The summer is here and the calendar is wide open and waiting to be filled.
There are so many free, low-cost and fun things for families to do this summer, from concerts in the park to town festivals.
Here’s a handy guide to fun things to do this summer. Events are in Chicago’s suburbs in Illinois unless otherwise noted. Check websites for details and updates.
MAY
Chicago Gaelic Park Irish Fest: May 24-26. Chicago Gaelic Park, 6119 147th St., Oak Forest. $12-$18. www.chicagogaelicparkirishfest.org/.
Barrington Art Festival: May 25-26 at Cook and Station streets. Free admission. amdurproductions.com/event/barrington-art-festival-2019.
Mundelein Concerts in the Park: May 26-Aug. 18. Kracklauer Park, 100 N. Seymour Ave. Free admission. mundelein.org/calendar/month/2019-05.
Sandwich Music in the Park Summer Concert Series: Wednesdays May 29-Aug. 28. Veterans Park, 151 E. Railroad St. Free admission. facebook.com/events/1078672652323776.
Hobart Concerts in the Park: Thursdays May 30-Aug. 29. Festival Park, 111 E. Old Ridge Road, Hobart, Indiana. Free admission. cityofhobart.org/index.aspx?NID=201.
Oak Park Thursday Night Out: Thursdays May 30-Aug. 29. At 119 N. Marion St. Free admission. thursdaynightout.com.
Taste of Wheaton: May 30 to June 2. Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave. Free admission. wheatonparkdistrict.com/events/taste.
Gilberts Community Days Festival: May 31 to June 2. Town Square Park, between Jackson Street and Rollyn L. Anderson Lane. Free admission; $2 wristband to drink alcohol. gilbertscommunitydays.com.
Highland Park’s Bitter Jester Music Festival: May 31; June 5, 12 and 19; July 4. June dates at Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave. July 4 at 1080 Park Ave. W. Free admission. bitterjesterfoundation.org/bitter-jester-music-festival-info.
La Grange Carnival: May 31-June 2. Harris Avenue between La Grange Road and Ashland Avenue. Free admission; ride specials are $25-$30. lgba.chambermaster.com/events/details/2019-la-grange-carnival-6808.
JUNE
Antioch’s Native American Arts and Crafts Sale: June 1. Antioch Township Center, 1625 Deep Lake Road. Free admission. antiochtownshipil.gov/events.
WellBatavia Festival: June 1. The Woonerf, North River Street between Wilson and Spring streets. Free admission. facebook.com/events/291466411714532.
Grayslake’s 7th annual Craft Beer Fest: June 1. Downtown Grayslake, 33 S. Whitney St. $35-$65; $10 for designated drivers. grayslakebeerfest.com.
Hobart Hometown Country Jam: June 1. Brickie Bowl, 705 E. 4th St., Hobart, Indiana. $29-$69. hometowncountryjam.com/info.
Michigan City’s Jammin with Save the Dunes: June 1. Guy Foreman Amphitheater at Washington Park, 115 Lake Shore Drive, Michigan City, Indiana. $20. facebook.com/events/244397463100017.
Oak Brook Fine Arts Fest: June 1-2. 3800 York Road. Free admission. grauemill.org/specialevents.htm.
Ray Bradbury’s Dandelion Wine Fine Arts Festival in Waukegan: June 1. Bowen Park, 1800 N. Sheridan Road. Free admission. waukeganparks.org/dandelion/.
Wilmette Wine Walk: June 1. The Bottle Shop, 1148 Central Ave. $40-$50. wilmettekenilworth.com/2019/04/07/wilmette-wine-walk.
Yorkville Bluegrass Music Festival: June 1. Lyon Farm, 7935 Illinois 71. $20; children under 12 free. nibaweb.org.
Fox Valley Mid-American Canoe and Kayak Race: June 2. McCullough Park, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora. $25-$95 per paddler; free afterparty. foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/event/58th-annual-mid-american-canoe-kayak-race.
Lake Villa Concerts in the Park: Wednesdays June 5-Aug. 7. Various parks in Lake Villa. Free admission. lindenhurstparks.org/site/epage/163626_538.htm.
Franklin Park Fest: June 6-9. Tower Park, Calwagner Street at Franklin Avenue. Free admission. facebook.com/events/2524199424280143.
