Summer fun doesn’t end at Howard Street on the north, Cicero Avenue on the west and the Little Calumet on the south — the suburbs are bursting with festivals galore.
Last week, we covered the waterfront, listing all the city festivals from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This week, it’s the suburbs’ turn. So if you don’t feel like driving downtown on a particular weekend, don’t worry. You’re sure to find some good food and good entertainment in a town near you:
May
FLAVORS OF GREECE INDOOR FESTIVAL: St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church presents its annual Greek heritage fest. Includes food, music and entertainment. 6-11 p.m. May 26; noon-11 p.m. May 27, 28; Kane County Fairgrounds, Rt. 38 and Randall Rd., St. Charles. 630-851-6106.
THE GREAT MIDWEST FAIR: A circus thrill show, carnival rides, kid shows, live harness racing, food court, wrestling event and fireworks display. 5 p.m.-1 a.m. May 26; 1 p.m.-1 a.m. May 27-29; Balmoral Park, 26435 S. Dixie Hwy., Crete. 708-672-1414.
AURORA POW WOW: This 10th annual outdoor celebration of Native American cultures features more than 150 dancers, drummers and singers, plus food and craft vendors. 11 a.m. May 27, 28; $6 adults, $3 children, seniors, children under 6 free; Schingoethe Center for Native American Cultures, Aurora University, Randall Rd. and Marseillaise Pl., Aurora. 630-844-5512.
CHICAGOLAND GEM, MINERAL AND FOSSIL SHOW: Over 100 displays of minerals, fossils, gems and jewelry by national dealers; demos on fossil preparation, gem polishing, stone carving; materials and tools; each child receives a free rock collection starter kit. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 27-29; $5 adults, $3 seniors, students; 3-day pass: $10 adults, $6 seniors and students; DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 W. Manchester Rd., Wheaton. 847-742-9244.
NORTH SHORE ARTS LEAGUE NATIONAL CRAFT FESTIVAL: This juried show features the work of 100 of the Midwest’s most accomplished artisans. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. May 27; 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. May 28; Free; Northbrook Court, 2171 Lake Cook Rd., Northbrook. 847-446-2870.
VALPO FEST CARS & CRAFTS: The Valpo Fest features a large car, truck and motorcycle show. Also features assorted art and craft booths, a swap meet and petting zoo. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. May 28; $5 adults, $2 children; Porter County Expo Center, 215 E. Division Rd., Valparaiso, Ind. 219-464-9918.
June
39TH ANNUAL ROSELLE LIONS ROSE FESTIVAL: More than 50 rides and attractions, a beer garden, music and food vendors. Country, rock, and R&B bands perform nightly at the beer garden and on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. 6-11 p.m. May 31, June 1, 2; noon-midnight June 3, 4; Free admission; Roselle Train Station, Irving Park Rd., west of Highway 53, Roselle. 630-289-6021.
ORLAND DAYS: Fest includes carnival rides, a parade on June 4 at 1 p.m., 15 food booths, a queen-of-the-fest competition and a giant beer tent. Live entertainment takes the stage every night in the beer tent. 6-10 p.m. May 31, June 1, 2; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. June 3; noon-9 p.m. June 4; free; Ravinia Ave. and 149th St., Orland Park. 708-403-7275.
58TH ANNUAL HARVARD MILK DAYS: A youth parade, farm tours, tractor pull, nightly entertainment, carnival rides and milk runs (2 mile and 10K races) round out this event. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. June 2; 6 a.m.-10 p.m. June 3; 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. June 4; free admission; fees for special events and rides; Harvard Milk Days grounds, Downtown Harvard, near Jefferson St., Harvard. 815-943-4614.
RHYTHM & ROOTS FESTIVAL: Music, dance, folk tales, crafts and other customs of faraway places are featured. Noon-4 p.m. June 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30, July 1, 2, 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30, Aug. 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27; $7 adults, $3.50 children; Brookfield Zoo, 1st Ave. and 31st St., Brookfield. 708-485-0263.
THE WINNETKA CHILDREN’S FAIR: Kid-friendly entertainment includes kiddie rides, games, arts and crafts, petting zoo and “Peter Pan” by Winnetka Children’s Theatre. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 2, 3; free admission; Winnetka Village Green, Elm St., between Sheridan and Green Bay Rds., Winnetka. 847-446-4432.
