2023 Summer Festivals Filled with Great Music, Fair Food, and Family

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Outdoor Places to GoSummer

Summer festivals check off all types of summertime fun with one outing: delicious food, live music, carnival rides, face painting, inflatables, games, and so much more. These festivals throughout the western suburbs are packed with activities for everyone in your family.

Find out about special hours, family-fun zones, children’s entertainment, and other ways to maximize your family’s fun!

This Summer Festivals Guide is sponsored by Western Springs Park District and the featured listings.

Western Springs Parks Centennial Celebration

Western Springs Park District is celebrating 100 years in 2023! Join them for a three-day celebration with live music, food, drinks, a carnival, and fireworks at Spring Rock Park.

Friday, September 8 from 5-10pm
Saturday, September 9 from noon-10pm
Sunday, September 10 from noon-8pm

The carnival will be all three days with fireworks on Saturday night and there will be beer, wine and food available for purchase. Live music includes ARRA on Friday night, Mike and Joe on Saturday night, and Infinity on Sunday night along with additional local bands all weekend.

Click here for more information.

2023 Summer Festivals

Kids smiling and waving on a car-themed merry-go-round ride at a summer festival.

What’s Blooming on Harrison (Oak Park)
May 20, 2023 | 11:00am – 7:00pm
Children’s carnival rides, food, art vendors, and more hosted by the Oak Park Arts District.

Red, White, and BBQ (Westmont)
May 26 – 28, 2023 | times vary
The Lion’s Club Red, White & Bar-B-Q is a BBQ competition and festival with a carnival, live music and food vendors.

Cream of Wheaton

Cream of Wheaton
June 1 – 4, 2023
Liberty Street, Wheaton
Website | Facebook | Instagram

The Cream of Wheaton Carnival will take place on Liberty St. You can spin, slide, and ride over 4 fun-filled days! Discounted carnival wristbands are available for purchase at the Community Center (1777 S. Blanchard St.) or the DuPage County Historical Museum (102 E. Wesley St.) through Wednesday, May 31. These discounted All-You-Can-Ride Wristbands are $25 and are valid for one day during the hours listed below. Wristbands sold during the Carnival will be $30 each.

La Grange Carnival
June 2 – 4, 2023 | times vary daily
Carnival rides, games, food and lots of fun.

La Grange Pet Parade

La Grange Pet Parade
June 3, 2023 | 9:30am – 10:30am

The La Grange Pet Parade is celebrating its 77th year this year! Join them on June 3, 2023 at 9:30am for an amazing parade. Bring your pets! Bring your kids! Bring the whole family! The parade route begins at La Grange Road and Cossitt Avenue and ends at the Lyons Township North Campus parking lot. Be on the lookout for some Pet Parade Merchandise being sold along the route!

Pet Walk Festival (Hinsdale)
June 3, 2023 | 11:30am – 3:30pm
The party continues at the Hinsdale Humane Society after the La Grange Pet Parade.

Cavalcade of Planes 2023 (Clow Airport, Bolingbrook)
June 3 – 4, 2023 | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Take a look inside, watch them fly, or even reserve a seat in advance for one of the planes at Cavalcade of Planes.

A Day in Our Village (Oak Park)
June 4, 2023 | 11:00am – 4:00pm
Join over 100 local restaurants and businesses in Scoville Park.

Old Canal Days (Lockport)
June 8-11, 2023 | times vary
Join the fun at this annual event in downtown Lockport. Carnival, food, games, and more.

Street Eats Festival (Montgomery)
June 10, 2023 | 11:00am – 7:00pm
Food vendors running all day long at this family-friendly event.

Multicultural Festival (Warrenville)
June 10, 2023 | 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Celebrate various cultures at this event with delicious food and live performances.

Old Fashioned Street Dance (Brookfield)
June 10, 2023 | 5:00pm – 11:00pm
Brookfield Chamber of Commerce hosts this annual dance party complete with food and games.

Orland Park Summerfest
June 15 – 18, 2023 | times vary
Join the carnival, kids night, food, games, and more at Orland Park’s annual event held in Crescent Park. Thursday evening begins with a sensory-friendly carnival experience.

Woodridge Jubilee
June 15 – 18, 2023 | times vary
The annual Jubilee returned last year, and is back with a carnival, food vendors, BINGO, fishing derby, and much more.

PrairieFest (Oswego)
June 15 – 18, 2023 | times vary
Laser light shows, games, carnival rides, and countless more ways for family fun will be at Prairie Point Park all weekend long.

