Where to go & what to do.
General Festival Info
- Recommended donations are only $5 per adult! Proceeds from the fest go to the Gladstone Park Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund.
- PLEASE BRING CASH FOR THE ENTRANCE FEE AND DRINK TICKETS!!
- Kids under 12 are FREE with a parent/adult guardian!
- No outside alcohol is allowed.
- Bags and coolers are subject to search.
- Lineup & set times are subject to change without notice.
- Some vendors may accept credit and debit cards, cash, and mobile pay.
- The event goes on, rain or shine.
Days & Times
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026
4 PM – 10:30 PM
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026
11 AM – 8 PM
Meet Us on Milwaukee
Fest Overview
Who are the organizers of this event?
The Gladstone Park Chamber of Commerce and The Gladstone Park Neighborhood Association.
The Gladstone Park Chamber of Commerce is proudly celebrating our 34st year in 2025, and we look forward to the next 30+ years! While our goal is to foster a strong, local business environment, we know that without a strong community of individuals, families, schools, organizations, and government officials working together, economic stability is not possible. Plus, we aren’t all business, all the time . . . our social events are second to none. Join us! www.gladstoneparkchamber.com and Like us on Facebook.
The Gladstone Park Neighborhood Association was founded in 2014. We are a group of community-minded individuals with diverse backgrounds who enjoy staying informed about and giving back to our neighborhood. Our members are long-time and short-time residents of the area, parents, teachers, city employees, business leaders and more. We’re ready to step up to ensure that Gladstone Park remains a great neighborhood to live in, but we also need YOU to make it happen! The GPNA keeps the neighborhood informed about area developments through neighborhood meetings, social media sites, newsletters, etc. We have fun by organizing weekly events (Virtual Supper Club), monthly events like Thirsty Third Thursdays (in partnership with the Gladstone Park Chamber of Commerce) and seasonal events such as our Pub Crawl, Halloween Party and Christmas events! We assist with Throwback Music Fest through volunteering and event planning and co-host and volunteer for the Light Up Gladstone Park, our annual tree lighting ceremony at Chopin Plaza. As you can see, this Chicago neighborhood association is a very active group! Visit us on Facebook and the GPNA website!
Is this a family-friendly event?
Yes! There will be many activities for children including a full carnival experience. Other activities may include face painting, arts & crafts, bouncy houses, photo booths, and more! See Family Activities and Carnival pages for more information.
What kind of music is at the fest?
Short answer: all kinds! We have a mix of rock, pop, bluegrass, funk, and jazz. The cover bands will cover all the greatest hits in their signature styles. See the Event Schedule for more band info!
Event Days and Times
When is the Carnival?
The kid’s carnival runs throughout the weekend!
The Carnival will be TWO FULL BLOCKS! Big Rides and Small! Ride Cards will be available for ride credits or individual rides and there will also be various carnival game booths.
$35 Unlimited Rides Wristbands for rides will also be available! (wristbands are good for the day of purchase).
Friday: 5 PM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 12 PM – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 8 PM
Click to learn more here.
When is the Pet Parade?
Saturday at 12 PM. No registration or advance notice required!
Click to learn more here.
When is the Miss Throwback Pin-Up Contest?
The contest runs on Sunday at 12:30 PM, 3 PM, and 5:30 PM.
Click to learn more here.
When is the Classic Car Show?
Sunday at 11 AM and runs throughout the day.
Click to learn more here.
Fees & Expenses
How much is the entrance fee?
The recommended donation is $5 per adult (proceeds from the fest goes to the Gladstone Park Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund). You can learn more about the scholarship here. Kids under 12 are free with Parent/Adult Guardian!
PLEASE BRING CASH FOR THE ENTRANCE FEE AND DRINK TICKETS!!
Do you have weekend passes?
No, sorry.
Are there ATMs on site?
Yes!
How much are the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages?
We have a wide selection of beer, seltzers, and mixed drinks at the beverage tents. Soft drinks are available at food vendor tents and water will be available at the Gladstone Park Chamber tent. Alcoholic Beverage tickets are sold in $1.00 denominations.
Beverage Options and Prices:
Beer: $6
Wine and Other Drinks: $9-$12
Soft Drinks and Water: Available through food vendors at their prices.
Parking & Transportation
Are bicycles allowed?
Yes! But once inside the festival, bikes must be walked, not ridden.
Where can I park?
Street parking on Elston and on Milwaukee (North and South of the fest) is FREE. On Friday and Saturday before the car show, we suggest parking south of the fest on Milwaukee Ave.
What day/time does Milwaukee Avenue close?
Street Closures go into effect THURSDAY at 5:00AM and will remain closed until 5:00AM on Monday. Bus Service on Milwaukee avenue will be re-routed during the fest, and resume after the fest weekend.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION!
What is the Pulse Milwaukee Line and Route 270 detour schedule?
STARTS THURSDAY-RESUMES MONDAY
Due to the closure of Milwaukee between Austin and Elston in Chicago for the Throwback Music Festival, the Pulse Milwaukee Line and Route 270 will detour as follows: Milwaukee <–>Austin <–> Elston <–> Milwaukee
During this detour, the Pulse Milwaukee Line and Route 270 buses will operate express between Milwaukee/Austin and Milwaukee/Elston. Please allow additional travel time during this detour.
As northbound buses will be unable to serve the Pulse station at Milwaukee/Austin, northbound Pulse Milwaukee and Route 270 buses will stop upon request at the northeast corner of Milwaukee/Ardmore.
Things You Can Bring
- Bottled Water
- Lawn Chairs
- Dogs (must be leashed at all times)
- All bags and coolers are subject to search.
Please Leave These at Home
- No outside alcohol.
- No sun umbrellas.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Gladstone Park Chamber of Commerce
6348 N. Milwaukee Avenue, PMB 318
Chicago, Illinois 60646
(773) 756-6206
Message Sent!
HOURS OF THE FEST
Friday: 4 PM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 11 AM – 8 PM
Presented by:
Thank you to our sponsors!
