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There's a family-friendly festival for everyone this summer in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Last Fling in Naperville
There's a family-friendly festival for everyone this summer in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Last Fling in Naperville
5/26/23 - By Maureen Wilkey

Summer festivals in Chicago stretch across over three months of fun. The debut of warmer weather prompts a head-spinning number of fantastic fetes with so many different themes, cultures, and neighborhoods, it's easy to find a fair or festival near Chicago for everyone in the family. 

So while your local playground or pool may beckon and your backyard grill may look lonely, you’ve simply got to sample a street fair or two this summer. Bookmark this list and get your calendar (and some comfy shoes) ready. And check out our Chicago Summer Fun Guide for even more great kid and family activities and outings.

 

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Navy Pier Pride is a festival with family-friendly activities. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Navy Pier Pride is a festival with family-friendly activities. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier

Fairs and Festivals Near Chicago in June

Mayfest Chicago

June 1, 2023- June 4, 2023—Lincoln Square
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. READ MORE

Cream of Wheaton

June 1, 2023- June 4, 2023—Wheaton
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. READ MORE

Do Division Family Fun Fest

June 2, 2023- June 4, 2023—Wicker Park
As part of Do Division Fest, kids and their caregivers can enjoy this family-friendly section of the festival, including a petting zoo, mega slide, kids' music, and other fun activities!  READ MORE

LaGrange Carnival

June 2, 2023-June 4, 2023 — LaGrange (FREE)
Rides, games, LED light displays, and concessions are the highlights of this family-friendly weekend in LaGrange. Families can also a pet parade on the Sunday of the festival. READ MORE

Chicago Gospel Music Festival

June 3, 2023—Downtown
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.  READ MORE

Windy City Hot Dog Fest

June 3, 2023- June 4, 2023—Portage Park
Taste all the hot dogs Chicago has to offer at this Six Corner festival. In addition to classic Chicago hot dogs from Byron's and Chicago Doghouse, families can taste internationally inspired hot dogs from Taqueria Le Ciudad and La Cebollita Grill, Indian hot dogs from Tikka Masala Dogs, and Asian inspired hot dogs from Lee Concessions. Live music rounds out the fun. READ MORE

57th Street Art Fair

Saturday, June 3, 2023 and Sunday, June 4, 202— Hyde Park (FREE)
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 return to the fair this year after a three-year hiatus. READ MORE

Fiestas Patronales Puertorriquenas

June 8, 2023- June 11, 2023—Humboldt Park
Celebrate Puerto Rican art, culture, community, and food at this annual festival in Humboldt Park. 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 10 beginning at Division and Campbell and proceeding into Humboldt Park. READ MORE

Highwood Kick Off To Summer Carnival

June 8, 2023- June 11, 2023—Highwood
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. READ MORE

Old Canal Days

Thursday, June 9 - Sunday, June 12 — Lockport (FREE)
Families can celebrate Lockport's past and present at this annual festival. A carnival, museum exhibits, food court, live music, magic show, 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. READ MORE

Midsommarfest

June 9, 2023- June 11, 2023—Andersonville
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. New to the fest in 2023: visitors can buy tickets to roller skate in Cheetah gym during the fest. READ MORE

Chi Soul Fest

June 10, 2023- June 11, 2023—Downtown
Navy Pier hosts Chi-Soul Fest, an intergenerational soul music festival in honor of Black Music Appreciation Month. Music fans of all ages can learn about Chicago’s rich history of soul and enjoy tributes to legendary soul artists throughout the decades. READ MORE

Wells Street Art Festival

June 10, 2023- June 11, 2023—Old Town
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.. READ MORE

Eldridge Adventure Day

June 11, 2023—Elmhurst
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. READ MORE

Grant Park Music Festival

Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, June 14, 2023- August 19, 2023
Grant Park (FREE)
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. READ MORE

Woodridge Jubilee

June 15, 2023- June 18, 2023—Woodridge
The Village of Woodridge and the Woodridge Park District host their 37th 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. READ MORE