Gathering on the Green (Western Springs)
Friday, June 16, 2023 | 4:00pm – 10:00pm

Gathering on the Green (Western Springs)

Gathering on the Green (Western Springs)
Friday, June 16, 2023 | 4:00 – 10:00 pm

Gathering on the Green is a fun-filled evening of local food, live music, entertainment, and activities for kids… all located on the Tower Green in downtown Western Springs.

Come and enjoy numerous fun activities for all age groups, including pony rides, a petting zoo, laser tag, pop-a-shot, climbing wall, airbrush tattoos, balloon artist, face painting, bounce houses, and a mega slide!

Enjoy a taste of Western Springs while relaxing at one of the picnic tables. There will even be a beer garden set up with tables and umbrellas!

Scottish Festival and Highland Games (Itasca)
June 16 – 17, 2023 | times vary
Celebrate all things Scottish at this two-day event. Purchase tickets in advance to save on admission.

Daisy Days (Clarendon Hills)
June 16 – 17, 2023 | times vary
Join the fun at Clarendon Hill’s annual festival.

Geek Fest and Taste of Carol Stream
June 17, 2023 | 11:30am – 4:00pm
Inflatables, games, food, and crafts at this family-friendly event.

Swedish Days (Geneva)
June 21 – 25, 2023 | times vary
This staple of summertime fun in Geneva is filled with countless opportunities for family fun.

Downers Grove Rotary GroveFest
June 22 – 25, 2023 | times vary
Carnival, live music, food at this annual event in Downers Grove.

Summerfest (Villa Park)
June 24, 2023 | 11:00am – 10:30pm
Festivities will be going all day, but the kids’ attractions and entertainment are until 5:00pm.

Oneness Fest (Geneva)
June 24 – 25, 2023 | 11:00am – 5:00pm
This 2-day event is filled with holistic activities for adults, as well as a Kids Korner for children to participate.

Pet Parade (Bolingbrook Promenade)
June 24, 2023 | 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Stay for the festivities after the pet parade. All participating pets must be registered.

Village Picnic (Bolingbrook)
June 25, 2023 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Join the fun at the 39th annual Village Picnic.

Taste of Oak Brook
July 3, 2023 | 3:00pm – 10:00pm
Enjoy delicious food from local restaurants, and watch the fireworks to end the night.

Itasca Fest
July 6 – 9, 2023 | times vary
Join the 34th annual Itasca Fest, hosted by the Itasca Lions Club for rides, games, food, entertainment, and much more.

Community Days (Northlake)
July 7 – 9, 2023 | times vary
Fireworks, touch-a-truck, food, carnival, inflate-a-fest, and much more at this 3-day event.

Windmill City Festival (Batavia)
July 7 – 9, 2023 | times vary
Pet competition, family-friendly 5K, music, carnival, family-friendly activities and much more.

Peach Festival (Windy City Acres, West Chicago)
July 8 – 9 and 15 – 16, 2023 | 10:00am – 6:00pm
Enjoy games, music and festivities along with peach-themed desserts.

Taste of Westmont
July 13 – 16, 2023 | times vary
Entertainment, food, and a carnival.

Glendale Heights Fest
July 13 – 16, 2023 | times TBA
Four days of rides, games, activities, and bands for the whole family. Check their website and Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

Summerfest (La Grange)
July 14 – 16, 2023 | times vary
Milk Money Brewing hosts their 3rd annual family-friendly festival in downtown La Grange.

Voyage en France (Cantigny Park, Wheaton)
July 16, 2023 | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Bonjour! Celebrate this annual event filled with French favorites.

Family Fun Fest (Lombard)
July 22, 2023 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Free admission to the festival and the pool during this event with raffles, DJ, games and more.

Prairie Fest (Wood Dale)
July 27 – 30, 2023 | times vary
Wood Dale’s annual festivities include live music, food, and a carnival.

DuPage County Fair (Wheaton)
July 28 – 30, 2023 | times vary
Held on the expansive DuPage County Fairgrounds, this festival has something for everyone.

Romeofest (Romeoville)
August 3 – 6, 2023 | times TBA
BINGO, fireworks, food, music, art fair, and much more at Romeoville’s annual event.

Summer Daze (Warrenville)
August 4 – 5, 2023 | times vary
Eat delicious food, enjoy live music, and find other family-friendly fun at this annual event.

North Aurora Days
August 4 – 5, 2023 | times vary
Live music, face painting, delicious food, and more at North Aurora’s annual event.

