July & August Chicago Activities

(scroll down for city events)

7/4, Fourth of July Festival
Great Lakes Naval Station Main Gate
2601A Paul Jones St., Great Lakes
(847) 688-3500 

Celebrate the nation’s independence and the Naval Station’s 97^th birthday with live music, comedy, jugglers, sports challenges, a carnival and the ‘80s band Night Ranger.

7/4, Arlington Heights Fourth of July Fireworks
Arlington Park
220 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights
(847) 385-7500

 7/2-7/6, Taste of Lombard
Madison Meadow Park
Madison St. and Ahearns Ave.
(630) 375-7474
www.villageoflombard.org/

Fireworks, crafts, food, “Lombard Idol” and carnival fun enliven this community festival.

7/3-7/5, Wheeling Freedom Fest
Park District field
behind 181 W. Dundee, Wheeling
(847) 403-4474
www.wheelingil.gov/Community/SpecialEvents/FreedomFest.htm

The world-renowned dining establishments that line Wheeling’s popular “Restaurant Row” make an appearance at this three-day Independence Day celebration, which also includes hot musical entertainment, the annual 4^th of July parade and fireworks.

7/3-7/6, Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival
Lisle Community Park
1825 Short St., Lisle
(630) 769-1000
www.eyestotheskiesfestival.com

Come for a celebration featuring hordes of 8- to 12-story tall balloons and over 150,000 visitors. The event includes tethered hot air balloon rides, a high-wire motorcycle act, a lumberjack show, chainsaw carving, synchronized kite flying and lots more. Musical performers include Kansas, Drake Bell and Blake Shelton; Disney Channel stars Alyson Stoner and Meaghan Jette Martin from “Camp Rock” will also be on hand.

7/5, Mundelein’s Classic & Antique Car Show
Park St. and Seymour Ave., Mundelein
(847) 710-4629 

7/10-7/12, Central Street Fair and Sidewalk Sale
1900-2100 Central St.
(847) 869-0222
www.centralstreet-evanston.com

Enjoy great shopping, food, an antique fire trick and more. Includes the Family Fest and Budding Artists Art Fair at Independence Park, where artists aged 6-17 can share their work.

7/10-7/13, West Chicago Railroad Days
Reed Keppler Park
250 E National St., West Chicago
(630) 231-3003
www.westchicagochamber.com

Mud volleyball, a carnival, a parade, fireworks, art in the park and a beer garden are just some of the activities that take place during a weekend of fun for the family. Musical acts include Micky Dolenz and Molly Hatchet.

7/10-7/13, MidAmerica Coin Expo
Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center
1551 N. Thoreau Dr., Schaumburg
(847) 303-4100
www.numismaticnews.net

7/11-7/13, Taste of Westmont
Downtown Westmont
Along Cass Ave., Westmont
(630) 829-9378
www.westmontspecialevents.com

The 13^th annual celebration features a car show, art, bean bag tournament, youth trivia contests and themed music nights—tribute bands, ‘60s music and Muddy Waters blues.

7/12-7/13, Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest
Sunset Park
5200 Miller Rd., Lake in the Hills
(847) 960-7400
www.rockinrotaryribfest.com

Come out for nationally renowned professional ribbers and great family entertainment, along with fantastic food.

7/12-7/13, 44^th Annual IPRA Championship Rodeo
Golden Oaks Rodeo Grounds
Rt. 12 and Case Rd., Wauconda
(847) 526-5580
www.waucondarodeo.com

7/16-7/20, Vernon Hills 50^th Anniversary and Summer Celebration
Century Park
Lakeview Pkwy. And Center Dr., Vernon Hills
(847) 367-3700
www.vernonhills.org

Musical entertainment includes the Cherry Poppin Daddies, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Gin Blossoms and more.

7/17-7/20, Antioch’s Taste of Summer Festival
Downtown Antioch
882 Main Street, Antioch
(847) 395-2233
www.antiochchamber.org

Get ready for four action-filled days of food, fun, sidewalk sales, carnival rides and entertainment.