Scottish Festival and Highland Games in Aye-Tasca

June 16, 2023- June 17, 2023—Itasca
Illinois’ oldest non-profit is bringing back the beloved two-day Scottish extravaganza featuring cooking demonstrations by the National Chef of Scotland, 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. READ MORE

Exchange Club of Naperville Ribfest

DATES TBA—Wheaton
2023 DATES TBA Ribfest returns to the DuPage County Fairgrounds in 2023. It willfeature plenty of ribs, a carnival, kids activities and live music READ MORE

Taste of Randolph Street

June 16, 2023-June 18,2023—West Loop
Foodies of all ages can enjoy bites from over 16 local restaurants, as well as live music and a DJ at Taste of Randolph Street. Two stages of music will feature up-and-coming bands and DJs. READ MORE

St. Demetrios Taste of Greece Festival

June 16, 2023-June 18, 2023—Elmhurst
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. READ MORE

Artists of the Wall Festival

June 17, 2023- June 18, 2023—Rogers Park
Watch as more than 150 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. In 2023 artists will paint works with the them of "Stories of the Wall." READ MORE

Juneteenth Village Fest

June 18, 2023—North Lawndale
Celebrate Juneteenth with rides, games, and food for the whole family in Douglass Park with the "It Takes a Village" family of schools.  Thousands of guests will be inspired to reflect upon the profound legacy and ancestral roots of African Americans as programming highlights the resilience, solidarity, culture, and progress of Black communities. READ MORE

Swedish Days

June 21, 2023- June 25, 2023—Geneva
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 stories, dancing around the Maypole, and a festival queen. On Kids' Day, June 23, kids 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. READ MORE

Make Music Chicago

June 21, 2023—Various locations citywide
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. READ MORE

Rotary Grove Fest

June 23, 2023-June 25, 2023—Downers Grove
Downers Grove celebrates summer with live music and entertainment, a carnival, a food and business expo, craft beer fest, and car show in its downtown. The festival is free, but a $5 cover charge applies to those 16 and over entering the entertainment area. READ MORE

Logan Square Arts Festival

June 23, 2023- June 25, 2023—Logan Square
The whole family can enjoy the Logan Square Arts Festival, a three-day celebration of the creativity, diversity, and vitality of Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood, featuring two stages of live music, visual art, performance art, dance, and food and drinks from local vendors. READ MORE

Taste of Chicago Humboldt Park

June 24, 2023—Humboldt Park
Foodies of all ages can enjoy Chicago restaurants, live music, and family-friendly activities at the annual Taste of Chicago outdoor food festival. This summer's festival will be hosted in four different neighborhood parks, one in each month. READ MORE

Villa Park Summerfest

June 24, 2023—Villa Park
Family-friendly music, interactive activities, a bags tournament, face-painting, magic, and balloon animals provide entertainment for kids and families at this annual west suburban street festival. Families can also enjoy food and beverages from local vendors. READ MORE

Long Grove Strawberry Fest

June 23, 2023-June 25, 2023—Long Grove
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. READ MORE

Dragon Boat Race for Literacy

June 24, 2023—Chinatown
The Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Dragon Boat Race for Literacy in Ping Tom Memorial Park, featuring a lion dance opening ceremony, dragon boat races, cultural performances, exhibition booths, and children's activities. READ MORE

Taste of Grayslake Family Picnic and Fireworks

June 24, 2023—Grayslake
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 READ MORE

Logan Square Arts Festival

June 23, 2023- June 25, 2023—Logan Square
The whole family can enjoy the Logan Square Arts Festival, a three-day celebration of the creativity, diversity, and vitality of Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood, featuring two stages of live music, visual art, performance art, dance, and food and drinks from local vendors. READ MORE

Mess Fest

June 24, 2023—Naperville
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. READ MORE

Summer Fest Glenview

June 24, 2023—Glenview
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. READ MORE