FRONTIER FEST: A “wild west day at the farm” with horse/pony rides, frontier craft demos, kid’s games, hayrides, Chuckwagon Grill, farm animals, collectibles and flea market. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 3; $2.50 adults, $1 children; Children’s Farm, 12700 Southwest Hwy., Palos Park. 708-361-3650.
CHAUTAUQUA FESTIVAL & ART SHOW: Art, crafts, music, exhibits and poetry readings. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. June 4; $3.75-$7.50; Blackberry Farm’s Pioneer Village, 100 S. Barnes Rd., Aurora. 630-892-1550.
NORTHBROOK ANNUAL PARK FEST: Free concerts featuring jazz, rock and swing bands take place every Tuesday from June 6-27; booths manned by chefs from local restaurants provide food. 6:30 p.m. June 6, 13, 20, 27; free; Village Green Gazebo, Shermer Rd. and Meadow St., Northbrook. 847-291-2995.
ST. CATHERINE ALEXANDRIA CARNIVAL: This family fest features carnival rides, home-cooked food including Italian beef and pizza, a beer garden, bingo, kids’ games and musical entertainment. 6-10 p.m. June 7-9; 1 p.m.-midnight June 10; 2-10 p.m. June 11; free; St. Catherine Alexandria, 4100 W. 107th St., Lemont. 708-425-2850.
ST. FABIAN FAMILY FEST AND CARNIVAL: Family fun includes rides, games, bingo, food, beer garden and business expo on the parish grounds. 6-10 p.m. June 7-9; 1-11 p.m. June 10, 11; free; St. Fabian Church, 83rd and Oketo Sts., Bridgeview. 708-599-1110.
ELMFEST 2000: ElmFest features carnival rides, food booths, a children’s playground area and two stages with family shows and music. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. June 9-11; free; Downtown Elmhurst, York Rd. and First St.. 630-834-6060.
FOREST PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SUMMERFEST 2000: This family fest features pony rides, free musical entertainment, a petting zoo, beer and food tent, bingo and arts and crafts show. Noon-10 p.m. June 10, 11; free; Downtown Forest Park, 7400 Madison St., Forest Park. 708-366-2543.
KIDS EXPO 2000: Games, petting zoo, food, a kids’ garage sale and shows. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 10; Darien Community Park, Plainfield and Clarendon Hills Rd.s, Darien. 630-655-6400.
NORTHBROOK PARK DISTRICT 2000 FEST: International games and crafts; ongoing mainstage music shows and roving entertainment including Ballet Folkloric Mexico, The Lovin’ Spoonful, African Drum & Dance, Chicago Rovers, Scottish bagpipes and more. 1-6 p.m. June 10, 11; free; Village Green Park, Shermer and Walters, Northbrook. 847-291-2960.
A DAY IN OUR VILLAGE: Oak Park fest features music, food court, local business and community booths, family games. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. June 11; free; Scoville Park, Oak Park Ave. and Lake St., Oak Park. 708-524-6766.
GOLDEN RULE DAY: A blast to the past as kids visit an 1890s schoolhouse, learn how to make ice cream the old-fashioned way, compete in a spelling bee and play turn-of-the-century games. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. June 11; Aurora residents: adults $3.75 and kids 2-12, $3.25; non-resident adults, $7.50 and non-resident children $6.50; Blackberry Farm’s Pioneer Village, 100 S. Barnes Rd., Aurora. 630-892-1550.
VASA SCANDINAVIAN MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL: A Swedish Children’s Day picnic featuring traditional foods — including potato pancakes and herring — costumes, parades, bake sale and ring dancing. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. June 11; $5, $3 children; Vasa Park, Route 31, Elgin. 773-631-3406.
ST. CHRISTOPHER’S 53RD ANNUAL FIESTA 2000: Game booths, nightly entertainment, food vendors, beer and wine garden, a custom car and motorcycle show and a Sunday night spaghetti dinner. 6:30-11 p.m. June 14-16; 1-11:45 p.m. June 17, 18; free; St. Christopher parish grounds, 147th and Keeler Sts., Midlothian. 708-388-8190.
