(scroll down for city events)

 Art Fairs

7/10-7/11, the Naperville Women’s Club 51^st Annual Juried Fine Art Fair
Naper Settlement
523 S. Webster St., Naperville
(630) 420-6010
www.napervillewomansclub.com
Over 100 juried fine artists from around the country, plus entertainment, “Petite Picassos” kids’ activities tent, a silent auction, ceramic demonstrations and food. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days; admission and parking are free.

7/10-7/11, 47^th Invitational Fine Craft Exhibition
Oakbrook Center
100 Oakbrook Center (Rt. 83 & 22^nd St./Cermak Rd.), Oak Brook
(630) 573-0700
www.oakbrookcenter.com

7/30-7/31, The CHA Craft SuperShow
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
5555 N. River Rd. Rosemont
(201) 835-1240
www.craftsupershow.com
Two full days of hands-on make’n’takes, shopping, workshops and events featuring all types of crafts. Open 12-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Admission costs $15-$20; children 10 and under are free with an adult.

8/7-8/8, David Adler Festival of the Arts
Cook Park
Cook Ave. & Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville
(847) 367-0707

8/14-8/15, Great Tastes Fine Arts Festival
Downtown Long Grove
307 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove
(847) 634-0888
www.longgroveonline.com

8/28-8/29, 27^th Annual Port Clinton Art Festival
Downtown Highland Park
600 Central Ave., Highland Park
(847) 432-0800
www.amdurproductions.com
Features 260 juried artists and 275,000 visitors.

9/4-9/5, 48^th Invitational Fine Art Exhibition
Oakbrook Center
100 Oakbrook Center (Rt. 83 & 22^nd St./Cermak Rd.), Oak Brook
(630) 573-0700
www.oakbrookcenter.com

Activities

Through 1/2010, Steelroots: Tobin at the Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Rt. 53, Lisle
(630) 968-0074
www.mortonarb.org
Steve Tobin, who created the Trinity Root 9/11 memorial near Ground Zero in NYC, is the mastermind behind this sculpture series, designed to transform the way we look at nature. Don’t miss the Midwestern debut of a comprehensive exhibition of his Steelroots works, which includes 14 transcendent, monumental pieces nestled within the arboretum’s tree-filled outdoor galleries. 

Wednesdays through 9/1, Cool Cars Under the Stars
Elmhurst City Centre
York Rd. & First St.
(630) 993-1600
www.elmhurstcitycentre.com
Cruise into the heart of downtown Elmhurst for a weekly car show perfect for families and anyone interested in evening auto adventures. A different theme is featured every time;  this year’s newest is Motorcycle Night.

Through 9/5, Temple Lipizzans Performance
Tempel Farms
17000 Wadsworth Rd., Old Mill Creek
(847) 623-7272
www.tempelfarms.com
The beautiful Tempel Lipizzan stallions perform their stylized and intricate form of dressage every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. Cost: $18 for adults, $10 for children. Tours take place at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; adults cost $9 and kids cost $6.

Through Labor Day, Stingray Bay at Brookfield Zoo
3300 S. Golf Rd., Brookfield
(708) 688-8000
www.brookfieldzoo.org
Get up close and personal with 50 or so cownose rays in the tent on the East Mall, where guests can safely interact with stingrays in a 16,000-gallon saltwater touch pool that‘s less than  two feet deep. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for kids aged 3-11, in addition to general zoo admission.

6/30-7/4, Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival
Lisle Community Park
1825 Short St., Lisle
(630) 541-6095
www.eyestotheskies.org
Of course the balloon launches of 8- to 12-story tall balloons are dependent on perfect weather conditions, but this nationally-known celebration is so much more than that. Come for the parade, a lumberjack show, rides, fireworks, concert performances, kids’ activities and more. The carnival is open 6/30-7/4 (5-11 p.m. on 6/30-7/1); the festival and 100-booth craft fair take place between 7/2-7/4.

7/3-7/4, July 4^th Celebration at the Great Lakes Naval Base
Ross Field, Naval Station Great Lakes
2601A Paul Jones St., Great LakesA
(847) 688-2110
Celebrate the nation’s independence with two full days of crafts, kids’ activities, a carnival, live entertainment, fireworks and a headlining performance by Loverboy. New this year is a laser light show at 9:30 on 7/3. Free event.