Taste of Highland Park

June 23, 2023- June 24, 2023—Highland Park
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. READ MORE

Navy Pier Pride

June 24, 2023—Downtown
Everyone is welcome at Navy Pier Pride, featuring family-friendly festivities in honor of the LGBTQ+ community, such as story times with drag queens, DJs, dancing, and of course, fireworks!  READ MORE

Naperville Fine Art and Artisan Fair

June 24, 2023- June 25, 2023—Naperville
More than 100 artists gather at Naper Settlement to show and sell their wares. Families can also enjoy a kids activity tent, community mural, balloon artist, 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 a the end of the festival. READ MORE

Arlington Heights Garden Walk and Unique Boutique

June 25, 2023—Arlington Heights
Families can shop for unique local crafts and visit six distinctive gardens in Arlington Heights at this annual event. Stops on the garden walk include a retirement home, the Arlington Heights Public Library, and private residences with themed gardens for families to enjoy. READ MORE
West Fest includes a
West Fest includes a "kids fest." Photo courtesy of West Fest Chicago

Fairs and Festivals Near Chicago in July

Frontier Days

June 30, 2023- July 4, 2023—Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights' annual Fourth of July fun fest returns in full force in 2022 with live entertainment, a carnival, a 5k race, food vendors, a Fourth of July parade, and fireworks. READ MORE

Hometown Fest

June 30, 2023- July 4, 2023—Palatine
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. READ MORE

Mount Prospect Lions Club Annual Fourth of July Festival

June 30, 2023- July 4, 2023—Mount Prospect
A carnival, live entertainment, food, and beer & wine are available at this annual festival. Fireworks shows light up the sky on June 30 and July 4. READ MORE

Hometown Fest

June 30, 2023- July 4, 2023—Palatine
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. READ MORE

International Festival of Life

July 1, 2023- July 4, 2023—Hyde Park
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. READ MORE

Taste of Oak Brook

July 3, 2023—Oak Brook
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 9:30 p.m. READ MORE

West Fest Chicago

July 7, 2023- July 9, 2023—West Town
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.  READ MORE

Square Roots Fest

July 7, 2023- July 9, 2023—Lincoln Square
Family fun featuring live music, local eats, and kids activities at this neighborhood festival. Local eats for every taste from tacos to Thai food, burgers to 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.    READ MORE

Roscoe Village Burger Fest

July 7, 2023- July 9, 2023—Roscoe Village
More than a dozen local restaurants showcase their burgers at this Roscoe Village street festival. Two stages offer continuous music while kids can enjoy the Kids' Zone complete with arts and crafts. READ MORE

West Fest Chicago

July 7, 2023- July 9, 2023—West Town
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.  READ MORE

Southport Art Festival

July 8, 2023- July 9, 2023
Southport (FREE)
Visitors can peruse and purchase many various kinds of art on tree-lined Southport Avenue at this West Lakeview street festival. A kids' area includes interactive games and activities. READ MORE

Kane County Fair and Festival

July 12, 2023- June 16, 2023
St. Charles
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. READ MORE

Taste of Westmont

July 13, 2023-July 16, 2023
Westmont (FREE admission, fees for food)
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. READ MORE

Taste of Chicago Pullman Park

July 15, 2023—Pullman
Foodies of all ages can enjoy Chicago restaurants, live music, and family-friendly activities at the annual Taste of Chicago outdoor food festival. This summer's festival will be hosted in four different neighborhood parks, one in each month. READ MORE

Bucktown Neighborhood and Garden Walk

July 15, 2023- July 16,2023
Bucktown
Bring the family to Bucktown for the  annual garden walk and neighborhood celebration READ MORE

Fresh Fest!

