Dine, Dance, Rediscover Downtown at Rock the Block

Lake Zurich's ordinances have never allowed outdoor music.

But the Village Board changed that ordinance, clearing the way for Lake Zurich's first street dance, Rock the Block, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 14.

Trustees did some housekeeping Tuesday and amended several ordinances including one that prohibited outdoor music. Outdoor music will now be allowed as long as the music is at a reasonable volume level that does not unreasonably disturb others, according to the amendment. The village retains the sole discretion to determine whether music is too loud.

Other ordinances were tweaked. One village ordinance banned drinking alcohol on public property including streets and alleys. The board approved an amendment allowing alcohol consumption on public property at village sanctioned and approved outdoor events.

It is still illegal to drink alcohol on public property unless it’s a fest like Rock the Block. Lake Zurich is planning to amend other ordinances in the next few weeks to allow alcohol at private events in local parks.

Rock the Block is being held from 6 to 11 p.m. and is an all-ages street dance. 

The fest is the result of an effort by Lake Zurich Mayor Tom Poynton and the Village Trustees to bring more special events to the community, and in this case, specifically to the downtown Lake Zurich area. 

Proposed as a yearly event, the fest is an effort to show developers that if you build in downtown Lake Zurich, the residents will come there to patronize it.

Rock the Block entertainment lineup

Three bands will take the stage sponsored by Midwest Motors. The state will be set up a Church and Main Streets.

Headliners are Chicago's #1 80's cover band, 80's Enough, and Friction. 80's Enough performs at 6 p.m. Friction will play its brand of classic and current rock at 9 p.m. Pop artist Sly Rose will entertain the crowd between sets.

Admission to the event is free of charge, but it is also a fundraiser for St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church and attendees are encouraged to donate three non-perishable food items.

Lake Zurich restaurants, as well as food trucks, will be selling food and there will be a beer and wine tent run by local organizations.