DOWNERS GROVE – Downtown Downers Grove will welcome thousands of people over the weekend as it plays host to the eighth annual Rotary GroveFest.

The countdown to the event, which Mayor Martin Tully has provided at the last several Village Council meetings, hits zero at 5 p.m. June 22 with a sneak peek of the carnival rides.

The entire festival begins June 23 and runs through June 25.

“We’ll have 20,000 people over the three days,” said Lisa Rasin, the festival’s chairwoman.

And there will be no shortage of activities for those who turn out for the event, which will be in the parking lot adjacent to the Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St.

Eleven bands will perform during the fest, including Sixteen Candles, 7th Heaven and American English.

Other stage acts, including the Pack Drumline and Dance Crew, Downers Grove Imagine Dance Team, McNulty Irish Dancers and the Versafied Dance Team, also will take the stage.

The fest runs from 5:30 to 10 p.m. June 22, noon to 11 p.m. June 23 and 24, and noon to 10:30 p.m. June 25.

There is a $5 cover charge for the entertainment area after 4:30 p.m. June 23 and 24 and after 3 p.m. June 25. The charge applies to individuals 16 and older.

Bands and stage acts are only some of the offerings at the Rotary GroveFest.

Carnival rides will be up and running from noon to 5 p.m. June 23 and 24 and noon to 10 p.m. on the final day of the event. Wristbands for one day of unlimited rides cost $25. Tickets for the wristbands can be purchased online at rotarygrovefest.com.

A beer garden is another highlight of the fest and will feature a variety of craft beers June 24.

Sixty businesses and restaurants will have booths at the festival, and a classic car show will be from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 25 on Warren Avenue.

“I’m so excited for all the food vendors that we have,” Rasin said.

Culinary selections include Mexican, Italian, Greek and Caribbean dishes, along with barbecue, seafood and a variety of desserts.

The event would not be possible without the support of hundreds of volunteers, Rasin said.

More than 300 volunteers are relied upon for all phases of the event, including setting up, working the beer tent and cleaning up, she said.

Proceeds from the event go to several nonprofit organizations in Downers Grove. Twenty-seven organizations benefited from last year’s fest, Rasin said.

“All the money we raise goes right back into the Downers Grove community,” she said. "It’s a true community event.”

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If you go

What: Rotary GroveFest

When: June 22 through 25

Where: Downtown Downers Grove

Cost: Carnival wristbands are $25; entertainment area and Beer Tent cover charge is $5

Info: rotarygrovefest.com