Festival season is upon us in the Chicago suburbs. Find a celebration near you — or plan a weekend road trip — using our 2017 guide to summer fun.
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 22-24: Apple Fest Downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove; admission is $5; free for kids under 12 and for everyone from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sept. 22 and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 23-24. Enjoy apple popcorn, apple lattes and other treats at the 26th annual fest. The bash also features music on three stages and kids activities including an apple pie-eating contest.
Sept. 23-24: Art in the Barn Grounds of Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, 450 W. Highway 22, Barrington; admission is $5, free for children under age 12; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This 43rd annual fest brings together 175 artists to raise money for the hospital. The event also features a children’s art tent and petting zoo.
Sept. 23-24: Starving Artists Show 431 Sheridan Road, Highwood; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Say goodbye to summer and get some great art at great prices. Up to 120 juried artists from around the world will sell off their extra art inventory.
And in case you missed out on some festivals this season, here’s a recap so you can plan for next year:
May 19-21: Chocolate Fest 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is $5, children younger than 12 are free. Call 847-634-0888. Food vendors offer creations ranging from the unique hamburger with chocolate barbecue sauce and chocolate beer, to classics such as chocolate cake and fudge.
May 20-21: Skokie Festival of Cultures Oakton Park, 4701 Oakton St., Skokie; for more information call 847-674-1500, ext. 2715. Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; admission is free. Dozens of cultural booths over two days of ethnic folk music and dance, a wide range of food, unique arts and crafts and a merchandise marketplace. At least 36 cultures from around the world will be featured. The festival kicks off Friday with an International Short Film Festival.
May 26-29: Chicago Gaelic Park Irish Fest 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest; May 26 open at 4:15, May 27 at 2:15 p.m. and at 1:15 p.m. May 28-29; $15 per person per day; four-day passes are available. Headliners this year include the Prodigals, the Fenians, Larry Nugent, Larkin & Moran Brothers, Makem and Spain Brothers and Socks in the Frying Pan. Other scheduled events include a red hair and freckle contest, Irish theater, Gaelic football match, a bonnie baby contest, Irish dog exposition, Connemara ponies and Sunday Mass. Unlimited carnival rides are included in the admission price.
May 26-27: Red, White & Bar-B-Q Ty Warner Park, 700 Blackhawk Dr., Westmont; 4-10:30 p.m. May 26, noon-10:30 p.m. May 27 and noon-9 p.m. May 28. The Westmont Lions Club’s event features a barbecue festival and competition.
May 27-28: Barrington Art Festival Cook and Station Streets, Barrington; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. The annual fest showcases the work of more than 130 juried artists. The event also offers a graffiti wall, food vendors and live music.
May 27-28: Prairie Arts Festival Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center, 101 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; free admission. More than 120 painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers and potters will sell their wares at the event, which also features three stages of entertainment, a food truck court and kids activities.
May 31-June 4: Orland Days 151st Street Metra Station, Orland Park; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. May 31-June 1; 5 p.m.-midnight June 2; noon-midnight June 3; noon-9 p.m. June 4. The Orland Park Lions Club hosts five days of live entertainment, including Infinity, Heartache Tonight, Blooze Brothers, the Wannabes, Big Dog Mercer, Four ‘C’ Notes and Matt, Zack & Tom. The parade steps off along West Avenue.
June 1-4: Taste of Wheaton Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton. Thursday 6-9:30 p.m., Friday 5:30-10 p.m., Saturday 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday noon-6 p.m. Entertainment, carnival, craft fair, food, beer and wine garden and climbing wall.
June 2-3: Two Brothers Summer Festival RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora; Friday 5:30 p.m.; Saturday 4 p.m. Admission $25 pre-sale tickets, $30 regular price per day. Craft beer and music festival featuring Blind Pilot, Saint Motel.
June 2-3: La Grange Carnival Harris Street between La Grange Road and Ashland Avenue, downtown La Grange. 5-10 p.m. June 2, noon-10 p.m. June 3 and noon-9 p.m. June 4, Features rides, games of skill, live music, food and old-fashioned fun.
June 3: La Grange Pet Parade Cossitt Ave. and La Grange Road, La Grange. 9:30-11:30 a.m.
June 3: North Shore Pride Fest Everts Park, 130 Highwood Ave., Highwood. The fifth annual North Shore Pride Fest includes a Pride Family Picnic from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., followed by a Taste the Rainbow Pub Crawl throughout participating downtown Highwood restaurants and bars from 5 p.m.-1 a.m.
June 3: Ray Bradbury Dandelion Wine Fine Arts Festival Bowen Park, 1800 N. Sheridan Road, Waukegan; 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; free admission; call 847-360-4700 for more information; features artists showing, demonstrating and selling their work; live music, dramatic performances, storytelling; community art project and drum circle.
June 3-4: Buffalo Grove Art Festival Buffalo Grove Town Center, Lake Cook Road and Route 83, Buffalo Grove; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; free admission. Rated among the top 100 art festivals in the country, the 16th annual features juried artwork, music, kids activities and food vendors.
June 3-4: Deerfield Festival of the Arts Park Avenue across Deerfield Road from Whole Foods, 760 Waukegan Road, Deerfield; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The fest features more than 120 juried artists, live music, kid-friendly art activities and food. Admission and parking are free.
June 3-4: Fine Arts Festival Graue Mill and Museum, 3800 York Road, Oak Brook. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. More than 40 artists will sell a variety of art for the home and garden.
