As summer shines brightly over the Chicago area, residents are preparing to celebrate the season with an array of vibrant festivals and events. While the city itself is known for its bustling art and music scene, the suburban regions are equally alive with festivities that offer something for everyone.
This season, over 100 summer festivals are set to take place across the Chicago suburbs, providing ample opportunity for locals and visitors alike to enjoy live music, delicious food, and a sense of community.
In Addison, the Rock ‘N Wheels festival takes place every Thursday from June 5 through August 28 at Friendship Plaza, featuring a lineup that varies by date.
Arlington Heights also contributes to the summer spirit with its Sounds of Summer Concerts, occurring on Thursdays during the same period at Harmony Park, offering varied performances each week. The Frontier Days Festival, scheduled for July 2-6 at Recreation Park, highlights acts such as 7th Heaven and Dishwalla.
Aurora joins the festivities with the City of Lights Film Festival from September 18-20, with venues yet to be announced, alongside a Food Truck Fest on September 26 on Benton Street, promising an afternoon filled with food trucks, activities, and entertainment.
In Barrington, music enthusiasts can look forward to the Metra Lot Concerts on select dates: June 20, July 25, and August 25 at the North Commuter Lot, featuring a variety of artists. The Barrington Summer Concert Series on Wednesdays runs from July 9 to August 6 at Citizens Park, with guests announced based on the date.
Moving to Barrington Hills, the Barrington Hills Fall Festival is set for September 14 at the Barrington Hills Park District Riding Center. It will feature a living horse museum and an exotic animal show, promising a unique experience for attendees.
Buffalo Grove’s Summer Concert Series runs on select dates from June 20 to August 22 at the Mike Rylko Community Park Amphitheater, also showcasing various artists, with the renowned Buffalo Grove Days festival following from August 28 through September 1 at the same venue, packed with performances by Mike & Joe and Beyond the Blonde.
Des Plaines will kick off the summer with the Taste of Des Plaines from June 13-14 at Library Plaza featuring bands like 7th Heaven and Hairbangers Ball, followed by a Food Truck Round Up on July 22, August 19, and September 9, where specific details vary by event.
The Downers Grove Summer Concert Series takes place every Tuesday from June 3 to August 12 at Fishel Park, presenting different acts on each occasion. The Rotary GroveFest will entertain crowds from June 19-22 in Downtown Downers Grove featuring artists like Hello Weekend and Wedding Banned.
Elmhurst has much to offer as well, with Wednesday Nights Live on Wednesdays from June 4 to August 6 at the Elmhurst City Centre’s North York Stage and the Elmhurst Greek Festival taking place from June 13 to 15 at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, spotlighting performers like Elena Mpasi and Konstantina Skalioti.
Evanston is not to be missed with the Starlight Concert and Movie Series on select dates from June 10 to August 30 at various locations, the Main Street Fair on June 28 featuring acts like Nora O’Connor, and the Downtown Evanston Summer Sounds concert series every Thursday from July 10 to September 4 at Fountain Square. The Evanston Folk Festival is scheduled for September 6-7 at Dawes Park, featuring notable artists including Iron & Wine.
Glen Ellyn is hosting the Friday Summer Concert Series on Main, running Fridays from May 16 to September 5 on Main Street, and will celebrate its Summer Break at the Lake on June 26 for all ages and on June 27 exclusively for those 21 and older at Lake Ellyn Park. The Taste of Glen Ellyn and Carnival will take place from August 14 to 17 at the College of DuPage, featuring local favorites like Infinity and 7th Heaven.
Glencoe ushers in summer with Glencoe Al Fresco occurring on July 11, 18, and 25 at Writers Theatre and Women’s Library Club Park, with artists yet to be announced, followed by the Glencoe Festival of Art on July 19-20, showcasing around 110 artists and live music at 700 Vernon Ave.
Glenview’s lineup includes the Bearfoot in the Park Concert Series on Wednesdays from June 4 to August 6 at Jackman Park Gazebo and the Summer Fest on June 21 along Lehigh from Glenview to Washington featuring acts like Heard Immunity. The Art at the Glen festival takes over on July 26-27 at 2030 Tower Dr., hosting 130 artists in attendance.
Highland Park celebrates with the Bitter Jester Music Festival from June 2-28 on various dates and locations, the Taste of Highland Park on June 20-21 at Port Clinton Square featuring a dynamic lineup and Downtown Concerts at Port Clinton, held select Fridays from July 11 to September 26. The Port Clinton Art Festival is scheduled for August 23-24 featuring a collection of around 200 artists.
