Carnival | St. Helen Chicago

A Community Tradition

For 20 years, the St. Helen Carnival has marked the unofficial start of fall and a new school year in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village — four unforgettable days filled with flashing lights, live music, laughter, neighborhood traditions, and memories that span generations.

What began as a simple community fundraiser has become a beloved annual tradition where old friends reunite, kids race toward the rides with tickets in hand, grandparents share stories of carnivals past, and the sounds of summer fill the parish grounds long after the sun goes down.

Hosted in the heart of the neighborhood, the St. Helen Carnival continues to bring together families, alumni, neighbors, and friends for great food, cold drinks, live entertainment, and the kind of community spirit that only grows stronger with time.

As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary, we honor the countless volunteers, families, and supporters who have helped make this event such a special part of the Chicago community.

Our community event is free and open to the public, and every food, beverage, and Mega Pass purchase directly supports the students of St. Helen School, helping us continue to provide an excellent and accessible education for families of all backgrounds.

Whether you’ve been coming for twenty years or this will be your very first Carnival, we invite you to make new memories, relive old ones, and celebrate this milestone year with us.

Can't make it to the big festivities but want to support St. Helen School? Consider making a donation.

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Carnival Photo Gallery

Carnival Pictures

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Sponsorship Info

Four Days of Family Fun

Carnival Rides

Music Lineup

Friday

September 25, 2026

Kick Off the Weekend

The lights come on Friday night with live music, cold drinks, carnival rides, and the energy that starts it all. Our Friday entertainment lineup drops soon!

Live music under the lights

Beer garden & food favorites

Carnival rides all evening

Opening night energy

Carnival Gates Open at 5pm

Saturday

September 26, 2026

The Main

Event

Saturday brings the biggest crowds, the loudest singalongs, and a full day of carnival fun. We’re finalizing an amazing lineup you won’t want to miss.

All-day entertainment

Crowd-favorite bands

Family activities

Summer festival atmosphere

Carnival Gates Open at 12pm