7/22-7/27, Lake County Fair
50 S. Rt. 45, Grayslake
(847) 223-2204
www.lakecountyfairassoc.com

7/26, Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival on Tour
Ryerson Woods Conservation Area and Visitor Center
21650 N. Riverwoods Rd., Deerfield
(847) 968-3321
www.ryersonwoods.org

Take a picnic and enjoy movies under the stars, all focused on environmental action. Includes selections from the largest film festival of its kind.

7/23-7/27, DuPage County Fair
DuPage County Fairgrounds
2015 W. Manchester Rd., Wheaton
(630) 668-6636
www.dupagecountyfair.org

Experience grandstand entertainment, local talent, carnival rides, animals, racing and swimming pigs, an aerial stunt show, horse show, 4-H exhibits and a talent contest. A demolition derby, laser show and musical acts like Corbin Bleu and Little Big Town are part of the excitement.

8/1-8/2, Downtown Alive! Rocks the Fox

10 E. Galena Blvd. & Stolp Ave., Aurora

(630) 844-4731

www.downtownaliveaurora.com

Performers including AC/DC tribute band Problem Child, Blue Oyster Cult, cover band ARRA, local cover band DBL-SHOT, Molly Hatchet and UFO will be on hand at the 10^th free annual event in downtown Aurora. A Kidzone and plenty of local food offerings are available.

8/2-8/3, Japanese Summer Festival

Mitsuwa Marketplace, 100 E. Algonquin, Arlington Heights

(847) 956-6699

8/2-8/10, 6^th Annual Landscape & Garden Show

Oakbrook Center, 100 Oakbroook Center, Oak Brook

(630) 573-0700

www.oakbrookcenter.com

This show blooms annually and adds beautiful garden landscapes and potted plants to the already lushly sculptured mall. Over 20 landscape, gardening and outdoor supply companies throughout the country come, making this the largest event of its kind in the Midwest.

Wednesdays in August, Cool Cars Under the Stars

Elmhurst City Centre, Elmhurst

(630) 993-1660

www.elmhurstcitycentre.com

8/8, Mane Event Million Dollar Block Party

8/9, Arlington Million XXVI and the International Festival of Racing

Arlington Park, 2200 W. Euclid, Arlington Heights
(847) 385-7500
www.arlingtonpark.com

The greatest turf horses in the world compete in three Grade I races, the Arlington Million, the $750,000 Beverly D. and the $400,000 Secretariat Stakes. The previous day in downtown Arlington Heights (Campbell and Vail Aves.) is the setting for a smashin’ street party to celebrate the racing event.

8/16, Afrofest: An American Celebration

Greenbelt Cultural Center

1215 Green Bay Rd., North Chicago

(847) 968-3477

Join the excitement at the largest celebration of African-American culture in Lake County, featuring music, dance, food and fun.

8/22-8/24, Skokie’s Backlot Bash

Downtown Skokie, Oakton St. and Lincoln Ave., Skokie

(847) 674-1500

This new summer tradition draws from Skokie’s heritage as a major silent film industry backlot set between 1907-1915. It features live music, an amusement park, a classic auto show, business expo and sidewalk sale, fun teen activities and a beer tent.

8/24, Taste of the Towns

Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Rd., Lake Zurich

(847) 438-5572

www.lzacc.com/TasteoftheTowns.htm

Local restaurants, wineries and breweries will serve items from their menus for a family-friendly picnic event in the northwestern suburbs

8/28-8/31, The North American Festival of Wales

Doubletree Hotel Chicago-Oak Brook, 1909 Spring Rd., Oak Brook

(810) 632-7850

8/29-9/1, Last Fling 2008

Jackson St. from Main to Centennial Beach

And Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville

(630) 420-6010

Summer goes out with a bang in Naperville! This four-day carnival has something for everyone: arts and crafts, a mile run, a Labor Day parade, talent shows, athletic contests, square-dancing and live music on two stages. Costumed characters, Irish dancers, a petting zoo, inflatables for kids and Midway-style rides and games will also be available.

