In 1958, a group of Buffalo Grove neighbors got together for an end-of-summer barbecue.

More than 50 years later, that barbecue has transformed into the village’s largest annual celebration, Buffalo Grove Days, which runs from Sept. 1 through Labor Day.

(Photos: Last year’s Buffalo Grove Days)

The all-volunteer organized event kicks off Thursday when the carnival rides, food and beer tents open at 6 p.m. Bingo will also be played.

For the carnival, the Wacky Mouse will return as the family rollercoaster, while older kids can ride the Freak Out. Classics like the Himalaya, Tilt-a-Whirl, Gravitron and the Ferris wheel will return as well.

On Friday, the Buffalo Grove Jazz Band will take the main stage, followed by Mike and Joe, an alternative rock cover band.

The weekend is stuffed with a bevy of events for the family. An arts and craft fair and business fair will take place Saturday through Monday.

The BBQ Challenge marks Saturday’s events. Starting at 11 a.m., amateur barbecue chefs will be lighting the grills and entering their eats in five categories: burgers, ribs, poultry, pulled pork and steaks/chops.

Celebrity judges from local restaurants and businesses will give out awards for best of show and people’s choice. Spectators can sample the food for the people’s choice award by purchasing a ballot for $5 each, with proceeds going to charity.

Ventriloquists, Hawaiian dancers, a baseball exhibition game, face painting and dance troupe performances will take place during the day

New this year is BG Palooza, which gathers performances by up-and-coming local bands and artists that will pepper the main stage throughout the day.

Trippin Billies, a Dave Matthews tribute band will take the stage just before Infinity, a Journey/REO Speedwagon tribute band.

Sunday kicks off with the Buffalo Grove Stampede, a 5K and 10K run and walk that winds its way through portions of the village.

The parade then kicks off at 1 p.m. at Bernard and Regent Drives, proceeding east on Bernard Drive to Raupp Boulevard, turning north to St. Mary’s Parkway.

From 2 to 7 p.m., entertainers will be walking the grounds, including stilt-walkers, balloon artists, magicians, mimes, clowns and Austin Powers. Festival-goers can also watch McNulty Irish dancers, a juggling show and several dance performances.

Gone2Paradise, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, will perform on the main stage. On the Rotary Village Green, BMR4 — a Chicago jazz band — will perform before the fireworks, which will be visible from the main stage, Village Green, Willow Stream Park and the Buffalo Grove golf course.

On Monday, a special program for people with disabilities and their immediate families that includes carnival rides, lunch and entertainment will take place from 10 a.m. to noon.

Festival hours are from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday, from 5 to midnight Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 midnight Saturday and Sunday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday. Festival grounds spread from just west of Raupp Boulevard and Lake-Cook Road near village hall up to Church Road at Buffalo Grove Road.

Go to bgdays.com for details.