June 4: 5th Annual Lamb’s Farm Champion Car Show Lambs Farm, 14245 West Rockland Road, Libertyville. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission.
June 4: Mid American Canoe and Kayak Race McCullough Park, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora; 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost for race participants: $25 per paddler starting from Mount St. Mary Park in St. Charles, $20 per paddler starting from Batavia VFW. Free for spectators. For more information call 630-859-8606. The biggest paddling race in the Midwest has races starting at 9 a.m. from Mount St. Mary Park in St. Charles and at 10:30 a.m. at the Batavia VFW. Registration deadline is May 31. Boat rentals are available. The wrap-up event features food, music, prize drawings, vendor booths and the awards ceremony.
June 8-10: Franklin Park Fest Featuring Railroad Day Franklin Avenue and Calwagner Street, Franklin Park; 5-10:30 p.m. June 8, noon-10:30 p.m. June 9-10; free admission; Fest celebrating Franklin Park’s 125th anniversary features a beer and wine garden, picnic area, daily carnival and live entertainment. Visitors can walk on a collection of vintage and specialty train cars, see train memorabilia and go on a mini train ride for kids at Railroad Day train viewing, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 10.
June 8-11: Festival of the Fox Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave., St. Charles; hours vary by event; admission is free; for more information call 630-402-1919 or 630-802-8824. Dragon Boats: 630-474-1275. The fest begins at 7 p.m. June 8 with a concert by Gregory Hyde Band in Lincoln Park, 450 W. Main St. Special Needs Family Day will be held from 4-7 p.m. at Pottawatomie Park, followed by St. Charles Day/St. Charles in Bloom! Contest from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 10 at Baker Memorial Park, at Main Street and North 5th Avenue. Concluding the festival is two full days of dragon boat racing, a 2,500-year-old Chinese sport that involves 20 team members paddling in unison to a drummer’s beat on a dragon boat. The races will be from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 10-11 in Pottawatomie Park.
June 9: Summer Kick-Off Celebration Bensenville Water Park, 1100 W. Wood St., Bensenville; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Free admission. DJ, games, prizes, movie, sand castle and hula-hoop contests, lifeguard safety demonstrations and relay races.
June 10-11: Redhead Days; Everts Park, 130 Highwood Ave., Highwood; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; free admission; for more information call 847-433-2100; any person or creature (within reason) with red hair is invited to participate in photo shoots, a parade and other events; ginger drinks featured, and a vote for favorite carrot cake.
June 10-11: Hinsdale Fine Arts Festival Burlington Park, 30 E. Chicago Ave., Hinsdale; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Over 125 artists are participating in the 44th annual show.
June 10-11: Promenade of Art Vail and Campbell Streets, Arlington Heights; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; admission is free. Shop work from more than 110 artists and enjoy live music, a photo booth, art bingo, a graffiti wall and food and drinks.
June 15-18: Old Canal Days Downtown Lockport; 2 p.m.-midnight June 15; 4 p.m.-midnight June 16; 10 a.m.-midnight June 17; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 18; admission is free; call 815-407-1819, x201 for more information. The parade steps off at 6 p.m. June 16 along State Street. Live music and a carnival are also featured. The fest opens June 14 for people with disabilities and their immediate family members ride the carnival free from 2 to 5 p.m. Register in advance.
June 15-18: Libertyville Days Festival Downtown Libertyville; 5-11 p.m. June 15, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. June 16 and 17; 1-6 p.m. June 18. Features live music, a beer garden, crafts, a carnival, food, a parade and more.
June 16-17: Blues on the Fox RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora; Friday 7 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m. Admission $10 per day presale until May 31; $20 per day starting June 1. For more information call 630-896-6666.
June 16-17: Barrington Country Garden & Antique Faire Barrington High School, 616 W. Main St.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Shop to raise money for the Hands of Hope Foundation at the 17th annual event. $45-$55; $80 tickets get you in at 8:30 a.m. Friday.
June 16-17: Scottish Festival & Highland Games Hamilton Lakes, 1 Pierce Road, Itasca; 1-10 p.m. June 16 and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. June 17. Cost varies; for more information call 708-447-5092. A children’s area offers games and a chance to make Celtic crafts, and visitors can meet the dog breeds of Scotland. Families can learn about the various clans, research Scottish heritage and watch the “Parade of Tartans.” Food vendors offer Scottish and American fare, and entertainment includes Celtic rock and local bands, piping and drumming and the Highland Dance competition. Other contests include haggis eating and haggis hurling, a men in kilts competition, a shortbread contest, rugby tournament along with a variety of heavy athletics that test strength and accuracy.
June 16-17: Daisy Days Prospect Avenue, downtown Clarendon Hills; includes carnival rides, face painting, ice cream booths, fair games, and music.
June 16-18: Porky’s Rib Fest Toyota Park, 7000 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview; children 5 and under are free, ticket packages vary; 5-10 p.m. June 16; 2-11 p.m. June 17; 1-10 p.m. June 18; features live music, carnival rides and bar-be-que vendors from around the country.
June 16-18: Elgin Ribfest Festival Park in Elgin, 132 South Grove Ave.; Friday 5-11 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday noon-7 p.m. Admission $5, children under 10 are free.
June 17-18: Custer Fair 600 Main St., Evanston; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. This two-day event showcases more than 300 local and regional artists, 30 food vendors and three entertainment stages.