8/30-9/1, 60^th Annual Jubilee Days Festival

Downtown Zion and Shiloh Park, Zion, IL

(847) 746-5500

With its roots as a harvest festival, the Jubilee Days event now rejoices in the heritage and spirit of the city of Zion. It includes an arts and crafts fair, a 5K run, Civil War re-enactment and battle, food booths, Labor Day fireworks and huge parade, kids’ pageant and orchestra concerts.

8/30-9/1, 6^th Annual Irish Days

Fountain Square, 307 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove

(847) 634-0888

Three days of Irish music, dance and food! Musicians and dancers from area Irish dance schools will perform. The festival also includes a “Best Legs in a Kilt Contest” and cultural activities for the kids.

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Through 7/6, Taste of Chicago
296 S. Columbus Dr.
(312) 744-3315

This is the biggest, best festival of the summer season and a true gastronomic marvel. The Taste annually attracts over six million people from all over to sample the offerings of over 70 Chicago restaurants, from hot dogs and gelato to haute cuisine. Enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, a wine garden and family activities while you get a feel for the flavor of Chicago. Admission is free, but you must buy tickets to pay for food and drinks. This year’s musical guests include Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Aly & AJ and Plain White T’s.

7/3-7/6, African/Caribbean International Festival of Life
Washington Park, 55^th St. and Cottage Grove
(312) 427-0266

7/12-7/13, Chicago Folk & Roots Festival
Welles Park, 4400 N. Lincoln
(773) 728-6000

7/12-7/13, Rock Around the Block
3400-3600 N. Lincoln Ave.
(773) 665-4682

Thirty local bands over three stages play to a crowd of 40,000. Arts and crafts, food vendors and street performers provide additional family fun.

7/15-8/26, 9^th Annual Chicago Outdoor Film Festival
Butler Field in Grant Park, 331 Randolph St.
(312) 744-3315

7/18-7/19, Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party 2008
Des Plaines Ave. from Madison to Adams
(312) 648-1021

7/18-7/20, Pitchfork Music Festival
Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St
(312) 746-5494
www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com

Over three days Union Park will play host to bands like Spoon, Dinosaur Jr. Spiritualized, Vampire Weekend, Sebadoh, Public Enemy, Mission of Burma, Animal Collective, Jarvis Cocker and The Apples in Stereo. The event also includes a record fair, posters, crafts and a whole lot of fabulous entertainment.

7/19-7/20, Summer on Southport
3700 N. Southport
(773) 665-4682

Based near Wrigley Field, this street festival includes the 7^th Annual Chicago Children’s Festival, including performers Justin Roberts and Ralph Covert of “Ralph’s World” and a Radio Flyer rally race.

7/19-7/20 Sheffield Garden Walk & Festival
Webster & Sheffield
(773) 929-9255

The 40^th annual event features self-guided tours of over 100 gardens.

7/20, 29^th Annual Chinatown Summer Fair
Wentworth from Cermak to 24^th St.
(312) 326-5320

This neighborhood festival begins with a lion dance procession at 12:30, followed by a day’s worth of Asian cultural entertainment, live music, food, arts and crafts exhibits and a kids’ area.

7/26, Disability Pride Parade
Clark from Van Buren to Washington
(773) 418-3077 

7/26, Ghanafest 2008
Washington Park, 5800 S. Payne Dr.
(773) 556-3179

7/26, 2008 Dragon Boat Race for Literacy
Ping Tom Memorial Park, 300 W. 19th St
(312) 326-5320

Around 10,000 visitors are expected to participate in a race featuring beautiful dragon boats and a day-long festival of music, performances, food and crafts.

