PARK DISTRICT DOWNERS GROVE Upcoming Events

Looking for a fun, friendly, and affordable getaway with your family? Head north to Kenosha,WI.You’ll find museums, miles of lakefront, delicious dining, outlet and boutique shopping, and plenty of adventures. Get creative at DIY art studios, climb in the trees at a ropes course, board a pedal boat or authentic electric streetcar, or even catch a baseball game. You’ll never hear “I’m Bored” around here! Plan your trip at www.VisitKenosha.com

Experience a summer like never before with the Downers Grove Park District’s special events. From lively concerts in the park featuring local bands to exciting parties in the park, there’s something for everyone. Cast off at our Annual Fishing Derby, or enjoy a fun day in the park with your pup at our Dog Daze event. With a jampacked calendar of engaging activities, the Downers Grove Park District is your destination for unforgettable summer fun. Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave.,630.963.1300. Lyman Woods Nature Center, 901 31st St., 630.963.9388. Downers Grove Museum, 831 Maple Ave., 630.963.1309, Downers Grove Recreation Center, 4500 Belmont Rd., 630.960.7250. www.dgparks.org

Congregation Etz Chaim of DuPage County, a Reform synagogue in Lombard, serves almost 500 families in the western suburbs of Chicago.We have a tradition of having an inclusive community which welcomes everyone- Jews by birth, Jews by choice, non-Jewish family members, singles, LGBTQIA+, and people of all ages and abilities. That means Jewish adjacent family members too! We are a caring community that draws strength on our commitment to honor and respect the diversity of our membership. Welcome. We’re glad you’re here. 1710 S. Highland Ave. Lombard. 630627-3912. www.mycec.org

Looking for fun ways to get the whole family playing outside this summer? Come out to The Forge: Lemont Quarries! Whether you choose our Climb & Zipline Adventure which hosts one of the tallest ropes towers in the world, as well as the longest and tallest ziplines in the tri-state, or an Explorer Day Pass which offers 15+ amazing outdoor activities, you’re guaranteed a fun and memorable day. Learn more and get tickets at forgeparks.com

Summer is jam-packed with fairs and fests all over Chicagoland. Check out our guide and celebrate food, music, culture, art,and history throughout the city and suburbs..

Celebrate Fox Lake – 7/1. Parade, live music and fireworks. Foxlake.org

Northwest Fourth-Fest – Thru 7/2. Fireworks, entertainment, kids’ zone. Hoffman Estates. Northwestfourthfest.com

Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest – Thru

7/4. Entertainment and family fun. Community Park. palatinejaycees.org

Frontier Days Festival – Thru 7/4. Live entertainment, carnival rides, parade, family activities. Arlington Heights. Frontierdays.org

Mt. Prospect Lions Club Annual Festival – 7/1-4. Fireworks, carnival, live music and car show. Melas Park, Mt. Prospect. mplions.org

Independence Day Extravaganza – 7/3. Live entertainment, kids’ zone and fireworks. Centennial Park, Lemont. lemontparkdistrict. org

LibertyFest – 7/4. Entertainment and fire- works. Redmond Park, Bensenville. bensenville.il.us

Lake Forest Festival – 7/4. Community event with fireworks. Deerpath Community Park, Lake Forest. chicagoevents.com

Rockin’ Ribfest – 7/6-9. BBQ cook-off, live music and carnival. Sunset Park, Lake in the Hills. Rockinrotaryribfest.com

ItascaFest – 7/6-9. Food, fun, music, carnival rides and games. Itasca.com

Windmill City Festival – 7/7-9. Craft & Vintage Market, Golf Challenge, Children’s Activities, Games, Food & more.