Hobart Movies in the Park: Thursdays June 6-Aug. 1. Festival Park, 111 E. Old Ridge Road, Hobart, Indiana. Free admission. cityofhobart.org/index.aspx?NID=201.
Lincolnwood Thursday Night Concert Series: Thursdays June 6 to July 18. Proesel Park, 7055 N. Kostner Ave. Free admission. lincolnwoodil.org/download/2019-Summer-Brochure_SummerConcertSeries.pdf.
Carpentersville Concerts in the Park: Fridays June 7-Aug. 9. Various parks in Carpentersville, East Dundee and West Dundee. Free admission. dtpd.org/concerts-in-the-park.
Crown Point Corn Roast: June 7 to 8. Bulldog Park, 183 S. West St., Crown Point, Indiana. Free admission. facebook.com/events/1081637222009432.
Hessville’s Live in the Ville: June 7-8. Martha Street and Kennedy Avenue, Hessville, Indiana. Free admission. hc3hessville.org/litv.html.
Homewood Artisan Street Fair: June 7-8. Ridge Road and Hickory Road. Free admission. homewoodfair.net/.
Arlington Heights Promenade of Art: June 8-9. 121 W. Campbell St. Free admission. amdurproductions.com/event/promenade-of-art-arlington-heights-2019.
Hinsdale Fine Arts Festival: June 8-9. Burlington Park, 30 E. Chicago Ave. Free admission. www.hinsdalechamber.com/events/details/hinsdale-fine-arts-festival-2019-6754.
Mundelein Craft Beer Festival: June 8. Village Hall Plaza, 205 N. Archer Ave. $40-$45; $15 for designated driver. facebook.com/events/332656177357692.
Tri-City Craft Brew Festival: June 8. Lincoln Park, 450 W. Main St., St. Charles. $15-$65. facebook.com/TriCityBrewFest.
Western Springs Gathering on the Green: June 8. Tower Green, 916 Hillgrove Ave. Free admission. westernspringsbusiness.com.
Aurora Pride Parade: June 9. South River Street between West Galena Blvd. and West Downer Place. Free admission. aurorapride.org.
Taste of Waukegan Fest: June 9. Belvidere Mall, 2401 Belvidere St. facebook.com/events/1365455263597050.
Celebrate Schererville Festival: June 12-16. Peter G. Redar Park, 217 Gregory St., Schererville, Indiana. Free admission. schererville.org/events/celebrate-schererville-festival-61219.
Winnetka Wednesdays in the Woods Concert Series: Wednesdays June 12-Aug. 21. Hubbard Woods Park, 939 Green Bay Road. Free admission. winpark.org/venue/hubbard-woods-park.
Evanston Thursday Night Live Concert Series: Thursdays June 13 to Aug. 22. Fountain Square Plaza, 700 Davis St. Free admission. downtownevanston.org/thursday-night-live.
Wicker Memorial Park Summer Thursday Night Concert Series: Selected June 13-Sept. 5. Wicker Park Social Center Gazebo, 8554 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, Indiana. $7. wickermemorialpark.com/summer-events.
Libertyville Days Festival: June 13-16. Libertyville Civic Center, 135 W. Church St. Free admission. libciviccenter.org/libertyville-days.
Oswego PrairieFest: June 13-16. PrairieFest Park, 91 Plank Drive. Free admission. Prairiefest.com.
Blues on the Fox: June 14-15. RiverEdge Park, 360 N Broadway, Aurora. $10-$20. riveredgeaurora.com/events/blues-on-the-fox-2019.
Burr Ridge Concerts on the Green: Thursdays June 14-Aug. 23. Village Center Green, County Line Road and Burr Ridge Parkway. Free admission. www.burr-ridge.gov/events/concerts-on-the-green.
Clarendon Hills Daisy Days: June 14-15. 1 N. Prospect Ave. Free admission. clarendonhillschamber.com/daisy-days-festival.
Elgin Ribfest: June 14-16. Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave. $5. elginribfest.com.
Scottish Festival and Highland Games: June 14-15. Hamilton Lakes, 333 Pierce Road, Itasca. $9-$35. scottishfestivalchicago.org.