7/26-7/27, Taste of Lincoln Avenue
N. Lincoln Ave. between Fullerton & Wrightwood
(773) 868-3010

7/26, 51^st Annual Venetian Night
Monroe Harbor, 100 S. Lake Shore Dr.
(312) 744-3315

Around 675,000 people are expected to enjoy this lovely parade along the lakefront featuring around 35 lighted, decorated boats. The event begins at 7:45 with a reenactment of an air-sea rescue, then continues at 8:25 with a Lima Lima (from Naperville) flyover. The boat parade glides by at 8:30 and the fireworks start at 9:30. But you’ll want to get here early, since people start to stake out spots at 9 a.m.!

8/1-8/3, Lollapalooza
Grant Park, 300 E. Balbo Dr.
(888) 512-SHOW
www.lollapalooza.com

The country seems saturated with music festivals these days, but Lollapalooza remains one of the nation’s best. This year’s big-name lineup includes Radiohead, Kanye West, Rage Against the Machine, Nine Inch Nails, Wilco, the Raconteurs and Love and Rockets, along with about 100 other bands. Kids under 10 can enjoy the fun at Kidzapalooza.

Chicago Neighborhood Tours
Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St.
(312) 742-1190

Explore the history and culture of Chicago through these half-day tours, given by the Chicago Office of Tourism. Each begins at10 a.m.
8/2 Literary Chicago
8/5 Italy, Pilsen & Little Village
8/7 Greek Town, Chinatown & Little Italy
8/9 Great Cemeteries
8/13 Public Art West
8/14 Greek Town, Chinatown & Little Italy
8/16 Garfield Park
8/19 Humboldt Park, Wicker Park & Ukrainian Village
8/23 Polish Chicago
8/27 Public Art North
8/28 Greek Town, Chinatown & Little Italy

8/2-8/3, 8/8-8/9, 8/16-8/17, Chicago Temple Street Festival
2140 S. Archer Ave.
(312) 451-8650 

8/8, Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby
Chicago River, Between Columbus Dr. bridge and Michigan Ave. bridge
(309) 888-2551
www.duckrace.com/chicago

This third annual event features 40,000 ducks being dropped into the Chicago River; proceeds benefit the Special Olympics Illinois. Adopt one today!

8/8-8/10, Ginza Holiday Festival
Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 W. Menominee St.
(312) 943-7801

Explore the culture of Japan during this event, where traditional art forms, crafts, performances and cuisines will be demonstrated. The Waza, a group of “living treasure” craftsmen, will visit to share their creations.

8/8-8/10, 5^th Annual Caribbean Festival and Jamaican Independence Celebration
Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St.
(312) 427-0266

Celebrate the lifestyle of the people of the Caribbean while you recognize Jamaica’s 47^th year of self-rule.

8/8-8/10, Taylor Street Festa Italiana
Taylor St. between Loomis St. and Ashland Ave.
847-795-1800

Come to historic Little Italy for a fabulous variety of food and wines steeped in classic Italian tradition. Strolling street performers, bocce ball courts and live stage entertainment will delight visitors of all ages.

8/9, Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic
Martin Luther King Dr. from 35^th-55^th Sts.
(773) 536-3710

Chicago children have enjoyed this traditional party for more than 75 years. Over 160 floats and a drum and drill corps competition join local entertainment and food vendors to create a truly festive way of getting back to school.

8/9-8/10, Korean Street Festival
3200-3600 Bryn Mawr Ave.
(773) 583-1700 

8/9-8/10, West Fest
Chicago Ave. between Damen and Wood
(312) 850-9390

Join 30,000 people and over 80 vendors, two stages of live performances and a DJ stage for this exciting neighborhood event, featuring lots of local talent, Pet Fest, Kid Fest and more. 