Batavia Riverwalk. windmillcityfest.org

Naperville Ale Fest – 7/8. 1-5PM. Unique craft beers, live music and food. Naper Settlement, Naperville. napervillealefest.com

Bristol Renaissance Faire – 7/8-9/4. Weekend medieval fair with jousting, sword swallowing, dancing, crafts and music. Kenosha, WI. renfair.com/Bristol

Kane County Fair – 7/12 –16. Carnival rides, music, food & more! Free parking. St. Charles. kanecountyfair.com

Taste of Westmont | July 13 - 16 Food, live music and carnival. Downtown Westmont www.westmontevents.com

Palos Hills Friendship Festival – 7/13-16. Petting zoo, carnival rides, games, live music, car show. Palos Hills. paloshillsweb.org

McHenry Fiesta Days – 7/13-23. Live music, art fair, family fun, parade. McHenry. mchenryfiestadays.com

Glendale Heights Fest – 7/13-16. Rides, games, entertainment, food and more. Glendale Heights. Glendaleheightsfest.com

Antioch Taste of Summer | July 13 – 16

A 4 Day Family Friendly Festival with Music, Food Tents, Carnival, NEW Musical Light Shows, Exhibitors & Sidewalk Sales. Special Needs Family Day: July 14 from 1-3 PM Free Admission & Parking in Downtown Antioch. www.AntiochChamber.org

Forge Fest – 7/14-16. Celebrate our 3rd Birthday with live music, entertainment, family-friendly activities and hands-on educational workshops. Lemont Quarries. forgeparks.com

Yorkville River Fest – 7/14-15. Live country music, ribs, family activities and more. 6-10PM. Yorkville. yorkville.il.uscom

El Gran Festival Columbiano – 7/14-16. Columbian marketplace, artists, musicians and cuisine. Humboldt Park, Chicago. colombianfestchicago.com

Elk Grove Rotary Fest – 7/19-23. Bands, carnival, car show, food vendors and more. Elk Grove Village. Elkgroverotaryfest.com

Sugar Grove Corn Boil – 7/20-23. Carnival rides, live music, car show and fireworks.Volunteer Park. Sugar Grove. Sugargrovecornboil.com

North Shore Taco Fest & Highwood Days – 7/20-23. Carnival rides, music and tacos from area vendors. Downtown Highwood. celebratehighwood.org

Taste of Lincoln Avenue – 7/21-23. 100+ vendors, art, music, kids’ activities and pony rides. Lincoln Park. tasteoflincolnchicago.com

Glenview Summer Art Fair – 7/22-23. More than 100 artists exhibiting, children’s activities, food and music. Glenview. glenviewartleague.org

Glencoe Festival of Art – 7/22-23. Over 90 juried artists in various mediums. Glencoe. Amdurproductions.com

Geneva Arts Fair – 7/23-24. Fine artisans from around the country are showcased at this festival. Geneva. genevachamber.com

EAA AirVenture –7/24-30. Unique aviation celebration with air shows, live music and activities. Oshkosh, WI. eaa.org

Lake County Fair – 7/26-30. Excitement for the whole family – rides, competitions, food and more. Grayslake. Lcfair.com/2023

Kendall County Fair – 7/26-30. Carnival rides, truck and tractor pull, live music, demolition derby and petting zoo.Yorkville. kendallcountyfair.org

Lincolnwood Fest – 7/27-30. Live music, carnival rides, classic cars, games and more. Lincolnwood. Chicagoevents.com

Taste of River North – 7/28-29. Sample from many local premium restaurants. River North. Chicagoevents.com

Wood Dale Prairie Fest | July 27 – 30 Live Music, Family Fun, Carnival, Food and Drinks,Fireworks (Saturday Night), Wrestling (Sunday 2PM) Community Park, 655 N. Wood Dale Road. And Mittel Drive

Full schedule & Lineup: www.wooddale.com/PrairieFest

Wicker Park Fest – 7/28-30. Live music, art installations, food, drink, and a Kids’ Fest.Wicker Park, Chicago. Wickerparkbucktown.com

Streamwood Summer Celebration –7/28-30. Parade, mini golf, carnival rides and entertainment. Streamwood. streamwoodsummercelebration.org

Dragon Boat Festival – 7/29. Dragon boat races, music, food, drinks and more. Blue Island. Chicagodragonboats.com