PRAIRIEFEST: 6-11 p.m. June 15; 9 a.m.-11 p.m. June 16-18; free; East View Elementary School, Route 71, Oswego. 630-554-1010.
BLUES ON THE FOX 2000: This event opens with a blues photo exhibit at the Art History Center and live blues bands on June 16. Three stages of live music continue June 17 on Stolp Ave.. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. June 16, 17; free; walk/Run entry fees: $15 for 5K, $20 for 10K; Downtown Aurora, on and around River St., Aurora. 630-801-6590.
LOCKPORT OLD CANAL DAYS: A parade kicks off the weekend at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Free wagon rides, arts and crafts show, flea market, beer garden, food booths, a carnival and ongoing entertainment are featured. 6:30 p.m.-midnight June 16; 10-midnight June 17, 18; free; Canal Days grounds, Route 171 and Route 7, Lockport. 815-838-4744.
WARRENVILLE ROCK BOTTOM FEST: Three nights of modern music and art, unique arts and crafts. 5-10 p.m. June 16; 3-11 p.m. June 17, 18; $5 suggested donation; AMC Cantera 30 Theatres, 28250 Diehl Rd., Warrenville. 773-868-3010.
CHICAGO HIGHLAND GAMES AND SCOTTISH FESTIVAL: Bagpipers, rugby tournament, Highland athletics, sheep herding demo, kids’ games and craft activities, mini-golf, Highland dancing, Scottish foods and beer. 8:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. June 17; $10 adults, $8 seniors, $1 children, $10 for ages 10 and up; $8 for seniors; $1 for kids under 10; Oak Brook Polo Grounds, 31st St. just west of York Rd., Oak Brook. 708-442-7293.
SWEDISH DAY: Scandinavian entertainment, dancing, traditional foods, children’s games and crafts. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. June 18; $4, under 12 free; Good Templar Park, 528 Eastside Dr., Geneva. 630-543-8909.
28TH ANNUAL SENIORS DAY: Enjoy free musical entertainment including Guy Lombardo’s orchestra, bingo, horseshoes, dancing, games and tours of the Lake County Museum. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 21; Lake Forest Preserve, Route 176, west of Fairfield Rd., Wauconda. 847-968-3333.
DICK TRACY DAYS: Fest includes a band concert, farmer’s market, family block party on Main St., entertainment, ending with a parade at 1 p.m. June 25 and drum and bugle corps competition at 6 p.m. June 25. 7-9 p.m. June 21; 8 a.m.-8 p.m. June 22, 24; 6-10 p.m. June 23; 1-10 p.m. June 25; free; drum and bugle pageant is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and ages 6 to 12, children under 5 free; Woodstock Town Square, Woodstock. 815-338-2436.
FUN FEST ’00: The ninth annual fest features a variety of food vendors, carnival rides, bingo, beer garden, cash raffle and nightly entertainment. 6-10 p.m. June 21-25; Our Lady of Ransom, Greenwood and Normal Aves., Niles. 847-823-2550.
BLOOMINGDALE FAMILY FEST: Carnival rides, food, games, kids’ entertainment, fireworks Sunday night, musical entertainment includes The Animals on Friday; The Spinners on Saturday; the Cryan Shames and Tom Chapin on Sunday. 6-10 p.m. June 22; 1-11 p.m. June 23-25; Bloomingdale Family Fest, Springfield Drive south of Lake St., Bloomingdale. 630-893-7000.
LONG GROVE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 23, 24; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. June 25; free; Downtown Long Grove, Old McHenry and Robert Parker Coffin Rds., Long Grove. 847-634-0888. BRISTOL RENAISSANCE FAIR: 19 stages of entertainment, full armor jousts, traditional fare, kid’s kingdom and roving entertainers help recreate life in Elizabethan times. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 24, 25, July 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30, Aug. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20; $16.50 adults, $7.50 children; Bristol Renaissance Faire, 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, Wis. 847-395-7773.
GREEKFEST: Greek food, children’s games and face painting, live music by the Levendes, Greek dancers, bingo, raffle and cash bar. 3-11 p.m. June 24; noon-10:30 p.m. June 25; St. Demetrios Hellenic Orthodox Church, 7021 Hohman Ave., Hammond, Ind. 219-932-7347.