8/10, Ecuador Parade
Montrose from California to Kimball
(773) 267-2314

8/15, Croatian Fest
2800-2900 S. Princeton
(312) 842-1871

8/15-8/17, 50^th Annual Chicago Air & Water Show
1600 N. Lake Shore Dr. (lakefront from Fullerton to Oak St.)
(312) 744-3315

Daredevil and precision aerial acrobatics draw a huge crowd to the lakefront each year for the largest spectator event in the country. This year an extra day has been added, with a Friday night show and concert at North Avenue Beach. This year, performances will include the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, Lima Lima Flight Team, Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, the Shell Extreme Watershow and Sean Tucker and Team Oracle. The event is free.

8/16, Chicago Carifete
Midway Plaisance, 5900 St. between Cottage Grove and Stony Island
(773) 509-4942

Don’t miss this exciting Caribbean carnival, a 13^th annual event. steel bands, soca and calypso music will attract people of all ages. African and Caribbean arts, crafts and food will be offered, along with a parade of colorful dancers and calypso, soca and steel band rhythms.

8/16, India Independence Parade
Devon from Western to California
(773) 802-4188 

8/17, Pakistan Independence Parade
Devon from Ridge to Western
(773) 671-8264

8/23, Chicago Reggae Festival
Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St.
(773) 868-3010

8/23-8/24, Whole Foods Market FlavorFest
Wrightwood Park, 2534 N. Greenview

Expect notable Chicago chefs, live music, beer and food vendors, kids’ entertainment and a lifestyle stage at a street festival that encourages living the Whole Foods way.

8/23-8/24, ¡Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival
Grant Park, 300 S. Columbus
(312) 744-3315

Local, national and international talents create sounds in spicy genres such as salsa, reggaeton, mariachi, norteña and Spanish pop y más. Performers scheduled to appear include Malo featuring Jorge Santana, Don Tetto, Grupo Mania, Yamil, Don Omar, Everardo Rey y su Flota Musical, Menudo and Mike Roman & The Tell Stars. Traditional foods, a low-rider car show, kids’ zone and authentic wares from indigenous people of the Americas are also available at this free event.

8/23-8/24, Taste of Greece
100-400 Halsted St.
(847) 509-8050

Come for a celebration of Greek culture bursting with live music, savory food from local restaurants, beer and wine, dancing, games and more.

8/24, Accenture Chicago Triathlon
Montrose Harbor
100 S. Lake Shore Dr.
(773) 404-2372

Over 7,000 amateur and professional triathletes from around the world swim, bike and race through the city along the lakefront. The post-race party features 10,000 guests and includes food, music and awards ceremonies.

8/28-8/31, 30^th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival
Millennium Park and Grant Park
(312) 744-3315

Sonny Rollins, Ornette Coleman and many other pioneering performers will grace this traditional event in the heart of downtown Chicago, featuring sweet, smooth and every jazz sound in between. An art fair, food vendors and a kids’ area are also available at this free music extravaganza.  

8/29-9/1, Taste of Polonia
5216 W. Lawrence Ave.
(773) 777-8898

Come for tasty Polish cuisine at this neighborhood festival, one of the largest of its kind, featuring four stages of non-stop music.

8/30-8/31, Bash on Wabash
Wabash  between 13^th St. and 15^th St.
(773) 868-3010

This street festival celebrating one of Chicago’s coolest neighborhoods features continuous live music, upscale arts and crafts and tasty offerings from local restaurants.

Through 8/24, Cirque du Soleil Kooza
Parking Lot K, United Center
1901 W. Madison St.
(800) 678-5440

All summer long, Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave.
(312) 595-PIER

With 50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens, shops, restaurants, entertainment and attractions, this is a great place to be all summer. A 150-foot Ferris wheel, an 18-hole miniature golf course, an IMAX theater and fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday night sweeten the deal. This season you can enjoy performances of “Cirque Shanghai: Gold” in addition to all the regular free entertainment provided by musicians, bands and stage acts from the past five decades.

For additional information on these city-sponsored festivals and events, go to the City of Chicago's Web site at http://www.cityofchicago.org.