July 13, 2023- July 14 ,2023
Downtown
Youth performers play and sing music, dance, and perform spoken word art at Navy Pier's Wave Wall at this free two-day festival. READ MORE

Windy City Smokeout

July 13, 2023- July 16, 2023—West Loop
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 Willie Nelson, Turnpike Troubadours, Tim McGraw, Sam Hunt, Miranda Lambert, and Kip Moore READ MORE

Jazz Up Glen Ellyn

July 15, 2023
Glen Ellyn
Musically inclined families can take to the streets of Glen Ellyn to enjoy live music and food from local vendors. Each family can reserve a socially distanced square and have food or goodies from local vendors delivered to their seats. READ MORE

Colombian Fest

July 14, 2023- July 16, 2023
Humboldt Park
Colombian culture takes center stage at this festival in Humboldt Park. Families can explore Colombian music & entertainment, arts & crafts, and cuisine & beverages. READ MORE

Chicago Water Lantern Festival

July 15, 2023—Lincoln Park
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.  READ MORE

Taco Fest & Highwood Days

July 20, 2023- July 23, 2023—Highwood
Formerly the North Shore Taco Festival, this refreshed event now features both tacos 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. READ MORE

Tacos y Tamales Festival

July 21, 2023- July 23, 2023
Pilsen (FREE, fees for food)
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. READ MORE

Wicker Park Fest

July 21, 2023-July 23, 2023
Wicker Park
The 17th 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!  READ MORE

Butterfield Park District Family Fun Fest

July 22, 2023
Lombard (FREE)
Kids can set sail for some summer fun at this nautical-themed family party. Activities include games, crafts, raffles, giveaways, and food. Admission to the pool is free during the event.  READ MORE

Taste of Lincoln Avenue

July 21, 2023-July 23, 2023
Lincoln Park
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. READ MORE

Bantu Fest

July 29, 2023—Hyde Park
The beautiful Hyde Park neighborhood hosts the annual Bantu Fest, a community festival bringing together over 30 different countries and cultures to celebrate diversity, unity, love... and delicious food! Guests can also enjoy art, music, unique merchandise from local vendors, DJs, live Performances, dance, and a dedicated Children's Village. READ MORE

DuPage County Fair

July 28, 2023-July 30, 2023—Wheaton
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. READ MORE

Chinatown Summer Fair

July 29, 2023- July 30, 2023
Chinatown (FREE)
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. READ MORE

Prairie Fest

July 27, 2023- July 30, 2023—Wood Dale
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. READ MORE

Ghana Fest

July 29, 2023—Washington Park
There is something for everyone at the 31st annual Ghana Fest, a celebration of the history and culture of the West African nation of Ghana. Guests can enjoy art, crafts, and fashion from local vendors, food, drinks, live entertainment, and dancing. READ MORE

Fiesta Del Sol

July 27, 2023- July 30, 2023
Pilsen (FREE)
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. READ MORE

Chicago Ridge Fest

July 28, 2023- July 30, 2023
Chicago Heights (FREE)
Southside and South Suburban families can enjoy a carnival, restaurant row, merchant row, and live entertainment at this annual festival. Adult beverages are provided by Hayes Beer. READ MORE

Chicago Food Truck Festival

July 29, 2023-July 30, 2023
Enjoy a fall day outside enjoying live entertainment with up to 40 food trucks to choose from.  READ MORE

Long Grove Vintage Days

July 29, 2023- July 30, 2023—Long Grove
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. READ MORE
It's the 94th anniversary of the Bud Billiken Parade. Photo courtesy of the Bud Billiken Parade
It's the 94th anniversary of the Bud Billiken Parade. Photo courtesy of the Bud Billiken Parade

Fairs and Festivals in Chicago in August

Northbrook Days

August 2, 2023- August 6, 2023
Northbrook
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. Special Friends morning is Saturday, August 5, from 9:30- 11:30 a.m. READ MORE

Festa Italiana

August 4, 2023- August 6, 2023—Naperville
Food and fun are on tap at Naper Settlement for Festa Italiana. The festival includes live musical performances, a meatball eating contest, artisans, and—of course—food. Dancers and singers perform each day. READ MORE

