What Should We Do This Weekend? Chicago, IL, July 26 – 28 2019

Looking for things to do in Chicagoland this weekend? Here are over 50 family-friendly events happening in Chicago, and the suburbs this weekend!

 

Family Friendly Events in Chicago, IL This Weekend:

Ongoing Festivals / Events Throughout The Weekend:

Wicker Park Fest

• July 26th from 5pm- 10pm
• July 27th & 28th from noon to 10pm.
• Three main stages, three days, one Fest: to present the best in music, food, arts, fashion kids entertainment, and shopping to our fair city.
• Kid activities include a bounce house, cookie decorating, carnival games, pilates with Club Pilates Wicker Park, science experiments with Mad Science, cooking activity with The Kids Table, balloon animals by Mary Macaroni, chess with Chess Wizards, face painting, hair streaking, nail painting and more!

Taste of Lincoln Avenue

• July 27th & 28th: Noon – 10 pm
• Two stages of great music featuring both national and regional acts.
• For families there’s the wildly popular (and free entry) “Kids’ Carnival” area open each afternoon that features entertainment, art activities, pony rides, kiddie rides and more.
• For adults there’s the popular Wine and Whiskey Tastings. Ticketed tasting sessions are held several times over the weekend.
• In addition, for both kids and adults with a sweet tooth a more recent fest addition is a fun stand-alone “Chocolate Fest” area with tastings and sales.

Fiesta del Sol

• July 25: 5PM-10PMJuly 26 & 27: 11AM-11PMJuly 28: 11AM-10PM
• “Fiesta Del Sol is a free four-day family friendly Mexican festival in the heart of one of Chicago’s most attractive communities – Pilsen.  This event spans an eight-block space down Cermak Road and can be seen from miles around because of the carnival’s Ferris Wheel and the bright lights of over 100 booths showcasing some of the best tacos, tamales and tostadas in town.  It draws over one million people and has become a major economic engine for local businesses.  Well known artists, as well as up and coming talent, perform on our two stages. Don’t miss out on any of the fun for the whole family!”
• “The Children’s Area at Fiesta del Sol is place where children can play, read and interact with other children. Our mission at the Children’s Area is to be able to provide fun, educational activities, such as reading out loud sessions, face painting, and books. We’ll also have educational games and activities for fun each day.”

DuPage County Fair

• July 24th – July 28th.
  • Doors are open 8 am – 11 pm every day
  • Carnival is open Wed, Sat, Sun, Noon – 11 pm and Thurs, Friday 11 am – 11 pm
• “Five-Day Celebration of Music, Food, Fun, Education, and Agriculture.  Residents of DuPage County have the opportunity to enjoy great entertainment, fun activities for all ages, Demolition Derby, Racing Pigs, Canines in the Clouds, Rodeo, hands-on activities, carnival rides, petting zoo, pony rides, and so much more!  Come for the Food and stay for the Fun!
  “Cheers to 65 Years!”

Lake County Fair

• Wednesday, July 24:  10:00am – 11:00pm
  Thursday, July 25:      10:00am – 11:00pm
  Friday, July 26:          10:00am – Midnight
  Saturday, July 27:      10:00am – Midnight
  Sunday, July 28:         10:00am – 7:00pm
• Grayslake, IL
• Midway rides and games open at noon daily
• “Come out and enjoy 5 days of fun at the 91st Annual Lake County Fair. Events at the fair include live entertainment, food vendors, carnival rides and games, live animals, monster truck show, motor crossing, banana derby, demolition derby, canine show, flower show, expo hall and so much more.”

Little Italy Fest

• Addison, IL
• July 24th – 28th
• Wednesday: 6PM-10PM
  Thursday: 5PM-10PM
  Friday: 5PM-11PM
  Saturday: 2PM-11PM
  Sunday: 12PM-9PM
• West Suburban Italian Festival is held at Centennial Park in Addison, Illinois. The festival features live entertainment by famous Italian American singers and performers from around the nation. There will also be cultural activities, and Italian foods from area restaurants as well as a carnival, family activities and more.

Sugar Grove Corn Boil Festival

• Thursday, July 25, 2019

  5:00pm to 10:00pm

• Friday, July 26, 2019

  4:00pm to 11:00pm

• Saturday, July 27, 2019

  7:30am for Sugar Grove Park District 5K Run/Walk
  11:00am to 11:00pm

• Sunday July 28, 2019

  11:00am to 6:00pm

• Affordable family fun, with tasty sweet corn as one of the main attractions. Entertainment, food, and activities for kids!

