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.
Dine Amongst the Wild at Frontera Farm to Table Dinner
Held amid the lush Bramsen Tropical Forests habitat at Brookfield Zoo, this immersive experience blends gourmet dining, conservation, and artistry. Enjoy cocktails and small bites in the rainforest setting, then watch Chef Rick Bayless and other local culinary talents demonstrate their skills. Proceeds support the Frontera Farmer Foundation and Brookfield Zoo programs.
Date: September 12
Time: 6PM
Cost: $220
Location: Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield
More Info: brookfieldzoo.org
Taste Local Brews at Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest
Sample your way through dozens of local brews at the Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest, an annual fundraiser for the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation. This event celebrates craft beer while supporting the Elmhurst History Museum and Churchville One Room Schoolhouse. Wander through tasting stations, enjoy conversations with brewers, and toast to local history—all while raising funds to keep the city’s heritage alive.
Date: September 13
Time: 2PM-6PM
Cost: $45+
Location: Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave, Elmhurst
More Info: tickettailor.com
Bring Your Pup to Dog Daze
Bring your furry friend for a day of tail-wagging fun at Dog Daze. Dogs can explore a non-competitive agility course, splash in the water zone, strut in the fashion parade, or compete in the peanut butter licking contest. Owners can enjoy food vendors, pet vendors, and live music by Naperville School of Rock. Photo booths and pet pampering stations round out a day that’s all about four-legged friends.
Date: September 13
Time: 12PM-3PM
Cost: Free
Location: Fishel Park, 1036 Grove St, Downers Grove
More Info: dgparks.org
Welcome the Season at Norwood Park Fall Fest
Norwood Park transforms into a neighborhood block party at Fall Fest, a weekend of food, drinks, and live music on Northwest Highway and in Centennial Park. The lineup spans rock, country, and blues, while families will find a new Family Zone with activities for kids. Local vendors round out the scene with shopping, beer, wine, and plenty to eat.
Date: September 12-13
Time: Fri 4PM-10PM; Sat 12PM-10PM
Cost: $5 Suggested Donation
Location: Centennial Park, 6068 N Northwest Hwy
More Info: npfallfest.org
Discover Local Creativity at Ravenswood ArtWalk
Now in its 23rd year, the Ravenswood ArtWalk opens studios and galleries along the neighborhood’s industrial corridor for a weekend of art, music, and community. Visitors can explore more than 80 local makers, catch live music on two stages, and grab food and drinks in a pop-up beer garden. With family activities and open houses at creative spaces, it’s a rare chance to see the neighborhood’s artistic side up close.
Date: September 13-14
Time: 11AM-6PM
Cost: Free
Location: Ravenswood Industrial Corridor, Lawrence Ave to Irving Park Rd
More Info: ravenswoodchicago.org
Explore Lakeview East Festival of the Arts
This Lakeview mainstay brings more than 150 juried artists to the neighborhood, with work ranging from paintings and photography to jewelry and furniture. Alongside the art, two stages of live music, food vendors, and kids’ activities fill the streets. Now in its 20th year, the festival continues to draw crowds for a mix of culture and community.
Date: September 13-14
Time: 11AM-7PM
Cost: Free
Location: Broadway between Belmont Ave and Hawthorne Pl
More Info: lakevieweastfestivalofthearts.com
Sing Along at Englewood Music Fest
The Englewood Music Fest takes over Halsted with live performances, food, and a community celebration that includes a car giveaway. This year’s lineup features NEXT, Le’Andria Johnson, and Boosie, among others. With vendors and entertainment filling the weekend, it’s a highlight of the neighborhood calendar.
Date: September 13
Time: 12PM-9PM
Cost: Free
Location: Kennedy King College, 64th St and Halsted St
More Info: englewoodmusicfest.com
Show Your Pride at the Mexican Independence Day Parade
The 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade draws more than 400,000 people to Little Village for one of the largest parades in the Midwest. Starting at the iconic Little Village Arch, the procession features floats, mariachi bands, and folkloric dance groups as it moves down 26th Street. This year’s theme, “Pride and Power: Our Strength, Our Legacy,” honors the community’s resilience and cultural heritage.
Date: September 14
Time: 12PM
Cost: Free
Location: 26th St from Albany Ave to Kostner Ave
More Info: littlevillagechamber.org
