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!
Dance the Night Away at Naper Nights Concerts
Experience the magic of music and history colliding at Naper Nights Concerts. Hosted by Naper Settlement, this unique event series brings together live music and the charm of a historic village setting. Enjoy unforgettable evenings with a diverse lineup of bands, spanning various genres, against the backdrop of beautifully preserved buildings. Bring your friends and family, savor delicious food and drinks, and dance the night away under the stars.
Date: August 18-19
Time: 5-10PM
Cost: $15+
Location: Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster, Naperville
More info: napersettlement.org
Get Your Brew on at The Oak Park Microbrew Review
The Oak Park Microbrew Review is one of Chicagoland’s longest-standing beer festivals. Immerse yourself in an array of experiences as you sample an assortment of beers, ciders, and seltzers from over 60 breweries. Enhance your culinary journey with delectable offerings from diverse restaurants, all while grooving to captivating music. Explore the charming streets of downtown Oak Park, transformed into a pedestrian haven for this event.
Date: August 19
Time: 12-6PM
Cost: $60+
Location: Various Downtown Oak Park locations
More info: sevengenerationsahead.org
Sip and Stroll through the Morton Arboretum
Indulge in a sensory journey at the Wine and Art Walk hosted by The Morton Arboretum. Traverse the stunning landscapes of the arboretum while sipping on fine wines from a curated selection. This unique event marries the beauty of nature with artistic expression, featuring captivating artwork that complements the surroundings. Unite your love for wine and appreciation of art in this enchanting fusion, and immerse yourself in an evening of taste, aesthetics, and serenity.
Date: August 19-20
Time: 10AM-5PM
Cost: Included in Admission
Location: Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Morton Grove
More info: mortonarb.org
Let it Stick to Your Ribs at Ribfest
One of the city’s best and biggest food fests is back in North Center with 50,000 lbs. of pork and over 20 food vendors. Ribfest is for everyone, from families looking to check out the fun in ‘Kids Square’ to long-time BBQ aficionados testing all the offerings up for “Best Ribs.” Prepare to get saucey!
Date: August 18-20
Time: Fri 5-10PM; Sat & Sun 12-10PM
Cost: Free
Location: North Center, Lincoln & Damen Ave
More info: ribfest-chicago.com
Fly High at The Air & Water Show!
The largest free show of its kind in the United States, The Air & Water Show, returns with a variety of aerial and naval teams showcasing their best moves over Lake Michigan. You can view the air show portion across the city, but the best viewing happens from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the center point.
Date: August 19 & 20
Time: 10:30AM – 3:00PM
Cost: Free
Location: North Ave Beach & the Lakefront
More info: chicago.gov
Sun & Sangria in Humboldt Park
Sip sangria in the sun while you enjoy live bands, dance performances, and shopping from local pop-ups at Sangria Festival Chicago. Upgrade to the VIP suite for extra goodies or try one of the Instagram-friendly contests and photo ops to have fun and win some prizes!
Date: August 19 & 20
Time: 12-10PM
Cost: $20+
Location: Humboldt Park, 3021 W Division St
More info: sangriafestivalchicago.com
Get Artsy at Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest
The Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest has been a favorite community event for over 20 years. This free arts festival has 100+ artist booths, open studios, live entertainment, and the chance to buy unique handmade art. The event offers live music, performances, art demos, street food, and local craft beer on the charming cobblestone streets of Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood.
Date: August 18-20
Time: Fri 6-10PM; Sat 11AM-9PM; Sun 11AM-7PM
Cost: Free
Location: Glenwood Ave & Morse Ave
More info: glenwoodave.org
Donut Miss the Stan’s Donut Race
Experience the excitement of the Stan’s Donut Race! Lace up your running shoes and join a thrilling race that combines fitness with delectable treats. Runners of all levels can participate in this delightful event, which features scenic routes and a unique donut challenge. Whether you’re a competitive racer or simply looking for a fun and flavorful experience, the Stan’s Donut Race offers a one-of-a-kind adventure.
Date: August 19
Time: Starts at 7AM
Cost: $54.99+
Location: South Loop, 1410 Special Olympics Dr
More info: donut5k.com
