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Cantigny Park
The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park reopened to the public on Saturday, August 26, 2017 following an extensive 10-month renovation project. They opened with a traditional military ceremony honoring the 100-year history of the 1st Infantry Division and museum ribbon cutting at 11 am that day. Kidlist Contributor, Meghan was there to check it out firsthand with her kids.
Highlights of the thoroughly updated military museum include “Duty First,” an all-new gallery focusing on the more recent history of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division. The gallery’s new media and interactive exhibits provide a hands-on experience from a soldier’s perspective that are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Admission to the museum is free with paid parking. Cantigny’s regular daily parking fee is $5 per car. On Saturdays and Sundays, May through September, parking is $10. The $10 rate also applies on Labor Day. Parking is free on the first Wednesday of every month.
More information, including a calendar of upcoming events, is available online at fdmuseum.org.
There are also many tanks outside that are pretty cool to see.
May 2019
Cantigny Park Free Parking Day
2019 Cantigny Park Free Days Parking is free the first Wednesday of each month, March through December. Special Free Days May 19 – Armed Forces Day July 11 July 26 – McCormick Day November 11 – Veteran’s Day
Find out more »Outdoor Concert
Rosie and the Rivets Bandshell Rosie & The Rivets perform the best danceable music of the 1950’s and early 1960’s along with some current hits with a retro twist. Not your typical ‘oldies playing oldies’ band, they perform a high energy show that’s fun for all ages. You’ll hear early rock, rockabilly, girl group, surf and soul authentically and expertly performed by professional entertainers. Sticklers for detail, much research went into their stage production; period correct clothes along with vintage guitars,…
Find out more »Outdoor Concert
Wayne Messmer Big Band Bandshell Not just the Chicago Cubs National Anthem singer, Wayne Messmer sings the Great American Songbook covering such artists as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin and more. Backed by a powerhouse big band, Wayne will bring you back to a simpler time when lyrical love songs filled the radio air waves. All concerts are outdoors and feature lawn seating. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, and picnics are welcome. Concessions are available…
Find out more »Cantigny Park Free Parking Day
2019 Cantigny Park Free Days Parking is free the first Wednesday of each month, March through December. Special Free Days May 19 – Armed Forces Day July 11 July 26 – McCormick Day November 11 – Veteran’s Day
Find out more »Movie in the Park
Wonder Woman (PG-13) Bandshell Sunset Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, when an American pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers…and her true destiny. (141 minutes) Seating…
Find out more »June 2019
Outdoor Concert
Mason Rivers Bandshell A high-energy country band that covers the best of today’s country music as well as your favorite classics, Mason Rivers was formed from some of the finest musical talent in the Chicagoland area. Strong male and female lead vocalists and a rich diversity of musical background and skill result in an exciting sound that’s bigger than country, stronger than rock. All concerts are outdoors and feature lawn seating. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets,…
Find out more »Cantigny Park Free Parking Day
2019 Cantigny Park Free Days Parking is free the first Wednesday of each month, March through December. Special Free Days May 19 – Armed Forces Day July 11 July 26 – McCormick Day November 11 – Veteran’s Day
Find out more »Movie in the Park
Ralph Breaks the Internet (PG) Bandshell Video game villain Wreck-It-Ralph must brave the Internet to help Vanellope fix her game Sugar Rush. (112 minutes) All movies are outdoors and feature lawn seating. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, and picnics are welcome. Concessions are available by Mamie’s Toffee & Treats. Movies take place at the Cantigny bandshell, except as noted, and are free with paid parking.
Find out more »Tea Time Social
Fairies & Gnomes Tea Party Rose Garden Drop-off Program 4-9 years Join Tea Time Socials for a Fairies & Gnomes inspired tea time in the Rose Garden. Ticket will include an assortment of petite bread selection, petite finger sandwich selection, and pastry selection accompanied with a choice of tea or lemonade. Children will learn tea etiquette, manners and kindness in a fun environment. A craft will follow tea time! Program will be moved indoors in event of inclement weather. No…
Find out more »History Connections Whats New in WWII
Learn about scary, scandalous, and sweet new inventions of the 1940’s. Help the scientists create something “silly” to bring home.
