What Should We Do This Weekend? Chicago, IL August 23rd – 25th

Looking for things to do in Chicagoland this weekend?

Here are over 40 family-friendly events happening in Chicago, and the suburbs this weekend!

Family Friendly Events in Chicago, IL This Weekend:

Major ongoing events this weekend:

Taste of Greektown

• August 24th – 26th
• “While summer may be winding down, Greektown Chicago plans to celebrate the season with our annual Taste of Greektownfestival from Friday, August 24 through Sunday, August 26. Whether you’re a regular attendee or a newcomer, don’t miss the chance to experience Greek culture first-hand with food, live music, and on-site activities.

  A mix of local Greektown businesses and food vendors will provide refreshments and authentic Greek cuisine, like feta, tzatziki and roasted chicken, so Windy City foodies can experience traditional Mediterranean dishes. Lively Greek bands, dance troupes, local musicians and The Jesse White Tumblers will perform throughout the weekend, and attendees can also participate in fun activities, like a gyro eating contest, to take their Greek food tasting to the next level. The festival will be held between 400 S. Halsted St. and 100 S. Halsted Street on Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday from noon to 11 p.m.”

Oddities Flea Market Chicago

• August 24th & 25th; 10 am – 6 pm
• Stan Mansion: 2408 North Kedzie Blvd.
• “Feast your eyes on medical history ephemera, anatomical curiosities, natural history items, osteological specimens, taxidermy, obscure home decor, jewelry, one-of-a-kind dark art, and more. This absolutely awe-inspiring market of the most incredible, unique oddities is taking up residence at the former Masonic lodge on August 24th and 25th. Inside, you’ll find rows and rows of unusual vendors from across the country, hand-picked by curator Ryan Matthew Cohn.”

Wizard World Chicago Comic Con

• Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont
• Thursday, Aug 22, 2019 – 4:00pm – 9:00pm
  Friday, Aug 23, 2019 – 12:00pm – 7:00pm
  Saturday, Aug 24, 2019 – 10:00am – 7:00pm
  Sunday, Aug 25, 2019 – 10:00am – 4:00pm
• “Celebrity appearances on the roster include Jason Momoa from Aquaman, Ben McKenzie from Gotham, and Morena Baccarin from Deadpool, as well as old favorites Cary Elwes from The Princess Bride and Kevin Conroy from the original Batman: The Animated Series. There will be panels and autograph signings which give fans the opportunity to meet and take photos with their favorite characters. For the Comic Con adult crowd, there will also be special nighttime events for people who want to keep the excitement going after the day is through.”

Port Clinton Art Festival

• Saturday & Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
• Highland Park
• “More than 240 of the country’s most celebrated artists will showcase painting, jewelry, sculpture, photographs, fashion wearables, furniture and more.”
• “Art activities for kids like face painting, interactive art demos, and even a Youth Art Division.  Alongside established artists, the Youth Art Division celebrates the talents of artists ages 18 and under, offering them the opportunity to participate, exhibit, and experience behind-the-scenes of an art festival. The Youth Art Tent is sponsored by Blick.”
• Also enjoy delicious food and continuous live performances.

Villapalooza

• August 24th & 25th
• “Villapalooza is a collective of Latinx arts organizers dedicated to promoting safe spaces for arts, culture and community engagement. All core leaders have a longstanding relationship with Little Village, as well as a commitment to the development of a thriving youth arts culture in the neighborhood. Villapalooza’s annual festival is a free, all-day, all-ages event held on in Little Village. It is one of Chicago’s most well-attended and diverse grassroots music festivals.”

Chicago Baby Show

• August 24 & 25th
• Navy Pier
• “Part of the largest series of events in the country for expectant and new parents, the #ChicagoBabyShow is a must-attend event if you are planning, expecting or recently had a child. No other event offers a broader range of brands, education, buying opportunities, and activities.”

Maxwell Street Days

• August 23rd – 25th
• “Lake Geneva’s annual sidewalk sales are back! Shop the streets for the best deals of the year!
  Maxwell Street Days is Friday, August 23 – Sunday, August 25. Opening times vary by store, but most stores are set up by 10am each day.”

La Grange Sidewalk Sale

• Friday & Saturday beginning at 10 am
• “Discover a bargain hunters delight with end-of-season treasures and one-of-a-kind items at dozens of shops. You’ll find great merchandise at rock-bottom prices as retailers clear shelves to make room for fall inventory. Hours of operation vary by store; sidewalk sale deals available at participating retailers.”

