Annual summertime celebrations of food and culture are ubiquitous in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, and this year is no exception. Check out some of our favorite options for families who love to eat, play and dance.
St. Sophia’s Greek Fest
- July 7-9
- St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church, 525 Church Road, Elgin
Prepare your stomachs, foodie families! Authentic gyros, moussaka, baklava and more delicious Greek classics will be available at this three-day festival in the Northwest suburbs. Live bands and a DJ will play traditional Greek music with a performance from the church’s Agape Dancers.
Taste of Park Ridge
- July 13-15
- Summit Avenue between Touhy Avenue and Washington Street, Park Ridge
More than 15 local vendors set up booths. From sweet to salty, there are options for everyone at this annual festival, including D’agostino’s Pizza, Himalayan Restaurant, Cream of the Crepe and more. While the kiddos slurp down root beer floats from Triple Scoop’d, parents can sip on a selection of wines at the Wine Oasis.
Alpine Fest
- July 21-23
- Lion Fred Blau Park, Main Street, Lake Zurich
Alpine Fest dates back to 1942, according to the Lake Zurich Lions Club website, to celebrate the victories of World War II. Today, families can commemorate the July heat by taking a ride on one of many carnival rides, tasting a beer in the beer garden or chowing down on treats from one of the local vendors.
Picnic in the Park: Food Truck Festival
- July 27
- Klein Park, 9700 S Homan Ave., Evergreen Park
Evergreen Park is bringing back its Picnic in the Park event with cuisines from Mexican to Hawaiian to Italian and music from a DJ. All proceeds help support the Evergreen Park local food pantry.
Pierogi Fest
- July 28-30
- Downtown Whiting, Ind.
Slip across the Indiana border for a nationally recognized wacky fest that’s all about pierogis. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of kielbasa and sauerkraut and other foodie treats as well as a parade, pierogi eating contest and music, too.
Destination Asia Fest
- Aug. 4-6
- Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Rt. 53, Lisle
Take a trip overseas without the extra hassle! This celebration dedicated to Asian cultures honors cuisines from China, India, Japan, Korea and more. Immerse your family in the traditions of music and dance while exploring the curated tree collections from multiple countries and learn about the important conservation efforts in which the arboretum participates.
Ignite the Courage “Smoke and Irons” Music Festival
- Aug. 11-12
- Apple Orchard Park, 620 W. Stearns Road, Bartlett
Sponsored by local firefighters, this bash is a commemoration of the responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep communities safe. Kids and adults can nosh on edible delicacies from Tickle My Tamale, The Dogfather Hot Dogs, EJ Pierogi and countless others. Check out the craft show during the day or live music at night
Ribfest Chicago
- Aug. 18-20
- 4000 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Calling all meat-lovers! Ribfest returns for its 23rd year in Chicago’s Northcenter neighborhood. The festival’s website boasts 50,000 pounds of pork, more than 15 food vendors and more than 60,000 attendees each year. Don’t be deceived by the name, though, because there are plenty of food options for non-meat eaters
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