Find out more »Cantigny Park Free Parking Day
2019 Cantigny Park Free Days Parking is free the first Wednesday of each month, March through December. Special Free Days May 19 – Armed Forces Day July 11 July 26 – McCormick Day November 11 – Veteran’s Day
Find out more »Battlefield Art Series
Graffiti in War First Division Museum Pavilion Grades 4-8 Throughout time men have left their mark wherever they’ve gone – in caves and hideouts of WWI and on public buildings during WWII humans have said “I was here”. Looking at graffiti during war and seeing the most famous graffiti cartoon of World War II, young guests are invited to join us for a morning of battlefield art. In this two-hour session, visitors will tour the museum, take home new stories,…
Find out more »History Alive Vietnam
Dress in the uniform and equipment of a soldier. Interact with artifacts, crafts, and games from the time period.
Find out more »Winfield Library Storytimes
The Winfield Public Library and Cantigny Gardens have partnered up: stories + nature = fun for kids (of all ages). Join library staff this summer for a special storytime with hands-on activities as well as great stories. Recommended for children birth to age 6 (with a favorite adult). Attendees should meet library staff at the Visitors Center before the start of the program. Prior to the storytime please pick up a parking pass at the Winfield Public Library’s Youth Services desk…
Find out more »Cantigny Food Truck Festival and Concert Final Say
South Parking Lot & Bandshell Area Hey Foodies! We invite you to the Inaugural Cantigny Food Truck Festival on Friday June 14th from 5-9pm for an entire evening of family fun. Featuring over 15 of the area’s best food trucks, a local Vendor Village and live concert by the band Final Say. Plus, kids can enjoy the new Red Oak Farms playground, and everyone can enjoy the Cantigny Park grounds (gardens, nature trails and tank park will all be open).…
Find out more »Movie in the Park
The Goonies (PG) Military Park A group of teenagers finds a map leading to a hidden treasure. They must overcome booby traps, natural obstructions, and a gang of desperate thieves in their race for the loot. (111 minutes) All movies are outdoors and feature lawn seating. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, and picnics are welcome. Concessions are available by Mamie’s Toffee & Treats. Movies take place at the Cantigny bandshell, except as noted, and are free with paid…
Find out more »Mexican Folkloric Festival
Parade Field Come be a part of Cantigny Park’s first-ever Mexican Folkloric Festival during Father’s Day Weekend! We’re planning a colorful and passionate cultural event—a day of family-friendly activities and entertainment celebrating the best of México! Highlights will include authentic fine arts and handicrafts, delicious cuisine, traditional dancers and, of course, the bold and bright music from south of the border. ¡Viva México!
Find out more »Outdoor Concert
Mississippi Heat with Lurrie Bell Bandshell With special guest, Lurrie Bell, son of the blues harp great Carey Bell, Mississippi Heat is a world-class Chicago Blues Band. Their motto is “Traditional Blues with A Unique Sound” as they present fresh yet vintage-based musical ideas. Buddy Guy has gone on record saying that it’s “been a long time since I heard a good blues band like this.” And recently the band received this critical acclaim from Bonnie Tallman at the Billtown…
Find out more »National Pollinator Week
Pollinator Garden We’re excited about our pollinator friends and you should be too! Join us Monday through Friday, June 17th-21st, to help us celebrate the creatures that are needed for the reproduction of 90% of flowering plants and 1 out of 3 bites of food we take each day. Pollinators are all part of the intricate biological web that helps to support diversity in our eco-system and sustains our quality of life. We’ll meet each morning in the Pollinator Garden—with a different…
Find out more »National Pollinator Week
Pollinator Garden We’re excited about our pollinator friends and you should be too! Join us Monday through Friday, June 17th-21st, to help us celebrate the creatures that are needed for the reproduction of 90% of flowering plants and 1 out of 3 bites of food we take each day. Pollinators are all part of the intricate biological web that helps to support diversity in our eco-system and sustains our quality of life. We’ll meet each morning in the Pollinator Garden—with a different…
Find out more »Cantigny Park Free Parking Day
2019 Cantigny Park Free Days Parking is free the first Wednesday of each month, March through December. Special Free Days May 19 – Armed Forces Day July 11 July 26 – McCormick Day November 11 – Veteran’s Day
Find out more »National Pollinator Week