June 20-25: Swedish Days Downtown Geneva at 3rd and State Streets; admission is free; for more information call 630-232-6060. Swedish Days, A Midsommar Festival, in its 68th year, offers a week full of family friendly activities in downtown Geneva. Along with free entertainment every day, special events include the annual parade, Kid’s Day, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a carnival, the 5K Lopp race, the Granquist Music Competition and Sweden Vast — an area of the festival dedicated to all things Swedish. Food booths offer a variety of items, some available only during the fest. In addition, many local merchants offer some of their best deals of the year.
June 22-25: Rotary Grove Fest Main and Curtiss Streets, downtown Downers Grove; 5:30-10 p.m. June 22, noon-1 p.m. June 23, noon-11 p.m. June 24 and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (Festival of Cars) and noon-10:30 p.m. June 25. Food and business expo, midway, carnival and performances by local and regional musical talents.
June 22-24: Windy City Warbirds and Classics, 3821 Karl Madsen Dr., St. Charles; 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 22, and June 23, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 24. Three-day access is $5 per person and kids under 12 and veterans with an ID are free. There will be a candy drop from an RC plane for kids around noon Friday and Saturday.
June 22-25: SJC Fest St. John of the Cross Parish, 5005 S. Wolf Road, Western Springs. 5-10:30 p.m. June 22, 5 p.m.-midnight June 23, 2 p.m.-midnight June 24, noon-7 p.m. June 25. The fest features carnival rides, food, drinks and live music. Music headliners are Chicago Tribute Anthology, 7:30-10 p.m. June 22; Maggie Speaks, 8-11 p.m. June 23; The Breakfast Club, 8-11 p.m. June 24; and the Tony Ocean Show, 5:30-7:30 p.m. June 25.
June 22-25: Wauconda Fest Cook Park, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda; The annual celebration features a car show, craft show, 5K and 10K races, a bags tournament, a wine and cheese tasting, live music and more. $3.
June 23-24: Winnetka Music Festival 800 Elm St., Winnetka; 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m; admission is free. Showcases touring artists performing throughout the community. Music acts include Wild Belle, the Emmet Cohen Trio, Logan Brill and Heather Maloney, Jess Godwin, Manny Torres and Ehtan Butler. Craft beer and wine will be served.
June 23-25: Taste of Joliet Joliet Memorial Stadium, 3000 W. Jefferson St, Joliet; noon to midnight June 23-24; noon-5 p.m. June 25; $10 in advance, $15 at the gate for all three days. Some of the headlining acts include Kansas, .38 Special and Survivor. There will be over 25 food vendors. At scheduled times, the kid zone features inflatables, face painting and a balloon artist. Unlimited carnival midway rides from 1-5 p.m. all three days for $25, or $60 for unlimited rides the entire festival open to close.
June 23-25: Strawberry Fest; 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. June 23, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. June 24 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 25; $5 per person, free preview from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. June 23. Children younger than 12 free; call 847-634-0888 for more information; Strawberry Fest returns to Long Grove after a hiatus last year. Food items range from classic strawberry desserts to prime rib sandwiches smothered in strawberry salsa.
June 24: 71st Annual Northwest Indiana Soapbox Derby; Greenwich Avenue to Morgan Street, Valparaiso, Ind.; 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; free admission; Rain or shine, the race is hosted by American Legion Post 94. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic basket.
June 24: Eat, Shop & Rock: A Celebration of the ’60s, ’70s and the Beatles Hohman Avenue and Williams Street, Hammond, Ind.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; free admission; the Downtown Hammond Council presents live music, shopping and vendors.
June 24-25: Art in the Village Hubbard Woods Park, 939 Green Bay Road, Winnetka; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. More than 70 juried national artists will exhibit their works.
June 24-25: Evanston Chamber Artisan Summerfest Sherman Avenue between Davis and Clark streets, Evanston; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Formerly the Fountain Square Art Festival; 100 juried artists will display their diverse array of traditional and recycled works. A Craft Beer and Wine Tasting will be held from 2-6 p.m. both days. $5 suggested donation per family at the gate. Tasting tickets are $25.
June 28-July 2: Lisle Eyes to the Skies Hot Air Balloon Festival Lisle Community Park, 1825 Short St., Lisle; carnival only June 28-29, Performers include, July 1: Fortunate Sons, 5-6:15 p.m.; Infinity, 6:45-8:15 p.m.; Foghat, 8:45-9:45 p.m. and 10-10:20 p.m.; July 2: Junes got the cash, 4:30-5:45 p.m.; 979, 5:30-6:45 p.m.; Kashmir, 7:15-8:45 p.m.; Rod Tuff Curls, 9:15-9:45 p.m. and 10-11 p.m. Admission is $10, cash only at the gate. Tethered balloon rides are $20.
June 29-July 4: Oak Fest 159th & Central Ave., Oak Forest; 6 p.m.-midnight June 29, 30, July 1; 3 p.m.-midnight July 2; 11 a.m.-midnight July 3; and 3-10 p.m. July 4. Admission is free. Special needs children ride the carnival free from 2 to 3 p.m. July 1 when accompanied by an adult. The carnival mega pass for unlimited rides all days all hours cost $60 in advance or $75 at the gate. Also, buy $20 in food and receive $10 in free drinks when purchased in advance.