Taste of Chicago Marquette Park

August 4, 2023—Marquette Park
Foodies of all ages can enjoy Chicago restaurants, live music, and family-friendly activities at the annual Taste of Chicago outdoor food festival. This summer's festival will be hosted in four different neighborhood parks, one in each month. READ MORE

Jeff Fest

August 4, 2023- August 6, 2023—Jefferson Park
Families can enjoy music, food, and kids' entertainment at Jefferson Memorial Park at this annual neighborhood festival. A kids area features cool activities and a stage with family friendly performers. READ MORE

Destination Asia Festival

August 4, 2023- August 6, 2023—Lisle
This fun-filled festival at The Morton Arboretum 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. More information will be available closer to the event date at mortonarb.org. READ MORE

Latinxt Music Festival at Navy Pier

August 5, 2023- August 6, 2023—Downtown
Navy Pier hosts LatiNxt, a two-day Latin music and art festival featuring performances from Latin artists around the globe, as well as art, crafts, and plenty of dancing! READ MORE

World of Faeries Festival: Healing Earth

August 5, 2023- August 6, 2023—South Elgin
Faeries of all ages can enjoy music, story telling, and crafts at this annual festival in South Elgin. Fairy tea times will allow fairy lovers to talk and enjoy refreshments with fairies. Tatiana, fairy queen, will blow bubbles in the clearing, or visitors can join Alanna MerBubbles for story telling and coloring pages. Og The Balloon Twister will provide balloon twisting fun for kids. READ MORE

Retro on Roscoe

August 11, 2023- August 13, 2023
Roscoe Village (FREE)
Artisans, antique vendors, and merchants join three stages of entertainers at this North Side street festival. Local restaurants featuring street fest-friendly foods and classic cars round out the line-up for this old-fashioned family fun event. READ MORE

Edison Park Fest

August 11, 2023- August 13, 2023
Edison Park
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. READ MORE

Bud Billiken Parade

August 12, 2023
Washington Park
The Bud Billiken Parade is the oldest and largest African American parade in the United States, and this year marks its 94th anniversary! Guests of all ages can enjoy a procession of bands, dance groups, and floats marching down King Drive, commemorating the community's past and celebrating its future. READ MORE

Thirsty Ears Festival - Classical Music Street Festival

August 12, 2023- August 13, 2023
Ravenswood
The sounds of Beethoven, Shostakovich, Reich, and more will fill Wilson Ave. during Chicago's only classical music street festival. READ MORE

Ribfest Chicago

August 18, 2023-August 20, 2023—North Center
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 at North Center Town Square. READ MORE

Air and Water Show

August 19, 2023- August 20, 2023
Lakeshore (FREE)
Chicago hosts its annual Air and Water Show featuring the US Navy Blue Angels. This is the largest free show of its kind in the United States. The event is located at North Avenue Beach, but viewable all along the coast of Lake Michigan. READ MORE

Skokie's Backlot Bash

August 25, 2023- August 27, 2023—Skokie
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, 5k run, kids' stage, auto show, bingo and pancake breakfast throughout the last weekend before Labor Day at this near north suburban festival. READ MORE

Taste of Greektown

August 25, 2023- August 27, 2023—Greektown
The whole family can taste a bit of Greek cuisine and celebrate Greek culture at the annual Taste of Greektown, featuring food and spirits from neighborhood eateries as well as dance troupes and kids' activities; READ MORE

West Chicago Food Festival

August 26, 2023—West Chicago
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. READ MORE

Chalk Howard Street

August 26, 2023—Rogers Park
Food, live music, outdoor chalk art gallery, and a creative space for aspiring chalk artists are all at Chalk Howard Street. READ MORE

Bucktown Arts Fest

August 26, 2023- August 27, 2023—Bucktown
Families can enjoy the arts in Bucktown at this annual festival that includes a juried arts show, kids art area, live musical entertainment, and food. Proceeds from the fest benefit arts education programming in the neighborhood. READ MORE