7/4, Cantigny Park’s Patriotic Celebration
1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton
(630) 942-4000
www.cantigny.org
On Independence Day, events and parking are all free at Cantigny, where families can enjoy inflatables, get American flag tattoos, participate in flag races and play other games. They’ll ring the Liberty Bell, sign the Declaration of Independence and enjoy a parade led by Revolutionary War re-enactors at 2 p.m. (decorated strollers, tricycles and scooters are encouraged). Then at 3 p.m. the Southwest Community Concert Band performs a selection of patriotic music, so bring a blanket and a picnic meal.

7/10, Jazz Fest Glen Ellyn
Downtown Glen Ellyn
Main St. between Crescent Blvd. and Pennsylvania Ave., Glen Ellyn
(630) 942-4000
www.jazzfestglenellyn.org
Enjoy the fourth annual ultimate jazz experience featuring Chicago-area musicians, seating in the Hursthouse “Jazz Garden” and a gourmet menu with beer and wine. The free event runs from 3-10 p.m.; musicians this year are: Jo Ann Daugherty Trio, Andreas Kapsalis & Goran Ivanovic Guitar Duo, Ava Logan Quartet featuring Bruce Oscar, Darwin Noguera’s Evolution Sextet, and Richie Cole Alto Madness featuring Henry Johnson.

7/10-9/6, Bristol Renaissance Faire
12550 120^th Ave., Kenosha, WI
(847) 395-7773
www.renfair.com/bristol/
Huzzah! The annual festival has returned, complete with costumes, jousts, craftworks, shows, rides, games, living history demonstrations and more. Step back in time to enjoy the sights and sounds of 20 stages and a full slate of fun, plus summer-ready food and plenty of period excitement. Watch for ticket deals online.

7/21-7/25, Du Page County Fair
DuPage County Fairgrounds
2015 W. Manchester Rd., Wheaton
(630) 668-6636
www.dupagecountyfair.org
Experience grandstand entertainment, local talent, carnival rides, animals, kids’ game shows, chainsaw art, racing animals, magic shows, a demolition derby, 4-H exhibits, talent contests and more. This year’s musical headliners include a Michael Jackson laser spectacular, B.o.B. and Lonnie Brooks & Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater.

7/24, 4th Annual Windy City Cornhole Classic
Sears Centre Arena
5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy., Hoffman Estates
(847) 829-4536
www.chicagocornholeclassic.com
The biggest beanbag tournament in the Midwest begins at 10 a.m.. Beer is available.

8/7, Fox Lake Venetian Night
Piskatee Lake/Dockers
33 W. Grand Ave., Fox Lake
(847) 587-2151
The annual Venetian Night celebration may be missed in Chicago, but Fox Lake is filling the gap with this decorated boat parade and block party, which includes fireworks after dark.

8/7-8/8, VeggieFest Chicago 2010
Science of Spirituality Inc.
4S 175 Naperville-Wheaton Rd., Naperville
(630) 955-1200
www.veggiefestchicagoland.org
Expect 10,000 visitors and around 100 food vendors at this critically acclaimed free event. Popular Chicago restaurants like The Chicago Diner and Karyn’s will be on hand along with cooking demos, free samples, health talks, children’s programming, live entertainment and more.

8/19-8/22, Wizard World Chicago Comic-Con
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
5555  N. River Rd., Rosemont
(847) 692-2220
Indulge your inner geek here. If you love all things sci-fi, fantasy or horror, this is the place to be. This year’s celebrity guests include James Marsters, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn, Linda Blair, William Shatner, Adam West, Ian Ziering, Claudia Christian, Micky Dolenz, and all of the actors who played the Final Five Cylons from “Battlestar Galactica.”

8/21, Arlington Million & the International Festival of Racing
Arlington Park
2200 W. Euclid, Arlington Heights
(847) 385-7500
The 28^th edition of the Grade I Arlington Million at a mile and a quarter is a race that attracts the best grass runners from around the world. Other races include the Grade I $750,000 Beverly D., sister race to the Million, and the Grade I $400,000 Secretariat Stakes for three year olds. This is a truly exciting event that’s the centerpiece of the horse racing season. The 8/20 Mane Event Million Dollar Block Party takes place in downtown Arlington Heights (Campbell Ave. & Vail Ave.) from 6 p.m.-midnight the previous day in celebration of the event; call 847-253-1703 for information. 