Downtown Palatine Street Fest

• August 23rd – 25th

  • Friday, August 23rd: 5:00pm – 12:00am

  • Saturday, August 24th: 11:00am – 12:00am

  • Sunday, August 25th: 11:00am – 6:00pm

• Live music, great food, and kids activities

Johnson’s Raspberry Festival

• August 24th & 25th; September 7th & 8th
• “Festival weekends are also the only time our Fun Farm is open. Our new Fun Farm is brimming with activities for the entire family to enjoy.”
• “Festival admission is $8.00 per person and includes access to the U Pick fields, jump pad, jump pillow, obstacle course, pipe swing, triple slide, pedal karts, blue-choo, tram rides, goat village, Johnson’s town, and corn box. Train rides and produce cannons are extra.”

50th Annual Glen Ellyn Festival of the Arts

• “Join us for the 50th festival in beautiful Lake Ellyn Park in Glen Ellyn Illinois. Stroll a winding path of 70 Artists and discover that missing decor for your house, treat yourself to wearable art, or a gift for someone special. We will have artist featuring; painting, photography, ceramics, glass, leather, and Jewelry. We will have a variety of food options, and a beer and wine garden on the patio of the boathouse with live music throughout the weekend.”
• Saturday & Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm

 Bristol Renaissance Faire

• Kenosha, WI off I-94 at the Wisconsin Border
• Saturdays and Sundays, July 6th – Sept 2nd, 10 am – 7 pm
• Children are free
• August 24th and 25th is Salute to Military and Scouts Weekend!
  • “Salute to Uniforms: Special discount at the Box Office for active and veteran military, police, fire department, and EMT personnel with valid ID. Save $5.95 off adult single-day admission. No coupon needed. (We’d love to see your affiliated T-shirts!)Scouts Weekend: ANY SCOUT (Boy Scout, Girl Scout, Spiral Scout, etc.) is welcome to participate. Leaders and scouts IN uniform receive a discount for their entire party – no coupon needed.”

Lego Ninjago Days at Legoland Discovery Center

• August 3rd – September 30th
• “Calling all ninjas in training: Master Wu is ready to challenge you with an EPIC mission! LEGO NINJAGO® has been summoned to LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago! Unleash your Ninja building powers to complete Master Wu’s challenges with exclusive building activities, mega mini movie creations and practicing your ninja moves with your favorite NINJAGO characters to become a ‘Master of Spinjitzu’! Are you pumped for the challenge?”

Bixbee Imagination Station Pop-UP

• Mon to Thur, Sat & Sun (10am – 5pm), Fri (10am – 7pm)
• Tickets: Adult $23, Kid (3-11 years old) $15, Children 2 and under are FREE
• “Come discover a world every kid (and kid-at-heart) wished truly existed. Enter an un-charted playground where you can ride a polka-dotted elephant and spot cheeky, technicolor monkeys. Ignite a brilliant light show with just the beat of a drum. Ride a mythical unicorn blazing across a disco rainbow sky. See human connectivity come to life like an electric spirograph. Share secrets with your bestie via flower blossoms. Explore outer space with a surfing, taco loving dinosaur, and take a selfie inside a ferociously, friendly shark!”
• In Chicago for a limited time only!
• 915 W. North Ave.

Neon Summer Pop Up

• 5 week only pop -up
• 1265 W. Le Moyne St, Chicago
• Neon Summer Chicago is an all ages event. While the experience is fun for all ages prior to 7pm, please keep in mind after 7pm the festivities turn boozy so we recommend families come out during our earlier hours. All ages are welcome to stay throughout the event as long as they want. After 7pm, under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Admission into Neon Summer Chicago Pop-Up, including access to 9-Hole Pop Mini Golf course, Bocce ball and Instagramable experiences. Go-Karts, Axe Throwing, food and full bar/drinks will be available for additional purchase onsite. Select your date, the time that works best for your group, arrive anytime within your 30-minute ticketing window and stay as long as you’d like!
• Go Kart racing is first come, first served and NOT included unless purchased, specifically in a package.

FRIDAY

10:00 AM & 11:00 AM: Wiggleworms Navy Pier

• Free and open to the public! Join us at the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier for Wiggleworms, Old Town School of Folk Music’s celebrated early childhood music program. This free program for babies, toddlers and preschoolers features two back-to-back 45-minute performances, separated by a 15-minute break. Come sing, clap and play along!

