Things to Do with Kids -- Monthly and Weekend Events, Spring Festivals, Free Outdoor Movies
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Fairs and Festivals Near Chicago in May and June
Do Division Family Fun Fest (at Wicker Park)
Wicker Park
Friday - Sunday, May 29-31
Kids and their caregivers can enjoy this family-friendly section of the Do Division Street Fest, including a petting zoo, a mega slide, kids' music, and other fun activities. Website
LaGrange Carnival
Downtown LaGrange - FREE
Friday - Sunday, May 29-31
Rides, games, LED light displays, and concessions are highlights of this family-friendly weekend in LaGrange. Families can also participate in a pet parade on the Sunday of the festival. Website
Windy City Hot Dog Fest (at Six Corners)
Portage Park - FREE
Friday - Sunday, May 29-31
Taste all the hot dogs Chicago has to offer at this delicious festival. In addition to classic Chicago hot dogs from Byron's and Chicago Doghouse, families can taste internationally inspired hot dogs from Baked Cheese Haus, Indian hot dogs from Tikka Masala Dogs, and Asian-inspired hot dogs from Lee Concessions. Live music and a hot dog eating contest round out the fun. Website
Maifest Chicago (in Lincoln Square)
Lincoln Square - FREE
Friday - Monday, May 29 - June 1
Families can don their dirndls and lederhosen and step out to Lincoln Square for German and American food, music, and gemuetlischkeit. The event features carnival games, the crowning of the Maifest Queen and decorating the May Pole. Website
Cream of Wheaton
Wheaton - FREE
Thursday - Sunday, June 4-7
Celebrate the best parts of living in Wheaton at this annual summer festival. Enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts, a carnival, kids' activities, and a 5K or 10K race. Tower Mini Golf will also have buy one get one free admission. Website
Highwood Kick Off To Summer Carnival
Highwood
Friday - Sunday, June 5-7
Celebrate the end of another crazy school year with a carnival in the Highwood Metra Station parking lot. Recent graduates will receive $5 off on unlimited-ride wristbands. Website
Ribfest Chicago (at North Center Town Square)
North Center
Friday - Sunday, June 5-7
Barbecue-loving families can enjoy ribs, music, and a kids' play area at this North Center street festival. Kids and their grown-ups can taste and vote on many different local restaurants' rib offerings, and kids can play games, jump on inflatables, and enjoy kid-friendly entertainment. Website
57th Street Art Fair
Hyde Park - FREE
Saturday & Sunday, June 6 & 7
The 57th Street Art Fair is a two-day outdoor celebration of the visual arts in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, featuring the work of up to 200 exhibitors. The 57th Street Art Fair provides a venue for creators of quality fine art and fine craft to meet with the art-buying public. Music, food, and children's activities round out the fun. Website
Old Canal Days (in Downtown Lockport)
Lockport - FREE
Thursday - Sunday, June 11-14
Families can celebrate Lockport's past and present at this annual festival. A carnival, museum exhibits, a food court, live music, a magic show, a car show, and duck races will entertain families and bring out the region's heritage. Antique appraisers will give families a chance to find out what their antiques are worth, or families can travel on a trolley or go on a cemetery tour to learn more of the town's history. Website
Fiestas Patronales Puertorriquenas (in Humboldt Park)
Humboldt Park
Thursday - Sunday, June 11-14
Celebrate Puerto Rican art, culture, community, and food at this annual festival. The fest will include a kids' area, live music, carnival rides and games, a dominoes tournament, live art in the park, and cultural performances. The Puerto Rican Day Parade will take place on June 13 beginning at Division and Campbell and proceeding into Humboldt Park. Website
Scottish Festival and Highland Games at DuPage County Fairgrounds
Wheaton
Friday & Saturday, June 12 & 13
Illinois’ oldest non-profit is bringing back the beloved two-day Scottish extravaganza featuring North America’s largest and most prestigious pipe band competition, the crowd-pleasing heavy athletics, The Dogs of Scotland with a rescue dog agility show, and much more. This year's festival will include a parade of tartans and a watch party of one of Scotland's World Cup soccer matches. Website
