It doesn't get much better than Halloween at the zoo! Boo at the Zoo photo courtesy of Brookfield Zoo.
Indigenous Peoples Day Weekend in Chicago: Scarecrow Festivals, Halloween Events, and More Things To Do With Kids
Spider-Man in action. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Where to Go Indoor Trick or Treating in Chicago 2025
These towns near Chicago have some of the best fall colors in the Midwest. Photo courtesy of Illinois.gov
Best Towns Near Chicago to See Fall Colors
The best Halloween events and activities in Chicago
GUIDE
Halloween Fun and Activities Guide for Chicago Kids
St. Charles Scarecrow Festival.
30 Best Things to Do in Chicago October 2025 with Kids, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
Lincoln Park Spooktacular! Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce
Top Free Halloween Events In Chicago 2025: Trick-or-Treating, Free Movies, and More
Logan Square Halloween Parade is perfect for showing off costumes. Photo by Kate Connealy
Top Halloween Events in Chicago for Kids and Families: Pumpkins, Trick-or-Treat, Parades, and More
You can easily spend all day at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Photo by the author
Brookfield Zoo Chicago: Tips and Tricks for Visiting with Kids
Pumpkin picking is a firm fall favorite. Photo courtesy of Keller's Farmstand
GUIDE
Chicago Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2025
Try a Fall outing to one of these great pumpkin patches near Chicago. Gobbert's Farm photo by Ryan Dickey via Flickr 2.0
Best Pumpkin Patches Near Chicago for Families
It's apple season! Photo courtesy of Apple Holler Orchard
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 37 Things To Do in Chicago This Fall
Just about an hour from Chicago, kids can pick apples at Apple Holler from mid-August to November.
Apple Picking near Chicago: Best Apple Orchards for Apple Picking with Kids
Rack up those Scout Badges at these Chicago institutions. Photo courtesy of Canva.
Best Places in Chicago Where Kids Can Earn Scout Badges
See what swims by at the Shedd Aquarium. Beluga photo courtesy of the Illinois Tourism Board.
The Best Zoos and Aquariums for Chicago Kids 2025
Photo courtesy of Enchanted Castle.
Best Kid-Friendly Arcades in Chicago
If your teens enjoy pottery, then MADE Chicago in Bucktown is the spot.
Best Crafting Parties for Teens in Chicago
Teen Saturdays at Chicago Architecture Center. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center.
Teen Museum Programs in Chicago: Internships, Workshops, and More
Places to celebrate your baby before the smash cake. Photo by Kelly Patino for Mommy Poppins
Best Places to Celebrate a First Birthday in Chicago
Cooking classes for kids in Chicago. Photo courtesy of The Kid's Table
Cooking Classes for Kids in Chicago: A Baker's Dozen of the Best Culinary Experiences in the City and Suburbs
Try one of these local businesses for a fun and unique birthday party. Photo courtesy of Ultimate Ninjas
Only in Chicago: Unique Birthday Party Ideas for Kids
​Launch is a Chicago trampoline park with bowling and an arcade, too. Photo courtesy of Visit Lake County
Trampoline Parks in Chicago to Burn Energy Indoors
Calm Waters is a sensory-friendly event at Shedd Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the Shedd Aquarium
Sensory-Friendly Events in Chicago for Kids
The Sugar Hole is a pop-up ice cream shop in Chicago. Photo courtesy of The Sugar Hole, courtesy of Color Club.
Best Ice Cream Near Chicago: 14 Ice Cream Parlors and Ice Cream Shops Kids Adore
Spend a weekend in Chicago without breaking the bank.
Chicago Budget-Friendly Weekend Itinerary for Families
The Indianapolis Children's Museum is one of the nation's best. Photo by Valerie Everett via Flickr 2.0
Indianapolis with Kids: 20 Best Things To Do in Indianapolis, Indiana
Lincoln Park Zoo photo by Dice Sales courtesy of the Illinois Tourism Bureau
Awesome Self-Guided Walking Tours of Chicago with Kids
Explore artistic classics at the Chicago Art Institute. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
100 FREE Things to Do In Chicago with Kids
Hello Baby is a free indoor playground in Woodlawn. Photo courtesy of Hello Baby
Best Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Chicago for Babies & Toddlers
Indoor golf is great for those cold or rainy days in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Scene 75
Indoor Golf Places in Chicago for Kids
Thinking of getting your kid's ears pierced? These ear piercing places in Chicago are clean and gentle.
Best Ear Piercing Places in Chicago for Kids
Have your indoor birthday party at one of these fun Chicago venues. Photo courtesy of ©LEGOLAND Discovery Centers US LLC
Best Indoor Birthday Party Places in Chicago
Skokie Exploritorium is only $5 for residents. ©Skokie Park District
Best Indoor Playgrounds in Chicago
IHOP Pancakes photo by Wendi Gratz via Flickr 2 0
Family-Friendly Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free in Chicago
Tiny Picassos can enjoy different activities every day at the Art Institute’s Family Room. Photo by Maureen Wilkey, for Mommy Poppins
25 Free Things To Do Indoors in Chicago: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Visit the Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Chicago
There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Canva
Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago
Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago
25 Things To Do With Little Kids in Chicago Before They Turn 5