Pollinator Garden We’re excited about our pollinator friends and you should be too! Join us Monday through Friday, June 17th-21st, to help us celebrate the creatures that are needed for the reproduction of 90% of flowering plants and 1 out of 3 bites of food we take each day. Pollinators are all part of the intricate biological web that helps to support diversity in our eco-system and sustains our quality of life. We’ll meet each morning in the Pollinator Garden—with a different…
Find out more »National Pollinator Week
Pollinator Garden We’re excited about our pollinator friends and you should be too! Join us Monday through Friday, June 17th-21st, to help us celebrate the creatures that are needed for the reproduction of 90% of flowering plants and 1 out of 3 bites of food we take each day. Pollinators are all part of the intricate biological web that helps to support diversity in our eco-system and sustains our quality of life. We’ll meet each morning in the Pollinator Garden—with a different…
Find out more »National Pollinator Week
Pollinator Garden We’re excited about our pollinator friends and you should be too! Join us Monday through Friday, June 17th-21st, to help us celebrate the creatures that are needed for the reproduction of 90% of flowering plants and 1 out of 3 bites of food we take each day. Pollinators are all part of the intricate biological web that helps to support diversity in our eco-system and sustains our quality of life. We’ll meet each morning in the Pollinator Garden—with a different…
Find out more »History Alive Persian Gulf War
Dress in the uniform and equipment of a soldier. Interact with artifacts, crafts, and games from the time period
Find out more »National Pollinator Week
Pollinator Garden We’re excited about our pollinator friends and you should be too! Join us Monday through Friday, June 17th-21st, to help us celebrate the creatures that are needed for the reproduction of 90% of flowering plants and 1 out of 3 bites of food we take each day. Pollinators are all part of the intricate biological web that helps to support diversity in our eco-system and sustains our quality of life. We’ll meet each morning in the Pollinator Garden—with a different…
Find out more »Family Night Touch a Truck and Serendipity
Parade Field Questions? Please call 630.260.8162 In addition to loads of Trucks from Fire & Police to Military & Construction for close hands on inspection, CJ Race Way will also be hosting free RC racing from 5pm to 8pm! Come hungry as we will have a variety of food truck vendors for you to enjoy. Great fun for the whole family! Stick around for our Serendipity concert starting at 6:00pm. Serendipity is an all-female pop/rock band from the Chicago suburbs. …
Find out more »Movie in the Park
Bumblebee (PG-13) Bandshell Sunset In the late 1980s, a runaway teen discovers an unlikely friend in Bumblebee who must aid her in saving the Earth from the dreaded Decepticons. (113 minutes) All movies are outdoors and feature lawn seating. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, and picnics are welcome. Concessions are available by Mamie’s Toffee & Treats. Movies take place at the Cantigny bandshell, except as noted, and are free with paid parking.
Find out more »Outdoor Concert
Riverside Folk Festival Bandshell The Riverside Folk Festival offers a restful summer picnic and live bands performing folk music. All proceeds benefit a scholarship fund for boys and girls who wish to attend Riverside’s Imaginative Learning programs.
Find out more »DuPage Symphony Orchestra
First Division Museum Military Park Celebrate the Solstice! Join the DuPage Symphony Orchestra and Barbara Schubert, Music Director and Conductor, in celebrating the summer solstice – the longest day of the year, traditionally heralded by cultures around the world with bonfires, feasts, dancing, and a host of other festivities. The DuPage Symphony brings you a special commemoration of the 2019 solstice with lively and colorful music from the Land of the Midnight Sun, including works by Grieg, Nielsen, Sibelius, Alfven, and…
Find out more »Outdoor Concerts
Air National Guard of the Midwest Military Park Performing an exciting and diverse musical repertoire, the musicians of the Band of the Midwest help instill patriotism, national pride, and esprit de corps in your community. Centered around patriotic, jazz, and pop favorites, this incredible Air Force Band help tell the story of today’s military and the accomplishments of our wonderful country. Stationed at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, IL, these musical ambassadors serve all corners of the Midwest and…
Find out more »Cantigny Park Free Parking Day
2019 Cantigny Park Free Days Parking is free the first Wednesday of each month, March through December. Special Free Days May 19 – Armed Forces Day July 11 July 26 – McCormick Day November 11 – Veteran’s Day
Find out more »History Alive Modern Conflicts
Dress in the uniform and equipment of a soldier. Interact with artifacts, crafts, and games from the time period.
