What Should We Do This Weekend? Chicago, IL, July 5th – July 7th 2019


Looking for things to do in Chicagoland this weekend?

Here are some family friendly events happening in the Chicagoland area!

 

Family Friendly Events in Chicagoland this weekend:

Looking for Independence Day Events? Click here: Fourth of July Celebrations and Fireworks Displays near Chicago, IL

 

Festivals Going on Throughout the Weekend



Naperville Ribfest

  • July 3rd – 6th

Lakeside Festival 2019

  • July 4th – 7th, beginning at noon
  • Crystal Lake, IL
  • “The Granddaddy of all Festivals”
  • $25 wristbands for the carnival rides
  • 15 bands over 4 days on two outdoor stages

Lisle Eyes to the Skies

  • 2019 Festival July 4th – 6th opening at noon
  • Carnival July 3rd – 7th opening at noon
  • 100% of the proceeds are donated to local charities
  • Balloons fly in the morning at 6 a.m and again in the evening at 6 p.m
  • Two tethered balloons will be available for rides each morning and evening
  • The children area will provide an extensive variety of children’s activities

Windy City Ribfest 

  • July 4th – 6th beginning at noon
  • 4800 N. Broadway St
  • In addition to tasty slabs, music, and beer, there are arts and crafts and children’s activities.

Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival

  • Paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, wearables & more all featuring a botanic theme, material or use
  • Unbelievable live art demos all weekend long
  • Local, sustainably produced food available for purchase

 

FRIDAY

9:15 AM: Wiggleworms at Gorton Center

  • Lake Forest, IL
  • Hands on exploration of rock, pop, folk, and fun!

5:00 PM: Feastival In The Park

  • Vernon Township: 3050 N Main St, Buffalo Grove
  • Food trucks, music, and free swimming

6:00 PM: Vintage Rides in Downtown Wheaton

  • Hot Rod Night / Disco

6:00 PM: Family Fishing

  • Lake Harriet Park in Woodridge
  • Bring your own bait and fishing rod
  • Pizza, hot dogs, drinks, and smores!

 

SATURDAY

 

11:00 AM: Sensory Friendly Screening of Toy Story 4

  • In partnership with Gigi’s Playhouse, the Blvd presents this special opportunity. Anything from a sensitivity to loud sounds, inability to sit still (including toddlers) and everything in between. Lights will be on, sound softer and walking around will be welcomed in a safe judgement free zone.
  • Toy Story 4 will be the movie on this date
  • Tickets are $6 and advance tickets are highly recommended

12:00 PM: Horsin’ Around: Stars, Stripes, & Snips

  • St. James Farm indoor riding arena
  • Children’s activities, up close opportunities to learn about the Mustang
  • FREE, no registration, all ages

7:30 PM: Movies on the Green at the Geneva Commons

  • Night At The Museum will air on this date

 

SUNDAY

 

12:00 PM: Boating in Lake Ellyn Park

  • Row or pedal your way around Lake Ellyn
  • 5$ per 20 min boat ride

1:00 PM: Fiesta de Frida

  • Celebrate Frida Kahlo’s birthday at Catalyst Ranch!
  • The sale of Frida inspired crafts, jewelry, and art will benefit the Women’s Justice League
  • Ticket includes entry to three, one of a kind, art workshops

 

 

And of course, all of the lovely farmers markets listed in our Farmers Market Guide!

 

 

 

 


Fourth of July Celebrations and Fireworks Displays near Chicago, IL


Celebrate Independence Day in Chicagoland

with one of these parades, firework displays,

or community celebrations! There are so many 4th of July Celebrations around Chicago!

Downtown Chicago

Irving Park Fourth of July Parade

  • July 4th at 10 a.m
  • Independence Park, 3954 N. Springfield Ave.

Grant Park Independence Day Music Festival

  • “A Grant Park Music Festival tradition! Bring your family and friends to the lakefront for an evening of patriotic favorites, along with Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue featuring 16 year old pianist, Emily Bear. Christopher Bell conducts.”
  • You will not be able to fully see the fireworks from Jay Pritzker Pavilion but you can walk towards the lakefront for the 9:30 pm fireworks after the concert is over at 8:45.