Endless Summerfest (La Grange)
August 4 – 6, 2023 | times vary
Live music, food, beer, carnival rides, fireworks, and classic cars.

Taste of Roselle
August 4 – 6, 2023 | times vary
Bring your family and come out and enjoy the great food, live entertainment, carnival, bingo tent, and craft fair.

North Riverside Block Party
August 5, 2023 | 4:30pm – 9:00pm
Inflatables, entertainment, games and more.

Blueberry Festival (Windy City Acres, West Chicago)
August 5 – 6 and 12 – 13, 2023 | 10:00am – 6:00pm
Enjoy games, music and festivities along with blueberry-themed desserts.

Darien Fest
August 10 – 13, 2023 | times vary
BINGO, carnival, music, craft fair, and much more at Darien Fest.

Taste of Glen Ellyn and Carnival
August 16 – 20, 2023 | times vary
Music, food, and carnival rides are back for Glen Ellyn’s annual festival.

SJC Fest

SJC Fest
August 17 – 20, 2023
St. John of the Cross
5005 South Wolf Road
Western Springs, IL 60558
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Thursday, August 17th: 5-10:30pm
Friday, August 18th: 5pm-12am
Saturday, August 19th: 2pm-12am
Sunday, August 20th 12pm-7:30pm

St. John of the Cross Parish Fest is a weekend to support the work and mission of the parish by providing fun and friendly experience for all. The festival includes carnival rides, food, live entertainment from some of Chicagoland’s most popular bands like Maggie Speaks and Sixteen Candles, and activities for all ages. Join them for a family friendly weekend of fun and entertainment.

Montgomery Fest
August 18 – 20, 2023 | times vary
Celebrating for the 38th year, visitors will find a petting zoo, parade, fishing derby, carnival, and more.

Park Palooza (Elmhurst)
August 19, 2023 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Say goodbye to summer with Elmhurst Park District.

Chicago Air and Water Show
August 19 – 20, 2023 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Marvel at the skies at this favorite event held right on Lake Michigan.

Back to School Picnic (Berwyn)
August 20, 2023 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
End the summer with free festivities hosted by PAV YMCA.

Hodgkins Fest
August 26, 2023 | 8:00am – 9:00pm
The Village Picnic includes music, food, and fireworks to end the night.

Oak Park’s Great Food Truck Rally
August 26, 2023 | 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Food trucks, inflatables, games, and more can be found at this annual event.

Back 2 School Celebration (Westchester)
August 30, 2023 | 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Find live music and more at this end-of-summer festival.

Last Fling (Naperville)
September 1 – 4, 2023 | times vary
Family fun, pony rides, petting zoo, bounce houses, family entertainment stage, crafts area, food and beverages.

Batavia Block Party and Taste of Batavia
September 3, 2023 | 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Car show, live music, and free kids’ entertainment.

Taste of Chicago (Grant Park)
September 8 – 10, 2023 | times vary
With smaller pop-up events throughout Chicago in the summer, the big festivities return to Grant Park in mid-September.

Good Old Days (Winfield)
September 8 – 10, 2023 | times vary
Trolley ride, parade, and the Kid Zone, along with the duck race, dance contest, car show, and so much more.

Ribfest (DuPage County Event Center and Fairgrounds, Wheaton)
September 15 – 17, 2023 | times TBA
The Rotary Club of Naperville announced on June 27, 2023 that they plan to bring back the festival on September 15-17, 2023. Check their website for the most up-to-date information.

Naperville Irish Fest (Central Park)
September 22 – 23, 2023 | times vary
Join this festive event filled with Irish cultural activities, food, and music.

2023 Festivals To Be Determined

The following organizations have not published their summer festival plans for 2023 as of the time of publishing this article. Check their websites for the most up-to-date information.

We have so many festival options, we had to separate them! Check out our roundup of all of the 4th of July Festivities, as well as art fairs and festivals.

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3 Comments. Leave new

  • Joe Laxamana
    May 28, 2018 7:29 am

    Great summary for the west suburbs. We go to a few of these every year, and will check out some additional festivals. Thanks for the handy list!

    Reply
  • Joni Acamovic
    June 8, 2018 2:00 am

    Jill, this is just the list I was looking to find! Thank you for Festival names, dates and locations! We are always up for fun places to go on the weekends whenever we are in town!!

    Reply
  • Erika Miranda
    May 25, 2019 6:16 pm

    Yes!! This information is perfect! Thank you

    Reply

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