By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (April 20, 2021) – The Village of Lansing has announced the 2021 Fox Pointe schedule of events and is planning to open — while following COVID-19 guidelines — on June 2.
Fox Pointe 2021 Events
After a successful first summer in 2019, Fox Pointe closed its gates last year as the COVID-19 pandemic prohibited large gatherings. The Village used the space last October and December for Halloween and Christmas events, but for little else.
This year, the venue will bring back some of 2019’s acts as well as some new performances. In addition to its regular Wednesday evening concerts, the venue will also host a “Blues, Brews & BBQ Fest,” a “Back to the 80s Fest,” L.A.C.E.’s annual Autumn Fest, and Halloween and Holiday events.
The full schedule of Fox Pointe events is listed below:
June 2 – Dick Diamond & the Dusters
June 9 – Southern Accents
June 16 – The Original Hazzard County Band
June 23 – LOUDERNOW
July 7 – Cadillac Groove
July 14 – Rico!
July 21 – Hello Weekend
July 28 – Northwest Indiana Symphony
August 3 – National Night Out, Lansing Police Department
August 4 – Maggie Speaks
August 18 – Hairbangers Ball
August 20-21 – Blues, Brews & BBQ Fest
August 25 – Mike & Joe
September 1 – Wedding Banned
September 10-11 – Back to the 80s Fest
September 15 – Anthem
September 24-26 – L.A.C.E. Autumn Fest
September 29 – ROSENGOLDEN
October 6 – One Of These Nights
October 30 – Halloween Spooktacular
October 31 – Fox Pointe Trick or Treat
December 4 – Holiday Tree Lighting
Capacity guidelines
Illinois is currently in Phase 4 of the state’s Restore Illinois reopening plan, meaning events like those planned at Fox Pointe this summer are allowed, though in a limited capacity. According to state guidelines, “festivals and general admission outdoor spectator events” are limited to a capacity of 15 people per 1,000 square feet.
According to Village Communication Director Ken Reynolds, that capacity number for the venue is equal to roughly 500 people.
However, if the state were to move to its “Bridge Phase” — an intermediate reopening phase between Phases 4 and 5 — the capacity restriction would increase to 30 people per 1,000 feet — about 1,000 people at Fox Pointe. Reynolds said the largest crowd in 2019 was over 2,000.
Over 77% of residents age 65 and older have been vaccinated in Illinois, more than the 70% required for the state to move to the Bridge Phase. However, “COVID-19-like-illness” hospital admissions in the state have been increasing in the last month, a trend that must reverse if Illinois is to move to the Bridge Phase.
Reynolds said Fox Pointe attendees who have their vaccination card will not be counted against the capacity limits, per state guidelines.
“As [the season] keeps going, that number [of vaccinated people] should get higher and higher, so that’s all good news,” he said.
No capacity limits will be enforced once Illinois reaches Phase 5.
Protocols and practices at Fox Pointe
Reynolds said the Village will operate Fox Pointe attendance on a “first come, first served” basis to avoid ticketing or online registration hassles. Only the main gate of the venue (at Henry and Lake Street) will be open for entry, and it will open at 6 p.m. for Wednesday night concerts.
Reynolds said masks will be required for entry into the venue and while moving throughout the space. However, once situated in a socially distant area, patrons can remove their masks.
“We are going to do everything we can to respectfully encourage people to keep their masks on unless they’re seated with the party that they’re with,” he said, adding that large clusters of people will be broken up by staff.
“We do need to do everything reasonable to keep people understanding that hey, we’re lucky to have this, and let’s try and keep doing things so that we can still have this,” Reynolds said.
Food and drinks
Fox Pointe will have a new, full kitchen when patrons arrive on June 2, along with a new caterer. Unlike the 2019 season when local businesses rotated through the venue as food providers, this year’s season will see only one caterer that will provide a set menu throughout the year. The caterer and menu have not yet been announced.
The previous ticket system for drinks is being scrapped in favor of a more traditional point-of-sale transaction. For both food and drinks, patrons will pay with cash or a credit card at the window.
For updates regarding Fox Pointe, visit foxpointe.org or follow Fox Pointe on Facebook. Fox Pointe is located at 18138 Henry Street, Lansing, IL.
Related
- Fox Pointe trick-or-treat hosts hundreds (October 31, 2020)
- Village officially cancels 2020 Fox Pointe concert and event season (August 4, 2020)
- Lessons learned through Lansing’s first year with Fox Pointe (January 4, 2020)