June 30-July 2: Griffith Broad Street Blues & BBQ Fest; Central Park, 600 N. Broad St., Griffith, Ind.; 5 p.m.-11 p.m. June 30 and 1-11 p.m. July 1-2; free admission. Featured performers include Terry Lee Goffee as Johnny Cash and Shawn Klush as Elvis at 9 p.m. June 30 followed by nonstop down-home Blues all-day July 1-2 including Eddie Clearwater and Bobby Rush.
June 30-July 3: Naperville Ribfest Knoch Park, 724 South West St. Naperville; noon-10 p.m.; Performers include, June 30, Toby Keith, Colt Ford, Drew Baldridge; July 1, The B-52s, A Flock of Seagulls; July 2, Shinedown, Collective Soul; July 3, The Wallflowers, Better Than Ezra. Admission to a Family Fun Area, noon-3 p.m. daily, is $15, free to kids 11 and under; $30 bracelet unlimited carnival rides; $75 bracelet, unlimited carnival rides for the four-day festival. Free family activities include a petting zoo and inflatables.
June 30-July 3: Mundelein Days Various locations in Mundelein. Friday noon-11 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 7 a.m.-11 p.m., Monday noon-9:30 p.m. Musical performances, food, car show, carnival, parade, fireworks, activities for kids and adults.
June 30-July 3: FitzGerald’s 36th Annual American Music Festival FitzGerald’s Nightclub, 6615 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. The festival, also hosted by 93XRT and Miller Lite, features more than 50 music acts from Chicago and around the country.
June 30-July 4: Frontier Days Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St., Arlington Heights; admission is free; 4:30-11:30 p.m. June 30, 4:30-12:30 a.m. July 1, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 a.m. July 2-3 and 12:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. July 4. Music acts Jefferson Starship, Gin Blossoms, Hoobastank, Rick Springfield, American English and more provide entertainment on two stages at the annual bash, which features a parade, carnival and craft marketplace.
June 30-July 4: Hometown Fest Community Park, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. 1 p.m.-midnight June 30, 11 a.m.-midnight July 1, noon-10 p.m. July 2, noon-midnight July 3 and noon-5 p.m. July 4. The Fourth of July celebration features food vendors, a parade, a carnival, a business expo, fireworks, a bags tournament and kids activities.
June 30-July 4: Cedar Lake Summer Fest; Cedar Lake Town Complex, 7408 Constitution Ave., Cedar Lake, Ind.; Hours: 2-11:30 p.m. June 30; noon-11:30 p.m. July 1; 7 a.m.-11:30 p.m. July 2; 5 -11:30 p.m. July 3; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. July 4. Free admission, parking is $5. Cedar Lake celebrates Independence Day with five days of live entertainment, amusement rides, contests, bingo and a beer garden. The car show is at 11 a.m., and the boat parade is at 6 p.m. July 2.
July 1-2: Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival Garden Esplanade, 100 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; free admission, parking rates will apply; call 847-926-4300 for more information; Patrons can observe interactive art demonstrations and meet the artists while viewing the Garden’s displays, such as the native prairie or the Japanese waterfall garden. Children can participate in free activities including drawing on the graffiti wall, coloring and having a go at the spinning wheel. Nonmembers pay a separate parking fee of $25-$30 per vehicle to enter the Garden.
July 1-4: Morton Grove Days American Legion Memorial Civic Center, 6140 Dempster St., Morton Grove; 4-11 p.m. July 1, 2-11 p.m. July 2, 2-11 p.m. July 3 and 2:30-11 p.m July 4. Carnival rides and games, food, a beer garden, live entertainment, children’s activities, 4th of July Parade and a 4th of July Fireworks Show.
July 2: Good Vibes Music Fest RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora; 3 p.m. Admission $39 pre-sale general admission.
July 3-4: Naval Station Great Lakes Fourth of July Festival; Historic Ross Field, Route 137 (Sheridan Road), Great Lakes; 3-10 p.m. both days; admission is free; call 847-688-5591 for more information; one of the region’s biggest Fourth of July fireworks celebrations; includes national, regional and local bands; roving performers; carnival rides and games; festival food; a kids’ zone; and indoor rock wall. Fireworks will take place on both days around 9:30 p.m.
July 4: Mokena Fire Protection District’s 100th anniversary Metra parking lot, 11040 McGovney St., Mokena; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will feature over 30 vehicles in a touch-a-truck, face painting, and a balloon artist.
July 6-9: Railroad Days Pioneer Park, 479 W. Forest Ave., West Chicago; music, 5K run/walk, carnival, fireworks and parade. Free admission.
July 6-9: Island in the City Festival Norridge Community Park, 4631 N. Overhill., Harwood Heights; 5-10 p.m. Thursday, 5-11 p.m. Friday, 1-11 p.m. Saturday and 1-10 p.m. Sunday; free admission. Live entertainment, food vendors and carnival rides. Music acts include Avenge 7X; 7th Heaven, Stacy Mitchhart, Infinity, Hinge, The Sugar Country, Who’s Next, Eliminator, Whiskey’s Gone Band, Hannah Anders, Augusta Ray and Matz Brothers.
July 6-9: Lake in the Hills Rockin’ Rib Fest Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills; 4:30-11 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday; $5 admission for ages 13 and up, ages 12 and under are free but must be accompanied by an adult. The fest features food, live music, a car show and a BBQ Cook-Off. Bands performing include Libido Funk Circus, Hello Weekend and 7th Heaven.