Highwood will host Inferno Fest on June 25 at Everts Park, featuring a musical lineup and a unique Carolina reaper empanada eating contest. The Highwood Days festival also brings a Taste of Highwood from July 17-20 at Downtown Highwood Metra Station, along with carnival rides, live music, and local culinary delights.
The popular Garlic Fest is set for August 13 at Everts Park, offering competitions for the best sweet and savory garlic creations to tantalize guests.
In Hinsdale, Uniquely Thursdays will occur on Thursdays from June 12 to August 12, excluding July 3 at Burlington Park, with a varying lineup.
Lake Bluff’s Artists on the Bluff Summer Arts Festival is set for June 14-15 at Village Green showcasing works from local artists, alongside Bluffinia Summer Concerts on Sundays from July 6 to August 17 at Village Green.
Lake Forest Parks and Recreation will hold its Summer Concerts on Thursdays from June 12 to August 14, excluding July 3, at 220 E. Deerpath, with performances also set for Lake Forest Day on August 5-6 at West Park featuring local acts.
Lake Zurich is gearing up for Alpine Fest from July 18-20 at E. Main St., with performances from the Hillbilly Rockstarz and ARRA, followed by Rock-the-Block on September 13 on Main Street with acts like Fool House and the Breakfast Club.
Libertyville’s vibrant summer kicks off with Libertyville Days Festival from June 12-15 and continues with the Festival of the Arts on August 2-3 at Cook Park, where artist applications are currently being accepted. Oktoberfest in Libertyville is set for September 19-20 at 345 N. Milwaukee Ave, featuring live music, food, drinks, and more.
Lincolnshire celebrates with its Summer in the Shire Concert Series on June 5, July 10, and August 7 at varying locations. The Art Festival will be held from July 5-6 at 450 Village Green showcasing artistic works from 80 artists.
Lincolnwood hosts its Summer Concert Series on Thursdays from July 3-31 at Proesel Park, alongside Lincolnwood Fest from July 24-27 at 6915 Kostner Ave with details still to be announced.
Lisle has planned the Homegrown Arts and Music Festival on July 26 at 5750 Lakeside Dr., featuring local musicians like Pino Farina Band and The Citrosonics. Veggie Fest on August 9-10 at Danada South Park will showcase bands like Gizzae and Afinca’o.
Lombard’s Cruise Nights and Summer Concerts run on Saturdays from June 14 to August 23 along S. Park Avenue and St. Charles Road only on August 23. The Lombard Brew Fest on July 19 at Parkside Avenue will spotlight the Run Forrest Run band. A Food Truck Social will be held on September 6 at 23 W. Maple St. featuring artists like Marlon and the Shakes.
Long Grove’s Strawberry Fest takes place from June 27-29 in Downtown Long Grove, welcoming acts like Kashmir and Too Fighters. Vintage Days will follow on July 26-27, featuring multiple music acts, while the Apple Festival is scheduled for September 26-28 with performances from 7th Heaven and Beyond the Blonde.
Morton Grove Days is scheduled from July 3-6 at Harrer Park and Civic Center, offering a parade, carnival, and fireworks show.
Mount Prospect will host Fridays on the Green on select Fridays from May 30 to August 29 at Centennial Green outside Village Hall and a Downtown Block Party from July 25-26 at Emerson Street and Busse Avenue featuring Bizar Entertainment. Community Band Concerts will occur on Mondays from June 23 to July 28 at the Veterans Memorial Bandshell.
Mundelein’s Concerts in the Park will take place every Sunday from May 25 to August 17 at Kracklauer Park, while Mundelein Community Days is set for July 3-6, filled with games and contests.
Naperville hosts the Naperville Halal Fest on August 2-3 at Frontier Park, showcasing various performances and cuisines, while the Jaycees’ Last Fling takes place from August 29 to September 1, with the schedule yet to be announced. The Swadeshi Mela International Trade Fair is from September 4-7 at the Mall of India, promoting vendors and performances, while the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair wraps up the summer on September 20-21 along Main and Jackson Streets.
Northbrook invites attendees to Grapes on the Green on June 14 in Downtown Northbrook presenting the Flat Cats, as well as Tuesdays in the Park on Tuesdays from June 25 to August 6 at Village Green Park. The Northbrook Days Festival is set for July 30 through August 3 at the West Metra Commuter Lot, with the schedule to be announced.
Oak Brook kicks off with the Taste of Oak Brook on July 3 at Village Sports Core Fields featuring bands like 16 Candles and Fearless. The Summer Concert Series on Thursdays from July 10 to August 7 at Oaks Amphitheater features various performers.