Midsommarfest (in Andersonville)
Andersonville
Friday - Sunday, June 12-14
Visitors to traditionally Swedish Andersonville can enjoy Swedish traditions such as dancing around the May Pole, making floral crowns, and wearing Viking hats. Kids can visit the Kids and Family area at Clark and Summerdale to enjoy activities such as coloring, dancing, music, and art. Website
Summer Fest Glenview
Glenview - FREE
Saturday, June 13
Experience the best of summer in Glenview at this perennial favorite street festival. Families can enjoy live entertainment, a balloon artist, magician, bubble station, local artists, and food and drinks from local vendors. Website
Wells Street Art Festival
Old Town - FREE
Saturday & Sunday, June 13 & 14
Shop for art from a selection of 125 juried artists or have your little Picassos create their own in the kids area of this annual festival. The event also includes food vendors and live entertainment. Website
Eldridge Adventure Day
Elmhurst - FREE
Sunday, June 14
Adventure-loving kids and their parents can participate in bug hunts, a fishing derby, nature bingo, and balloon twisting in Elmhurst's Eldridge Park. Food trucks will serve lunch and treats. Website
Woodridge Jubilee
Woodridge
Thursday - Sunday, June 18-21
The Village of Woodridge and the Woodridge Park District host their annual Jubilee at the corner of Woodridge and Center Drives. The event includes live music, a carnival, bingo, a fishing derby, a magic show, inflatables, a gaming truck, face painting, air brush tattoos, food and drink vendors, and fireworks. Grown-ups can participate in the Beer & Donut Dash. Website
St. Demetrios Taste of Greece Festival
Elmhurst - FREE
Friday - Sunday, June 19-21
Opa! Families can taste a little Greek culture at St. Demetrios Church's annual celebration. The event includes Greek food and beverages, live music, Greek dancing, a carnival, and tours of the Greek Orthodox Church. Website
Taste of Highland Park
Highland Park - FREE
Friday & Saturday, June 19 & 20
Celebrate the sounds and tastes of the northern suburbs with live entertainment and food from local sources. Families can enjoy live musical entertainment along with foods ranging from pizza to poke bowls. New this year will be premium air-conditioned seating spaces and a new photography exhibit. Children-focused programming will take place from 3-5pm on Saturday afternoon. Website
DuPage Children's Museum's Mess Fest
Naperville
Saturday, June 20
Get extra messy in the parking lot of the DuPage Children's Museum! Kids can enjoy a giant paint pendulum, mud kitchen, shaving cream block building, polymer playground, slime station, body painting, and a wash station at this extra ooey gooey event. Website
Dragon Boat Race for Literacy (in Tom Ping Memorial Park)
Chinatown - FREE
Saturday, June 20
The Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Dragon Boat Race for Literacy, featuring a lion dance opening ceremony, dragon boat races, cultural performances, exhibition booths, and children's activities. Website
Artists of the Wall Festival
Rogers Park - FREE
Saturday & Sunday, June 20 & 21
Watch as more than 160 artists paint sections of the 600-foot retaining wall along the lakefront from Farwell Avenue to Morse Avenue. Musical performances and food and drink vendors add to the family-friendly fun. Website
Make Music Chicago
Various locations citywide - FREE
Sunday, June 21
All Chicagoans can celebrate their ability to make music at venues throughout the city on June 21 every year. Visit parks, plazas, and porches throughout the city to participate with friends and neighbors to create and/or listen to a variety of music from amateur to professional. Website
Swedish Days (in Downtown Geneva)
Geneva - FREE
Wednesday - Sunday, June 24-28
Geneva's "Swede" annual summer festival began in 1949. It includes music, food vendors, carnival rides, and a Swedish celebration called a Vast that hosts traditions such as stories, dancing around the Maypole, and a festival queen. On Kids' Day, children can watch a parade, play in a basketball or dodgeball tournament, participate in a music contest, and visit a display of fire trucks and ladders. Website
Rotary Grove Fest
Downers Grove - FREE
Thursday - Sunday, June 25-28