Round Lake Beach Family Fun Fridays: June 14-Aug. 9. Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center, 2007 N. Civic Center Way. Free admission. rlbciviccenter.com/family-fun-fridays.html.
Sugar Grove Groovin’ in the Grove Concert Series: June 14, July 12, Aug. 9 and Sept. 13. Behind the Sugar Grove Library, 125 Municipal Drive. Free admission. townshipofsugargrove.com/news-posts/groovin-in-the-grove-2.
Zion’s Nostalgia Days: June 14-15. Sheridan Road between 31st and 25th streets. Free admission. nostalgiadays.com.
Alsip FunFest: June 15. Aquatic Park, 11930 S. Kostner Ave. Free admission. alsipparks.org.
Antioch Arts and Crafts Faire and Wizards Weekend Day: June 15. 882 Main St. Free admission; some activities have fees. antiochchamber.org/pages/arts-and-crafts.
Crown Beer Fest: June 15. Lake County Fair Grounds, 889 S. Court St., Crown Point, Indiana. $25-$80. crownbeerfest.com.
Aurora Juneteenth Emancipation Celebration: June 15. Martin Luther King Park, Farnsworth Avenue and Grand Blvd. Free admission. aamou.org/eventcalendar.
Evanston’s Custer Fair: June 15-16. Chicago Avenue and Main Street to Washington Street. Free admission. custerfair.com.
Morton Grove’s Sizzle Into Summer: June 15. Harrer Park, 6200 W. Dempster. Free admission. facebook.com/events/329043201133599.
Oak Park’s Uncork Illinois Wine Festival: June 15. On Marion Street between Lake Street and North Boulevard. $20 in advance, $25 at door. downtownoakpark.net/signature-event/uncorkil.
Dyer Summer Concert Series: Tuesdays June 18-Aug. 6; no concert July 2. Pheasant Hills Park, 2301 Hart St. Aug. 6 concert at Central Park, 942-213th St., Dyer. Free admission. townofdyer.net/edc/Departments/ParksRecreation/ParkEvents.aspx.
Geneva’s Swedish Days: June 18-23. Third Street, downtown Geneva. Free admission. genevachamber.com/swedish_days.php.
Key West Fest at Blarney Island: June 20-23. Blarney Island, 27843 W. Grass Lake Road, Antioch. Free admission. blarneyisland.com.
Rotary GroveFest: June 20-23. Main Street from the railroad tracks south to Curtiss Street, Downers Grove. Free admission-$5. rotarygrovefest.com.
River Forest’s Keystone Park Party: June 20. Keystone Park, 400 Keystone Ave. River Forest. Free admission. rfparks.com/events/party-in-the-park.
Arlington Height’s Movie in the Park: See “Ralph Breaks the Internet” on June 21. Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St. Free admission. ahpd.org/events/movie-in-the-park-june.
Taste of Joliet: June 21-23. Joliet Memorial Stadium, 3000 W. Jefferson St. $5-$16, kids under 11 free. www.tasteofjoliet.com.
Long Grove Strawberry Fest: June 21-23. longgrove.org/festivals/strawberry-festival.
Niles Concerts in the Park: Fridays June 21-July 26. Oak Park, Main and Ottawa streets. Free admission. niles-parks.org/programs-index/126-programs-summer/187-concerts-in-the-park.
Winnetka Music Festival: June 21 to 22. Elm Street between the west and east side of Green Bay Road. Free admission Friday; $25-$150. winnetkamusicfestival.com.
Yorkville Summer Solstice Festival: June 21-22. Yorkville Riverfront Park, 301 E. Hydraulic St. Free admission; $5 for a wristband to drink alcohol. facebook.com/SummerSolsticeYorkville.
Evanston’s Fountain Square Artisan SummerFest: June 22 to 23. 1700 Sherman St. $5. facebook.com/events/1031181173755888.
Grayslake Arts Festival and Wine Tasting: June 22. Whitney Street in downtown Grayslake. Free admssion. business.grayslakechamber.com/events/details/24th-annual-arts-festival-annual-wine-tasting-802.
Highland Park Festival of the Fine Arts: June 22-23. Sheridan Road and Central Avenue. $5. cms6.revize.com/revize/highlandparkil/resident/city_sponsored_events/index.php
Gorton’s Annual Dog Day: June 22. Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. $5 per dog. gortoncenter.org/event/dog-day-2019.