11:00 AM: Acorn Express Adventure

• “Join us on the Acorn Express tram for a family friendly tram-ride adventure through the Arboretum! We’ll seek out fun destinations to hike, make a craft, and explore new topics each week.”

5:30 PM: Toddler, Tunes, & Turtles

• Welles Park
• “Now in it’s 14th year, Toddlers, Tunes and Turtles invites our youngest explorers to visit your park and explore! This outdoor nature program encourages families to enjoy the park together. Meet animal experts who will bring a variety of live animals like frogs, snakes, and of course, turtles. Sing along with musicians come and sing family friendly music to eager crowds. There are also instruments for the kids to play with as well as puzzles, books, blocks, fishing and more!”

6:00 PM: Summer Nights Classic Car Show, Downtown Downers Grove

• August 23 – Convertible. Live music from Vinyl Destination (arena Rock from late 60’s-early 80’s).

6:00 PM: Vintage Rides

• “Vintage Rides returns to the new, beautiful Front Street in Summer of 2019!
  Stroll through Downtown Wheaton to enjoy seeing the new streetscape, classic cars, motorcycles and trucks of every make, model and year! Spectators will admire cars from Model T’s to Teslas and everything in between. There will be a DJ spinning tunes, so bring the entire family out for fun in Downtown Wheaton and enjoy the cars, the music and the great food and shops that Downtown Wheaton has to offer.”
• Hollywood Night

6:30 PM: Water Colors Jazz Series

• “The Art Ensemble of Chicago is an avant-garde jazz group that grew out of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) in the late 1960s. The ensemble integrates many jazz styles and plays many instruments, including “little instruments”: bells, bicycle horns, birthday party noisemakers, wind chimes, and various forms of percussion. The musicians wear costumes and face paint while performing. These characteristics combine to make the ensemble’s performances both aural and visual.”
• Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park
• All ages event

6:30 PM: Chicago Philharmonic at the Zoo

• Lincoln Park Zoo will proudly host the Chicago Philharmonic for the first time in this unique, classical music concert for all ages. Explore the zoo after hours while a live orchestra performs beautiful symphonic classics, from Beethoven to Bartok, in a special 90-minute program (including intermission).
• Guests will enjoy fragrant gardens, cash bars, and concessions throughout the zoo while savoring the end of summer with an exceptional, one-of-a-kind music experience.
• Seating will be general admission, so guests are encouraged to bring blankets and small folding chairs.

6:30 PM: Barnyard Bedtime Stories

• Cosley Zoo
• “Put on your pajamas, grab your teddy bear, and come to Cosley Zoo for an after-hours storytime complete with animal-themed books, an activity, and a bedtime snack.
• All ages are welcome, but participants ages 18 months – 12 years must register. Pre-registration is required by 8/22/19. There must be at least one registered participant per family. Registration is taken through the Wheaton Park District.”

SATURDAY

9:00 AM: Fishing Derby & BBQ Picnic

• Patriots Park in Downers Grove
• “Join the Yomechas for a memorable experience right in your backyard! This is a free event that kicks-off the new Program Year and allows friends, neighbors and schoolmates to see what the program is all about. Fishing, Food, Games, Prizes FUN!!!!”

10:00 AM: Family Fun Day at Randall Oaks

• This popular summer free family event is a community favorite each year! This year is no exception as we at Dundee Township Park District want to thank you for making this summer so awesome! The first 500 kids receive a free giveaway!
• Attractions:
  • Mini Zoo
  • Hayrides
  • Inflatables
  • Climbing Tree
  • Carnival Rides
  • Kids Games

10:00 AM: Family Day Big Run Wolf Ranch

• Meet the ranch’s wolves, bats, and other creatures!

11:00 AM: Books, Babies, and Booze

• “The first ever(that we know of) national children’s book tour at kid-friendly breweries. August 24th, at 11 am, we will be at the Ballast Point Chicago ! If you are a parent that would like to drink a beer in peace while your children are read “The Adventures of Duke, The Therapy Dog: Duke Finds a Home” by Allison McGill. You should come. You have earned it.”
• ***Because of licensing laws, books need to be purchased in advance on lolaandpear.com/shop and we can sign them day of***

11:00 AM: Women & Children First Block Party

• Women & Children First: 5233 N. Clark St.
• A summer block party with a feminist slant in celebration of their 40th anniversary.
• A great line up of entertainment, kids activities, games, and crafts.
• FREE food and drink!

