Here’s a list of the biggest and best summer festivals in the Chicago area. With all these options, you’re bound to make some memories this summer!
June 15-Aug. 20
Grant Park Music Festival
Chicago: www.grantparkmusicfestival.com
Millennium Park. In its 81st season of offering free classical music, the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus includes internationally acclaimed guest artists.
June 15, 7-9am
Bike to Work Rally
Chicago: 312-744-3315, www.bikechicago.us
Chicago Daley Plaza, Washington & Dearborn Sts. Celebrate Chicago’s commitment to being the best big city for bicycling.
June 16-19
PrairieFest
Oswego: www.prairiefest.com
91 Plank Dr. PrairieFest is Oswego’s hometown festival! Enjoy music, entertainment, food, a carnival, crafts, business expo, petting zoo, a parade, and more. PrairieFest boasts free parking and no gate admission.
June 17-19, Fri. 5-10pm, Sat. and Sun. noon-10pm
Taste of Randolph
Chicago: starevents.com/festivals/taste-of-randolph
West Loop, 900 W. Randolph St. at N. Peoria St. This three-day cross-cultural celebration will mix extraordinary food, brilliant artisans and diverse musical offerings. Suggested $10 donation.
June 17-19
Oakley Festa! Pasta! Vino!
Chicago: www.oshows.com
Oakley and 24th Sts. Continuous live entertainment, Italian food specialties from authentic restaurants in Chicago’s Little Tuscany area. Fri. 5-11pm, Sat. noon-11pm, Sun noon-10pm.
June 18-19, Sat. 10am-4pm, Sun. 10am-3pm
Brickworld Chicago LEGO® Exposition
Schaumburg: 317-572-5346, www.brickworld.us/chicago
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Dr. See spectacular creations all built from LEGO® bricks by local enthusiasts. Enjoy interactive activities, such as the LEGO® and DUPLO® play brick areas, fighting robots, seek and finds, etc. Buy your favorite sets, mini-figures, and accessories from vendors. General Admission: $10 online in advance, $11 at door, free ages 3 & under. Free parking.
June 18-19, Sat.,11am-11pm, Sun.11am-8pm
6 Corners BBQ Fest
Chicago: 773-685-9300, www.6cornersbbqfest.com
4041 N. Milwaukee Ave. at Irving Park Rd./Cicero Ave. to Belle Plaine. The city’s newest festival features restaurant vendors serving up BBQ dishes, along with live music.
June 18-19, Sat. 11am-10pm, Sun. 11am-9pm
Chicago Pride Fest
Chicago: chicagopride.gopride.com
Halsted and Waveland. This festival celebrates Chicago’s vibrant LGBT community with a 4-mile parade on Sunday, live music, and great food.
June 21-26
Swedish Days
Geneva: 630-232-6060, www.genevachamber.com
Third St. Features family-friendly activities with live music, carnival, kids’ day fun, grand parade, Geneva’s Got Talent, multi-ethnic food plus great shopping in our historic downtown. Train station is located just blocks away. Charge for some attractions.
June 24-26
Greek Fest
Palatine: 847-358-5170, www.stnectariosgoc.org
St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church Grounds, 133 S. Roselle Rd. Bring the whole family! Enjoy authentic Greek foods, Greek Taverna, Pastries and Loukoumades (deep-fried honey-dipped doughnuts), Greek wines and beer and unique vendors, kids games, Greek music and dancing and much more! $3/person, free ages 12 years and under.
June 24-26
Long Grove Summer Fest
Long Grove: www.visitlonggrove.com
Formerly known as Strawberry Fest, this is the premier outdoor festival for berry lovers in the Chicagoland area. Enjoy decadent strawberry-inspired treats such as chocolate covered strawberries, fruit smoothies, ice creams, donuts, baked goods and, of course, the farm-fresh berries themselves. Music, entertainment, kiddie rides, face painting and more in this quaint village.
June 25-26, Sat. 10am-6pm, Sun. noon-6pm
Little Boots Rodeo and Craft & Vendor Show
Elk Grove Village: 630-766-8980, www.littlebootsrodeo.org
1400 S. Arlington Heights Rd. Families help their children participate in 14 events in a non-competitive atmosphere. Children are certified as an official Cowboy or Cowgirl on stage with a certificate! As well as the rodeo, we have general public and family events. Certification events $12/punch card (only 1 child per punch card). Other events $2-$3 tickets. Bring a non-perishable food item for each child to donate. See our ad on page 35.
June 25, 5:30-11pm
World’s Largest Block Party
Chicago: www.worldslargestblockparty.com
UIC Festival Lot, 1145 S. Morgan St. between Taylor & Roosevelt. This annual event features live entertainment, food and fun. A party for a good cause as funds from this event go toward funding the missions of Old St. Pat’s Church.