85 Summer Festivals and Fairs in 2025 in Chicago for Families

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
5/16/25 - By Maureen Wilkey

Summer festivals near Chicago stretch across over three months of fun, and there's such 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. Foodies of all ages will enjoy Taste of Chicago festivals in a different Chicago neighborhood each month, kids will love getting creative at Mess Fest at the Du Page Children's Museum in Naperville, and we can't even begin to count all the free music festivals this summer.

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

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

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

Maifest Chicago

Lincoln Square - FREE
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. READ MORE

Do Division Family Fun Fest

Wicker Park
May 30- June 1
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

LaGrange - FREE
May 31- June 2
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. READ MORE

Windy City Hot Dog Fest

Portage Park - FREE
May 30- June 1
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 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. READ MORE

Chicago Gospel Music Festival

Downtown - FREE
June 1
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

Cream of Wheaton

Wheaton - FREE
June 5-8
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

57th Street Art Fair

Hyde Park - FREE
June 7-8
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. READ MORE

Highwood Kick Off To Summer Carnival

Highwood
June 6-8
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

Ribfest Chicago

North Center
June 6-8
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

Old Canal Days

Lockport - FREE
June 6-8
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

Fiestas Patronales Puertorriquenas

Humboldt Park
June 12-15
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 14 beginning at Division and Campbell and proceeding into Humboldt Park. READ MORE

Midsommarfest

Andersonville
June 13-15
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. READ MORE

Wells Street Art Festival

Old Town - FREE
June 14-15
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

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. READ MORE

Woodridge Jubilee

Woodridge
June 12-15
The Village of Woodridge and the Woodridge Park District host their 40th 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 at DuPage County Fairgrounds

Wheaton
June 13-14
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. READ MORE

St. Demetrios Taste of Greece Festival

Elmhurst - FREE
June 13-15
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

Rogers Park - FREE
June 14-15
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. READ MORE

Gold Coast Greek Fest

Gold Coast - FREE
June 20-22
Chicagoans can get a taste of authentic Greek food, live music and dancing, and beer, wine, and frappe for those of age, all for free at the Gold Coast Greek Fest!  READ MORE

Swedish Days

Geneva - FREE
June 18-22
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, 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. READ MORE

Villa Park Summerfest

Villa Park - FREE
June 21
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

Rotary Grove Fest

Downers Grove - FREE
June 19-22
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

Dragon Boat Race for Literacy

Chinatown - FREE
June 21
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

Make Music Chicago

Various locations citywide - FREE
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. READ MORE

DuPage Children's Museum's Mess Fest

Naperville
June 21
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

Taste of Highland Park

Highland Park - FREE
June 21-22
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

Summer Fest Glenview

Glenview - FREE
June 21
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

Eldridge Adventure Day

Elmhurst - FREE
June 22
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

Taste of Chicago Marquette Park

Marquette Park - FREE
June 28
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

Prairie Fest

Wood Dale - FREE
June 27-30
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

Taste of Grayslake Family Picnic and Fireworks

Grayslake - FREE
June 28
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

Navy Pier Pride

Downtown - FREE
June 28
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

Naperville - FREE
June 28-29
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

Long Grove Strawberry Fest

Long Grove
June 27-29
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
West Fest includes a
West Fest includes a "kids fest." Photo courtesy of West Fest Chicago

Fairs and Festivals Near Chicago in July

Mount Prospect Lions Club Annual Fourth of July Festival

Mount Prospect
July 2-July 6
A carnival, live entertainment, food, and beer & wine are available at this annual festival. Fireworks shows light up the sky on July 2 and July 4. READ MORE

Frontier Days

Arlington Heights - FREE
July 2-6
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. READ MORE

Hometown Fest

Palatine - FREE
July 2-6
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

Taste of Oak Brook

Oak Brook - FREE
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. READ MORE

International Festival of Life

Hyde Park
July 11-13
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

Fresh Fest!