Pierogi Fest – 7/28-30. Dozens of food vendors, children’s activities, live music, arts & crafts and wacky activities. Whiting, IN. pierogifest.net

DuPage County Fair – 7/28-30. Live music, carnival, food, petting zoo, rodeo, livestock show and contests. Wheaton. dupagecountyfair.org

Chinatown Summer Fair – 7/29-30. Far East culture, artisans, great cuisine, activities for families. Chicago. chicagoevents.com

International Dragon Boat Festival –7/29. Boat races, food trucks, music, health and wellness expo. Busse Woods, Elk Grove Village. gwndragonboat.com

McHenry County Fair – 8/1-6. Carnival, variety of grandstand entertainment, music, farm exhibits. Woodstock. mchenrycountyfair.com

RomeoFest | August 3 – 6

4 Days Filled with Fun!

Live Music, Carnival, Food & Drinks, Fireworks, Laser Show, Car Show, Bingo, 1 Mile Race, Artisan Market, Family Stage, Tournaments.

900-1050 W. Romeo Rd., Romeoville www.romeoville.org/romeofest

Jeff Fest – 8/4-6. Aka Jefferson Park Arts and Music Festival. Jefferson Memorial Park. Chicago. Chicagoevents.com

La Grange Carnival – 8/4-6. Rides, ferris wheel, games, concessions. Cm.lgba.com

Bier Rock Fest – 8/4-5. BCB’s beer garden transforms with hard-rockin’ music festivals with live bands and games. Long Grove. Buffalocreekbrewing.com

Tribute Island Cover Band Festival –

8/4-6. Music festival featuring 50 top tribute bands.View full stage lineup on website. Kenosha, WI. Hap2it.com.

Warrenville Summer Daze - – 8/4-5. Live music, food, car show and kid’s entertainment. Free admission and parking. Warrenville. warrenvilleparks.org

Taste of Roselle – 8/4-6. Food, entertainment, bingo, carnival rides and craft show. Main St., Roselle. roselle.il.us

Taste of Orland Park – 8/4-6. Food from local eateries, live entertainment and kids’ activities. Orland Park. orlandpark.org

La Grange Endless Summer Fest – 8/4-6. Carnival rides, live music, and fireworks. Gordon Park, La Grange. lagrangeendlesssummerfest.com

19th Annual Celebration

The World of Faeries

“Healing Earth” Festival

Aug. 5 (10AM-6PM) & Aug. 6 (10AM-5PM)

Fairy fantasy festival and we encourage you to come in costume.

Showcases music and a vendor village along with family entertainment. Vasa Park, 35W217 Rt. 31, South Elgin. 815-236-7539 / 815-245-5982

Discount Shopping Cart Online at: www.theworldoffaeries.com

Destination Asia Festival – 8/4-6. Asian culture expressed through music, dance, food and more. Shopping and food trucks. Lisle. Mortonarb.org

Taste of Chicago – 8/8-10. Live music, dance performances, cooking demonstrations and family activities. Marquette Park, Chicago. chicago.gov

Taste of Elmwood Park – 8/10-13. Local restaurant food, live entertainment. Central Park, Elmwood Park. tasteofelmwoodpark.com

Willow Springs Willow Fest – 8/10-13. Carnival rides, live music, craft vendors and more. Willow Springs. willowsprings-il.gov

Illinois State Fair – 8/10-20. Live entertainment, livestock, 4H exhibits, carnival rides and tractor-pulls. Springfield. illinois.gov

Waukesha Rotary BluesFest – 8/11-12. Live music each day, food and art show. Naga-Waukee Park, Delafield,WI. waukeshabluesfest.com

Farm & Barn Fest

August 12 | 9am-10pm

Kids activities, Mechanical Bull, Music, Flea Market, Petting Zoo, Beer, Food and more. Yunker Farm, Mokena. Free parking and admission. www.mokenapark.com

Lamb’s Farm Summertime Craft Festival – 8/12-13. Craft show featuring over 100 booths, food trucks, music, and beer/wine garden, 10AM-4PM. Elgin. Craftproductionsinc.com