Downers Grove celebrates summer with live music and entertainment, a carnival, a food and business expo, a craft beer fest, and a car show in its downtown. The festival is free, but a $5 cover charge applies to those 16 and over entering the entertainment area. Website
Prairie Fest (at Community Park)
Wood Dale - FREE
Thursday - Sunday, June 18-21
West suburban families can celebrate summer with live outdoor music, children's entertainment, food and drink vendors, and a carnival. Admission and parking are free, and wristbands for unlimited carnival rides are available for purchase. Website
Long Grove Strawberry Fest
Long Grove
Friday - Sunday, June 26-28
Enjoy strawberries in a variety of recipes at this annual festival celebrating the fruit. Loads of food, live entertainment, children's games and activities, and a classic carnival complete the strawberry-themed fun. Website
Taste of Grayslake Family Picnic and Fireworks
Grayslake - FREE
Saturday, June 27
Live music, local food vendors, and carnival rides lead up to the annual fireworks display in Grayslake. This kicks off the Fourth of July fireworks season in Chicago. Website
Navy Pier Pride
Downtown - FREE
Saturday, June 27
Everyone is welcome at Navy Pier Pride, featuring family-friendly festivities in honor of the LGBTQ+ community, such as storytimes with drag queens, DJs, dancing, and of course, fireworks! Website
Naperville Fine Art and Artisan Fair
Naperville - FREE
Saturday & Sunday, June 27 & 28
More than 100 artists gather at Naper Settlement to show and sell their wares. Families can also enjoy a kids' activity tent, a community mural, a balloon artist, a caricature artist, music, food, and beverages. Everyone is invited to showcase their own paintings on an 8" x 8" section to be included in one giant mural at the end of the festival. Website
Fairs and Festivals Near Chicago in July
Mount Prospect Lions Club Annual Fourth of July Festival
Mount Prospect
Wednesday - Sunday, July 1-5
A carnival, live entertainment, food, and beer & wine are available at this annual festival. Fireworks shows light up the sky on July 1 and July 4. Website
Frontier Days (at Recreation Park)
Arlington Heights - FREE
Wednesday - Sunday, July 1-5
Arlington Heights' annual Fourth of July fun fest has live entertainment, a carnival, a 5k race, food vendors, a Fourth of July parade, and fireworks. Website
Hometown Fest (at Community Park in Palatine)
Palatine - FREE
Thursday - Sunday, July 2-5
Palatine Jaycees hosts its annual Fourth of July festival with live bands, food vendors, carnival rides, a craft fair, and family days. Fireworks will light up the sky on July 3. Website
Taste of Oak Brook
Oak Brook - FREE
Friday, July 3
The Village of Oak Brook offers local families a taste of its cuisine and a little fun at the annual Taste of Oak Brook festival. Kids' activities include face painting, a bounce house, and a petting zoo. Fireworks will start at 9:30pm. Website
International Festival of Life (in Union Park)
West Loop
Friday - Sunday, July 3-5
The International Festival Of Life features a very diverse showcase of culture and music from the Caribbean, Africa, Latin America, and United States. The objective of the festival is to bring nations together and live together as one. Website
Taste of Chicago (in Grant Park)
Downtown
Wednesday - Sunday, July 8-12
Foodies of all ages can enjoy Chicago restaurants, live music, and family-friendly activities at the annual Taste of Chicago outdoor food festival. Website
Windy City Smokeout (at United Center)
West Loop
Wednesday - Sunday, July 8-12
Bands, barbecue, and beer are featured at this country-themed Chicago street festival. Country music fans can listen to hours of music, concluding with headliners Treaty Oak Revival, Hootie and the Blowfish, Lainey Wilson, Jordan Davis, and Blake Shelton. Website
Taste of Westmont
Westmont
Thursday - Sunday, July 9-12
West Suburban families don't have to travel to the city for the Taste as Westmont hosts its own Taste of Westmont event. Local food vendors sell treats while live music plays. Kids can enjoy a carnival with wristbands for unlimited rides for sale. Website
Fresh Fest! (at Navy Pier)
Downtown - FREE
Friday, July 10
Youth performers play and sing music, dance, and perform spoken word art at Navy Pier's Wave Wall at this free festival. Website
Square Roots Fest (at Lincoln Square)
Lincoln Square
Friday - Sunday, July 10-12