Pizza City Fest Chicago

August 26, 2023- August 27, 2023—Goose Island
Families can celebrate 10 different styles of pizza in Chicago at this all-you-can-eat festival in the West Loop. Ten different pizzaolos will be making different kind of pizzas throughout the day. There will also be panels on how to make pizza at home and book signings from favorite pizza celebrities. READ MORE

Glen Ellyn Festival of the Arts

August 26, 2023- August 27, 2023—Glen Ellyn
DuPage County families have been enjoying this annual festival at Lake Ellyn Park for generations. Families can 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. READ MORE

Lakeview Taco Fest

August 26, 2023- August 27, 2023—Lakeview
The taco is the star of this annual food and music festival. Bring the family for food, music, and kid's activities. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of the Last Fling in Naperville Facebook page
Photo courtesy of the Last Fling in Naperville Facebook page

Summer Street Festivals in Chicago on Labor Day Weekend

Taste of Polonia

September 1, 2023- September 4, 2023—Jefferson Park
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 over the course of the weekend, and families can enjoy inflatables, a climbing wall, face painting, clowns, Disney characters, tastings and cooking classes, carnival rides, and games. Polish foods from pierogis to sausages to potato pancakes will also be available. READ MORE

African Festival of the Arts

September 1, 2023- September 4, 2023—Hyde Park
Washington Park hosts the annual African Festival of the Arts, featuring vibrant drumming, museum quality and collectible artifacts, colorful and rich handwoven fabric and textile, family friendly activities, music, and food.  READ MORE

West Loop Art Festival

September 2, 2023- September 3, 2023—West Loop
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. READ MORE

Chicago Jazz Festival

August 31, 2023- September 3, 2023—Downtown
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. READ MORE

Last Fling

September 1, 2023- September 3, 2023—Naperville
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. READ MORE

Frankfort Fall Fest

September 2, 2023- September 4, 2023—Frankfort
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 1 p.m., and families can visit the KidWork Children's Museum or Frankfort History Museum nearby. READ MORE

Long Grove Irish Days

September 2, 2023- September 4, 2023—Long Grove
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. READ MORE
Enjoy the Summer Music and Film Series at Millennium Park this summer. Photo courtesy of the park
Enjoy the Summer Music and Film Series at Millennium Park this summer. Photo courtesy of the park

Summer-Long Fairs and Festivals Near Chicago

Water Flicks at Navy Pier

Mondays, July 10, 2023-August 28, 2023
Navy Pier (FREE)
Navy Pier hosts "Water Flicks"—free, outdoor screenings of favorite family movies in Polk Bros Park. August 28 will be a viewers choice week in which families vote on Instagram for which movie they would like to see. READ MORE

Grant Park Music Festival

Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, June 14, 2023- August 19, 2023
Grant Park (FREE)
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. READ MORE

Sundays on State

July 16, 2023, and August 13,2023
Downtown
Chicago's State Street is closed from Madison to Lake for a block party full of surprises. Families can enjoy art, culture, active recreation, food, and specials from local retailers. READ MORE

Naper Nights

Third Friday and Saturday in June, July, and August, 2023
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. READ MORE

Millennium Park Summer Music Series

Mondays and Thursdays, June 22, 2023- August 20, 2023
Chicago Loop (FREE)
The whole family can enjoy a free, world-class concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park! The music series features a wide variety of music from top local, national, and international artists. READ MORE

Chicago SummerDance

Select dates TBA
Parks throughout the city
Grant Park hosts Chicago SummerDance, where kids of all ages can enjoy music in the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park and dance to the sounds of different live bands and DJs all summer long!  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Arlington Heights Historical Museum
South Lagoon in Lincoln Park
Northbrook Metra Station Parking Lot
Lake Ellyn Park & Boathouse
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion & Great Lawn
Naperville Central High School
State Street from Madison to Lake
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Parks Citywide