Venetian Festival – 8/16-20. Water ski show, lighted boat parade, carnival rides and fireworks. Lake Geneva, WI. venetianfest.com Milwaukee Irish Fest – 8/17-20. 100+ acts celebrating Celtic culture, contests, crafts, demonstrations and food. Milwaukee. irishfest.com

Ribfest Chicago – 8/18-20. Live music, arts and crafts, kids’ area and ribs from local and national vendors. Northcenter, Chicago. chicagoevents.com

Evanston Art Fest – 8/18-19. Over 130 juried artists. Live art demos and one on one chats. Evanston. Amdurproductions

Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest – 8/18-20. Art fair, live entertainment, kids’ activities and live demonstrations. Rogers Park, Chicago. glenwoodave.org

Taco & Art Fest

Saturday, August 19 | 3PM-8PM. Live music, entertainment, art, children’s activities and taco trucks. Free admission & free parking. Reed-Keppler Park, West Chicago. www.we-goparks.org/special-events

Sangria Festival – 8/19-20. Hand-crafted Sangria, Spanish food, arts, flamenco dancing and bands. Humboldt Park, Chicago. sangriafestivalchicago.com

Will County Fair – 8/23-27. Demolition derby, rodeo, chili cook-off, carnival rides, and entertainment. Peotone. willcountyfair.org

Taste of Greektown – 8/25-27. Music, dance performances, gyro eating contest, and kids’ activities. West Loop, Chicago. Tasteofgreektown.com

Irish Fest – 8/25-27. Gaelic Park hosts its annual fest celebrating all things Irish. Chicago. Chicagogaelicpark.com

DeKalb Corn Fest – 8/25-27. Carnival rides, corn boil, kids’ activities, and live music. Downtown DeKalb. cornfest.com

Heritage Fest – 8/26. 10AM-1PM. Arlington Heights Historical Museum. Performances, food, and more. Ahpd.org

Street Fest – 8/25-27. Live music, local food vendors, kids’ activities. Downtown Palatine. palatinestreetfest.com

Lakeview Taco Fest – 8/26-27. 11AM10PM. Rosco Village, Chicago. Chigacoevents. com

Food Fest

Saturday, August 26, | 4pm-8pm. Outdoor free entry event features 20+ Food Vendors. Live Music. Fun activities for all ages! Downtown West Chicago. www.westchicago.org/food-festival

Alley Art Festival – 8/26. Local artisans, family-friendly activities and live music. Downtown Aurora. alleyartaurora.com

Glen Ellyn Festival of the Arts – 8/26-27. Juried fine arts show and live music. Lake Ellyn Park, Glen Ellyn. glenellynlions.org

Naperville Jaycees Last Fling September 1-4

Family Fun, 12 Music Acts, Carnival, Parade

Food & Business Vendors, Special Needs Day, Veterans Lunch Jackson Avenue, Downtown Naperville www.LastFling.org

This Summer the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s golden age will come to the stage at Overshadowed Theatrical productions. It’s 1927, and Don Lockwood and Lina LaMont are the toast of Tinseltown until “talkies” come on the scene. Of course, you remember Gene Kelly splashing his way through the famous MGM film, the greatest movie musical ever made. But have you seen it live? Join us as we make a big splash with this spectacular and romantic musical comedy. There will be wonderful singin’ and dancin’ and, yes, it really will rain onstage!

Our 2023-2024 season will begin in September with our Overshadowed original production of “The Devil and Daniel Webster”. This play is based on the short story of the same name by Stephen Vincent Benet. This story will have you on the edge of your seat as Daniel argues for the soul of Jabez, but ultimately, the jury will decide.What would you decide? Make plans to attend now! Located at 900 Foster Avenue in Medinah, Illinois. To order tickets, please call the box office at 630-634-2100 or go to www.overshadowed.org. [See our ad on the Inside Front Cover.]

James Lumber Center’s fall season rolls out with a Celtic music invasion, a Mexican sonic explosion and the multitalented Isaac Mizrahi!