Find out more »Movie in the Park
A Dog’s Way Home (PG) Bandshell A dog travels 400 miles through Colorado wilderness in order to find her family. (156 minutes) All movies are outdoors and feature lawn seating. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, and picnics are welcome. Concessions are available by Mamie’s Toffee & Treats. Movies take place at the Cantigny bandshell, except as noted, and are free with paid parking.
Find out more »Dog Days
Parade Field For one day only, dog lovers can enjoy a fun day at the park with their “best friend.” Bring your lucky pooch and enjoy a special dog play area, vendors from the dog world and some specially trained canines to entertain. All dogs must have current vaccination tags and be social with others. No retractable leashes.
Find out more »Outdoor Family Concert
Mr. Singer & The Sharp Cookies Bandshell Mr. Singer leads Chicago’s most energetic band that rocks for kids- at the zoo, at museums, at nightclubs (and dayclubs) and anywhere else that families with young children like to rock out together. The songs are clever originals augmented by some punky favorites all amplified by a bigger-than-life performer and his band mates- always including sparkling singer Kerry Appleberry and dynamo drummer Marius Mustard! Each show has its own surprises- from puppets to…
Find out more »Outdoor Concerts
The Fortunate Sons Bandshell The Fortunate Sons are the world’s greatest tribute to America’s greatest band: Creedence Clearwater Revival. Based in Chicago, the band tours nationally and internationally to keep the tradition of CCR’s timeless music alive. Using original vintage gear and instruments, accurate costumes, and spot-on musical ability, The Fortunate Sons instantly conjure up the full experience of seeing Creedence in their prime. All concerts are outdoors and feature lawn seating. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets,…
Find out more »July 2019
Cantigny Park Free Parking Day
2019 Cantigny Park Free Days Parking is free the first Wednesday of each month, March through December. Special Free Days May 19 – Armed Forces Day July 11 July 26 – McCormick Day November 11 – Veteran’s Day
Find out more »Cantigny Park Free Parking Day
2019 Cantigny Park Free Days Parking is free the first Wednesday of each month, March through December. Special Free Days May 19 – Armed Forces Day July 11 July 26 – McCormick Day November 11 – Veteran’s Day
Find out more »Cantigny Park Free Parking Day
2019 Cantigny Park Free Days Parking is free the first Wednesday of each month, March through December. Special Free Days May 19 – Armed Forces Day July 11 July 26 – McCormick Day November 11 – Veteran’s Day
Find out more »Cantigny Park Free Parking Day
2019 Cantigny Park Free Days Parking is free the first Wednesday of each month, March through December. Special Free Days May 19 – Armed Forces Day July 11 July 26 – McCormick Day November 11 – Veteran’s Day
Find out more »Cantigny Park Free Parking Day
2019 Cantigny Park Free Days Parking is free the first Wednesday of each month, March through December. Special Free Days May 19 – Armed Forces Day July 11 July 26 – McCormick Day November 11 – Veteran’s Day
Find out more »August 2019
Cantigny Park Free Parking Day
2019 Cantigny Park Free Days Parking is free the first Wednesday of each month, March through December. Special Free Days May 19 – Armed Forces Day July 11 July 26 – McCormick Day November 11 – Veteran’s Day
Find out more »Cantigny Park Free Parking Day
2019 Cantigny Park Free Days Parking is free the first Wednesday of each month, March through December. Special Free Days May 19 – Armed Forces Day July 11 July 26 – McCormick Day November 11 – Veteran’s Day
Find out more »*Please note that if you do not choose West or Southwest for the region selection, your event will not appear in the calendar. All events will be reviewed before publishing to the calendar. Event approval usually occurs on Wednesdays; if you need your event to be reviewed before then, please email Annie at annie@mykidlist.com.
We do our best to provide comprehensive, accurate and useful information about events and activities. This information (such as times and locations) is gathered from press releases, websites, signs around town and word of mouth. However, details change and people make mistakes, so please confirm the details before you go. Kidlist is not responsible for any problems that occur while participating in activities listed on this site.