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!
A Food Fest Out West
West Chicago Food Festival is showing off its best local food and fun for a summer evening with live music, games, and lots of great bites. Food and beverage trucks will be found throughout the downtown area. You’ll find a face painter and balloon artist for the young (or young-at-heart!), as well as live bands to keep you dancing all night long.
Date: August 26
Time: 4-8PM
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown West Chicago, 132 Main St
More info: westchicago.org
Get Artsy in Glen Ellyn
Get ready for the 54th Annual Festival of the Arts, returning to scenic Lake Ellyn! This fine art show has been a Chicagoland attraction for over five decades and has recently expanded to include fiber artists and folk music. Spend the day exploring art booths, lakeside knitting, live music, and strolls into downtown Glen Ellyn for a leisurely meal.
Date: August 26-27
Time: 10AM-5PM
Cost: Free
Location: 645 Lenox Rd, Glen Ellyn
More info: downtownglenellyn.com
Cheers to the Animals at Zoo Brew
Get ready to party with the animals at Brookfield Zoo’s ZooBrew! Beer connoisseurs and animal lovers will gather to check out this exclusive beer-tasting event. Reserved for those 21 and over, it offers a chance to savor over 80 different options, including ales, lagers, stouts, seltzers, ciders, and hard lemonades. As you enjoy your brews, take a leisurely stroll through the park to visit your favorite animals for a unique and memorable experience.
Date: August 26
Time: 12-7:30PM
Cost: $40+
Location: Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St, Brookfield
More info: czs.org
It’s All Greek to Me!
Taste of Greektown is back to blend the old-world Greek traditions with some classic Chicago fun! This culinary-focused festival brings out neighborhood favorites with incredible food and drinks. Don’t miss the awesome DJs and live bands rocking out while you snack; bring the whole family for games and entertainment for all ages.
Date: August 25-27
Time: Fri 4-10PM; Sat 12-10PM
Cost: Free
Location: 315 S Halsted St, Greektown
More info: chicagoevents.com
Chalk Out Howard St
Want a unique street fest experience? Check out Chicago’s ONLY chalk art festival, Chalk Howard Street. National and local street artists will transform this Rogers Park throughfare into a street-sized canvas! With interactive art activities and live music floating through the air, you’ll find something for everyone while experiencing incredible art up close.
Date: August 26
Time: 11AM-8PM
Cost: Free
Location: Howard & Ashland Ave, Rogers Park
More info: starevents.com
Taco About a Good Time: It’s Taco Fest!
One of Southport Corridor’s biggest events of the year is the Lakeview Taco Fest. Grab a special taco and beer combo while two music stages keep everyone dancing. Bring the whole family to enjoy the kids’ activities, and don’t forget to vote for ‘Best Taco!’
Date: August 26-27
Time: 11AM-10PM
Cost: Free
Location: 3500 N Southport, Lakeview
More info: chicagoevents.com
Savor the Skyline with Jeni’s & Cindy’s
Get ready to indulge in a delightful experience as Jeni’s Ice Cream collaborates with Cindy’s Rooftop for Scoops & Spirits, an evening of sweet treats and spirits against the stunning backdrop of Chicago’s skyline. This event promises a unique blend of gourmet ice cream and cocktails in a chic rooftop setting, making it a perfect summer soirée.
Date: August 27
Time: 2-4PM
Cost: $50
Location: Cindy’s Rooftop, 12 S Michigan Ave, The Loop
More info: chicagoathleticevents.com
Get a “Clue” at this Immersive Mystery
Experience CLUE: A Walking Mystery, an interactive adventure spanning downtown Chicago, starting at Block 37 and encompassing iconic destinations. Embrace the role of classic CLUE characters like Mayor Green, Colonel Mustard, and Miss Scarlett as you become detectives on a mission to uncover Mr. Boddy’s murderer. Scattered Tudor Mansion furniture awaits discovery, and your task is to deduce WHO committed the crime, WHERE, and with WHAT… just like the game!
Date: Runs through September 4
Time: Varies by Day
Cost: $35+
Location: Block 37, 108 N State St, The Loop
More info: feverup.com