Wood Dale Prairie Fest

• July 25th – 28th
• Carnival Hours
  July 25: 6-9:30 pm
  July 26: 6-11 pm
  July 27: 2-11 pm
  July 28: 2-9:30 pm
• “Join the City of Wood Dale from July 25-28 and celebrate summer at our annual Prairie Fest! With live music, children’s entertainment, food, drinks and a carnival there’s something fun for every member of the family. Free admission and free parking, plus fireworks Saturday evening. Located at 655 N. Wood Dale Road”

• Kenosha, WI off I-94 at the Wisconsin Border
• Saturdays and Sundays, July 6th – Sept 2nd, 10 am – 7 pm
• Children are free
• July 27th and 28th is RennCon™ Weekend!
  • ” Trying to decide whether to hit the Faire or the con this weekend? Now you no longer have to choose! Join us on RennCon™ for our celebration of cosplay in all its forms. Attend a panel, take in the scenery, and enjoy some very special surprises! Whether you draw your inspiration from the sci-fi scene, anime, comics, television, fairy tales, or anywhere else… we invite you to mingle with our 16th-century townsfolk at the biggest costume party in Wisconsin!”
• Fun for all ages!

Wakandacon

• July 26th – 28th
• Hyatt Regency McCormick Chicago
• “Wakandacon is a 3-day Afro-Futuristic celebration for comic nerds, pop culture buffs, big thinkers, techies, creatives, storytellers, gamers, science geeks, dreamers, makers, movers, shakers and anyone contributing to the culture!”

The Newberry Book Fair

• Thursday, July 25th – Sunday, July 28th
• Thursday and Friday, noon to 8 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm
• “The Newberry Book Fair, Chicago’s favorite used book binge, is held every year the last weekend of July. Browse through more than 135,000 books in 70 categories, many of which are priced at $3 or under. Scour the sale for amazing deals on cookbooks, fiction, art books, children’s literature, collectibles, movies, records, and much more. Admission is free and all proceeds support the Newberry!”

Bantu Fest

• Midway Plaisance (In Hyde Park, by the University of Chicago)
• July 27th – 28th; 10 am – 10 pm
• “The 2 Day Event features: Food from over 30 different countries, Live Bands, Out-Standing Artists from over 15 nations, Drum & Dance, Children Play & Learning activities, DJs, Fashion Shows, Vendors, Arts, Villages Show-casing each featured country, and more.”
• “Our children village features several fun activities such as: drum & dance classes, face painting, bouncy house, paintings, games, and more learning and fun activities. ​Because we love the children and they are the future, we aim to make them learn and experience the different cultures. That’s the reason why we keep it free entrance for children 13 and under.”

EAA Airventure Oshkosh

• July 22nd – July 28th. Gates open at 6 am each day.
• Oshkosh, WI
• Only in Oshkosh will you live seven straight days of world-class aerobatics, history coming alive through airplanes from all eras of flight filling the skies, 3 hr air show, fun into the night, camaraderie with fellow aviation enthusiasts, and much, much more.
• Kidventure is located at Pioneer Airport across from the AirVenture Museum, KidVenture allows young people to explore aviation from several different fronts. They earn FAA credit toward an A&P certificate through hands-on building projects, learn how to fly a radio-controlled airplane, modify a wing on a computer then find out how well it flies, and even see what it’s like to land on Mars – making it a out-of-this-world experience.
• KidVenture is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shuttles run throughout the day between the Bus Park and Museum.

Geneva Arts Fair

• July 27th – July 28th
• 10 am – 5 pm
  100 S. Third Street, Geneva IL
• “Express your originality with the artwork you discover at Geneva’s nationally-acclaimed outdoor gallery of juried art. More than 140 artists will show their work – from drawing, painting and sculpture to ceramics, glass, textiles and jewelry. All art is available for sale.”

CircEsteem at Cloud Gate Plaza

• Friday, July 26, 4:30pm
• Saturday, July 27, 10am, 2pm & 4:30pm
• Sunday, July 28, 10am, 2pm
• “CircEsteem’s advanced performance youth troupe will bring the amazement and spectacle of the circus with juggling, acrobatics, clown performance and aerial arts on an 18-foot high aerial rig. The show includes collaborations with Chicago’s various circus schools (Aloft Aerial Circus Arts, MSA Circus Arts and Chicago Wheel JAM) as well as performances by some of Chicago’s most talented professional performers from Ringling Brothers B&B Circus, Midnight Circus and more. CircEsteem unites youth from diverse backgrounds and helps them build self esteem and mutual respect through the practice and performance of circus arts. Recommended for families.”

