Enjoy the sunny days with awesome activities that’ll make your summer shine. From chilling at the beach to grooving at music festivals, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Explore new spots and cool shops to add some excitement to your summer days. Check out these eight activities happening this weekend to help soak up the sun!
Highwood Transforms into Nashville with Nashwood!
No need to go to Tennessee when we’ve got Nashwood right here in Illinois! Highwood’s bars and restaurants are transforming into honkey-tonk good time joints, with cowboy hats and lots of country music! Try some of the Southern-fried goodness on special, put on your line-dancing boots for lots of live music, or catch a lift on the Nashwood Hop-Along Hayride.
Date: September 1-3
Time: Fri 5-bar close, Sat 12PM-bar close, Sun 12-8PM
Cost: Free
Location: Various Downtown Highwood Locations
More info: celebratehighwood.org
Ravinia Hosts Carrie Underwood
Prepare to be enchanted as country music sensation Carrie Underwood graces the stage at Ravinia. With her powerhouse vocals and a string of chart-topping hits, Carrie promises an unforgettable night of music under the starry Ravinia sky. Go for an evening of pure country magic as she serenades the audience with her iconic songs and captivating stage presence.
Date: September 1
Time: 8PM
Cost: $77+
Location: Highland Park, 201 Ravinia Park Rd
More info: ravinia.org
Celebrate Beautiful Art in Skokie
All September, the Devonshire Cultural Center will be hosting Butterfly Effect/Efecto Mariposa. They are featuring artwork to celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month. These galleries are free to the public, so enjoy beautiful artwork while celebrating this cultural month.
Date: Runs through September 30
Time: Open During Business Hours
Cost: Free
Location: Skokie, Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood St
More info: skokieparks.org
Rhythm Meets Soul at the Chicago Jazz Festival
Immerse yourself in the soulful rhythms and electrifying melodies of the Chicago Jazz Festival. This annual musical extravaganza transforms the heart of the Windy City into a haven for jazz enthusiasts and music lovers alike. Featuring world-renowned jazz artists and emerging talents, the festival promises an unforgettable experience of improvisation, innovation, and pure musical magic.
Date: September 1
Time: 12PM
Cost: Free
Location: Millennium Park, 201 E Randolph St
More info: chicago-events.us
Celebrate Unity at the African Festival of the Arts
Step into a vibrant celebration of African culture at the African Festival of the Arts. This yearly event is a kaleidoscope of art, music, dance, and cuisine, offering a captivating journey through the diverse traditions of the African continent. Discover the rich tapestry of African heritage, indulge in mouthwatering cuisine, and groove to infectious rhythms that unite us all.
Date: September 1-4
Time: 10AM-10PM
Cost: $10+
Location: Grand Boulevard, 5100 S Gardner Ave
More info: aihusa.org
Taste, Dance, and Celebrate at Taste of Polonia
Get ready for a delectable journey through Polish culture and cuisine at Taste of Polonia. This annual festival is a flavorful celebration of Poland’s rich heritage, featuring a mouthwatering array of traditional Polish dishes, live music, folk dancing, and more. Whether you’re savoring pierogi and kielbasa, tapping your feet to lively polka tunes, or exploring Polish arts and crafts, the Taste of Polonia promises a fun-filled and culturally enriching experience for all.
Date: September 1-4
Time: Fri 5-10:30PM, Sat and Sun 12-10:30PM
Cost: Free
Location: Copernicus Center, 5126 W Lawrence Ave
More info: topchicago.org
Discover the Heart of the Arts at West Loop Art Fest
Experience the vibrant fusion of creativity and culture at West Loop Art Festival. Nestled in the heart of this trendy neighborhood, this yearly event showcases the works of talented artists from diverse backgrounds, offering a kaleidoscope of artistic expression. Engage with the artists, immerse yourself in the creative process, and perhaps even take home a masterpiece of your own.
Date: September 2-3
Time: 10AM-7PM
Cost: Free
Location: Fulton & Sangamon St, West Loop
More info: starevents.com
Flavor Frenzy at Wing Out
Get ready to indulge in a finger-licking, saucy adventure at the Wing Out Festival. With a wide array of wing styles, from classic buffalo to exotic and innovative creations, there’s something to tickle every taste bud. Alongside the mouthwatering wings, enjoy live music, games, and a festive atmosphere that makes every bite a memorable experience.
Date: September 2-3
Time: 12-9PM
Cost: $20+
Location: Gallagher Way, 3635 N Clark St
More info: wingoutchicago.com