July 6-9: St. Louise De Marillac Summerfest 1144 Harrison Ave., La Grange Park; 7-10 p.m., Thursday; 6:15-7:30 p.m. and 8-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday; 2:30-5:30 Sunday; carnival rides, local food vendors and musical acts Wild Daisy, The Millennials, The Lounge Puppets, Hot LZ, Anthem and The Sylvies. Unlimited carnival ride special $25.00 per person 5-9 p.m. Thursday and 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Unlimited ride mega pass $55 (pre-sale) for all four days; $65 at the gate.
July 7-9: Antique Farm & Tractor Show Lake County Fairgrounds, Crown Point, Ind.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 7-9; cost is $5 and kids under 15 are free with paid adult. South Lake County Agricultural Historical Society presents its 33rd annual Antique Farm and Tractor Show themed “Harvesting the Past, Planting the Future.” Special events include a parade and an antique tractor pull.
July 8: Venetian Night/Christmas in July; Hammond Marina, 701 Casino Drive, Hammond, Ind.; 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; free admission; includes a bake sale, car and motorcycle show, games for children, a concert and fireworks.
July 8-9: Hungarian Gulyás Festival Norridge United Hungarian Church of Christ, 8260 W. Foster Ave., Norridge; tickets are $20 a day, $30 for two days, and $5 for children 6-12, available at the door. Featured at the festival is a large sampling of the Hungarian kitchen which includes the bottomless gloulash pot, mititei, crêpes, kürtöskalács (rolled sweet dough) and lángos (elephant ears), as well as traditional Hungarian music and contemporary tunes, folkloric dances, arts and crafts, Hungarian crafts, and a children’s activity center. Join the competition in the Gulyas Cook-Off.
July 8-9: North Shore Art Market Westfield Old Orchard Mall, 4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; admission is free. Features works by more than 100 juried artists in a variety of mediums, live music and local food.
July 13-15: Taste of Park Ridge along Summit Avenue between Prospect and Touhy avenues, Park Ridge; 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. July 13, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. July 14 and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. July 15; music acts include Kashmir (Led Zeppelin tribute band), R. Gang, 7th Heaven, Ginger Road and 16 Candles. Free Family Fun Zone events in Hodges Park, 101 S. Courtland Ave., Park Ridge; kiddie rides.
July 13-16: Best of Countryside Carnival 2017 City Park, 61st Street and Ashland Avenue, Countryside; 5-10 p.m. July 13, 4-11 p.m. July 14, noon-11 p.m. July 15, noon-10 p.m. July 16. Day pass for amusement rides is $25. Performers include: Evil Burrito, July 13; The Redmonds and Reckless, July 14; Battle of the Bands and ARRA, July 15; Scott Allen Band and Timeless, July 16.
July 13-16: Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel 1101 N. 23rd Ave., Melrose Park. The 124th annual event features Italian food, friendly vendors, family games, rides for children, live entertainment all four nights, car show, dog rescue event and much more. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. with the procession through the streets of Melrose Park featuring the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Italian sodalities and family candle. All are welcome.
July 13-16: Vernon Hills Summer Celebration Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Pkwy., Vernon Hills. The fest includes food, drinks, a carnival, car show, kids activities, a bags tourney, live music including Toad the Wet Sprocket and The Verve Pipe on July 15, Mike & Joe and Hello Weekend.
July 13-16: Taste of Westmont Downtown Westmont on Cass Avenue; festival features rides, downtown business specials, food, live entertainment, raffles, theme nights and kids activities.
July 14-15: Irish Fest Arlington Heights Historical Museum, Euclid and Vail, Arlington Heights; 5-11 p.m. July 14 and 4-11 p.m. July 15; admission is $5 adults, children 14 and younger are free on Friday; $5 adults, $3 children ages 3-14 and children younger than 3 are free on Saturday. The fest offers music, food, Irish dancers and kids activities.
July 14-16: Big Greek Food Fest of Niles Holy Taxiarhai and St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, 7373 Caldwell Ave., Niles; 5 p.m.-midnight Friday, 3 p.m.-midnight Saturday and Sunday; free admission. Featuring authentic Greek food and pastries, children’s activities, festival dancers and cooking classes. Free parking, shuttle bus from area parking lots available.
July 15: 20th annual Sand Sculpture Contest; Indiana Dunes State Park, 1600 N. 25 E., Chesterton, Ind.; 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $7 in-state daily; $9 out-of-state; sculpture judging begins after 11:30 a.m. during this annual contest. The public can vote for a People’s Choice Award.
July 15-16: Art in the Park; Village Green Park, 1810 Walters Ave., Northbrook; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; free admission; This festival features juried artists and takes place underneath the branching oak trees in a Northbrook park. Visitors can walk a paved pathway to meet the artists, chat with them and view their work in a variety of media. Visitors can listen to live music, buy food and participate in a variety of free activities.
July 15-16: La Grange Craft Fair La Grange Road from Cossitt to Odgen and on Harris Avenue from La Grange to Ashland, La Grange; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. July 15 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 16; free admission. The 42nd annual event features nearly 200 artisans from throughout the Midwest showcasing one-of-a-kind handcrafted items.
July 15-16: World Arts and Music Festival Dawes Park, Sheridan Road at Church Street, Evanston; noon-7 p.m. July 15-16; free admission. Formerly the Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival, a two-day celebration of diversity with art displays, crafts activities, cuisine and live music.
July 16: Caribbean Block Party Oak Park Avenue from 171st to Hickory streets, Tinley Park; Noon to 7 p.m. Free admission; free entertainment, including live bands, inflatables, bean bag tournaments, a classic car show and a carnival. Though outdoors, the block party is not pet-friendly.