Naperville Woman’s Club Fine Art Fair: June 22-23. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St. Free admission. napervillewomansclub.org/art-fair.
North Shore Art League’s Art in the Village: June 22 to 23. Hubbard Woods Park, 939 Green Bay Road, Winnetka. Free admission. villageofwinnetka.org/events/north-shore-art-leagues-art-in-the-village.
Arlington Heights Garden Walk & Unique Boutique: June 23. Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St. $10-$15. ahgardenclub.com/events.
Northwest Indiana Food Truck Festival: June 23. Central Park Plaza, 68 Lafayette St., Valparaiso, Indiana. $5. facebook.com/events/827149177665878.
Highwood Inferno Fest: June 26. Everts Park, 130 Highwood Ave. Free admission. celebratehighwood.org/inferno-fest.
Yorkville’s Wine’d Down Wednesdays: June 26 and July 31. Town Square, 301 N. Bridge St. Free admission; $5 for souvenir glass and one tasting plus $1 each additional taste. yorkville.il.us/587/Wined-Down-Wednesday.
Beach Fest: June 27-30. Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center, 2007 N. Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach. Free admission. rlbciviccenter.com/beachfest.html.
Best of Countryside Carnival: June 27-30. City Park, 6050 S. Ashland Ave. Free admission. countrysidechamber.org/best-of-countryside-carnival-2019.
Gurnee Sounds of Summer Concert Series: June 27, July 11, Aug. 1, Sept. 5. Viking Park Bandshell, 4374 Old Grand Ave. Free admission. gurneeparkdistrict.com/events/23501/sounds-of-summer.
Oak Brook Concerts in the Park: Thursdays June 27 to Aug. 1. 1500 Forest Gate Road. Free admission. obparks.org/special-events/summer-concert-series.
Wauconda Fest: June 27-30. Cook Park, 600 N. Main St. Free admission. waucondaparks.org/wauconda-fest.
Oak Park’s Uncorked: June 28, July 26, Aug. 23, Sept. 27. Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St. $15-$18. pdop.org/parks-facilities/oak-park-conservatory/uncorked.
Glenview Summer Fest: June 29. Adjacent to Jackman Park, Lehigh Avenue between Glenview Road and Washington Street. Free admission. business.glenviewchamber.com/events/details/summer-fest-06-30-2019-7470.
Valparaiso Art Festival: June 29-30. Indiana Avenue and Lafayette Street, Valparaiso, Indiana. Free admission. valparaisoevents.com/events/valparaiso-art-festival.
Cantigny Dog Days: June 29. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Free admission with $10 parking fee. cantigny.org/event/dog-days.
Arlington Heights Renaissance Faire Family Day: June 30. Arlington Park, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. $4-$10. arlingtonpark.com/events/renaissance-faire-family-day.
JULY
Arlington Heights Frontier Days: July 3-7. Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St. Free admission. frontierdays.org.
Cedar Lake Summerfest: July 3-7. Downtown Cedar Lake, 138th Place and Constitution Ave., Cedar Lake, Indiana. Free admission with $5 parking. cedarlakesummerfest.com.
Morton Grove Days: July 3 to 6. Morton Grove Harrer Park/Civic Center, 6140 Dempster St. Free admission. mortongrovedays.org.
Naperville Ribfest: July 3-6. Knock Park, 724 S. West St. $5-$250. ribfest.net.
Taste of Oak Brook: July 3. Oak Brook Polo Field, 700 Oak Brook Road. Free admission, parking $10. 630-368-5096.
Oak Fest: July 3-7. 159th Street and Central Avenue, Oak Forest. Free admission; $5 parking. oakfest.com.
Lisle Eyes to the Skies: July 4-6. Lisle Community Park, 1825 Short St. $10. eyestotheskies.org.
Mundelein Community Days: July 4-7. Kracklauer Park, 100 N. Seymour Ave. Free admission. mundelein.org/mcd/node/33.
Fox Valley Pro Rodeo: July 5-6. Kendall County Fairgrounds, 10826 Illinois 71, Yorkville. $10-$12. eventsprout.com/event/2019-fox-valley-pro-rodeo.
Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival: July 6 to 7. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. Free admission with parking fee of $30. chicagobotanic.org/artfestival.