Navy Pier Fireworks

  • Miller Lite presents fireworks at Navy Pier at 9:30 pm.

Windy City Ribfest

  • Begins noon July 4th – July 6th
  • 4800 N Broadway St
  • “Beyond the flavorful offerings of top local and national ribbers and cool summer tunes, this popular three-day fest also features arts & crafts plus an activity area for kids and families.”

Aurora

5:00 PM: Fourth of July Celebration

  • Celebrate the 4th at the Aurora Municipal Center
  • 5:30 American Legion Band
  • 7:10 Bruce in the USA
  • 9:05 City Dance Party
  • 9:35 Fireworks
  • Food trucks and vendors on site
  • Aurora Train Station Commuter Lot will be available for parking

Batavia

5:00 PM: July 4th Sky Concert Fireworks

  • Food vendors open at 5 pm
  • The Blind Roosevelts play at 6 pm
  • Batavia Community Band plays at 8:15 pm
  • Fireworks begin at 9:30
  • Main Street and Millview Drive in Batavia

 

Bolingbrook

3:00 PM: Fourth of July All American Celebration

  • 3 pm is the official start time
  • 4 – 7 pm is the BBQ buffet
  • Gina Glocksen Band & Semple Band
  • 9:25 pm is the National Anthem and fireworks display

Downers Grove

1:00 PM: 4th of July Parade

  • Steps off at Main and Grant Street and heads south to Warren Avenue

9:30 PM: Fourth of July Fireworks

  • The villages of Downers Grove, Woodridge, and Darien host this years fireworks display at 75th Street and Lemont Rd.

Elgin

9:00 AM: Parade

  • Parade starts at Slade & Douglas and ends at Douglas and Highland

9:00 PM: Fireworks

  • Festival Park. 132 S. Grove Ave.

Evanston

9:00 AM: Playground Activities

  • The Let’s Play Mobile Recreation Trailer will begin at 9:00 AM at Foster Park Field and will travel to Beck Park at 11 a.m.
  • Family playground activities will take place starting at 9:00 AM at six Evanston locations. Follow the link for more specific info!
  • The fun activities include pie eating contests, Frisbee, sack races, and more!

12:45 PM: 4th of July Kids Fun Run

  • Register online or on race day by noon.
  • The run begins at Ackerman Park

2:00 PM: Evanston 4th of July Parade

  • Begins on Central Street at Central Park Avenue and travels east to Ashland Avenue

7:30 PM: Concert and Fireworks

  • The Palatine Concert Band will perform from 7:30 – 9 pm
  • Arrington Lakefront Lagoon at Dawes Park.

Glen Ellyn

12:00 PM: 4th of July Parade 

  • Begins on Ellyn Avenue and makes its way west on Crescent Blvd before turning north on Main Street.
  • After the parade, go to Lake Ellyn Park and enjoy the Independence Day festivities. Inflatables, penny carnival games, face painting, and more!

9:00 PM: Fourth of July Fireworks

  • Grab your blanket and enjoy the fireworks! Blankets can be laid out as early as 6 am!

Hinsdale

10:00 AM: Hinsdale Independence Day Celebration

  • Parade begins at 10 am and steps off at 6th and Garfield St

11:00 AM: Celebrate America Craft & Art Fair

  • 100 booths in beautiful Burlington Park
  • Kids activities
  • Table top carnival games
  • Inflatables
  • Watch the Hinsdale Rotary Turtle Race at the end of the park at 11 a.m

1:00 PM: West Suburban Concert Band

 

Itasca

4:00 PM: Itasca Fourth of July celebration

  • Boasted to be the largest fireworks display in Chicago!
  • Located at Hamilton Lakes in Itasca
  • The celebration starts at 4 pm with fireworks beginning between 9:45 and 10 p.m

Joliet

6:00 PM: Fireworks at Memorial Stadium

  • Families can start entering the stadium at 6 pm with fireworks to begin at 9 pm.
  • Show will be set to music.