Family fun featuring live music, local eats, and kids' activities abound at this neighborhood festival. You'll find food for every taste including tacos, Thai food, burgers, sushi, and everything in between. Kids of all ages can enjoy the art tent, instrument petting zoo, and all the other activities throughout the festival. Website
Butterfield Park District Family Fun Fest
Lombard - FREE
Saturday, July 11
Kids can set sail for some summer fun at this pirate-themed family party. Activities include games, crafts, raffles, giveaways, and food. Admission to the pool is free during the event. Website
Jazz Up Glen Ellyn
Glen Ellyn - FREE
Saturday, July 11
Musically inclined families can take to the streets of Glen Ellyn to enjoy live music and food from local vendors. Jazz duos and trios will be featured at local restaurants and musicians can take part in a jazz master class. Website
Chicago Water Lantern Festival (at Humboldt Park)
Humboldt Park
Saturday and Sunday, July 11 & 12
The Water Lantern Festival is a celebration of life, where guests can design and light a floating lantern and launch it into the water. There will also be food, music, and fun. Website
Southport Art Festival
Southport - FREE
Saturday & Sunday, July 11 & 12
Visitors can peruse and purchase many various kinds of art on tree-lined Southport Avenue at this West Lakeview street festival. Browse unique, high-quality art, savor the food of local restaurants, and explore charming boutique shops and theaters. Enjoy a Kids Art Zone, face painting, personalized poems, and tons of other activities for the whole family. Website
Bucktown Neighborhood and Garden Walk
Bucktown - FREE
Saturday & Sunday, July 11 & 12
Bring the family to Bucktown for the annual garden walk and celebration. Go on self-guided tours through the neighborhood and its garden. Family music sponsored by Bennett Day School will include performances by local musicians. Local restaurants and shops will offer specials for garden walk visitors. Website
Kane County Fair and Festival
St. Charles
Wednesday - Sunday, July 15-19
Agriculture, a carnival, food stands, and musical acts take center stage at the Kane County Fair. Kids can watch bull riders or a demolition derby, enjoy rides and midway games, and experience a petting zoo or swine races at this annual event west of Chicago. Website
West Fest Chicago
West Town
Friday - Sunday, July 17-19
The West Town Chamber of Commerce hosts West Fest, an annual street festival featuring neighborhood retailers and restaurants, fine artists, crafters, and entertainment for the whole family. There is also a designated "Kid Fest," including family-friendly live music, pony rides, local dance and theatrical performances, family-friendly vendors, games, and more. Website
Highwood Days with Taste of Highwood
Highwood - FREE
Friday - Sunday, July 17-19
Formerly the North Shore Taco Festival, this refreshed event now features foods from local vendors showcasing Highwood's diversity. Families can enjoy a variety of food vendors and vote for their favorite. Other features include a carnival, live music, and a 5k run or walk. Website
El Gran Festival Colombiano (in Humboldt Park)
Humboldt Park
Friday - Sunday, July 17-19
Colombian culture takes center stage at this festival in Humboldt Park. Families can explore Colombian music and entertainment, arts and crafts, and cuisine and beverages. Website
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
Roscoe Village
Friday - Sunday, July 17-19
More than a dozen local restaurants showcase their burgers at this Roscoe Village street festival. Two stages offer continuous music, and children can enjoy the Kids' Zone complete with arts and crafts. Website
Tacos y Tamales Festival
Pilsen
Friday - Sunday, July 17-19
Families can enjoy some authentic Mexican food at the Annual Tacos y Tamales Festival, a street fair based on a traditional Mexican market known as the Tianguis. Website
DuPage Children's Museum Touch-A-Truck
Naperville
Saturday, July 18
Little drivers-to-be and pilots-in-training can celebrate their love of things that go at this event presented by Navistar at the DuPage Children's Museum. Kids can touch and climb into various vehicles in the museum's parking lot and enjoy activities involving boats, planes, and trains inside. In addition to regular touch-a-truck activities, kids can enjoy car and truck washes, a sensory bin with building materials, and a Blu Truck racing station. Website