NORTHBROOK KIDS’ FEST 2000: Children’s entertainment, including a ventriloquist, juggler and fire-eater and a kid’s flea market. 10:30 a.m. June 24, July 22, Aug. 12; free; Village Green, 1810 Walters Ave., Northbrook. 847-291-2995.
SUNSHINE FOOD & MUSIC FEST: Adult-alternative outdoor music fest, with national entertainment including Dave Mason. 1-11 p.m. June 24; $20 at door, $15 in advance; Lake County (Ind.) Fairgrounds, Greenwood & Court Sts., Crown Point, Ind. 219-938-9001.
WILMETTE ANNUAL SIDEWALK SALE AND COMMUNITY FAIR: Live musical entertainment, children’s activities, rides and games, raffle and food court. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 24; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 25; free; The Village Center, Wilmette. 847-251-3800.
MADE IN THE U.S. SPARKLING WINE FESTIVAL: The nation’s largest sparkling wine festival featuring a wine-tasting open house with live entertainment and light food. 7-10 p.m. June 29; $25; Pops Highwood, 214 Green Bay Rd., Highwood. 773-472-1000.
July
TASTE OF LOMBARD: Carnival rides, beer garden, family entertainment, bingo, arts and crafts show, business and community expos, food booths, fireworks at dusk on Sunday, entertainment includes Big People at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, and .38 Special at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. 5-11 p.m. June 28-30, July 3, 4; noon-midnight July 1, 2; Madison Meadow Park, 600 E. Madison St., Lombard. 630-932-4812.
LISLE EYES TO THE SKIES FESTIVAL: Festival includes balloon rides, carnival, food and entertainment. June 29-July 4, Lisle Community Park, Lisle. 630-575-9798.
WHITING FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION: Spectacular rides, live entertainment, parade at 10 a.m. on the 4th, and fireworks at 10 p.m. on the 1st and 4th. 6-11 p.m. June 29, 30, July 3; noon-11 p.m. July 1, 2, 4; $15 Saturday and Sunday, $12 weekdays; Whiting Park at the Lakefront, Whiting, Ind. 219-659-7700.
FIRST FOLIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL: Under-the-stars productions of “Romeo and Juliet” (June 30-July 29) and “Much Ado About Nothing” (Aug. 6-Sept. 3) by professional players. Concessions available. 8:15 p.m. June 30, July 1, 2, 5-9, 12-16, 19-23, 26-30, Aug. 2-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23-27, 30, 31, Sept. 1-3; $20 adults, $17 seniors, students; Peabody Estate at Mayslake, 31st St. and Ill. Hwy. 83, Oak Brook. 630-986-8067.
NAPERVILLE RIBFEST 2000: Chefs cook their favorite rib recipes, free musical entertainment, performance stage nightly, children’s activities, fireworks 9:30 p.m. Sunday evening. 5-10 p.m. June 30, July 3; noon-10 p.m. July 1, 2, 4; $4; free after 6 p.m. Sunday; Knoch Park, West St. and Martin Ave., Naperville. 630-848-5000.
WAUKEGAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Celebrating cultural diversity with entertainment, children’s activities, food, American Independence Parade at 1 p.m. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. July 2; Bowen Park, Greenwood and Sheridan Rds., Waukegan. 847-360-4762.
AURORA BELL RINGING CELEBRATION: An annual event with historical bell ringing at 2 p.m., tours of the museum, food, kids’ games, horse-drawn carriage rides. noon-4 p.m. July 4; free admission; Tanner House Museum, 304 Oak Ave., Aurora. 630-906-0650.
AURORA FOURTH OF JULY: Parade starts at Benton and River St.s traveling east on Benton at 10 a.m., patriotic concert scheduled for evening, then fireworks at dusk. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 4; North River St. Park, River St., 1 block east of Route 31, Aurora. 630-844-3640.
PARK FOREST OLD FASHIONED 4TH OF JULY: Carnival, food tent, kids’ area and games, parade at 6 p.m., concert by Gentlemen of Leisure at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks at dusk. 4-10 p.m. July 4; free admission; Park Forest Gazebo, Downtown Park Forest, Park Forest. 708-748-2005.
