With long days and warm nights, summer weekends are made for exploring. Whether you’re staying local or venturing out, here are a few events worth adding to your calendar.
Have Fun at Strawberry Festival
Long Grove’s sweetest weekend returns with Strawberry Fest, a three-day celebration featuring strawberry-themed food and drinks, carnival rides, and nonstop music. Tribute bands for Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, ABBA, and more will headline across three stages, while local vendors serve up strawberry shortcake, beer, and beyond.
Date: June 27-29
Time: Fri 12PM-11PM; Sat 10AM-11PM; Sun 10AM-6PM
Cost: $7
Location: Robert Parker Coffin Rd and Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove
More Info: longgrove.org
Catch All the Action at Wauconda Fest
A community favorite for more than 25 years, Wauconda Fest brings fairground classics to Cook Park. Expect carnival rides, bingo, car shows, live bands, and plenty of local eats. Don’t miss the adult bags tournament or the arts and crafts show. With food vendors, family-friendly entertainment, and a stacked musical schedule, this event is a small-town celebration that goes all out.
Date: June 27-29
Time: Fri 5PM-12AM; Sat 12PM-12AM; Sun 12PM-9PM
Cost: $5
Location: Cook Park, 600 N Main St, Wauconda
More Info: waucondaparks.com
Taste it All at FireUp! Food Truck Fest
Head to Mike Rylko Park for an afternoon of food and fundraising at Fire Up! Food Truck Festival. A lineup of food trucks will roll in offering everything from savory bites to sweet treats, with proceeds supporting Project Fire Buddies, a local nonprofit aiding families of children with serious illnesses. Expect a festive, family-friendly atmosphere with games, music, and plenty of community spirit.
Date: June 28
Time: 12PM-6PM
Cost: Free
Location: Mike Rylko Community Park, 95 McHenry Rd, Buffalo Grove
More Info: vbg.org
Spend the Day at Main Street Fair
Evanston’s newest street fest revives the spirit of the old Custer Street Fair with more than 90 artist booths, three stages of live music, food vendors, and family activities. The Main Street Fair packs a full day of local talent and community flavor into the heart of the city.
Date: June 28
Time: 11AM-9PM
Cost: Free
Location: Main St and Custer Ave, Evanston
More Info: mainstreetfair.org
Treat Your Pup at Bark BBQ Fest
Celebrate the start of July with your pup in tow at this dog-friendly outdoor market. Bark BBQ Fest features food trucks, local vendors, and pet-friendly activities at Terramere Plaza. Think: BBQ, sunshine, and dogs in bandanas.
Date: June 29
Time: 10AM-5PM
Cost: Free
Location: Terramere Plaza, 4240 N Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights
More Info: barkbbq.org
