloved music festival that hasn't been seen since the late '90s. This isn't just any old music fest; it's a chance to bring back a piece of the village's history. Back in the day, Jamboree Days was a five-day extravaganza featuring big-name acts like Chubby Checker and Loverboy, along with food, games, and a carnival. The plan is to bring back the music focus, with a lineup that's still in the works. The village board has already given the green light for the festival's return in 2026, along with a list of other events. This means no more separate approval processes for these events, making things a bit smoother. The village is also introducing some new events, like the Spooky Sprint/Haunted Happenings, which includes a costume run and trunk or treat. But not everything is coming back. El Grito, the Mexican Independence Day celebration, won't be a village-organized event next year. The decision to step back from El Grito wasn't easy. The village took pride in hosting the event, especially this past year when other communities canceled theirs. But with two big festivals back-to-back, it was a lot for the staff to handle. That's why the village is open to supporting El Grito in other ways, like providing resources or assistance. As for Jamboree Days, the village is keeping an open mind about the music. They're not limiting themselves to any one genre, which could mean a more diverse lineup. But will the festival be able to recapture the magic of its heyday? Only time will tell. One thing's for sure, though: Carpentersville is serious about bringing back the good times.