*The Slammers will be setting off fireworks after their Wed, Thurs, and Fri games!*

Lake Forest

5:00 PM: Lake Forest Festival & Fireworks

  • Deerpath Community Park
  • Food, kids activities, fireworks and concert
  • Music lineup will be Bella Cain and Liverpool Legends (Beatles cover band)
  • A variety of food and beverages will be available for sale.

 

Lisle

10:00 AM: Fourth of July Parade

  • Begins at Lisle Junior High and proceeds through Downtown Lisle
  • There will be an ice cream social after the parade thanks to the Lisle Heritage Society on the grounds of The Museums at Lisle Station Park.

11:00 AM: Independence Day Special at Sea Lion Aquatic Park

  • Free admission for Lisle Park District Residents

12:00 PM: Eyes To The Skies Festival

  • Balloon Festival portion from July 4rd – July 6th
  • Carnival lasts from July 3rd – July 7th
  • Hot air balloons, music, large variety of children’s activities, 30+ food vendors, carnival, craft fair, and fireworks every night.
  • “Serena’s Song” – The nation’s first wheelchair accessible balloon, which provides tethered rides to children and adults with disabilities, weather permitting.

Naperville

11:00 AM: Naperville Ribfest

  • July 3rd – July 6th
  • Fireworks on the 4th begin at 9:30 pm
  • Look into the sky at 7:10 pm on the 4th and view the Lima Lima Air Show!

Oak Forest

3:00 PM: 32nd Annual Oak Fest

  • July 3rd – July 7th
  • Festival begins at 3 p.m on the Fourth of July
  • Fireworks begin at 9:30 pm
  • $30 all day wristband

 

Oak Park

10:00 AM: Fourth of July Parade

  • Steps off from Longfellow Park at Ridgeland Ave and Adams Street

Dusk: Fireworks

  • Fireworks begin at dusk at Oak Park – River Forest high school 
  • Fireworks will be cancelled if there is rain

 

Wheaton

5:00 PM: Graf Park Carnival and Fireworks

  • Fireworks start approximately 9 pm

10:00 AM: Fourth of July Parade

  • Parade theme pays tribute to hometown Wheaton and all of it’s residents.

 

 

Have a happy and safe Independence Day!

 

 

 

 

 


things to do in chicago this weekend

What Should We Do This Weekend? Father’s Day Weekend in Chicago, IL June 14th – 16th


It’s Father’s Day Weekend in Chicago!! In addition to the events listed below, make sure to comb through the Father’s Day Guide for the special events going on for the man in your life. However, many required registration so make sure spots are available before heading to any of them.

 

FRIDAY

 

9:30 AM: Blackberry Farm 50th Anniversary Celebration

  • “Join us as we celebrate Blackberry Farm’s 50th Anniversary! The first 50 families will receive a commemorative 50th Anniversary cup that includes a fill at the Summer Kitchen. Visitors can enjoy a balloon artist, tattoo station, stop by the Huntoon House Museum to see pictures of Blackberry Farm over 50 Years of Fun, in addition to all of Blackberry’s great attractions! Commemorative cups are issued one per family. Balloon artist will be available 10:00am-1:00pm.”

10:00 AM: Super Messy Story Time at Lunges ‘n Lattes

  • Get ready for messy, silly, sensory play with Stickney Forest View Library!
  • The event is free but you must register to reserve your spot!

10:30 AM: Winfield Library Story Time at Cantigny

  • Meet for story time plus a hands on activity
  • Recommended for ages 0-6
  • Pick up a parking pass at the Winfield Public Library’s Youth Services desk for free admission.
  • Meet library staff at the Visitors Center before the program begins.

11:00 AM: Animal Farm Musical Performance at the Shell in Reed Keppler Park (West Chicago)

  • Music, education, comedy, and interactive storytelling for the little ones

1:00 PM: Lemonade Stand Benefitting Midwest Shelter for Homeless Vets

  • Free for the children who participate, but must register. Otherwise come and support and the cause!
  • Located at Wear & Share in Wheaton.