NATIVITY PARISH SUMMER FESTIVAL: Enjoy great food, rides, adult and children’s games, bingo, entertainment, beer garden, grand raffle and more. 6-10 p.m. July 6, 7; 1-11 p.m. July 8, 9; free; Nativity Parish grounds, 2949 Willowcreek Rd., Portage, Ind. 219-762-4858.
ST. NECTARIOS GREEKFEST: Greek foods and pastries, Greek music and dancing and a taverna. 5 p.m.-midnight July 7; 3 p.m.-midnight July 8, 9; $2; St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church, 133 S. Roselle Rd., Palatine. 847-358-5170.
ST. SOPHIA GREEK FEST: Greek food, pastries, games, crafters and dancing blend together for three days of fun. 5-11 p.m. July 7; noon-11 p.m. July 8, 9; $2, ages 11 and under free; St. Sophia Church, 525 Church Rd., Elgin. 847-888-2822.
TASTE OF WESTMONT 2000: Big name musical entertainment each night, local food vendors, beer garden, petting zoo, children’s carnival rides and games, bingo. 4-10:30 p.m. July 7; 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. July 8, 9; free; Taste of Westmont, Cass Ave. and Burlington St., Westmont. 630-829-9378.
WINDMILL CITY FEST: A downtown festival with music, family entertainment, games, a pet parade, food vendors, a bake sale, arts and crafts, a garage-rummage sale, floating green gold challenge, farmer’s market and 10K run. 9 a.m.-11:30 p.m. July 7, 8; free; Downtown Batavia, 100 N. Island Ave., Batavia. 630-879-5235.
8TH ANNUAL BLUES, JAZZ, AND ARTS ON THE RIDGE FESTIVAL: Blues, jazz and R&B performers, including Kenny Neal, the Love Dogs and Otis Taylor on Saturday and Ronnie Baker Brooks on Sunday, entertain at this juried arts and crafts fair; children’s activities and food booths. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 8, 9; free; Munster Town Hall, 1005 Ridge Rd., Munster, Ind. 219-836-5549.
CIVIL WAR DAYS: This civil war re-enactment features musical entertainment, historical society booths, farm village tours and historical figures. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. July 8, 9; $4 for adults, $2 children 7-12; kids 6 and under free; Lyon Farm, 7933 Route 71, Yorkville. 630-553-6777.
BROOKFEST: Traditional family fest featuring carnival rides, midway attractions and food. Music by Lonnie Brooks on Thursday, Davey Jones on Friday. 6-10 p.m. July 13, 14; 3-11 p.m. July 15; 2-10 p.m. July 16; $2, except Thursday, which is free; J.C. Ehlert Park, Elm and Gerritsen Aves., Brookfield. 773-868-3010.
ANNUAL BASTILLE DAY FESTIVAL: The menu features French champagne and pates, cheeses and desserts. Live music will be performed on the jazz club side and bar side. 5 p.m.-2 a.m. July 14; $5 cover charge; Pops Highwood, 214 Green Bay Rd., Highwood. 847-266-1313.
GREEK FOOD FEST OF NILES: Large selection of Greek food, appetizers and pastries. Includes Greek music, dancers, films and cooking demonstrations. 6 p.m.-midnight July 14; 5 p.m.-midnight July 15; noon-midnight July 16; $1 seniors, adults, Friday, $1; Saturday, Sunday, $2; children under 12 are free; St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, 7373 N. Caldwell, Niles. 847-647-8880.
PLAINFIELD FEST: Continuous entertainment on main and family stages, a pet parade, beer garden, carnival, bingo, craft show, sidewalk sales and a tractor pull take place in downtown Plainfield. Fireworks on Sunday at dusk. 5 p.m.-midnight July 14; 10-midnight July 15; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. July 16; free; Downtown Plainfield, Lockport St., off of Rt. 59, Plainfield. 815-436-8812.
GAELIC FEST: Children’s Irish dance contest, Irish and Scottish musicians, food booths, crafts, pony rides, moon walk, face painting and storytellers. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. July 15; $5 ages 7 and up; Sunset Hill Farm County Park, U.S. Hwy. 6 and Meridian Rd., Porter County, Ind. 219-465-3586.
