Chicago Air & Water Show
August 18th – 19th
Waterfront near North Avenue Beach
Watch daredevil pilots take to the skies as parachute teams and jets perform feats for all of Chicago to see. Watching this show is free!
Little Italy Festa
August 16th – 18th
West Taylor Street in Chicago
This cultural fest features Italian food, three stages of music and dancing, eating contests and vendors with some of the best meatballs and canoli around.
Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest (GAAF)
August 16th – 18th
Rogers Park
This free music fest will feature 3 stages of music with Cobblestone Jam plus a weekend artists’ market.
Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival
August 16th – 18th
Evanston
Head out to the suburbs for this free fest for foodies that includes restaurant food, live music, and an art festival.
Edison Park Fest
August 16th – 18th
6730 N. Olmsted Avenue. Donation.
Your $5 dollar donation to benefit local projects, community programs, civic and school fundraisers and more will also grant you access to this family event with food, beer, live music, a kids’ area, and a family stage.
Chicago Caribbean Carnivale
August 17th
1130 Midway Plaisance
Come for the cultural music, food and activities and stay for the parade at noon!
Pilsen Fest
August 18th – 19th
18th Street and Blue Island Avenue
A neighborhood fest that celebrates Latino culture with music acts, local arts and crafts vendors, a kids corner, food trucks, and a DJ battle.
Malott Japanese Garden Summer Festival
August 17th – 18th
Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe
Celebrate summer and the Japanese culture at this outdoor event that features live music, story telling and kids activities, a tea ceremony and more.
Bristol Renaissance Faire
Weekends through September 2nd
Kenosha, WI
See works from many artisans, merchants and performers including jousting knights and ravishing rogues. The Faire is a rollicking romp through Elizabethan England complete with 16th Century games and rides, arts, crafts, food, music and dance.
Chicago Attractions
Through August 31st
These discount prices include all taxes and fees.
- Aquarium + SkyDeck + Field Museum + more
- Boat tour of architecture, with snacks
- Chicago History Museum
- DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville
- Segway tour departing from Navy Pier
Ticket deal $39 (2 hours; for age 12+)
