Bartlett Fest

This is one of the best festivals for kids. They don’t have the best rides. BUT, they do have rides that only little kids can ride. Taller than 30, shorter than 42. That’s cool!
And they carnival games pretty much guarantee you a prize if you have a young one in tow. That’s awesome in my book. This allows them to play without worrying about losing. Sure some people say that today’s kids are too coddled. But we don’t need to be spending $ 20 on some rigged game. That being said, I did spend $ 10 on the oval basketball hoop, but I made it in. What what. A 10 year old kid came up to me, congratulated me and shook my hand. haha awesome. Got a big bear for that.
I admit I was scared when I put my daughter in a ride all by herself. But now she’s a pro, next year will be great.
The food is good, although a little expensive. They have local bartlett restaurants come in, like north of the border, red mango, silver lake. But everything is way expensive, but that’s expected I guess.
Beer is $ 3 for mgd/​lite and $ 6 for other stuff.
The music is decent too. I wish they would do something about the smoking though. Have smoking areas. At least you can’t smoke in the ride/​game area, but some fool was smoking his cigar right in the food tent. Not the best smell while you are trying to eat, and certainly not something you want your kid inhaling. w/​e

Bartlett Fest has always been pretty cool — economically priced (free to get in!) — nice selection of food vendors, carnival type rides, and overall set-​up. If nothing more you are feeling the urge to ‘get out and walk around for a few hours’ in early July, this is something cool to do.
Usually runs about 4 – 5 days — usually July 1 – 5, or July 2−6^th depending how the holiday falls. Fireworks show is always on the night of July 4^th about 9:30 pm-​ish.
Parking isn’t too bad, I usually park in one of the surrounding neighborhoods and walk a bit. Jewel and even Home Depot (corner of Stearns and 59) allows parking — its a bit of a walk from Home Depot, but not bad at all on a nice evening. Just wear comfortable shoes (I made the mistake of wearing cowboy-​type boots a few occasions which aren’t meant for hours of walking or standing — my feet killed me afterwards).
My only «beef» is that Bartlett Fest never tends to bring in any bigger (or even older mediocre) acts. Nothing against the performers they hire, but they are usually locals or tribute acts — which are still cool. Again though, you aren’t paying a dime to technically come to the fest and walk around and sit for the bands, so to overly complain about this aspect would be unfair.
As I noted for other fests — especially because of free entry, you will see your share of hoodlums and trouble-​maker teens who have nothing better to do just walking around and loitering (okay sometimes they ride the rides and play games, too) :)
I would recommend. I don’t make it here every year, but I will be back next year. Nice fireworks display, too (and MUCH LESS hectic than say going to St. Charles Riverwalk fest to see the fireworks, or especially RibFest). All the fireworks displays are all about the same anyways, people :)
4 out of 5!

Normally I don’t care for festivals. They’re over priced and surrounded with people I’d rather not be around. However, I WILL go if my dad’s band is playing at one.
Case in point, I came to Bartlett fest to see my dad’s band play. After some cold beverages, I enjoyed myself and didn’t mind the crowds.
Bartlett fest is free, which is always great in my book. Certain places that charge $ 10+ per person (like a certain fest in my town) is redic. I’m sorry but people are more willing to spend their money on beer and food. Charging admission is lame. Thank you Bartlett fest for doing it right.
The bands were great and everyone had a blast. The food seemed decent (didn’t get any) and I saw tons of kids enjoying carnival rides. On site parking was well organized and we easily found a spot at 4:45
I definitely looking forward to future visits to Bartlett fest. Despite it being a bit of a drive for us, the casual and relaxed atmosphere (how a festival SHOULD be) is a welcomed change from any overpriced b.s. in Naperville, anyday.