Norridge’s Island in the City Festival: July 11 to 14. Norridge Park District, 4631 N. Overhill Ave. Free admission. islandinthecity.com.
Palos Hills Friendship Fest: July 11-14. Moraine Valley Community College campus, 9000 College Pkwy. Free admission. paloshillsweb.org.
Taste of Park Ridge: July 11 to 13. Uptown Park Ridge, Summit Avenue between Touhy and Prospect avenues. Free admission. tasteofparkridge.com.
Arlington Heights Irish Fest: July 12-13. Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Freemont St. $5; $3 for kids 3-14 on July 14; free for under 3. ahmuseum.org/irishfest/.
Arlington Heights Movie in the Park: See “Incredibles 2” on July 12. Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St. Free admission. ahpd.org/events/movie-in-the-park-july.
Uncork Barrington: July 12. Barrington Metra Commuter Parking Lot, Station and Spring streets. $50-$90; $25 for designated drivers. uncorkbarrington.com.
Batavia Windmill City Fest: July 12-14. Downtown Batavia at the Riverwalk, 327 W. Wilson St. Free admission. windmillcityfest.org.
La Grange Craft Fair: July 12-14. On La Grange Road from Cossitt to Burlington and on Harris Avenue from La Grange to Ashland. Free admission. lgba.chambermaster.com/events/details/2019-la-grange-craft-fair-242.
Yorkville Riverfest: July 12-13, Bicentennial Riverfront Park, 301 E. Hydraulic St. Free admission. yorkville.il.us/579/Yorkville-River-Fest.
Barrington Brew Fest: July 13. South lot of the Union Pacific Metra Station, 201 S. Spring St. $40-$80; $20 for designated drivers. barringtonbrewfest.com.
Frankfort Blues Festival: July 13-14 at downtown Frankfort. Free admission. frankfortbluegrassfest.com.
NWI Pride Fest: July 13. Lincoln Center, 2450 Lincoln St., Highland, Indiana. Free admission. facebook.com/events/809517726056685.
Naperville Summer Ale Fest: July 13. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St. $49-$99. napervillealefest.com.
Taste of Evanston: July 14. Charles Gates Dawes House, 225 Greenwood St. $80-$90 for adults; $40-$45 ages 12-21; $10-$15 child under 12. tasteofevanston.org.
Hammond Festival of the Lakes: July 17-21. Wolf Lake Park, 2924 S. Calumet Ave., Hammond, Indiana. Free admission. festivalofthelakes.com.
Antioch Taste of Summer: July 18-21. Downtown Antioch, on Orchard and Skidmore near the Bandshell. Free admission. antiochchamber.org/pages/taste-of-summer.
Highwood Days and North Shore Taco Fest: July 18-21. Highwood Metra Station, 317 Green Bay Road. Free admission. celebratehighwood.org/highwood-days-north-shore-taco-fest.
River Forest Constitution Park Party: July 18. Constitution Park, 7715 Greenfield St. Free admission. rfparks.com/events/constitution-park-party.
Vernon Hills Summer Celebration: July 18-21. Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Pkwy. Free admission. Summercel.com.
Valparaiso Summer Concert Series: Thursdays July 18-Aug. 29. The Porter Health Amphitheater in Central Park Plaza, 68 Lafayette St., Valparaiso, Indiana. Free admission. valparaisoevents.com/events/summer-concert-series.
Lions Club Alpine Fest: July 19-21. Lion Fred Blau Park, 81 E. Main St., Lake Zurich. Free admission. LZLions.com.
Batavia’s Cocktails in the Park: July 20. Appleton Park, 100 N. Island Ave. $30. facebook.com/events/477067272821901.
Lake Zurich’s Arts at the Lake: July 20-21. Paulus Park, 200 South Rand Road. Free admission. dwevents.org.
Valparaiso Wine Festival: July 20. Central Park Plaza, 68 Lafayette St., Valparaiso, Indiana. $17-$85. valparaisoevents.com/events/valparaiso-wine-festival.
RidgeFest: July 25-28. Freedom Park, 6252 Birmingham St., Chicago Ridge. $5-$10; July 28 free to residents. chicagoridge.org.
Lincolnwood Fest: July 25-28. Proesel Park, 6915 Kostner Ave. Free admission. lincolnwoodfest.com/.