July 19-23: Festival of the Lakes Wolf Lake Memorial Park Pavilion, 2324 Calumet Ave., Hammond, Ind.; 5-11 p.m. July 19-20; 4-11 p.m. July 21; 7 a.m.-11 p.m. July 22; 9 a.m.-11 p.m. July 23; admission is free, parking is $25; features daily free concerts, Fishing Derby and Polka Party, fair rides, games and food vendors.
July 20-23: Kane County Fair Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Rd., St. Charles; additional information will be made public closer to the Fair’s opening.
July 20-23: Lincolnwood Fest Proesel Park, 6900 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincolnwood. The festival includes food, live music and entertainment, carnival rides, children’s activities, classic car show, beer and wine garden, business expo and much more.
July 20-23: Highwood Days/North Shore Taco Fest Everts Park, 130 Highwood Ave., Highwood; free admission. Highwood Days features carnival rides, live music, and a veritable taste of Highwood. The accompanying Taco Fest brings together the region’s best taco purveyors.
July 20-Aug. 6: The Pop-Up: A Valparaiso Art Experience Downtown Valparaiso, Ind.; free admission; Valparaiso Events and The Enclave Project sponsor this 18-day event that features visual and performing arts. Each venue is a voting station allowing viewers to help select the winner of the Popular Vote Award.
July 21-23: Lions Club Alpine Fest Lion Fred Blau Park, 81 E. Main St., Lake Zurich. The fest features carnival rides, games, food, family events and entertainment. The final day of the festival includes the Alpine Fest Parade down Main Street.
July 26-30: Lake County Fair Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 East Peterson Rd., Grayslake; Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-midnight, Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Main gate ticket sales open at 8:00am daily; livestock barns open Wednesday through Saturday 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Sunday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Expo Hall open Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Midway rides and games open at Noon daily.
July 26-30: DuPage County Fair DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Rd., Wheaton; for ticket prices, daily schedules call 630-668-6636. Entertainment includes a rodeo and demolition derby.
July 27-30: Proud American Days 601 E. Lincoln Hwy, New Lenox; Thursday and Friday 5:30 p.m.-midnight, Saturday 9 a.m.-midnight and Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Main stage entertainment $7 cover Thursday-Saturday, free on Sunday. Event includes baby contest, craft show and food vendors.
July 27-30: Ridge Fest 6252 Birmingham St., Chicago Ridge; Thursday 5:30-10:30 p.m.; Friday 5:30-11:30 p.m.; Saturday 3-11:30 p.m.; Sunday 2-10:30 p.m. For more information call 708-425-7700; Ridge Fest features four days of live entertainment, a carnival, restaurant row and games. Children’s entertainment such as acrobats, clowns and magic shows, along with Sunday night fireworks.
July 29-30: Glencoe Festival of Art Green Bay Road and Park Avenue, Glencoe; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; free admission. Features the work of 110-juried artists.
July 29-30: Glenview Summer Art Fair Lyon School grounds, Lake Street and Waukegan Road, Glenview; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; free admission. The Glenview Art League’s annual art fair will feature fine art and fine crafts, children’s activities and wandering musicians. Free admission.
July 28-30: Pierogi Fest 119th Street and Route 20, Whiting, Ind. All things pierogi including a pierogi eating contest and parade.
July 30: Bloody Mary Fest Everts Park, 130 Highwood Ave., Highwood; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free, tasting fees apply. Call 847-433-2100 for more information. Patrons can experience live entertainment, visit a gourmet market and buy food and beverages. Children can participate in face painting, a moon bounce and pony rides.
Aug. 2-6: Northbrook Days Festival Village Green Park, Meadow and Shermer Roads, Northbrook. The festival features carnival rides, live music and a Taste of Northbrook. Hours and featured musical acts will be announced.
Aug. 3-9: Great Lakes Super Boat Grand Prix and Taste of Michigan City; Washington Park Beach, Michigan City, Ind.; Race village is open 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 3-9. Taste of Michigan City is open 5-11 p.m. Aug. 4 and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 5; free admission. Boat parade is at 6:30 p.m., Saturday.
Aug. 4-6: Midwest Wizard of Oz Fest Odyssey Fun Farm, 19111 Oak Park Ave., Tinlehy Park; noon to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $10, or $27 for a three-day pass. Children ages 1 and younger get in free.
Aug. 4-6: La Grange Endless Summerfest Gordon Park, on Ogden Ave. and Tilden just east of La Grange Road; Friday 5-10:30 p.m.; Saturday noon-10:30 p.m.; Sunday noon-10; admission is $3 after 5 p.m. and kids under 12 are free. Food vendors, carnival rides, human Foosball tournament and fireworks on the last night.
Aug. 4-6: Destination Asia Festival Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route. 53, Lisle; 6 p.m. Aug. 4 and continues 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 5-6. Explore diverse cultures through music, Japanese drumming, dance, food and a bonsai show. Champion sumo wrestlers will perform.
Aug. 4-6: Taste of Orland Village Center, 14700 Ravinia Ave., Orland Park.
Aug. 5-6: 59th annual Chesterton Art Fair; Dogwood Park, 1415 S. 23rd St., Chesterton, Ind.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 5 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 6; $5 for adults and free children under 12. The Chesterton Art Center hosts the annual juried event. The fair features an estimated 100 artists from across the nation. The event includes local food vendors, live entertainment and a children’s art tent with “make and take” projects.