June 25, 11:30am-8:30pm
Rock the Routes
Fox River Grove: www.facebook.com/frgliving
Stone Hill Center (corner of Route 14 & Route 22). 3rd annual Rock the Routes event with live music, food, sweet treats, cold treats, and craft beers. All day! Funnel cakes and soft pretzels! ALL4K9 will be hosting a pet adoption drive with adoptable animals, rescue information, and raffle/prizes! LOTS of fun stuff for the kids!
June 25, 8am-5pm
Dragon Boat Race for Literacy
Chicago: www.chicagochinatown.org
Ping Tom Memorial Park, 1700 S. Wentworth Ave. Enjoy watching exciting dragon boat races, riding the free trolley around Chinatown, children’s activities and many other fun happenings.
June 26, 3:30-10pm
Scandinavian Midsommar Celebration
South Elgin: 630-665-7866, www.vasaparkil.com
Vasa Park, 35W217 Route 31. Festival opens with dancing around the Maypole followed by crafts and games for children. Bonfire lighting and traditional toast begin at sunset. Supper at 5pm. Please bring a family dish to pass. Admission: Scandinavian Park members free, $5/adult, free ages 12 and under.
June 30-July 4
Mount Prospect Lions Club Festival
Mount Prospect: mtprospectlions.com/fest
Melas Park, Busse and Central Rds. Live entertainment, carnival rides, food and raffle prizes daily.
June 30-July 4
Arlington Heights Frontier Days Festival
Arlington Heights: 847-577-8572, www.frontierdays.org
Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner. Festival features Free Music Entertainment; Carnival Rides, 4th of July Parade, food, bingo, family activities, petting zoo, pony rides, 3v3 soccer, stampede run 5K/10K, Citizens with Disabilities Day, raffle, arts & crafts marketplace and so much more! Free admission. Free entertainment, parade, family activities and petting zoo. Paid items include carnival rides, food, bingo, soccer tournament, stampede event, raffle, Arts & Crafts Marketplace. See our ad on page 38.
July 1-4
Palatine Jaycees 60th Hometown Fest
Palatine: palatinejaycees.org/events/hometown-fest
Community Park, 262 E. Palatine Rd. Weekend full of festivities including fireworks, entertainment, food vendors, parade, carnival, expo and many other family activities. Every year, proceeds benefit many different organizations in the community as well as provide high school scholarships and support to our community’s needy.
July 1 – 3, noon-11pm
Eyes to the Skies Festival
Lisle: 630-541-6095, www.eyestotheskies.org
Lisle Community Park, 1825 Short St. Daily launches of hot air balloons, balloon glows, carnival, huge children’s area, craft fair, live music on two stages, nightly fireworks, unique food vendors plus much more! $8, children 6 and under are Free.
July 2-4, noon-10pm, Sat-Sun.; noon-9pm Mon.
Windy City RibFest in Uptown
Chicago: 773-878-1184, www.chicagoevents.com
Lawrence and Broadway. Three days of tasty ribs and a big name headliner. Kids activities and booths.
July 6-10, Wed.-Fri. 11am-9pm, Sat.-Sun. 10am-9pm
Taste of Chicago
Chicago: 312-744-3315, www.explorechicago.org
Grant Park. Chicago’s tremendous array of culinary delights is in one place at this annual festival. Free admission. Food and beverage tickets are $8.50 for a strip of 12 tickets. E&J Gallo Winery Wine Garden open 2:30-7:30 daily; listen to live jazz provided by Chicago Jazz Magazine while you enjoy the wine.
July 7-10
Jelly Belly Summer Carnival
Pleasant Prairie, WI.: (866) 868-7522, www.jellybelly.com
Jelly Belly Candy Company, 10100 Jelly Belly Ln. Come to the Jelly Belly Carnival, a four-day event filled with fun for the family. With carnival rides galore, a deal on fan-favorite Belly Flops, and extended store and tour hours, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
July 14 – 17
Antioch’s Taste of Summer Festival 2016
Antioch: 847-395-2233, www.antiochchamber.org
Downtown Antioch. Four days of fun, music, rides, food and sales. Enjoy delectable specialties, dine in the relaxing sunshine or under the Big Top while listening to top entertainment. Carnival rides, games, sidewalk sales and free kids activities.
July 15-16, Fri. 5-11pm, Sat. 4-11pm
Irish Fest –Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights: 847-255-1225, www.ahpd.org
Museum Grounds, Euclid & Vail. The Annual Celebration of Celtic Pride in Arlington Heights with two days of Irish Dancing, Heritage, Fun and Food!
July 15 – 17, noon-7pm
BenFest 2016
Chicago: 847-677-8273, www.BenFest.com
St. Benedict’s Church, 2215 W. Irving Park Rd. Live entertainment, craft beer, a mouthwatering menu and fabulous family fun for every age group! Great music, fabulous fare, tons of activities for the kids. $5 donation requested at the gate.
