After three years at Naperville’s Frontier Park, the Chicagoland Halal Fest will be moving to the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn this year, due to parking challenges.
The event, which celebrates Muslim food and culture, has attracted thousands of people since its launch in the summer of 2023. The decision to relocate it came early last year after organizers learned that the Neuqua Valley High School parking lot used for attendees would be unavailable due to construction.
“Without parking, it’s going to be impossible to host an event which was attended by over 22,000 people last year,” said Shafeek Abubaker, president of the Illinois Muslim Chamber of Commerce.
Parking and accessibility issues prompt search for a different location
Although the notice of construction finalized the event’s move, according to Abubaker, there had already been discussions among organizers about finding a new home for Halal Fest because of other traffic and accessibility issues at Frontier Park, particularly affecting seniors, those with disabilities, and pregnant women…