Fun and Interesting July and August Events in the Chicago Area
There are tons of events in the Chicago area over the summer, and it’s not too late to enjoy them—even if you’ve been too busy to make it to some of the early-season festivals for Memorial Day or the Fourth. There’s something going on to suit just about everyone, whether you’re heading out on your own or packing up the family on a sunny weekend.
Here are some highlights of the numerous opportunities for food, fun, music, and getting involved in July and August:
July
- July 15–19, Kane County Fair. Ready to get started with some summer fun today? Enjoy an old-fashioned county fair with rides, exhibits, contests, vendors, and entertainment. The Kane County Fair takes place at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles. Check out the event’s website for admission information.
- July 17–19, Health and Fitness Expo. Take part in a free, two-day event that features health information, demonstrations, and more. Alongside the expo, the big attractions will be the Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon, a 5K run, and a 10K run.
- July 18, Disability Pride Parade. Participate in the march along Dearborn Street—or just watch and enjoy a free day of fun to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) at the Disability Pride Parade.
- July 18, Kaleidoscope Family Day. The Ryan Education Center at the Art Institute of Chicago will be hosting its 25th annual family day, which offers art-making activities and more for kids, teens, and parents. Admission is free, so stop by for an afternoon of creative fun!
- July 19, Dearborn Garden Walk. Learn more about historic Dearborn Street this summer by indulging in a walking tour of beautiful rear gardens, some of which will feature live classical and jazz music. Get your tickets in advance now!
- July 25–26, North Shore Festival of Art. This Art Festival in Skokie offers paintings, photographs, sculptures, ceramics, and other art from juried artists in an outdoor exhibition. You can expect to find food, music, and kids’ activities at the festival, and both admission and parking are free.
August
- August 1–2, Edge Fest. Celebrate all things Edgewater on the neighborhood’s lakefront, and enjoy live music, karaoke, food, art, and more. Admission for the event is a suggested donation of five dollars, which benefits the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce.
- August 7–9, Chicago Hot Dog Fest. This year, the Hot Dog Fest will fill three days with the iconic American food, live music, and a kids’ activity area. The event is held at the park at Clark Street and W. LaSalle Drive, and it benefits the Chicago History Museum.
- August 8–9, Kite Festival. Get together at the Chicago Botanical Gardens for kite performances set to music, kite-making workshops, and kids’ activities.
- August 9, French Connection Day. Enjoy a day of French culture in Cantigny that will feature an open-air market, wine tasting, street performers, and activities for kids. Admission is free, but there is a parking fee of five dollars.
- August 15, XPLORE Chicago. Join a team-based adventure that will challenge you to race around the city, find clues, and solve challenges. It’s a great way to get a workout, have an adventure, and participate in a scavenger hunt unlike any other! You can register now to run or just show up to watch.
- August 15–16, Malott Japanese Garden Summer Festival. Hear traditional Japanese instruments, listen to folktales, and enjoy a tea ceremony at the Chicago Botanic Garden. There will be plenty of family-friendly hands-on projects so your family can create while you learn in a beautiful environment.
- August 29–30, Midnight Circus in the Parks. Bring the whole family to see the Midnight Circus kick off its 2015 season in Grand Crossing Park. Get tickets now so you don’t miss an exciting show with word-class circus performers. The program will run through October in different parks around Chicago, and it helps raise funds for local park improvements.
- August 30, Transamerica Chicago Triathlon. This year, the Chicago Triathlon will feature five stand-alone triathlons, as well as an exciting Triple Challenge event. There’s something for professionals, amateurs, and even kids, so don’t miss out!
Stay Safe During Summer Fun
No matter what you choose to do, remember to stay safe. July and August are usually the hottest months of the year, and the city will be busy all summer long.
- Make sure you’re prepared to stay hydrated in hot weather and protect yourself from the sun.
- Drive carefully and pay attention, especially around bikes and foot traffic. Don’t forget to plan enough time to get there when traffic is likely to be extra heavy.
- If you choose to drink at a summer event, make sure you have a designated driver or a plan for getting home at the end of the night. Never drink and drive!
All of us at Lane Brown, LLC hope you enjoy a safe and happy summer in Chicago! Want to learn more about us and what we do? Connect with us on Facebook for constantly updated news, tips, and information.