Glencoe Festival of Art

• July 27, 2019 10AM-5PM
• July 28, 2019 10AM-5PM
• More than 110 juried artists from across the country will be showcasing their work in a variety of different mediums including painting, photography, ceramics, glass, jewelry, and wood. Nestled amongst upscale cafes, shops, galleries, and boutiques, the Glencoe Festival of Art is the perfect way to round out a weekend of shopping!
• Located in downtown Glencoe at the intersection of Green Bay Road and Park Avenue

FRIDAY

9:00 AM: Party in the Park at Conrad Fischer Park

• Elmhurst
• “We’re popping into the parks on select days this summer to party with you! Kids of all ages are invited to head to Conrad Fischer Park for some good old-fashioned fun. We’ll provide bubbles, hula hoops, jump ropes, giveaways and refreshments. Eco the Raccoon might just make an appearance as well!”

9:30 AM: Lincoln Marsh Nature Play Days

• Foster appreciation for the natural world in your tiny explorer. Sing, fiddle, jiggle, and journey through self-guided stations that explore a new theme each session.

10:00 AM: Millenium Park Family Fun Festival

• Weekdays, June 24–August 9, 10am-2pm.
• Millenium Park, under the tent at Chase Promenade North
• Families are invited to join the fun all summer long with activities, including music and arts and crafts, for kids of all ages. Take part in hands-on art projects with some of the region’s most popular museums, art & cultural organizations.
• Daily Performances:
  • 10am – Marsha’s Music Fam Jam!
  • 11pm – Reading Circle
  • 1pm – Family performance schedule

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!

10:00 AM: Visit With The Goats at Garfield Park Conservatory!

• Stop by and say hi to the goats as they help maintain the weed population by grazing an enclosed area on the south side of the campus.
• The goats visit one week a month, May through August.

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.”

2:00 & 3:00 PM: Belly of the Whale by Chicago Dance Crash

• Crown Fountain
• Part of the Millenium Park Theatre Series, watch an excerpt from Dance Crash’s upcoming production “Lil Pine Nut.” This hip-hop dance scene sees Pinocchio saving his father, Geppetto, after being swallowed by a giant whale. Recommended for families.

5:00 PM: Summer Nights Concert – Jimmy Buffett Tribute ft. Mr. Myers

• Brookfield Zoo
• Enjoy Brookfield Zoo in a new light with cooler evening weather, enhanced dining, beer and wine garden, live music, roaming performers, Animal Ambassadors, and a new laser light show, all surrounded by wildlife and nature.
• Schedule:
  • 5:00 pm – Games and Craft Activities
  • 5:00 – 9:00 pm – Roaming Entertainers
  • 6:00 – 7:00 pm – Animal Ambassadors
  • 7:00 pm – Concert (see schedule listed below)
  • 9:00 pm – Laser Light Show Finale

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

• Downtown Downers Grove hosts the Summer Nights Classic Car Show on Friday nights from 6 to 9 pm all summer long.
• July 26 – BOPC (Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Cadillac). Live music from J&D Just Friends (classic Rock, R&B, 60’s-70’s).

6:00 PM: Vintage Rides Wheaton

• Stroll through Downtown Wheaton to enjoy seeing the new streetscape, classic cars, motorcycles and trucks of every make, model and year!
• Cadillac Night / R&B

6:30 PM: Water Colors Bebop Exchange

• “A live jazz music series presented in partnership with the Jazz Institute of Chicago at the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park. This series celebrates the 100 years of jazz in Chicago with performers paying tribute to the range of eras and movements of Chicago jazz.“

6:30 PM: Free Family Movie Night: The Incredibles

• Village Green Baptist Church in Glen Ellyn
• Friday, July 26, 6:30 – 8:15 PM, we will be showing the movie “Incredibles.”
• Bring your kids, or the whole family. Background-checked children’s workers will be present. Free popcorn!

7:00 PM: Picnic in the Park

• Join us for a summer evening in Deicke Park. Pack a dinner or purchase on site. Hotdogs, chips and drinks for sale. DJ Don Esposito will be taking live requests while families enjoy bonding. Kona Ice will be onsite! Free Event. Weather permitting. Bring your own chairs. Coolers are welcome.

