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.
Toast the Tropics at Zoo Uncorked: Wines & Vines
This year, guests will be among the first to experience the brand-new Bramsen Tropical Forests habitat, where animals roam in a lush, immersive rainforest setting. As you wander through the tropical trails, enjoy a curated selection of fine wines, craft cocktails, and light bites. The evening blends the beauty of nature with a sophisticated tasting experience, making it perfect for wine enthusiasts, animal lovers, or anyone looking for a unique night out.
Date: August 23
Time: 6PM-9PM
Cost: $40+
Location: Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield
More Info: brookfieldzoo.org
Taste Your Way Through Street Eats & Beats Food Truck Festival
Get ready for a full day of delicious bites and tunes at Elmhurst’s first-ever Street Eats & Beats Food Truck Festival. Sample bites from an array of food trucks serving everything from tacos to sweet treats while local bands and DJs keep the energy high. Bring the kids or a group of friends for a day of bites, beats, and summer fun.
Date: August 24
Time: 2PM-6PM
Cost: Free
Location: Springhill Suites by Marriot, 410 W. Lake St, Elmhurst
More Info: exploreelmhurst.com
Piece It Together at Puzzle Palooza
Test your skills at Puzzle Palooza, a fun and fast-paced puzzle-making contest for teams of up to four. Each team receives the same 500-piece puzzle and has two hours to assemble it as quickly as possible. Compete for prizes and bragging rights while enjoying a friendly, community-focused competition.
Date: August 23
Time: 4PM-6PM
Cost: Free
Location: Proksa Park, 3001 S. Wisconsin Ave, Berwyn
More Info: allevents.in/berwyn
Savor the Flavors at Taste of Greektown
Taste of Greektown returns for its 35th year in the historic Greektown! Local Greek-American family restaurants, including 9 Muses Bar & Grill, Athena, Mr. Greek Gyros, Spectrum, and Zeus, showcase their signature dishes alongside newcomers Meli Cafe and Ithaki Estiatorio. Expect live music, Greek dancing, shopping, and family-friendly activities all weekend long.
Date: August 22-24
Time: Fri 4PM-10PM; Sat & Sun 11AM-10PM
Cost: Free
Location: Halsted St. from Adams to Van Buren
More Info: greektownchicago.org
Celebrate Community Edison Park Fest
Edison Park Fest has grown from a 1972 sidewalk sale into one of Chicago’s most popular neighborhood festivals. With nearly 20,000 attendees each year, the fundraiser supports local community programs, school initiatives, and beautification projects. Enjoy carnival rides, craft vendors, a bike parade, bingo, and more.
Date: August 22-24
Time: Fri 5PM-10PM; Sat & Sun 12PM-10PM
Cost: $10 Suggested Donation
Location: 6730 N. Olmsted Ave.
More Info: edisonparkfest.org
Explore Local Art at Bucktown Arts Fest
Bucktown Arts Fest started in the 1980s when four local artists organized a small park show. Today, it remains a grassroots celebration of art, built by volunteers with all proceeds supporting arts education in local classrooms and Holstein Park. The fest features free access to artist booths, live music, local food, and hands-on art experiences that continue the neighborhood tradition of creative collaboration.
Date: August 23-24
Time: 11AM-7PM
Cost: Free
Location: Holstein Park, 2200 N. Oakley Ave.
More Info: bucktownartsfest.com
Spice Up Your Weekend at Lakeview Taco Fest
Lakeview Taco Fest serves up the ultimate celebration of Latin flavors, music, and culture. Enjoy tacos from top Chicago taquerias, vote for your favorite to win “Best Taco,” and sip margaritas, sangria, or cold cervezas. Live music spans salsa, mariachi, cumbia, and Latin pop, while the Kid Zone keeps little ones entertained with inflatables, games, and face painting.
Date: August 22-24
Time: Fri & Sat 11AM-10PM; Sun 11AM-9PM
Cost: $10 Suggested Donation
Location: Southport Ave. from Addison to Roscoe
More Info: southportcorridorchicago.com
Set Sail at the Chicago International Boat Show
The Chicago International Boat Show brings boats, yachts, and marine expertise to Lake Michigan. Explore luxury yachts and recreational boats, attend hands-on demos, and meet industry leaders. The show also features family-friendly entertainment and on-water activities, making it a perfect weekend for boating enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Date: August 22-25
Time: Fri & Sat 10AM-7PM; Sun 10AM-5PM
Cost: $33+
Location: Navy Pier Marina, 600 E. Grand Ave.
More Info: officialchibs.com