9/17-9/18, Naperville Wine Festival
Naper Settlement
523 S. Webster St., Naperville
(630) 420-6010
Enjoy wine tastings, food and wine seminars and cooking demonstrations, plus musical entertainment. Over 250 fine international wines will be represented; celebrity guests include The Hearty Boys and Ben Omelas of Morton’s The Steakhouse. Musical guests include The New Invaders, The Michael Heaton Band and The Danya Malow Band. Tickets are $35 at the door.

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Art Fairs

7/25, 9^th Annual Arts Adventure
Superior St. and State St.
730 N. Wabash St.
(312) 751-2500
www.americansocietyofartists.org

7/31-8/1, Lincoln Park Arts & Music Festival
Racine St. between Fullerton Ave. and Webster Ave.
(773) 868-3010
www.chicagoevents.com

8/21-8/22, Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest
Glenwood Ave. Arts District
6900 N. Glenwood Ave.
(773) 761-4477
www.GlenwoodAve.org

9/11-9/12, 13^th Annual Lincoln Park Art Faire
N. Clark St. and Lincoln Park W.
(312) 742-7726
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

9/11-9/12, Renegade Craft Fair
Division St. between Damen Ave. and Paulina St.
(773) 227-2707
renegadecraft.com/chicago

9/11-9/12, Lakeview East Fine Arts Festival
Broadway Ave. and Belmont Ave.
(773) 348-8609
www.lakevieweastfestivalofthearts.com

9/25-9/26, 5^th Annual Hyde Park Arts & Crafts Adventure
Outdoor courtyard, U. of Chicago Hyde Park Shopping Center
1526 E. 55^th
(312) 751-2500
www.americansocietyofartists.org

Chicago Events

Ongoing, Chicago Neighborhood Tours
Chicago Cultural Center
77 E. Randolph St.
(312) 742-1190
www.chicagoneighborhood tours.com
Discover the city’s vibrant neighborhoods through these popular tours. Adult cost: $30 for neighborhood tours, $50 for special interest tours (Taste of the Neighborhoods, White City, Polish Chicago). Friday Summertime Sampler tours cost $20. All other tours take place Saturdays beginning 10 a.m. and meet at the Chicago Cultural Center.
7/2, Greektown, Chinatown & Little Italy
7/3, Taste of the Neighborhoods
7/9, Bucktown, Humboldt Park & Logan Square
7/10, Jefferson Park, Portage Park & Six Corners
7/10, Great Cemeteries of Chicago
7/16, Greektown, Chinatown & Little Italy
7/17, Albany Park
7/17, South Shore Neighborhoods
7/23, Andersonville, Uptown & Lincoln Square
7/24, Beautiful Beverly
7/24, Hyde Park & Kenwood
7/30, Greektown, Chinatown & Little Italy
7/31, The White City
7/31, Polish Chicago
8/6, Art Around Town
8/7, Great Cemeteries of Chicago
8/7, Pullman Historic District
8/13, Greek Town, Chinatown & Little Italy
8/14, Land of Lincoln
8/14, Daniel Burnham’s Chicago
8/20, Bucktown, Humboldt Park & Logan Square
8/21, Taste o the Neighborhoods
8/21, Wicker Park & Ukrainian Village
8/28, Little Italy
8/28, The White City
9/3, Andersonville, Uptown & Lincoln Square
9/11, Pilsen & Little Village
9/11, Pullman Historic District
9/18, Devon Avenue
9/18, The White City
9/25, Hyde Park & Kenwood
9/25, Taste of the Neighborhoods

 Through 7/4, Taste of Chicago
296 S. Columbus Dr. (main entrance at Michigan Ave. & Congress Dr.)
(312) 744-3315
www.tasteofchicago.us
This is the biggest, best festival of the summer season and a delicious place to hang out. The Taste annually attracts over six million people from all over to sample more than 300 offerings from Chicago’s finest restaurants. From pizza to cheesecake to haute cuisine, you’ll find 70+ of our favorite food purveyors here, so don’t miss out. The musical schedule includes Bell Biv Devoe, Emily Osment, Allstar Weekend, Los Lobos, Steve Miller Band and Passion Pit. Special guests at Dominick’s Cooking Corner include a daily slate of culinary stars like Mario Batali on 6/25 and Giada De Laurentiis on 7/1.  Admission is free; food and drink purchases require tickets.