5:00 PM: Festa Pasta Vino

  • Friday – Sunday
  • Enjoy an Italian Block Party all weekend long!

5:00 PM: Cantigny Food Truck Festival

  • 15+ food trucks
  • Live band
  • Children can enjoy the Red Oaks Playground
  • Outdoor movie, The Goonies, begins at 8:30

5:00 PM: Parents Night Out With Yu Kids Island

  • Fun in the Sun Theme, playtime, and pizza party!
  • Register to hold your spot!

5:00 PM: Taste of Randolph

  • June 14th – 16th
  • West Loop’s largest street festival!
  • Entrance fee is a suggested $10 donation to benefit the West Loop Community Organization

5:00 PM: Ribfest Chicago

  • June 14th – 16th
  • Lots of family entertainment all weekend to make it a perfect Father’s Day outing
  • 30 rib and non-rib vendors
  • Amazing live music!

5:30 PM: Picnic With The Animals at Cosley Zoo

  • Bring your own picnic and enjoy games, activities, animals, and after hours access
  • 50% of proceeds go to support the conservation of penguins
  • Advance registration encouraged.

6:00 PM: Parents Night Out at Lunges N’ Lattes

  • 6 – 8 pm
  • Playtime, coloring activities, and a short movie
  • Children potty trained and up!

6:00 PM: Vintage Rides in Downtown Wheaton

  • This weekends theme is convertibles and diner tunes!

6:30 PM: Craft Brews at Lincoln Park Zoo

  • This event is held both Friday and Saturday. This could be a great kickoff to Father’s Day Weekend!
  • 150+ craft beers to choose from!
  • Explore the beautiful grounds while checking out the tasting stations implanted throughout in this adults only, after hours experience.
  • There will also be food available for purchase and music!

6:30 PM: Porch Concert #2: Family Fun in Oak Park

  • Musical entertainment, an ice cream truck, and activities provided by Wonder Works

7:00 PM: Country Road Free Music Festival in Glen Ellyn

  • A live, free concert, on Main St. From 7 – 10:30 p.m
  • Enjoy great music, food, and libations from the local restaurants

7:00 PM: 2019 Battle of the Bands in Elgin

  • Enjoy music from local bands in Side Street Studio Arts

7:30 PM: Salsa Street Party

  • Salsa dance in the street and under the stars at Mora Asian Kitchen in Bolingbrook!

8:00 PM: June Fly-By-Night Circus

  • Fun for the whole family!
  • Acrobats, aerialists, magicians, wirewalkers, and more!
  • Children 9 and under get in free!

 



SATURDAY


Don’t forget about our Father’s Day Guide and Farmers Market Guide to flesh out this Saturday’s agenda. Plus many festivals and events that began on Friday & Saturday, continue throughout the weekend, so scroll up for the info on those!





8:00 AM: Fish-o-rama at Lincoln Marsh Natural Area

  • Participate in the fishing contest!
  • Pre-registration required!

10:00 AM: June Play Day at Sensory Garden Playground in Lisle

  • Face painting, planting, story time with the Wheaton Library, and more!

10:00 AM: Daddy & Me Tea at Kiwanis Park in La Grange

  • Tea sandwiches, petite treats, fruit tea, and lemonade in front of a beautiful landscape and set up. Perfect for a Father’s Day photo op!
  • If raining event will be held at Watermelon Kids.
  • Event is for children up to age 8.
  • Register in advance!

10:00 AM: Tom’s Strawberry Fest 2019

  • Wagon rides, food, music, balloon animals, face painting, jumping pillow, and more!

10:30 AM: Bubble Bash With The Sharks

  • Playroom Cafe in Mt. Prospect
  • Bubbles, balloons, music, and pictures!
  • You must register for this event

10:30 AM: Discovery Garden Exploration Time at the Oak Park Conservatory

  • Enjoy hands on activities in the garden led by the garden docents.
  • Kids aged 3-6 will have a blast playing in the garden.
  • FREE!

