This list is not all-inclusive
May-August
Downers Grove
Summer Nights Car Show
Fridays 6-9 p.m.
Cruise down to Main Street in Downers Grove for the start of its weekly Friday night car show. Each week see the featured vehicles including classic and custom cars while enjoying entertainment and food. downtowndg.org
May 17
Elmhurst
Spring Road Pet Parade
Starting at 11:30 a.m.
Watch as people and a variety of pets march along Spring Road from Vallette Street to Silverado Grill as part of the springtime tradition and annual pet parade. There are pre-parade events beginning at 11:30 a.m. and the parade kicks off at 1 p.m. springroad.com
May 17
Hanover Park
Spring Maxwell Street Vending event
9 a.m.
Visitors can shop for treasures, handmade crafts and search for bargains at this event. Admission is free. Metra Station Parking Lot at Barrington Road and Lake Street. hanoverparkillinois.org
May-October Time/Date TBD
Naperville
‘Pops’ Concerts at the Carillon
Grab a lawn chair and picnic basket and enjoy music Saturday evenings on the grounds of the Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower. Performances take place rain or shine each Saturday through October. naperville-carillon.org
May 17
West Chicago
Blooming Fest
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Celebrate spring with this annual festival that combines the West Chicago Garden Club’s popular plant sale, with a craft show, children’s activities, music and food. Visit the downtown merchants and restaurants for special promotions. Downtown. westchicago.org
May 15-18
Lombard
Lilac Time
Enjoy the final weekend of Lilac Time in Lombard. The Mutt Strut 5K and 1 Mile Walk are followed by the Lilac Pancake Breakfast in Lilacia Park. Visitors can stroll through Lilacia Park to see and smell more than 700 lilacs. There is also the annual Lilac Parade, which steps off from Glenbard East High School at 1:30 p.m. May 18. lombardparks.org
May 17-18
Naperville
Civil War Days
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Naper Settlement becomes a Civil War encampment with more than 300 reenactors. Visitors can meet famous characters of the past and become immersed in history. A battle is held each day at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 youth 4-12. 523 S. Webster St. 630-420-6010. napersettlement.org
May 18
Oak Brook
Sheep Shearing and Spin-In
1:30 and 2:30 p.m.
A master sheepshearer will bring his flock and demonstrate sheep shearing. Graue Mill volunteers will demonstrate the art of spinning raw fleece into woolen yarn and visitors will have a chance to try their hand too. Museum admission fees apply. grauemill.org
May 23-25
Westmont
Red, White & BBQ
4-10:30 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Saturday; 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday
Sample some of the best barbecue at this three-day competition of professional and amateur chefs. The event features music, a carnival and cooking demonstrations. Admission is free. Ty Warner Park, 700 Blackhawk Drive. westmontbbq.com
May 24-25
St. Charles
St. Charles Fine Arts Show
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
This juried show features 100 fine artists, music and demonstrations. Admission is free. Downtown St. Charles. downtownstcharles.org
May 26
Naperville
Memorial Day Parade
10:30 a.m.
This traditional parade honors the men and women who fought and served this country. Downtown Naperville. napervillememorialdayparade.com
May 26
St. Charles
Memorial Day Parade
10 a.m.
Enjoy this traditional parade, which begins at Sixth Street and continues to Riverside Avenue, ending at the Freedom Shrine just north of the police station. There will be a ceremony at the police station following the parade’s conclusion. stcharlesil.gov
May 31
La Grange
La Grange Pet Parade
9:30-11 a.m.
Pets to people, marching bands and more will take part in the 68th annual La Grange Pet Parade. The parade steps off from LaGrange Road and Cossitt Avenue, traveling north on LaGrange Road and west along Burlington Avenue. lgpetparade.org
May 31-June1
Oak Brook
Graue Mill Fine Arts Festival
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Browse among the exhibits of 50 area artists offering a variety of mediums. Admission is free. 3800 York Road, 630-655-2090; grauemill.org
May-August
Roselle
Roselle Cruise Night
6-9 p.m. Fridays
Check out the classic cars every week at this popular car show. This event continues every Friday through Aug. 30. Downtown Roselle. cruiseroselle.com