Thurs.-Sun., through 8/29, Chicago SummerDance
Grant Park Spirit of Music Garden
601 S. Michigan Ave.
(312) 742-4007
www.chicagosummerdance.org
At Grant Park, in three Chicago parks and at the Navy Pier beer garden, SummerDance features dance lessons and music from genres like ballroom, polka, tango, cha-cha, Puerto Rican Bomba, swing, ethnic dances, jazz, salsa, Greek folk, steppin’ and anything else you can think of. Check our theater section for a complete listing of events at Grant Park.

7/7, Bastille Day 5K Run, Walk & Block Party
Lincoln Park at Cannon Dr. & Fullerton Ave., Chicago
(773) 868-3010
www.chicagoevents.com
This day-long hallmark of summer features a 6,000-person race and block party with top musical names, beer and food. This year the after-party takes place at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.

7/9-7/11, Irish American Heritage Festival 2010
Irish American Heritage Center
4626 N. Knox Ave.
(773) 282-7035
The festival celebrates 25 years of the Irish American Heritage Center with three days of music and family fun on five stages. Performers include Scythian, Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul, The Prodigals, The Mickey Finns, The Dooley Brothers, The Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, The Matt Stedman Band and much more. The Folk Tent returns, and Irish and American food will be sold along with crafts, clothing, music and jewelry. Activities and contests include the Hooley Hook-Up matchmaking event, the Mashed Potato Eating Contest and the Sham-ROCK Stars Singing Contest. Plays, art exhibits, readings, language lessons and book signings are featured as well. Cost: $14 per day; seniors are $7 and kids 12 and under are free with paid adult.

7/16-7/18, Pitchfork Music Festival
Union Park
1501 W. Randolph St., Chicago
Now in its fifth year, the lineup of Pitchfork this year includes Pavement, LCD Soundsystem, Modest Mouse, Broken Social Scene, Liars, Sleigh Bells and more. Local food, art and music vendors abound.

7/18, Chinatown Summer Fair
Wentworth Ave. from Cermak Rd. to 24^th Pl., Chicago
(773) 868-3010
www.chicagoevents.com
Get a taste of Chinatown’s restaurants, gift shops and arts and crafts. A children’s area and street vendors, plus Asian cultural entertainment, join a 1 p.m. Lion dance to create a festive and fun atmosphere all day long.

7/24, Disability Pride Parade
Downtown Chicago
Dearborn St. and Van Buren St.
(866) 260-5812
www.disabilityprideparade.org

7/24, Chicago Dragon Boat Race for Literacy
Ping Tom Memorial Park
300 W. 19^th St., Chicago
(312) 326-5320
www.chicagochinatown.org
Almost 10,000 people show up for this annual event, now in its 10^th year. The family-friendly race also includes an Asian dance, caricature artists, acrobats, local bands, food and guest celebrities

7/24, 2010 Chicago Beach Soccer Tournament
Montrose Beach, W. Montrose Harbor
(312) 226-7920
www.chicagobeachsoccer.com

7/24-7/25, Taste of Lincoln Ave.
Lincoln Ave. between Fullerton Ave. and Wrightwood Ave.
(773) 868-3010
www.chicagoevents.com
The second largest street festival in the region features 350 vendors, 40 musical acts, five stages and a block-long area full of family entertainment like pony rides and a petting zoo. Cost: $7 daytime suggested donation, $10 for evening.

7/24-7/25, Celebrate Clark Street Festival
Clark St. between Morse Ave. and Estes St.
(773) 508-5885
www.rogers-park.com
Over 75 vendors selling food, beer, wine, crafts and other wars, along with two music stages, in Rogers Park. $5 donation requested.

7/24-7/31, Ultimate LEGO Architects Build-A-World Weekend
S.R. Crown Hall
3360 S. State St.
(708) 848-1976
www.gowright.org
Kids are welcome to help build a 3,000 sq. ft. street grid community, which remains on display from 7/25-7/31. Free to the public.