July 22-23, Fri. 4-11pm, Sat. 11am-11pm
Downtown Block Party
Mount Prospect: 847-398-6616, mpblockparty.com
Downtown, Emerson St. & Busse Ave. Top local bands and great food options from local restaurants. Free kids’ rides on Saturday from noon-6pm. Witness the unearthing of the 1992 time capsule on Saturday at 10am at the Police & Fire Headquarters, 112 E. Northwest Hwy. Sponsored by the Village of Mount Prospect and the Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce.
July 31, 10am-4pm
Pregnancy, Baby & Toddler Expo Chicago
Chicago: www.babyexpochicago.com
Marriott Chicago O’Hare, 8535 W Higgins Rd. Baby Expo Chicago is a leading consumer expo for new and expecting parents and families with demos, discounts and freebies, entertainment and educational seminars.
Aug. 6, 11am-7pm
60th Annual Cornfest & Craft Fair 2016
Rolling Meadows: 847-255-5510, communitychurchrm.com
Community Church of Rolling Meadows, 2720 Kirchoff Rd. Meal includes a brat, hot dog, or hamburger and watermelon, beverage, and fresh all you can eat sweet corn! Huge craft fair! Expanded kid’s activities! Bounce house, bungee jump!! Face painter, balloon artist. Raffle! Live Entertainment!
Aug. 6, 1-4:30pm
Wheaton Brew Fest
Wheaton: wheatonparkdistrict.com/brewfest
Wheaton Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave. Event features over 80 brews, entertainment, food vendors, and a lot of summer fun! Admission: $45/person, $20/designated driver.
Aug. 6-7, Sat. 10am-7pm, Sun. 10am-5pm
12th Anniversary The World of Faeries Festival
South Elgin, IL: 815-788-1630, www.theworldoffaeries.com
Vasa Park, 35W217 Route 31. The weekend includes music and family fun. Shopping in our vendor village. Check the website for more details. General Admission $11, $8 seniors 65 and up, Children 12 and under are free and Free Parking all weekend. Discounts at the gate for weekend pass, 5 adults to a car and shopping cart online.
Aug. 11-14
Riverfest
South Elgin: 847-774-1151, www.southelgin.com
Panton Mill Park, 10 N Water St. Yearly carnival with live music, a car show on Aug. 13, a craft show & business expo, and much more! There will be fireworks on Aug. 11 and Aug. 14! Wed., Aug. 10, is Special Night for Special Kids- please register.
Aug. 13, 10am-4pm
Green Fair on the Fox
Batavia: www.facebook.com/GreenFaironTheFox
Batavia RiverWalk and Batavia City Hall, 100 N. Island Ave. Green Fair on the Fox features an eco-marketplace, local businesses, organizations and individuals who raise awareness on sustainable living, physical fitness and healthy living. Enjoy great food, live music, demonstrations and fun activities. Free!
Aug. 13-14, 10am-3pm
Chicago Botanic Garden Kite Fest
Glencoe: www.chicagobotanic.org/calendar/event/kite_festival
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd. In the meadow west of Evening Island, enjoy professional stunt-kite performances set to music. Kite-making workshops, parade, public fly time and more. Ice cream, beverages and many lunch options available.
Aug. 20-21, 10am-3pm
Chicago Air & Water Show
Chicago: www.explorechicago.org
North Avenue Beach. The largest spectator event in the U.S. and longest ongoing show of its kind in North America.
Aug. 20-21, 10am-2pm
Malott Japanese Garden Summer Festival
Glencoe: www.chicagobotanic.org
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd. A celebration of Japanese gardening and cultural traditions with demos, craft projects and bonsai exhibition. Free. Parking fee.
Aug. 28, 11:30am-5pm
Fall Fest 2016
Arlington Heights: www.LutheranHome.org
Lutheran Home, 800 W. Oakton. Enjoy a fun filled afternoon of great food, kids games, Bingo, craft fair and live bands for your dancing pleasure. Lots of fun for all ages!
Sept. 1-5
Summer Carnival
Carol Stream: 630-665-7050, www.carolstream.org
Carol Stream Town Center, SW Gary Ave. & Lies Rd. 20 exciting rides for kids of all ages, carnival game walkway, food court with popcorn, cotton candy, funnel cakes, pizza by the slice, fresh-squeezed lemonade & more. $25 Unlimited ride wristbands valid Thu. 6-10pm, Sat. and Sun. 1-5pm. $20/person Mon. unlimited rides.
Sept. 2-5
Naperville Last Fling
Naperville: 630-961-4143, www.lastfling.org
Jackson Ave. and Eagle St. This annual Jaycees fundraiser lasts four days and offers fun events for the whole family. Music, food, expo and a family fun land along with pie and ice cream eating contests, skaters picnic, rib cook-off, bed races, and tons more.
Sept. 23-24
Annual Harvest and Harmony Fest
Highland Park: www.facebook.com/RaviniaDistrict.HighlandPark
This FREE music festival will be held once again in Jens Jensen Park and include local favorite performers, The Ravinia Ramblers and Old Town School of Folk Music, and headliner Sam Llanas, co-founder of the nationally acclaimed band, BoDeans.