12:00 PM: Chicago Northwest Family Day at Woodfield Mall

  • FREE event. Meet Chicagoland’s best attractions and participate in hands on activities!

1:00 PM: Derby Day and Father’s Day Crafts at Lincolnwood Town Center

  • “Enjoy our annual Derby Day with diaper derby for babies, shopping cart races for toddlers, and egg and spoon races for kids! Registration begins at 1:00 PM. Each participant must have a completed and signed waiver. Games begin at 2:00 PM. You can print the waiver from our website and bring it filled out to avoid lines.”

2:00 PM: Pokemon Training and Playing at Learning Express Lake Zurich

  • “Join our trainers for fun, tips and trades every Saturday from 2-3 pm in store. FREE. Bring your cards too.”

3:00 PM: Greekfest Oak Lawn

  • “Come celebrate “Greek Style” in the cultural event of the summer featuring “The Best Greek Chicken”, “Dancing with the Greeks”, Live Bands (American and Greek) and endless amounts of Greek Sweets! Oh, did we mention we were featured on Chicago’s Best for our Baklava? True Story! “
  • There will be a bouncy house and carnival games for the kids!
  • Event takes place on Saturday & Sunday

5:00 PM: Sizzle Into Summer with the Morton Grove Park District

  • Live music and family fun in Harrer Park
  • Balloon artist, face painter, bouncy house, atomic drop obstacle course, and basketball shoot out

7:30 PM: Adults Only Night at Legoland Discovery Center

  • Get a babysitter and have a fun night feeling like a kid yourself!
  • Feel free to dress in your cosplay best!

8:00 PM: Reggae in the Beer Garden at Two Brothers Roundhouse

  • DI Machine Reggae Band
  • 5$ Cover charge



SUNDAY


Don’t forget about our Father’s Day Guide and Farmers Market Guide to flesh out this Sunday’s agenda. Plus many festivals and events that began on Friday & Saturday, continue throughout the weekend, so scroll up for the info on those!





9:00 AM: Baconfest at Elgin Public House

  • Plenty of bacon and beer specials
  • Reservations suggested

9:00 AM: Father’s Day at Randall Oaks Zoo

  • Dad’s get in free at Randal Oaks Zoo in West Dundee

9:00 AM: Swedish Day at Good Templar Park in Geneva

  • “Congratulations on 109 YEARS! Svenskarnas Dag is the Midwest’s oldest Midsummer festival, dating back to 1911. Swedish Day is held on the 3rd Sunday of June at Good Templar Park, 528 East Side Drive, Geneva, IL 60134
  • Admission is $5 for adults, children 14 years old and younger are free!
  • Enjoy delicious Swedish Pancakes, Swedish Meatballs, Herring, Hamburgers & Hotdogs, Sloppy Joes, and more. Food will be served from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.”
  • Don’t forget to tour the Viking ship!

10:00 AM: Fishing With Dad at Hidden Lake Forest Preserve in Downers Grove

  • Learn how to catch and ID different fish
  • For ages 8 and up.
  • Register in advance.

10:00 AM: Father’s Day at the Promenade in Bolingbrook

  • “We will have 15+ vendors, crafters, and food items set up on Row. Come out and pick up those last minute gifts for that man in your life or bring your husband for a shopping event just for him.”

2:30 PM: The Dog Paddle in Galena

  • Group paddle with man’s best friend!

 


What Should We Do For Father’s Day In Chicago?


I have come to notice over the years, that just as with mothers, different people like to celebrate their parental holiday differently. Some parents like do to something fun with their children, some want a day alone, maybe a mixture of both? In this Father’s Day guide, I have highlighted some fun events going on around Chicagoland. However, if Dad doesn’t want to be around a crowd, choose something fun from our Top Things To Do In Chicago guide or maybe give Dad a quiet day at home alone while you take the kids out to any of the fun things there are to do around the city and suburbs!