DuPage County Fair
Wheaton - FREE
Thursday - Sunday, July 23-26
Families can celebrate the agricultural history of DuPage County with entertainment, exhibits, a pie eating contest, demolition derby, carnival, food concessions, and karaoke. Musical acts are TBD. Website
Fiesta Del Sol (in Pilsen)
Pilsen - FREE
Thursday - Sunday, July 23-26
Fiesta del Sol is an annual family-friendly event to celebrate and support the Pilsen neighborhood, featuring live entertainment, local art, a variety of food, carnival rides, a designated children’s area, educational resources for parents and youth, soccer games, and more. Website
Chicago Gospel Music Festival (at Millennium Park)
Downtown - FREE
Friday & Saturday, July 24 & 25
Music fans of all ages can enjoy free performances during the Chicago Gospel Music Festival, which features a range of gospel music, from traditional choirs to contemporary urban gospel mixed with hip-hop and house music. There will also be kids' activities and vendors in Millennium Park on Saturday. Website
Wicker Park Fest
Wicker Park
Friday - Sunday, July 24-26
The annual Wicker Park Fest will take place along Milwaukee Avenue from North Avenue to Division Street, featuring restaurant vendors and musical entertainment for the whole family, including a dedicated "Kids Fest" stage and kids' activities on Saturday and Sunday, such as balloon animals, face painting, and games! This year's festival will include a pet fest with paw paintings, pet portraits, musical sits, and a dog ice cream eating contest. Website
Taste of Lincoln Avenue
Lincoln Park
Saturday & Sunday, July 25 & 26
Nearly 100 food vendors are featured in this festival, which is now in its 39th year. Kids can enjoy a chocolate tasting festival and kids' zone while adults can take part in whiskey and wine tastings. More than 30 acts play on two music stages. Website
Chinatown Summer Fair
Chinatown - FREE
Saturday & Sunday, July 25 & 26
The whole family can enjoy the annual Chinatown Summer Fair, featuring a Dragon & Lion Dance Procession, artisan booths, delicious neighborhood cuisine, and activities for families and children. Website
Long Grove Vintage Days
Long Grove - FREE
Saturday & Sunday, July 25 & 26
Take a trip back in time to this curated street fair in downtown Long Grove. Street vendors will sell upcycled goods, and kids can enjoy a penny carnival, pony rides, mini golf, and music. Website
Fairs and Festivals in Chicago in August
Chicago Italian Beef Fest (formerly Jeff Fest) in Jefferson Park
Jefferson Park
Friday - Sunday, July 31 - August 2
Jeff Fest has rebranded as Chicago Italian Beef Fest! Families can still enjoy music, food, and kids' entertainment at Jefferson Memorial Park at this annual neighborhood festival. But this year families can also sample and vote on their favorite Italian beef from a variety of Chicago-area restaurants. A kids' area features cool activities and a stage with family-friendly performers. Website
Destination Asia Festival (at the Morton Arboretum)
Lisle
Saturday & Sunday, August 1 & 2
This fun-filled festival will immerse guests in celebrating the diverse cultures of Asia through music, dance, food, and more. The weekend will include cultural performances and demonstrations, a bonsai exhibit, shopping and art vendors, and food trucks. Guests can also explore the Arboretum’s vast tree and shrub collections from China, Japan, and Korea. Website
Northbrook Days
Northbrook - FREE
Wednesday - Sunday, August 5-9
North Suburban residents and visitors can enjoy rides, games, live music, food, beer, and wine at this annual festival in Northbrook's Metra Commuter Lot West. Website
West Chicago Food Festival
West Chicago - FREE
Saturday, August 22
Eat the best of the west at this far west suburban food festival. More than a dozen food vendors will sell their goodies while live bands play in downtown West Chicago. Kids can take part in mini cooking classes, get a tattoo from a glitter tattoo artist, or visit the balloonist for a fun surprise. Website
Chalk Howard Street
Rogers Park - FREE
Saturday, August 22
Food, live music, outdoor chalk art gallery, and a creative space for aspiring chalk artists are all at Chalk Howard Street. Website
West Loop Art Festival
West Loop
Saturday & Sunday, August 22 & 23