LEMONT HERITAGE FEST 2000: Horse-drawn wagon rides along the I & M canal, polka, swing and country bands, pony rides, petting zoo, pet contest, a decorated bicycle parade (at noon), kids’ fashion show and games. noon-11 p.m. July 15; Lemont Heritage Fest, Stephen and Canal Sts., Lemont. 630-257-1550.
NAPERVILLE WOMEN’S CLUB ART FAIR: The 41st annual event includes more than 100 juried exhibitors in fine arts and crafts, food, free tours of the Naper Settlement. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 15, 16; free; Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. 630-420-9680.
KANE COUNTY FAIR: Livestock and 4 H exhibits, carnival midway, commercial exhibits, food booths, truck and tractor pulls, rodeos, demolition derbies, magic shows, big name entertainment. noon-11 p.m. July 19-23; $7 Tuesday-Thursday, $10 Friday-Sunday; Kane County Fairgrounds, Rt. 38 and Randall Rd., St. Charles. 630-584-6926.
HOMEWOOD DAYS: Food, entertainment, juried craft show, children’s activities, music and a radio-controlled NASCAR track. 11 a.m.-midnight July 20-22; downtown Homewood. 708-206-3384.
LAGRANGE PARK’S PARTY IN THE PARK: Family-oriented party in the park, with a children’s play area and a main stage with live music. 4-11 p.m. July 21; noon-11 p.m. July 22, 23; $3; Memorial Park Amphitheater, LaGrange Rd. at Woodlawn, LaGrange Park. 773-665-4682.
KIDS’ FEST: A daylong event filled with children’s activities, including a petting zoo filled with exotic animals. Following the animal performance, kids attend a “For Kids Only Flea Market,” with used books, toys, games and crafts. 10:30 a.m. July 22; free; Village Green Park, Shermer and Walters, Northbrook. 847-291-2980.
SUMMER FROLIC AT LEROY OAKES: A summer festival for families featuring 19th Century crafts, a “Children’s Corner,” petting zoo, a tour of the 1843 restored farmhouse, bake sale and refreshments. 3-7 p.m. July 23; free activities, $1 admission to museum; LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 1/2 mile west of Randall Rd. on Dean St., St. Charles. 630-377-6424.
DUPAGE COUNTY FAIR: Livestock and 4-H exhibits, carnival and midway, chain-saw carving, truck and tractor pulls, rodeo on Saturday, demolition derby on Sunday. Country singers Kenny Chesney (Wednesday) and Lorrie Morgan (Thursday) play on the main stage. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 26-30; $5 adults, $3 children, seniors, seniors free on July 28; DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 W. Manchester Rd., Wheaton. 630-668-6636.
STREAMWOOD SUMMER CELEBRATION: Musical entertainment, miniature golf and football throw games, crafts show, food and beer tent and a parade on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. 5-11 p.m. July 28; noon-11 p.m. July 29, 30; free; Hoosier Grove Park, 700 W. Irving Park Rd., Streamwood. 630-372-7275, ext. 111.
PUERTO RICAN HERITAGE PARADE AND FESTIVAL: Latin American music and dance, ethnic foods, beer garden, kids’ area, and a Sunday parade at 1 p.m. 1-9 p.m. July 29, 30; free; Downer Place, Between BRd.way and Stolp Sts., Aurora. 630-801-0407.
August
LAKE FOREST DAY: Annual event sponsored by the American Legion features a parade, carnival food and entertainment. Downtown Lake Forest. Aug. 2.
NORTH AURORA DAYS: Dancing, volleyball, races, baseball, evening concerts, flea market and a fireworks finale on Sunday. Noon Aug. 4-6; free; Various spots throughout North Aurora. 630-897-8551.
CORN FESTIVAL: All-you-can-eat corn, garage sale, bake sale, music, craft fair and kids’ activities. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 5; free; St. Andrews Methodist Church, 250 N. Gary Ave., Carol Stream. 630-830-0324.
CORNFEST AND CRAFT FAIR: Crafts, music, quilt raffle. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 5; Call for admission prices; Community Church of Rolling Meadows, 2720 Kirchoff Rd., Rolling Meadows. 847-255-5510.