Sugar Grove Corn Boil: July 25-28. Volunteer Park, 31 S. Main St. Grove. Free admission. sugargrovecornboil.org.
Cantigny’s McCormick Day: July 25. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road. Free admission. cantigny.org/event/mccormick-day-2018.
Schererville Corn Roast: July 26. Peter G. Redar Park, 1722 S. Park Ave., Schererville, Indiana. $6 for all you can eat corn plus pop or water. facebook.com/events/246859089600809.
Valparaiso Festival of Magic: July 26-28. Aftermath Cidery and Winery, 15 N. Washington St., Valparaiso, Indiana. $15. facebook.com/events/316718675674013.
Pierogi Fest: July 26-28. 119th St., Whiting, Indiana. Free admission. pierogifest.net.
Glencoe Festival of Art: July 27 to 28. Downtown Glencoe, Green Bay Road and Park Avenue. Free admission. amdurproductions.com/event/glencoe-festival-of-art.
Glenview Summer Art Fair: July 27 to 28. Lyons School, 1335 Waukegan Road. Free admission. glenviewartleague.org/coming-events/summer-art-fair.
Northbrook Days: July 31 to Aug. 4. Village Green Park, 1311 Shermer Road, Northbrook. Free admission. northbrookdays.com.
AUGUST
Hampshire Coon Creek County Days: Aug. 1-4. Veteran’s Park, State Street and Allen Road. Free admission. hcccd.com.
Great Lakes Grand Prix: Aug. 1-4. Washington Park Beach, 115 Lake Shore Drive, Michigan City, Indiana. Free admission. greatlakesgrandprix.com.
Odd Fellows Rock The Fox Music Fest: Aug. 2-4. Carpenter Park, 351 Carpenter Blvd., Carpentersville. Free admission. facebook.com/Oddfellows-Rock-The-Fox-Music-Fest-1742384632643580.
East Chicago’s Fusic Fest: Aug. 2-4. Jeorse Park Beach, 3301 Aldis Ave., East Chicago, Indiana. Free admission. evensi.us/fusic-fest-jeorse-park-beach/284560161.
North Aurora Days: Aug. 2-4. Clock Tower Plaza, 19 S. Randall Road. Free admission. northauroradays.org.
La Grange Endless Summerfest: Aug. 2-4. Gordon Park, Ogden Ave. and Tilden Ave. Free admission. lagrangefest.com.
North Chicago Community Days: Aug. 2-4. 1730 Lewis Ave. Free admission. facebook.com/communitydays/.
Aurora’s Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks: Aug. 3. RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora. Free admission. facebook.com/events/394350111416010.
Chesterton Art Fair: Aug. 3-4. Dogwood Park, 23rd St. and County Road 1100 North, Chesterton, Indiana. $5-$7. chestertonart.com/art-fair/.
Glenview’s Art at the Glen: Aug. 3-4. The Glen Town Center, 2030 Tower Drive. Free admission. amdurproductions.com/event/art-at-the-glen-2019.
Libertyville Festival of the Arts: Aug. 3-4. Cook Park, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave. Free admission. adlercenter.org/attend/festival-of-the-arts.
Taste of Orland Park: Aug. 3-5 at Orland Park Village Center, Orland Park. Free admission. orlandpark.org.
South Elgin World of Faeries Festival: Aug. 3-4. Vasa Park, 35W217 Route 31. $8-$15. theworldoffaeries.com.
Valpo Corn Roast Fest: Aug. 3. Central Park Plaza, 68 Lafayette St., Valparaiso, Indiana. $20-$25; kids 10 and under free. facebook.com/events/544850349315724.
Lake Zurich’s Taste of the Towns: Aug. 4. Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road. Free admission. business.lzacc.com/events/details/taste-of-the-towns-paulus-park-12687.
Valparaiso Hot Air Balloon Fest: Aug. 4. Sunset Hill Farm County Park, 775 Meridian Road, Valparaiso, Indiana. $5-$20. facebook.com/events/286988075307633.
Arlington Heights’ National Night Out: Aug. 6. North School Park, East Eastman Street and North Evergreen Street, Arlington Heights. Free admission. ahpd.org/events/national-night-out.