Aug. 5-6: Libertyville Festival of the Arts Cook Park, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature up to 75 artists, along with live music, artisan food vendors and children’s activities.
Aug. 5-6: Art at the Glen Town Center Glen Town Center, 2030 Tower Drive., Glenview; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; free admission. Showcases original works by 185 juried artists. There will also be live music and children’s activities.
Aug. 10-13: Taste of Elmwood Park Family Festival Central Park, Fullerton and 75th Avenue, Elmwood Park; 5-10 p.m. Four-day event features food from area restaurants, musical numbers, games, rides, and arts and crafts.
Aug. 12-13: Lincolnshire Art Festival Village Green, Milwaukee Avenue and Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 12 and 13; free admission and parking. Fine art and crafts by more than 100 artists as well as live music, food and refreshments.
Aug. 16: Garlic Fest Everts Park, 130 Highwood Ave., Highwood; 4-9 p.m.; free admission. Sample garlic ice cream, candy, cupcakes and cocktails, as well as pastas, sauces, breads, and butters. Held during Highwood’s Wednesday Evening Gourmet Market.
Aug. 17-20: 26th Annual Hobart Lakefront Festival; Festival Park, 111 E. Old Ridge Road, Hobart, Ind.; 5-11 p.m. Aug. 17; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 18; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 19; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 20; free admission; arts and crafts, live music and 150 food vendors and a nightly beer garden. Signature events include the Dam Duck Tape & Cardboard Regatta and the Hobart Community Foundation (Rubber) Duck Race. Regatta participants must construct their craft with cardboard-only and race it across Lake George. There will be a fireworks show Friday and Saturday night.
Aug. 18-20: Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival downtown Evanston at 800 Church St.; 4-9 p.m. Aug. 18, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 19 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 20; free admission. Original artwork, handmade jewelry, unique furniture, and home accessories from 130 artists. The fest includes live music, local food, beer and wine, and art projects for kids.
Aug. 18-19: Little Bear Ribfest Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills; admission $5; free for children age 5 and under. Free parking and shuttle service is available at the Westfield Hawthorn Shopping Center, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills. Do not use the private parking lots adjacent to the festival grounds. No coolers or outside food or beverages are allowed in the park.
Aug. 19: Park Palooza Berens Park in Elmhurst, 493 N. Oaklawn Ave. 5 p.m.; Admission is free. Elmhurst Park District’s fifth annual family event features live music, kids’ activities, face painting, a beer and wine garden and a food truck.
Aug. 19: Yestival Festival Park in Elgin; reserved-seat tickets are $80-$95, general admission to the lawn area is $40. An incarnation of recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Yes, along with Todd Rundgren and Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy, a tribute to Palmer’s old band Emerson, Lake and Palmer.
Aug. 19-20: Vintage Days 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove; 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; free admission. Shop for vintage, reclaimed, antique and repurposed goods at the second annual open-air market, which also features beer vendors, bluegrass music, hayrides, a penny arcade and an ice cream social. Free. Visit www.longgrove.org.
Aug. 20-21: Fine Art Festival Oakbrook Center, 100 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 20 and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 21. Annual event features diverse art, live music, art demos, educational book chats and art activities for children.
Aug. 25-26: Zoo Brew 2017 Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W. 31st Street, Brookfield; 4-9 p.m. (VIP) and 5-9 p.m. (general admission). Tickets cost $55 for general admission, which includes free parking, all-day admission to the zoo, admission to the zoo brew tent and beer 3 oz. samples of more than 80 beers. VIP tickets cost $85 and include everything with general admission as well as special access, food and a visit with animal ambassadors.
Aug. 25-27: Skokie’s Backlot Bash two-block portion of Oakton Street, between Lincoln and Laramie avenues, adjacent to Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St., Skokie; 6-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, and noon-8 p.m. Sunday; free admission. Features hours of live music, a large carnival midway, kids activities, a classic auto show, bingo, a beer tent, farmers market and more. Main stage music acts include A Flock of Seagulls, Soul Asylum and Tributosaurus becomes R.E.M.
Aug. 26: Berwyn Route 66 Car Show Ogden Avenue between Oak Park and Ridgeland Avenues, Berwyn; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; free admission. Area’s biggest car show with more than 30,000 visitors. Online registration through Aug. 18 is $30, $40 at the gate. Registered participants receive admission, T-shirt, dash plaque and goodie bag.
Aug. 26: Kouts Pork Fest; Main Street, Kouts, Ind.; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; free admission; Pork Fest celebrates Kouts’ hog-market history with a 10:30 a.m. parade, food vendors, entertainment, antique tractor show, corn hole tournament, pony rides for children and a 5K race.
Aug. 26: Arts on the Avenue Hohman Avenue and Sibley, Hammond, Ind.; 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; admission is free. Downtown Hammond Council celebrates the arts with live music, art demonstrations, beer garden, delicious food and children’s activities.
Aug. 26-27: Oak Park Ave-Lake Arts & Crafts Show Scoville Park, 800 W. Lake St., Oak Park; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 26 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 27; free admission. This 43rd annual event features paintings, photographs, pottery, glassware, jewelry, fabric art and more.