WESTMONT SUMMER FEST: Kids’ games and rides, petting zoo, food vendors, community bands, beer tent, softball tournament. Parade at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, car show 1-8 p.m. Sunday. 6-11 p.m. Aug. 10, 11; noon-11 p.m. Aug. 12; 1-8 p.m. Aug. 13; free; Veterans Memorial Park, Dallas and Linden Sts., Westmont. 630-963-5252.
BARTLETT SUMMERFEST: Flea market, pony rides, petting zoo, pet show, car show, carnival, food; entertainment by Howard and the Whiteboys on Friday, the Blooze Brothers on Saturday. 5-11 p.m. Aug. 11; 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 12, 13; free; downtown Bartlett. 630-830-0324.
ILLINOIS STATE FAIR: Big-name musical entertainment, livestock and 4-H exhibits, carnival midway, food booths and more. 9 a.m.-midnight Aug. 11-20; $3; Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., Springfield. 217-782-6661.
SOUTH ELGIN FOX RIVER FEST AND TROLLEY FEST: Food, crafts, carnival rides, live entertainment, car and motorcycle show, and fireworks on Aug. 20; during the River Fest, the Fox River Trolley Museum (365 S. LaFox St.), will have a fest of its own Aug. 19-20, with rides along the Fox River, exhibits and food. 5-10 p.m. Aug. 17, 18; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 19, 20; Panton Mill Park, on Water St., one block east of Rt. 31, South Elgin. 847-888-2620.
FRONT PORCH FOLK FESTIVAL: Folk music, arts and crafts, food booths, pony rides, moon walk. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 19; $5, kids under 7 free; Sunset Hill Farm County Park, U.S. Hwy. 6 and Meridian Rd., Porter County, Ind. 219-465-3586.
WILL COUNTY FAIR: Nightly musical performers in beer garden, livestock and 4-H exhibits, carnival, car derby, rodeo and demolition derby. 10 a.m.-midnight Aug. 23-25; 8 a.m.-midnight Aug. 26, 27; $2 adults, kids under 10 free; Will County Fairgrounds, I-57 South to Peotone Exit 327, and one quarter mile east. 708-258-3266.
LYONS SEPTEMBER FEST 2000: Live entertainment, carnival rides, food booths, crafts, beer tent. 6-10 p.m. Aug. 24, 25; 2 p.m.-midnight Aug. 26; noon-8 p.m. Aug. 27; free; Cermak Park, 7701 W. Ogden Ave., Lyons. 708-447-2230.
FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL: Live entertainment, children’s activities and games, pony rides and food. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 26; free; Prairie Lakes Park, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. 847-391-5700.
September
TASTE OF MELROSE PARK: Live entertainment and a variety of food vendors. 5 p.m.-midnight Sept. 1; noon-midnight Sept. 2, 3; free; Village of Melrose Park, 100 N. 25th Ave., Melrose Park. 708-343-4000.
30TH ANNUAL SCHAUMBURG SEPTEMBERFEST: Arts and crafts show, carnival, entertainment, Taste of Schaumburg food booths, bingo, fireworks and parade. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 2; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 3, 4; free; Schaumburg Municipal Center, Schaumburg Rd. and Summit Drive, Schaumburg. 847-923-3636.
FIESTA PARA TODOS: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with cultural activities, Latin American animals, music, food and dancing. noon-4 p.m. Sept. 16, 17, 23, 24; $7 adults, $3 children, parking $4; Brookfield Zoo, 1st Ave. and 31st St., Brookfield. 708-485-0263, ext. 879.
5TH ANNUAL OLD FASHIONED HARVESTFEST & FIDDLERS CONTEST: Farmers markets, old-time craftspeople including weavers, spinners and quilters, vintage farm equipment, blacksmithing, woodworking, wagon rides and a fiddlers contest for youths and adults. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 17; Woodstock Town Square, Downtown Woodstock. 815-338-2436.
FIESTA CELEBRATION: Hispanic cultural celebration with crafts, live entertainment, carnival rides, mariachi band, Spanish dancers and singers. 1-6 p.m. Sept. 17; free; Lake Park Bandshell, Lee St., between Touhy Ave. and Howard St., Des Plaines. 847-391-5700.