Oak Park’s Art dans la Rue: Aug. 6. Marion Street, between Lake and North Blvd. Free admission. downtownoakpark.net/signature-event/art-dans-la-rue.
Gurnee Days — Hooray for Hollywood: Aug. 8-11. Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave. Free admission. gurneedays.com.
Lindenfest: Aug. 8-11. Village Hall Center, 2301 E. Sand Lake Road, Lindenhurst. Free admission. facebook.com/LindenfestInc.
DeMotte’s Touch of Dutch Festival: Aug. 9-10. Spencer Park, 112 Carnation St. SE, DeMotte, Indiana. Free admission. demottechamber.org/touch-of-dutch.
Montgomery Fest: Aug. 9-11. Montgomery Park, River and Mill Streets. Free admission. ci.montgomery.il.us/186/Montgomery-Fest.
Highland’s Pints in the Park: Aug. 10. Wicker Park Social Center Gazebo, 8554 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, Indiana. $20-$65. facebook.com/events/505550019971913.
Lincolnshire Art Festival: Aug. 10-11. Village Green, Milwaukee Avenue and Olde Half Day Road. Free admission. amdurproductions.com/event/lincolnshire-art-festival-2019.
Cantigny’s French Connection Day: Aug. 11. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Free admission with $10 parking fee. cantigny.org/event/french-connection-day.
Hobart LakeFront Festival: Aug. 15-18. Festival Park, 111 E. Old Ridge Road, Hobart, Indiana. Free admission. cityofhobart.org/index.aspx?NID=201.
Oktoberfest in August in Buffalo Grove: Aug. 16-18. Schwaben Center, 301 N. Weiland Road. $10. oktoberfestinaugust.com.
Evanston Art and Big Fork Festival: Aug. 16 to 18. 800 Church St. Free admission. amdurproductions.com/event/evanston-art-big-fork-festival-2019.
Grayslake Summer Days: Aug. 16-17. Whitney Street Festival Site, 35 S. Whitney St. Free admission. grayslakechamber.com.
Sandwich Party in the Park: Aug. 16. Sandwich Park District, 1001 N. Latham Road, Sandwich. Free admission. facebook.com/events/1215762845251876.
South Elgin RiverFest Express: Aug. 16-19. Panton Mill Park, 10 N. Water St. Free admission. riverfestexpress.net.
Beach Park Fest: Aug. 17. Founders Park, 10385 W. Beach Road. Free admission. villageofbeachpark.com/news-events/village-calendar/eventdetail/21243/-/beach-park-fest.
Lubeznik Art Festival in Michigan City: Aug. 17-18. Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W. 2nd St., Michigan City, Indiana. $5. lubeznikcenter.org/Special_Events/art_fest.html.
Oak Park Micro Brew Review: Aug. 17. Marion Street, Oak Park. $55-$90. sevengenerationsahead.org/oak-park-micro-brew-review.
Prairie Magic Music Festival: Aug. 17. Sunset Hill Farm County Park, 775 Meridian Road, Valparaiso, Indiana. $10-$30. portercountyparks.org/prairie.
Skokie’s Backlot Bash: Aug. 23 to 25. Downtown Skokie, Oakton Street and Lincoln Ave. Free admission. backlotbash.com.
Grayslake Color Aloft Balloon Festival: Aug. 24. Central Park, 250 Library Lane. Free admission. business.grayslakechamber.com/events/details/6th-annual-color-aloft-balloon-festival-694.
Port Clinton Art Festival: Aug. 24-25. 600 Central Ave., Highland Park. $5. amdurproductions.com/event/port-clinton-art-festival-2019.
Kouts’ Aukiki River Festival: Aug. 24-25. Collier Lodge, 1097 S. Baum’s Bridge Road, Kouts, Indiana. $5, free ages 12 and under. kankakeevalleyhistoricalsociety.org/?page_id=136.
Evanston Community Picnic: Aug. 25. Ingraham Park, west of the Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave. cityofevanston.org/government/departments/parks-recreation-community-services/festivals.
Arlington Heights Walk in the Park Art Fair: Aug. 25. North School Park, East Eastman Street and North Evergreen St. Free admission. ahpd.org/events/walk-in-the-park.
Buffalo Grove Days: Aug. 28-Sept. 2. Mike Rylko Park, 951 McHenry Road. Free admission. bgdays.com.