7:00 PM: Family Twilight Adventure at the Morton Arboretum

• Join us for a fun-filled adventure after hours at the Arboretum to explore the night’s theme with a tram ride, activities, and a hike. We’ll relax and roast marshmallows at the end of the evening. Children must be accompanied by adult registrant; please plan to have at least one adult per five children and dress for the weather.

8:00 PM: Movies in the Park: Incredibles 2

• Takes place across the street from Liberty Cultural Center in Berwyn

SATURDAY

8:00 AM: Family Canoe Trip

• Emily Oaks Nature Center in Skokie
• Ready for an introductory canoeing experience with your family? Instruction, lunch, transportation, and all canoe equipment will be provided by experienced Emily Oaks staff at this program. We’ll meet at Emily Oaks and then travel to Sterling Lake at Van Patten Woods in Lake County. Canoes can hold up to two adults and two children. This program may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
• For children ages 6 and up, with adult.
• Pre-registration required. Call the Emily Oaks office at (847) 674-1500, ext. 2500 for more information.

8:15 AM: Chicago Dragon Boat Festival

• South Pool at Busse Woods in Schaumburg
• The Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival blends ancient culture with the excitement of sport and competition, transforming Busse Woods (Ned Brown Preserve) into the host venue for this high-energy day of racing. With festival grounds just a short drive from downtown Chicago, it’s no surprise that this event has grown to become one of the most popular destinations on the MLDB map for US and Canadian teams alike.

9:00 AM: Crystal Lake Cardboard Cup Regatta

• Join them for 35th Annual and Final America’s Cardboard Cup Regatta! The Cardboard Cup Regatta originated in the summer of 1985 as a special event to help raise awareness for a small local sailing club – The Crystal Lake Yacht Club. Now this annual fun, family event provides annual grants to support local charities!
• 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake IL

9:00 AM: Transportation Celebration & Touch A Truck

• DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville
• “Start your engines and shift into gear! Explore all of your favorite ways to move by land, water, and air! Let your imagination set sail, soar, and drive your play through a series of special activities.”

9:00 AM: Safety Town Open Road

• 511 S York Rd, Elmhurst, IL
• Practice being a pedestrian and using road and railway safety
• Children aged 4 -7 can ride through Safety Town with tricycles and helmets
• $5 to rent a tricycle and / or helmet

10:00 AM: Comicopolis

• White Oak Library in Downtown Lockport
• Photo opportunities with a DeLorean and Batmobile, Cosplay costume contest, Video game arcade, music by School of Rock, artist and author panel discussions, and 50+ artists, writers, and artisans.

10:15 AM: Family Yoga on the Terrace

• Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
• “Join us for an energizing family-friendly yoga class on our beautiful outdoor terrace. Practice your tree pose while in the midst of the beauty of Lincoln Park. This class is appropriate for adults bringing children 12 and under. BYO mat. Museum admission is included with your yoga ticket!”

12:00 PM: Fiddleheads at Garfield Park Conservatory

• Visit Saturday and Sunday each week to participate in a different science-based activity, like tinkering with plants and blocks, playing games, participating in collaborative art projects, and exploring plants around the world.

12:00 PM: Family Fun Fest

• Butterfield Park District Rec Center
• Games, crafts, entertainment, raffles, food, and so much more. Free event, admission to the pool is also free during this event.
• Register in advance by calling 630-858-2229

12:00 PM: Descendants 3 Event

• During the ‘Descendants 3’ event, children will be able to participate in a variety of activities including a craft project to create their own personalized back-to-school pencil cases, along with a face painter, magic show, custom photo booth and other exciting games. The wicked fun will take place in the Sears Court. This event does not include live character appearances at Woodfield Mall

1:00 PM: Christmas in July

• East End Pool in Elmhurst
• Families come and join the Elmhurst Park District Pool Staff at East End Pool as we celebrate Christmas in July!
• There will be a variety of reindeer games, a Christmas Trivia contest, and even a visit from Santa.
• A DJ will be there to set the mood with Christmas music. Regular daily admission rates apply.

2:00 PM: Live on the Lake : Navy Pier

• Free live music in the Miller Lite Beer Garden will feature local favorites, national touring acts and exciting new artists all summer long.
• 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.

