Skokie’s Backlot Bash is a three day festival featuring live music, a carnival, a 5K Run, classic films, an auto show and more. Held in downtown Skokie, it debuted in 2007, but pays homage to times more than a century ago.

From 1907 to 1917, Chicago’s Essanay Film Manufacturing Company was one of the country’s biggest cinema studios. Then with wood-frame buildings, Skokie resembled an old prairie town, which made it a popular choice for shooting westerns. The Niles Center (now Skokie Theatre) showed movies shot just feet away. The Backlot Bash refers to Skokie’s heritage as a silent movie backlot.

Photo courtesy of Tributosaurus – Skokie Backlot Bash.

With more than 15 musical acts during the weekend, there is something for everyone. My favorite is always Tributosaurus, perhaps the most versatile and ambitious cover band. As Tributo morphs into every band, they recreate the sound and experience. Comprised of Chicago’s top musicians, Tributo has entertained fans since 2002. A perfect example of how good they are was Sunday, when they became The Allman Brothers Band. I don’t even like that band, but I still enjoyed Tributo’s performance.

The Skokie Heritage Museum was opened for one of the few times since the pandemic. Adjacent to the museum is a cabin built in 1847, believed to be the first log cabin built in Skokie. The history of these two buildings is amazing. I love the juxtaposition of the history with modern chaos of a festival.

No fest report is complete without mentioning food. I had mango botanas.  Translated to snack or appetizer, botanas can be a variety of dishes.  The mango botana I enjoyed was sweet, spicy and sour. Artistically cut in front of me, it was the size of a softball.

Of course, pizza is always on my fest menu. After sampling  a few slices from Manny’s Pizza, I decided I liked the 3 Veggie (portabella mushrooms, Sweet red peppers and spinach) best. Also excellent were the spinach, feta and tomato, chicken parmesan, mac and cheese and plain cheese. I guess I ate more pizza than I realized, but I enjoyed it all and have no regrets!

I have enjoyed Backlot Bash since its debut, but since moving to my condo, I enjoy it even more. Now, after meandering through the fest, sampling the food and playing a few games, I return home and enjoy the music from the comfort of my balcony, overlooking the whole scene.

— John Wroblewski, online writer