Garlic Fest
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
4:30 - 9:00 pm
Everts Park (111 North Avenue)
HIGHWOOD’S 14TH ANNUAL GARLIC FEST
GUARANTEED TO BE A STINKING GOOD TIME
August 13, 2025, 4:30-9:30 PM, Everts Park
The intoxicating scent of garlic and the promise of a stinking good time will once again bring the crowds back to Celebrate Highwood’s 14th annual Garlic Fest on Wednesday, August 13th from 4:30-9 PM in Everts Park (111 North Avenue). Held in conjunction with Highwood’s Evening Gourmet Market, this foodie fest showcases a plethora of dishes with the ever-popular taste (and scent) of garlic, with a garlic trivia contest, live music and plenty of family-friendly activities to entertain all evening long. Not to worry, there will be plenty of mints on hand!
Known for its culinary and medicinal purposes, attendees will have the opportunity to sample various garlic creations from out-of-the-ordinary garlic-infused chocolate, cookies, ice cream, fudge, and cocktails, to the classic, savory options like pizza, sandwiches, sauces and spreads, and vote for their favorite!
Celebrate Highwood’s smelliest event will recognize the beloved flavor of garlic with a competition for the best Sweet and Savory Garlic Creations in the People’s Choice and Judge’s Competitions. Attendees can cast their vote using the QR code ballot sponsored by Highland Park Bank & Trust/Bank of Highwood-Fort Sheridan until 7:30 PM, and the winner will be announced from the main stage at 8 PM.
In addition to garlic offerings, attendees can visit over 60 vendors to enjoy delicious food and drinks, local wares, and the great outdoors in a family festival setting.
The event would not be complete without live music from 6-9 PM, by Bill Pantle and the Tribute to Old Blue Eyes, featuring classic Sinatra, The Great American Songbook sponsored by Scotty’s on Sheridan.
Special thanks to the Celebrate Highwood Garlic Fest Sponsors: Highland Park Bank & Trust/Bank of Highwood-Fort Sheridan, LeafGuard, Leaf Home Enhancements, and Arbor Terrace Highland Park.
The 2025 Winners Are...
Garlic Fest Competitors
SWEET
Awesome Mini Donuts: mini honey garlic glazed donuts and garlic coconut glazed donuts
Boom Boom’s Bacon: garlic candied bacon (won past two years)
Garlic Underground: Garlic Infused Brownie, Garlic Chocolate Chip Cookie, Garlic Ice Cream Sandwich
Gina’s Little Kitchen: garlic churro
La casa de Isaac: churro sprinkled with granulated garlic and cinnamon sugar
SAVORY
Billy Bricks: Betty White pizza- roasted garlic and extra virgin olive oil, house blend cheese, topped with arugula, prosciutto and shaved parmesan
Culinary Gangster: garlic burger and garlic fries
Garlic Underground: garlic stuffed pretzel: black garlic goat cheese, caramelized garlic romano and monterey jack, caramelized garlic, jalapeno and cheddar and all come with dipping sauces, 3 kinds of garlic focaccias, garlic four cheese flat breads, garlic butters, fresh garlic, black garlic, smoked garlic, garlic hot sauces, garlic powders/salts, and black garlic popcorn
Goodstuff Eats: cherry smoked garlic shrimp skewer
La Casa de Isaac: chicken breast al mojo de ajo with guajillo sauce; Mexican Martini with Garlic Olives
La Plancha Loca: Garlic mahi mahi taco; garlic michelada
La union Supermarket: garlic shrimp taco with a cucumber pico and garlic chipotle mayo
Magic Crepes: Chicken Pesto Garlic Crepe
Polish Plate: Garlic infused dishes including Roasted garlic, Spinach and artichoke filled PIEROGI garnished with garlic butter, green onions and sour cream, also Roasted Garlic and cream cheese KOLACZKI drizzled with garlic infused honey
Toadstool: award winning garlic infused vodka bloody mary
Up in Smoke: garlic mashed potatoes
Wooden Nickel: garlic studded brisket and roasted garlic bbq sauce
Special thanks to the Celebrate Highwood Garlic Fest Sponsors: Highland Park Bank & Trust/Bank of Highwood-Fort Sheridan, LeafGuard, Leaf Home Enhancements, and Arbor Terrace Highland Park.