The James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County announces the first three events of its fall 2023 season, with additional events to be announced soon.

Tartan Terrors, Saturday, September 16 at 8 p.m. With a distinctive sound that makes Celtic music fun and inviting, this energetic ensemble blends the coolness of a rock show with stepdance, humor and more.

Hasta La Muerte, A Day of the Dead Show by Las Cafeteras, Friday, October 27, 10 a.m. (school show) and 8 p.m Rooted in the indigenous Mexican practice of honoring ancestors, this multidimensional performance features gorgeous music, entrancing dance and a soul-welcoming altar.

Isaac Mizrahi, Sunday, October 29 at 4 p.m. Renowned as an actor, writer, designer and producer, Isaac Mizrahi brings his panache and charming cabaret show in an evening of stories, anecdotes and nostalgic song.

Tickets go on sale on Monday, July 10 at www.jlcenter.clcillinois.edu or call the JLC Box Office at (847) 543-2300. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the JLC Box Office, 19351 West Washington Street in Grayslake. The JLC offers free parking and has a snack bar with soft drinks, beer, wine, chips and candy.

Since his “2000” debut on Dick Clark’s show, “Your Big Break,” Denny has been traveling across the country performing his one-of-a-kind tribute to the music of Neil Diamond. He has a carefree, fun-loving attitude on stage, but what really sets him apart is his full-throated, robust baritone voice.

During COVID, like many other musicians, Denny started having fun streaming his performances online. Always up for a laugh, he began to refer to himself as “The World’s Okayest Vocalist” This new moniker caught on, and with it he’s adding all new performances in ‘2023’. One show will be called, “The World’s Okayest Vocalist Variety Hour”. This performance will cover songs made famous by legendary artists like Tom Jones, Barry Manilow, Elvis, and many others, including, of course, Neil Diamond. And also adding songs from beloved Broadway productions like “Carousel.” Visit www.DennyDiamond.com for a complete show schedule or to contact him.

Live at the Lake

Live at the Lake is a popular concert series that takes place in Des Plaines, Illinois, during the summer months. This exciting event brings together music lovers of all ages to enjoy the sounds of some of the best local musicians in a beautiful lakeside setting.

The series provides a unique opportunity for music enthusiasts to experience a diverse range of musical genres, from rock to country, blues to jazz, and everything in between. Each week, a new band takes the stage, delivering a high-energy performance that keeps the crowds coming back year after year.

Apart from the great music, Live at the Lake also offers a fantastic social atmosphere.This exciting community-building event is a must-see for anyone who loves music, food, and fun. 3 Locations: The Greens Series, 1015 Howard Avenue, Lake Park Clubhouse; The Central Park Series, 1555 E. Thacker Street, at the Gazebo; and The Pavilion Series 2200 Lee Street, at Fargo Avenue. Des Plaines, IL. 847-391-5730. www.DPParks.org

1015 Howard Avenue, Lake Park Clubhouse

Entertainment will include acoustic style bands. Food and beverages will be available for purchase (including alcoholic beverages for sale). Come early and enjoy rounds of golf, ½ hour paddle boat rides, kayaks, and Foot Golf rounds between 5:00–7:00p. Enjoy bags, Giant Jenga and Connect Four or relax on one of our newly added Adirondack chairs.

1555 E. Thacker Street, at the Gazebo Entertainment will include acoustic style bands. Join us in this exciting ‘Live’ series downtown location and enjoy the natural beauty this gem of a park has to offer. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

2200 Lee Street, at Fargo Avenue Entertainment will include high-energy festival style bands. Bring your lawn chair, blanket, picnic dinner and enjoy a beautiful evening by the lake.

Would you like to be a part of this popular community concert series? Become a sponsor today!

6: 00 –8:30 p, all concer ts star t at 7: 00 p

This summer, enjoy 10 days of free music at our various locations! For more information about Live at the Lake, check DPParks.org or the DPParks App!