Yorkville Hometown Days: Aug. 29-Sept. 1. Beecher Community Park, 908 Game Farm Road. $2. yorkville.il.us/459/Hometown-Days-Festival.
Frankfort Fall Festival: Aug. 30 to Sept. 2 in downtown Frankfort. Free admission. frankfortchamber.com.
Last Fling Naperville: Aug. 30-Sept. 2. Main Street and Jackson Avenue along the Riverwalk. Admission prices to be announced. lastfling.org.
Aurora Alley Art Festival: Aug. 31. Water Street Mall, 44 E. Downer Place. Free admission. facebook.com/events/373468573437796.
Long Grove Irish Days: Aug. 31-Sept. 2. Long Grove Fountain Square, 228 Robert Parker Coffin Road. Free admission. longgrove.org/festivals/irish-days/.
Zion Jubilee Days: Aug. 31-Sept. 2. Downtown Zion. Free admission. zionjubileedays.com.
SEPTEMBER
Taste of Batavia Block Party: Sept. 1. North River Street and the Riverwalk. Free admission. facebook.com/events/block-party-taste-of-batavia-classic-car-cruise-in-2019/2239916639607647/.
Fox Valley Folk Festival: Sept. 1-2. Island Park 2 IL-25, Geneva. $15-$25; free 12 and under. facebook.com/events/271604673790512.
Sandwich Fair: Sept. 4-8. Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road, Sandwich. $6-$10. sandwichfair.com.
Graylake’s Bourbon and Beer Fest: Sept. 7. The Vine — Martini and Wine Bar, 101 Center St. $25-$50; $20 for designated drivers. bnbfest.com.
La Grange’s West End Arts Festival: Sept. 7-8. Stone Avenue Metra Station along Burlington Avenue between Brainard Ave. and Waiola Ave. Free admission. lgba.chambermaster.com/events/details/2019-west-end-arts-festival-12556.
Lake Zurich Rock the Block: Sept. 7. Main Street from Church Street to Old Rand. Free admission. Lakezurich.org /450/Rock-the-Block.
Mundelein Arts Festival: Sept. 7-8. Kracklauer Park, 100 N. Seymour Ave. Free admission. mundeleincommunityconnection.org/art-festival-general-information.html.
Oak Brook Fine Arts Festival: Sept. 7-8. 100 Oakbrook Center. Free admission. amdurproductions.com/event/fine-art-festival-oak-brook/.
Cantigny’s Revolutionary War Reenactment and Grand Encampment: Sept. 7. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Free admission with $10 parking. cantigny.org/event/revolutionary-war-reenactment-2018-09-09/2019-09-07.
Valparaiso Popcorn Festival: Sept. 7. Central Park Plaza, 68 Lafayette St., Valparaiso, Indiana. Free admission. valparaisoevents.com/events/valparaiso-popcorn-festival.
Evanston Streets Alive and Green Living Festival: Sept. 8. Main Street from Florence to Chicago Avenue. Free admission. cityofevanston.org/government/departments/parks-recreation-community-services/programs-events/festivals-events/streets-alive.
Highland Food Truck Festival: Sept. 8. Wicker Memorial Park, 8554 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, Indiana. $3. facebook.com/events/353106548602771.
Evanston’s ‘Kits, ‘Cats and Kids Block Party: Sept. 12. Downtown Evanston, Sherman Avenue at Davis Street. Free admission; first 200 hot gos are free. cityofevanston.org/government/departments/parks-recreation-community-services/festivals.
Elmhurst Craft Beer Festival: Sept. 14. Elmhurst History Museum Grounds, 120 E. Park Ave. $50-$65. elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com.
Forest Park Rib Fest: Sept. 14. Forest Park Picnic Grove, 7824 Madison St. Free admission. facebook.com/events/653921638384340.
Bacon Festival Portage: Sept. 14. Founders Square Park, 6300 Founders Square, Portage, Indiana. Free admission. baconfestportage.com.
Long Grove Apple Fest: Sept. 20-22. Downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Road. $5; kids 12 and under free. longgrove.org/festivals/apple-fest.
Oaktoberfest: Sept. 20-21. North Marion Street, Oak Brook. Free admission. downtownoakpark.net.