Downtown - FREE
July 11-12
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

West Loop
July 10-13
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 Bailey Zimmerman, Koe Wetzel, Old Dominion, Dylan Gossett, Kane Brown, Megan Moroney, John Pardy, and Riley Green. READ MORE

Taste of Westmont

Westmont
July 10-13
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

Butterfield Park District Family Fun Fest

Lombard - FREE
July 12
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

Square Roots Fest

Lincoln Square
July 13-15
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.    READ MORE

Jazz Up Glen Ellyn

Glen Ellyn - FREE
July 12
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. READ MORE

Southport Art Festival

Southport - FREE
July 12-13
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. Kids Art Zone, face painting, personalized poems, and tons of other activities for the whole family. READ MORE

Bucktown Neighborhood and Garden Walk

Bucktown - FREE
July 12-July 13
Bring the family to Bucktown for the  annual garden walk and neighborhood celebration READ MORE

West Fest Chicago

West Town
July 18-20
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

Kane County Fair and Festival

St. Charles
July 16-20
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

Highwood Days with Taste of Highwood

Highwood - FREE
July 18-20
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. READ MORE

El Gran Festival Colombiano

Humboldt Park
July 18-20
Colombian culture takes center stage at this festival in Humboldt Park. Families can explore Colombian music & entertainment, arts & crafts, and cuisine & beverages. READ MORE

Roscoe Village Burger Fest

Roscoe Village
July 18-20
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

Tacos y Tamales Festival

Pilsen- FREE
July 18-20
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

Taste of Chicago Pullman Park

Pullman Park - FREE
July 19
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

Transportation Zoo

Naperville
July 19
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, plans and trains inside. READ MORE

Chicago Water Lantern Festival

Humboldt Park
July 26
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

DuPage County Fair

Wheaton - FREE
July 24-27
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

Wicker Park Fest

Wicker Park
July 25-27
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! New this year will be a pet fest with paw paintings, pet portraits, musical sits and a dog ice cream eating contest. READ MORE

Taste of Lincoln Avenue

Lincoln Park
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. READ MORE

Chinatown Summer Fair

Chinatown - FREE
July 26-27
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

Long Grove Vintage Days

Long Grove - FREE
July 26-27
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

Fiesta Del Sol

Pilsen - FREE
July 31-August 3
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
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

Jeff Fest

Jefferson Park
August 1-2
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

Northbrook Days

Northbrook - FREE
July 30-August 3
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 2nd, from 9:30am - 11:30am. READ MORE

Destination Asia Festival

Lisle
August 2-3
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. READ MORE

Taste of Chicago Albany Park

Albany Park - FREE
August 9
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

Bud Billiken Parade

Washington Park - FREE
August 9
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

Air and Water Show

Lakeshore - FREE
August 16-17
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

Skokie - FREE
August 22-24
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

West Chicago Food Festival

West Chicago - FREE
August 23
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

Great American Lobster Fest

Downtown
August 16-17
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. READ MORE

Chalk Howard Street

Rogers Park - FREE
August 23
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

Bucktown - FREE
August 23-24
Families can enjoy the arts 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

Edison Park Fest

Edison Park
August 22-24
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

Glen Ellyn Festival of the Arts

Glen Ellyn - FREE
August 23-24
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. READ MORE

West Loop Art Festival

West Loop
August 23-24
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
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

Long Grove Irish Days

Long Grove - FREE
August 30-September 1
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

Chicago Jazz Festival

Downtown - FREE
August 29-September 1
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

Naperville
August 29-September 1
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

Taste of Polonia

Jefferson Park
August 30-September 1
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. READ MORE

Frankfort Fall Fest

Frankfort - FREE
August 30-September 1
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. 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

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. READ MORE

Naper Nights

Naperville
Third Friday and Saturday in June, July, and 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. READ MORE

Millennium Park Summer Music Series

Downtown - FREE
Mondays and Thursdays, June 26-August 7
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, June- September
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
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium
Northbrook Metra Station Parking Lot
Lake Ellyn Park & Boathouse
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion & Great Lawn
Naperville Central High School
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Grant Park