Stroll through four blocks of amazing artwork and visit food vendors to try tasty treats in the West Loop. Art is available in a variety of mediums and at all price points, making this festival a shopping destination for even casual art lovers. Website
Glen Ellyn Festival of the Arts
Glen Ellyn - FREE
West Loop
Saturday & Sunday, August 22 & 23
DuPage County families have been enjoying this annual festival at Lake Ellyn Park for generations. Peruse the art of more than 70 different artists and vendors, including decor, wearable art, and gifts. Live music and entertainment as well as food and beverages for purchase will be available. Website
Skokie's Backlot Bash
Skokie - FREE
Friday - Sunday, August 28-30
With some of the best music at suburban festivals, this event also has plenty of family-friendly activities on tap. Kids can enjoy a carnival midway, a 5k run, a kids' stage, an auto show, bingo, and a pancake breakfast throughout the last weekend before Labor Day at this near north suburban festival. Website
Edison Park Fest
Edison Park
Friday - Sunday, August 28-30
Since 1972, Chicago families have enjoyed shopping from local vendors at Edison Park Fest. Since then, the festival has grown to include music from local bands, street festival food, and kids' entertainment. Website
Bucktown Arts Fest
Bucktown - FREE
Saturday & Sunday, August 29 & 30
Families can enjoy the arts at this annual festival that includes a juried arts show, a kids' art area, live musical entertainment, and food. Proceeds from the fest benefit arts education programming in the neighborhood. Website
Summer Street Festivals in Chicago on Labor Day Weekend
Long Grove Irish Days
Long Grove - FREE
Saturday - Monday, September 5-7
Experience the luck of the Irish on Labor Day weekend in historic Downtown Long Grove. Visitors can see Irish dancers, hear Irish music, sample Irish-inspired food and beverages, and judge contests for best Irish dog and best-looking men's legs in a kilt. Website
Chicago Jazz Festival
Downtown - FREE
Thursday - Sunday, September 3-6
Music fans of all ages can enjoy some of Chicago's legendary jazz performances at various venues throughout the city for FREE during the annual Jazz Festival. Website
Last Fling (in Naperville)
Naperville
Friday - Monday, September 4-7
Naperville's annual end of summer festival features live music, food vendors, a carnival and Family Fun Land. The family area includes sack races, water balloon contests, and eating contests featuring cotton candy, spaghetti, and cupcakes. Music, dancing, stilt walkers, and a real live princess round out the family fun. Website
Taste of Polonia (at Copernicus Center)
Jefferson Park
Friday - Monday, September 4-7
The country's largest Polish festival takes place at the Copernicus Center in Chicago on Labor Day weekend. More than 30 bands will play on four stages throughout the weekend, and families can enjoy inflatables, a climbing wall, face painting, clowns, Disney characters, tastings and cooking classes, carnival rides, and games. Website
Great American Lobster Fest (at Navy Pier)
Navy Pier
Saturday & Sunday, September 5 & 6
Navy Pier hosts The Great American Lobster Fest, including live lobster flown in fresh from the East Coast, live music performances, family-friendly games and activities, unique arts/craft shopping, land food options, and cold beverages. Website
Frankfort Fall Fest
Frankfort - FREE
Saturday - Monday, September 5-7
Celebrate fall in the southwest suburbs at this annual event featuring concerts, a carnival, food vendors, and more. A parade steps off on Sunday at 1pm, and families can visit the KidWork Children's Museum or Frankfort History Museum nearby. Website
Summer-Long Fairs and Festivals Near Chicago
Grant Park Music Festival
Grant Park - FREE
Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays, June 11-August 16
Chicagoans of all ages can enjoy the Grant Park Music Festival, a 10-week celebration featuring world-class classical music concerts and community engagement—a Chicago tradition for more than 80 years. Website
Naper Nights
Naperville
Third Friday & Saturday in June, July, & August
Naperville
History-loving families can celebrate the anniversaries of historic events at Naper Settlement with concerts, food vendors, and cool beverages. Various cover bands perform every third Friday and Saturday night of the month during June, July, and August. Website