Oak Park’s Summer Concerts are every Sunday from June 8 to August 24 at Scoville Park with varying lineups, while Oaktoberfest is set for September 26-27 at Marion Street and North Boulevard to be determined.
Oakbrook Terrace has planned Summer Concerts on Fridays from June 27 to September 5 at Terrace View Park.
Orland Park’s Yacht Rock and Soft Rock Night will occur on July 12 at Centennial Park, showcasing Firefall and Ambrosia, followed by British Invasion on July 17 at the same venue. The Taste of Orland Park from August 1-3 will bring musical performances and a variety of culinary delights.
Palatine’s Sounds of Summer runs select dates from June 4 to August 7 at Fred P. Hall Amphitheater with varied acts. The Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest runs July 2-6 at Community Park featuring performers like iPop. Street Fest runs from August 22-24 in Downtown Palatine at Brockway and Slade streets, with artists like ARRA and Sixteen Candles performing.
Park Ridge’s Concerts in the Park will take place on Fridays from June 20 to August 15 at Hodges Park featuring different artists. The Taste of Park Ridge is set for July 10-12 at 100 Summit Ave., featuring bands like Kashmir and The Ginger Road.
Prospect Heights will host its Block Party on June 21 at 110 W. Camp McDonald Rd., presenting acts like Modern Day Romeos and Erik Donner.
Rolling Meadows announces Fridays Rock! & Roll in Meadows on July 18, August 15, and September 12 at Kimball Hill Park, featuring two bands each night. Meadows Fest is set for September 12-14, with details yet to be announced.
Roselle has Concerts on Main on select Thursdays from June 12 to August 28 at Petal Plaza and Concerts in the Park on select Thursdays from June 19 to September 4 at Turner Park Pavilion. The Taste of Roselle takes place from August 1-3 on Main Street between Prospect and Howard, with details forthcoming.
Schaumburg will host the Summer Breeze Concert Series on select dates from June 5 to August 23 at Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts. Septemberfest is set for August 30 to September 1 along Schaumburg Road between Roselle and Plum Grove featuring acts like Danny Seraphine & CTA.
Skokie’s Wednesdays on the Green runs from June 11 to August 13 at Village Green featuring different performances, and the Summer Concert Series on select Sundays from June 29 to August 10 at Devonshire Park invites diverse musical talents. Out of Space is a festival set for July 24-27 at North Field, featuring artists like Sylvan Esso and Shakey Graves. Backlot Bash will take place from August 22-24 in Downtown Skokie, featuring bands such as Elements and Jesus Jones.
Tinley Park’s Music in the Plaza occurs on select dates from June 21 to September 27 at Zabrocki Plaza and Harmony Square. The Tinley Park Block Party is on July 19-20 at Harmony Square, showcasing local artists Infinity among others.
Vernon Hills will host Arbortheater Concerts on Wednesdays from June 18 to August 6 at the Memorial Arbortheater, providing varied performers and the Vernon Hills Days festival from July 17-20 at Century Park, displaying acts like Too Hype Crew.
Westmont’s Summer Concert Series will take place on June 18, July 16, and August 13 at varying locations, while the Taste of Westmont runs from July 10-13 in Downtown Westmont on Cass Avenue featuring bands like Hairbangers Ball.
Wheeling will host the Rock N’ Run the Runway festival on June 28 at Chicago Executive Airport featuring Wildfire and 7th Heaven, promising an eventful day ahead.
For those in Wilmette, Acoustics on the Corner will feature musical performances every Friday and Saturday from June to September at the corner of Wilmette and Central avenues, along with Music on the Green on June 17, July 15, and August 19 at Village Hall. The Wilmette Art Fair is set for August 2-3 at 1141 Central Ave., featuring works from 100 artists. The Wilmette Block Party will take place on September 6 in Downtown Wilmette featuring local bands like Sincerely Sarlacc.
Winnetka concludes the summer festivities with the Fred’s Garage Band Summer Music Series every Wednesday from June 4 to October 8 at Fred’s Garage. The Wednesdays in the Woods series will showcase entertainment on Wednesdays from June 18 to August 27 at Hubbard Woods. The Winnetka Music Festival is scheduled for June 20-21 in Downtown Winnetka featuring artists like The Revivalists and Cold War Kids.
Lastly, Yorkville will host River Fest on July 19 at Riverfront Park highlighted by acts like Back Country Roads, along with the Hometown Days Festival from August 28-31 at Beecher Community Park.
This summer, the Chicago suburbs present an exciting lineup of festivals and events, ensuring that the warm months are filled with fun, entertainment, and unforgettable experiences to partake in. Whether you are a local or visiting from afar, there is much to enjoy as suburban communities come alive with music, food, art, and camaraderie.
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