Aug. 26-27: Port Clinton Art Festival; 600 Central Ave., Highland Park; 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; free admission; call 847-926-4300 for more information; brings more than 260 juried artists worldwide to showcase their work in an outdoor celebration. The festival hosts a youth division, giving artists younger than 18 the chance to exhibit. A scavenger hunt and crafts are planned for the youngest art lovers. Patrons can do yoga in the mornings, watch demonstrations of art techniques during the day and feast on food from some of the city’s new and longtime restaurants in the afternoon. In the evening, A Taste of Highland Park opens and runs in conjunction with the festival.
Aug. 31-Sept. 4: Buffalo Grove Days Mike Rylko Community Park, 951 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove; 5-11 p.m. Aug. 31, 5 p.m.-midnight Sept. 1, 11 a.m.-midnight Sept. 2 and 3, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 4. The event features live musical entertainment, children’s activities, carnival rides, food tent, craft fair and a beer garden.
Sept. 1-3: Taste of Melrose Melrose Park Village Complex, 25th Ave. and Lake Street; Friday 5 p.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday noon-11 p.m.; Sunday noon-10 p.m.; free admission, free parking, free trolley service. The 36th annual festival features entertainment for all ages on 4 stages, laser light show, arts and craft booths in gymnasium, food, carnival rides, Jesse White Tumblers and much more. Musical lineup includes American English, The Other 3 Tenors, DeJaVu, Johnny Maggio, Vic Lombardi & Chicago Seven, Lake Effect, Relativity, R-Gang, Tony Caponi and John Anthony.
Sept. 1-4: Last Fling 440 W. Aurora Ave., Naperville; The Naperville Jaycees’ Last Fling is a family-friendly community festival which takes place over Labor Day Weekend in and around Downtown Naperville and, for many, is a fun way to say farewell to summer! The Last Fling offers a wide variety of attractions for all ages to enjoy including: national and local musicians on two stages, Family Fun Land, a carnival, unique special events, a business expo and a few running events. Musical acts include Bret Michaels and Bare Naked Ladies.
Sept. 2-4: Irish Days 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove; 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Sept. 2 and 3; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 4; free admission. The town paints its cobblestone streets green for this celebration of Irish culture, which features bagpipers, folk bands, dancers, a dog costume contest, a kids area, and a leprechaun hunt.
Sept. 3-4: Art Fair on the Square Market Square in downtown Lake Forest; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days; free admission. The signature Labor Day weekend event for the Deer Path Art League is a juried fine art show that features 180 exhibitors.
Sept. 8-10: Festival of the Vine Downtown Geneva; wine tastings, entertainment, food.
Sept. 9: Naperville Firkin Beer Fest CityGate Centre, 2155 City Gate Lane, southeast of Ferry Road and Route 59; 3-6:30 p.m.; general admission tickets are $49; craft beers, food from local vendors and live entertainment by the Zydeco Voodoo Band.
Sept. 9-10: Deer Park Art Show Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Road, Deer Park; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 9 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 10; free admission. Fine art and craft show features live music, food vendors and art activities for kids.
Sept.9-10: Downers Grove Fine Arts Festival Main Street, downtown Downers Grove; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Artwork by 50 artists will be featured plus live music and children’s art.
Sept. 9-10: West End Arts Festival Stone Avenue Metra Station, Burlington and Brainard Avenues, La Grange; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Juried Fine Arts festival features artists from across the country, live music, wine tasting, cooking demonstrations, food vendors, children’s activities and a community art project. From 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday the Reunion Jazz Orchestra will perform.
Sept. 10: British Car Festival Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; free admission. Check out cars and motorcycles from the United Kingdom as well as British and American food for sale.
Sept. 10: Evanston Streets Alive! Main Street between Chicago and Florence avenues, Evanston; 1-5 p.m. This event is billed as “a Pro-Walk, Pro-Bike, Pro-Place initiative of Citizen’s Greener Evanston, which promotes green transportation. Streets will be closed to all motor vehicles. Entertainment will include games, food trucks and music.
Sept. 15-16: Oaktoberfest Marion Street and North Boulevard, south of Lake Street, downtown Oak Park; 4-10 p.m. Sept. 15 and noon to 10 p.m. Sep. 16. There will be live music, foods from local restaurants, craft beers, a kids’ root beer garden and children’s activities.
Sept. 15-16: Berwyn’s Oktoberfest Berwyn’s Depot District, intersection of Windsor and Stanley Avenues between Oak Park and Home avenues, Berwyn; Friday, 6-11 p.m., Saturday, noon-11 p.m.; free admission. Event features live music, an international food court, carnival rides, family entertainment pavilion, crafters, vendors and Beer Garden. Musical entertainment includes R-Gang, 16 Candles, Eddie Korosa, Jr. and the Boys from Illinois, Hello Weekend and the Tributosaurus Rolling Stones Tribute.
Sept. 15-17: Des Plaines Fall Fest Lake Park, 2200 Lee St., between Howard and Touhy Avenue, Des Plaines; 6-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-7 p.m. Sunday; free admission and parking. Features live musical entertainment, kid zone activities, arts and crafts, kids entertainment, pony rides, carnival rides, open air market, bag tournament, country fair tent, food, beer, wine garden, fishing derby, car show and more. Music lineup TBA. Free admission, free parking.
Sept. 16: Fall Arts & Crafts Adventure Hodges Park, 101 S. Courtland, Park Ridge; 9 a.m,-5 p.m.; free admission. This 27th annual event features paintings and photography, artwear, handcrafted candles, glass arts, woodcrafts, jewelry in a variety of mediums and much more from artists and craft artists of American Society of Artists.