 

  1. Lincoln Park Zoo: Father’s Day BBQ Brunch & Brews At The Zoo
  • Craft Brews at the Zoo.
    • June 14th & 15th, 6:30 – 10:30 pm both days. Purchase tickets before they sell out!
    • “Beer tasting stations will be set up throughout the zoo’s beautiful gardens during this one-of-a-kind, after-hours experience just for adults. Plus, enjoy food for purchase, DJ entertainment, lawn games, and views of the zoo’s amazing animals!”
  • Father’s Day BBQ Brunch on June 16th. Register in advance!
    • “Treat your father to something especially wild at Lincoln Park Zoo’s historic Cafe Brauer. Choose between four sessions that will feature live music and an incredible BBQ-themed breakfast brunch buffet, as well as coffee, juice, and soft drinks. Fathers in attendance will receive a sample beer tasting in celebration of the day.”

 

2. Father’s Day Jam at City Hall

  • Sunday, June 16th, 11 -3 pm.
  • Enjoy a backyard style BBQ at the impressive City Hall in Fulton Market.
  • FREE admission
  • Live music by 97NINE
  • Games & activities for kids
  • A portion of the drink proceeds go to the National Fatherhood Initiative!

 

3. Chicago Taco & Tequila Festival in Lincoln Park

  • Leave the kids behind and have a fun date night Saturday, June 15th enjoying Chicago’s best tacos, tequila tastings, margarita flights, and more!
  • The first margarita is free with your ticket purchase

 

4. BBQ & Brew For Dad at the Chicago Botanic Garden

  • At all three cafe’s / restaurants at the Chicago Botanic Garden, there will be a special Father’s Day menu all weekend.
  • On both Saturday & Sunday, you can enjoy the rare opportunity to canoe the lakes of the Chicago Botanic Garden for a full hour.
    • 3 participants / boat
    • Must be aged 5 and older to participate
    • Register early before the 9, 11, and 1 pm slots on either day sell out!

 

5. Father’s Day BBQ Brunch at the Museum of Science and Industry

  • Choose either a 10 a.m or noon seating time to enjoy brunch on the South Portico.
  • Dad get’s a complimentary trip to the Build Your Own Blood Mary Bar and a chance to win a backyard smoker through the raffle.

 

6. Taste Of Randolph

  • Take Dad out to one of the most popular street festivals of the summer!

 

7. Celebrate Dad! Nibble + Squeak Chicago Lunch at Nico Osteria

  • Saturday, June 15th 11 – 1 p.m
  • Nibble + Squeak hosts food events so parents can feel comfortable going out to eat at high end restaurants with children in tow! Thanks to them, parents get to enjoy the same types of outings they enjoyed pre-children without the discomfort of unforgiving strangers.

 

8. Fathers Day at the Promenade – Bolingbrook

  • Sunday, June 16th
  • A Father’s Day shopping event from 10 a.m – 6 p.m
  • 15 + vendors, crafters, and food items

 

9. Cantigny Food Truck Festival

  • Friday, June 14th from 5 – 9 p.m
  • 15 + food trucks, vendors, live music, and the movie Goonies begins at 8:30 p.m
  • Free general admission, parking is 5$ / car. Click the link to obtain your free, general admission, ticket.

 

10. The Great American Campout at Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville

  • 1 p.m June 15th – 11 a.m June 16th
  • Camp overnight and enjoy games, archery, smores, guided night hike, dinner, and breakfast.
  • Bring your own tent, eating utensils, and camping gear.
  • You must register for this event.

 

11. Fishing With Dad at Hidden Lake Forest Preserve in Downers Grove

  • For ages 8+
  • Learn to catch and identify different fish!

 

12. Ribfest Chicago

  • June 14th – 16th
  • Lots of family-friendly entertainment plus ribs, music, and more!

 

13. Free Father’s Day LEGO Mini Build

  • Learning Express in Glen Ellyn
  • 10 a.m – 4 p.m

 

14. Father’s Day Fishing Derby at Blackberry Farm

  •  Join in on the Father’s Day Fishing Derby and stop by the restaurant for a meal with Dad!
  • Bring your own bait, prizes will be awarded for most fish caught, smallest fish, and biggest fish!

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