July 13 April & Kevin Food Truck: Toasty Cheese

Acoustic/electric duo with amazing two-part harmonies to some of the biggest and most popular pop/classic rock cover tunes of all time!

August 3 Meaghan Farrell Food Truck: Bad Boy BBQ

An emerging singer-songwriter in New York City and Nashville, showcasing her powerful new music.

July 20 Brian & Tony of Farkus

Food Truck: The Curious Crow

An eclectic mix of music, from Roy Orbison to Chris Cornell.

August 10 Sushi Roll Food Truck: Toasty Cheese

High-energy dance music and rock n’ roll swagger and then topped it off with memorable stage costumes, inspired by cosplay, anime, and superheroes.

July 6 GenFuze Food Truck: Savory Crust

Rock out to all your rock favorites such as Led Zeppelin, Heart, Styx, REO and current like Fall Out Boy and Carrie Underwood.

July 27 Classical Blast Food Truck: Savory Crust

A melding of classical and classic rock, exploring the links between today’s rock music and classical composers.

August 17 Kaleidoscope Eyes

Food Truck: The Curious Crow

Chicago’s best and most fun lovin’, captivating, crowd-engaging, acoustic Beatles tribute band!

In case of rain, Live at the Lake events are cancelled. We post information as early as possible on Facebook and the DPParks Mobile App. Or call the Clubhouse: 847-391-5730.

Cool off with these HOT shows at The Genesee! Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Steve Miller graces The Genesee stage Thursday, August 3, with hit after hit from his legendary discography. Justin Moore, performing Friday, August 11, will provide a little country for the soul with his southern swagger. Following right behind is the Grammy award-winning band America, coming to The Genesee, Saturday, August 12. Another night of nostalgia is in store on Friday, August 18 when Happy Together 2023 presents your favorites of the 60s and 70s! The 14th year of Happy Together brings The Turtles, Little Anthony and more. We welcome comedic legend Tim Allen to round out the month with two shows on Saturday, August 19! Due to popular demand, a second show at 4:00pm has been added alongside his SOLD OUT 7:30pm show. Tickets are on sale now! The Genesee Theatre: 203 N Genesee Street, Waukegan, IL. Online: www.geneseetheatre.com. Box office: (847) 263-6300.

Music by the Lake at George Williams College in Williams Bay, Wisconsin welcomes country superstar Martina McBride (July 8), Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra (July 16), legendary Canadian rockers The Guess Who (July 22) and BritBeat (July 29), a multimedia concert journey through the band of the century, The Beatles. Performances are held rain or shine in the Ferro Pavilion, an open-air venue just steps from the shores of Geneva Lake. Concertgoers have the option of reserved seats under the pavilion or general admission in the outdoor terrace. Music lovers may also pack a picnic and enjoy the concert for the expansive lawn areas. Free parking and shuttle service is available for all concerts. Ticket prices range from $15-$85 and are on sale now at www.musicbythelake.com. Summer sounds better at Music by the Lake!

The Oswegoland Park District’s Limelight Theatre Company presents The Addams Family (School Edition). Come join the creepy, kooky, mysterious, spooky and altogether ooky family! America’s darkest family comes to life in this original musical comedy about love, family, honesty, and growing up. Performing July 26-29 at 7:00pm at Oswego High School, 4250 Route 71 in Oswego. Tickets are $12 for Adults, $8 for Students/ Seniors ($2 more at the door). For more information and to purchase your tickets visit www.LimelightTheatreCompany.org.

Little Mountain Community Theatre will present Children of Eden on July 21-23rd at Lemont High School with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, best known for writing hit musicals Godspell, Pippin, and Wicked. The inspiring and timeless story celebrates the difficulty of choice, the importance of passion, the value of questioning, and the pain in allowing those you love to take risks and face consequences. The cast includes wellknown Biblical characters led by Father and storytellers that reveal the tale in joyous and haunting fashion. In the end, this musical offers a frank, tuneful, charming, and often humorous look at the trials and tribulations of parenting. 800 Porter Street, Lemont, www. littlemountaintheatre.org