5:00 PM: Summer Nights Concerts – American English

• Brookfield Zoo
• Enjoy Brookfield Zoo in a new light with cooler evening weather, enhanced dining, beer and wine garden, live music, roaming performers, Animal Ambassadors, and a new laser light show, all surrounded by wildlife and nature.
• Schedule:
  • 5:00 pm – Games and Craft Activities
  • 5:00 – 9:00 pm – Roaming Entertainers
  • 6:00 – 7:00 pm – Animal Ambassadors
  • 7:00 pm – Concert (see schedule listed below)
  • 9:00 pm – Laser Light Show Finale

6:00 PM: Walking Plays – Hans Christian Andersen

• The Morton Arboretum
• “Hans Christian Andersen and his delightful and unexpected traveling companions are spirited to the woods to tell his most engaging stories. Through fast-paced action, the audience becomes part of an intimate, hilarious re-imagining of some of the world’s most beloved fairy tales. Rated G, suitable for all ages. There are a couple brief mentions of dealth. Hike is roughly a mile in distance.”

7:00 PM: Frozen in July

• Keep cool with your favorite Frozen sister’s and friends at Blackberry Farm in Aurora
• Rides, crafts and frozen treats along with photo opportunities and sing-a-long will be enjoyed by all!
• Bring your chairs and blankets and finish the night with a viewing of Frozen on our outdoor movie screen.
• All Attendees ages 1 and up must purchase a ticket

7:30 PM: Movies on The Green – Geneva Commons

• **Bring the family and enjoy hit movies on The Green every Saturday throughout the summer.
  **Free popcorn will be available.
  **Best of all, it’s FREE!
  **Blankets and chairs are welcome.
• Finding Nemo

SUNDAY

9:00 AM: Eli’s Cheesecake Festival

• Music, food, cheesecake, hula hoop, eating and cake walk contests, family fun , a classic car show and Come As You Were costume contest
• The festival is held at Eli’s Cheesecake World, on the northwest side of Chicago, at 6701 W. Forest Preserve Drive.

10:00 AM: Marcus Summer Film Series

• Join us Sunday, Monday and Wednesday at 10AM, June 16 – August 14 to view your favorite family flicks for just $3.00! Grab the family and head to your nearest participating Marcus Theatres® location!
• Wonder Park – July 28, 29 & 31
• Access the link to look for a participating theatre near you. (Addison, Elgin, Chicago Heights, Bloomington, and Orland Park just to name a few)

12:00 PM: Fiddleheads at Garfield Park Conservatory

• Visit Saturday and Sunday each week to participate in a different science-based activity, like tinkering with plants and blocks, playing games, participating in collaborative art projects, and exploring plants around the world.

2:00 PM: Family Golf Day

• Join for a FREE, fun afternoon of family golfing. Plus games, contests, and music!
• Alden Practice Center in Rockford

2:00 PM: Live on the Lake : Navy Pier

• Free live music in the Miller Lite Beer Garden will feature local favorites, national touring acts and exciting new artists all summer long.
• On Sundays, join us for “International Pier Sounds” featuring DJ Papa G, rotating local and touring world music groups and local reggae bands Gizzae, Hurricane, Indika and Kofi and the new roots. Come celebrate this global celebration of music with drinks, dancing and lake views.

6:00 PM: Walking Plays – Hans Christian Andersen

• The Morton Arboretum
• “Hans Christian Andersen and his delightful and unexpected traveling companions are spirited to the woods to tell his most engaging stories. Through fast-paced action, the audience becomes part of an intimate, hilarious re-imagining of some of the world’s most beloved fairy tales. Rated G, suitable for all ages. There are a couple brief mentions of dealth. Hike is roughly a mile in distance.”

6:30 PM: Centennial Beach Special Needs Nights

• Families with individuals who have special needs are invited to enjoy a quiet, relaxing evening after regular operating hours of Centennial Beach. The shallow end and slide will be open Sunday from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
• No registration is required. Cost is $3.00/person at the door or you may apply your membership toward entry.

7:00 PM: Off the Charts at Naperville’s Sunday Concert in the Park

• Bring a lawn chair and blanket to Walnut Ridge Park to enjoy the band, Off The Charts.

8:30 PM: Weird Al Yankovic + Ravinia Festival Orchestra

• “Yankovic fronts a show filled with costume changes, video montages and general tomfoolery—all with the support of a full symphony orchestra (in this case, the Ravinia Festival Orchestra). We’re envisioning epic versions of tracks like “Amish Paradise,” “Like a Surgeon” and “The Saga Begins” backed by lush string arrangements while Yankovic prances around the stage in a tailcoat—it promises to be a monumentally hilarious evening.”