12:30 PM: The Wiggles Party Time Tour

• Experience The Wiggles in person for the first time in years!

2:00 PM: Live On The Lake Navy Pier

• On Saturdays, guests will be treated to an exciting variety of acts performing across all genres of popular music. In the evenings music lovers will have prime viewing of the Aon Summer Fireworks at 10:15pm, followed by another set of live music until 11:30pm.
• Miller Lite Beer Garden

3:00 PM: Midnight Circus at Garfield Park

• “Midnight Circus in the Parks is an eclectic ensemble of artists with a shared vision that live performance has the power to engage and inspire our audience, our community, and our world. We bring world‐class contemporary circus performances to communities throughout Chicago and raise money for Chicago parks with the proceeds.”

4:00 PM: End of Summer Backyard Campout

• Hidden Oaks in Bolingbrook
• “Come celebrate one last hurrah before summer ends with a campout in the Hidden Oaks’ backyard. Bring your tent and dinner to cook over our campfire, or buy dinner to eat at the campfire. After dinner take a night hike and enjoy other activities and crafts to take home. S’mores will be provided for dessert! If inclement weather we will camp inside the nature center.”

5:00 PM: Uke Night in Aurora

• “The City of Lights Ukulele Society will be hosting “Uke Night in Aurora” on Saturday night August 24th. Local businesses, restaurants and Venues will host ukulele players of all ages in an open mic setting. This is the night before the City of Lights Ukulele Festival.”

5:00 PM: Elmhurst Park Palooza

• Berens Park
• “End the summer on a high note at Park Palooza! Food trucks, a beer and wine garden, plus plenty of activities for the kids, including an inflatable circus train for little ones, 60′ inflatable obstacle course for big kids, face painting and balloon twister. The Hub’s Spray Ground and miniature golf will also be free to use during the event.”
• “Music will be in the air all night, with The Doors of Chicago performing from 5-7 p.m. and the ultimate 90s party band, Run Forrest Run, from 7:30-10 p.m. This will be an awesome summer evening for the whole family!”

SUNDAY

11:00 AM: City of Lights Ukulele Festival

• Water Street Mall in Downtown Aurora

12:00 PM: Mary Poppins Sing-A-Long

• Music Box Theatre
• “For our 90th Anniversary, you’re invited to a movie that’s practically perfect in every way, with our MARY POPPINS SING-A-LONG. Put on your best cockney accent for the classic Disney musical, complete with onscreen lyrics. It’s guaranteed to bring out the kid in you!”

1:00 PM: Meet & Greet with Hello Kitty

• Oakbrook Mall Macy’s
• “Meet & Greet with Hello Kitty at Macy’s at Oakbrook on Sunday, August 25th to celebrate the new supercute collection for toddlers and girls. Take a photo with Hello Kitty, enjoy sweet treats, activities, and much more!”

1:00 PM: Hinsdale Ice Cream Social

• Burlington Park in Hinsdale
• “Join us for this fun event featuring ice cream, DJ-ed music, face painting, obstacle course, games, prizes and more!”

1:00 PM: Lake Forest Back To School Bash

• The LF/LB Chamber is partnering with the Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Center on Sunday, August 25, for a fun BACK TO SCHOOL BASH!
• “The Event will take place at the West Lake Forest Train Station from 1-4 p.m.  Along with participant information for parents,  there will be games, music, food and beverage available for all to enjoy.”
• “Free fun for the whole family including games, face painting, a balloon artist, music by Istvan and his imaginary band, food for purchase, and more!”

2:00 PM: Berwyn Fairy Tale Ball

• Berwyn Public Library
• “We’re excited for our 10th Annual Fairy Tale Ball on August 25th from 2-4pm! Adventure and magic await your family at our enchanted library. Costumes are welcome! This event is free and open to everyone.”
• “This year our theme is fairy tales from around the globe. Expect fairy tales you have never seen before, and a new twist on the ones you are familiar with.”

3:00 PM: Midnight Circus at Garfield Park

• “Midnight Circus in the Parks is an eclectic ensemble of artists with a shared vision that live performance has the power to engage and inspire our audience, our community, and our world. We bring world‐class contemporary circus performances to communities throughout Chicago and raise money for Chicago parks with the proceeds.”