8/6-8/8, Lollapalooza
Grant Park, entrance at S. Columbus Dr. and E. Congress Pkwy
(888) 512-SHOW
www.lollapalooza.com
The 2010 lineup for one of the country’s biggest and best music festivals includes Soundgarden, Green Day, Lady Gaga, Arcade Fire, The Strokes, Phoenix, Social Distortion, MGMT and more than 80 other bands over three days.

8/14, Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic
39^th St. and S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr.
(773) 536-3710
This 81^st annual parade features hundreds of local bands, car clubs, drill teams, dance teams and more in a traditional back-to-school celebration.

8/14-8/15, Chicago Air & Water Show
North Ave. Beach
1600 N. Lake Shore Dr.
(312) 744-3315
www.explorechicago.org
Precise, high-flying acrobatics always draws a huge crowd to the lakefront (from Fullerton to Oak St.) for this, the largest spectator event in the country. Expect a stunning water show and daredevil performances by some of the most exciting aerial teams in the country, including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Arm Parachute Team Golden Knights. Free event.

8/24-8/29, Pepsi Tall Ships Chicago
Navy Pier, East End Plaza—North Dock
600 E. Grand Ave.
(315) 957-4372
www.navypier.com
On opening day a Tall Ships Parade of Sail features 20 tall ships from around the world. This maritime event includes fun-filled activities and educational opportunities for kids of all ages.

8/28-8/29, Taste of Greece 2010
100-400 S. Halsted St.
(847) 509-8050
www.greektownchicago.org
Greek dance, Greek music and Greek foods highlight this family-friendly festival.

9/2-9/5, 32^nd Annual Chicago Jazz Festival
Grant Park at Jackson Blvd. and Columbus Dr., other venues around the city
(312) 744-3315
www.explorechicago.org
The longest-running of the city’s lakefront music festivals, this traditional Labor Day celebration features the rich sounds of several genres of jaxx. An art fair, food vendors and kids’ area are available. This years performers include Nicole Mitchell, Henry Threadgill, Brad Mehldau, Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band, Rene Mari, the Either/Orchestra and Kurt Elling.

9/10-9/11, Windy City Wine Festival
Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park
500 S. Columbus Dr.
(847) 382-1480
www.windycitywinefestival.com
Now in its sixth year, the festival provides over 250 wines to taste, along with food from fine area restaurants, cooking demonstrations and live music.

9/11, Mexican Independence Day Parade
Columbus Dr. from Balbo Dr. to Monroe St.
(312) 744-3315
www.explorechicago.org

9/17-9/18, Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival
Millennium Park
N. Michigan Ave. and E. Randolph St.
(312) 744-3315
www.explorechicago.org
Local, national and international performers play salsa, reggaeton, mariachi, norteña and Spanish pop y más.

9/19, Chicago’s Historic Route 66 Classic Car Show
North Lawndale, 3800 W. Ogden Ave.
(773) 592-4718
www.carsonroute66.com

9/24-9/26, Oktoberfest Chicago
Parking Lot of St. Alphonsus
3000 N. Lincoln Ave.
(773) 665-4682
www.starevents.com
Homemade brats, German and area pop-rock bands, Kinderfest and lots of great beer under a big-top tent. $5 admission.

9/24-9/30, World Music Festival: Chicago
Various locations around the city, including the Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington St.
(312) 742-1938
www.explorechicago.org
This week-long, Chicago-wide festival showcases traditional and contemporary music from cultures around the world. Features around 50 events, including live radio broadcasts and a mix of free and ticketed concerts.

9/25-9/26, Chicago Gourmet 2010—A Celebration of Food & Wine
Millennium Park
201 E. Randolph St.
(312) 787-4000
www.chicagogourmet.org
This epicurean extravaganza showcases over 100 of the city’s finest restaurants and chefs, plus international vintners, spirit makers and premium breweries. Live cooking demonstrations, gourmet tastings, wine seminars and book signings take place, along with the Dine Around series at participating restaurants. This year’s chef guests include Ted Allen, Rick Bayless, Graham Elliot Bowles, Gale Gand, Jose Garces, Laurent Graz, Mark Grosz, Tony Hu, Tony Mantuano, Michael McDonald, Rick Tramonto and over 80 more!

For additional information on city-sponsored festivals and events, go to the City of Chicago's tourism Web site, www.choosechicago.com.