This August, be sure to check out the summer festivals and back-to-school events happening this month. Also, find movies in the park events great for your family.
Scroll through our handpicked list of the best August family events in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Looking for even more fun? Don’t miss our packed event calendar filled with activities for every family.
Read more: Find Our Full List of July Events in Chicago Parent’s Events Calendar.
Best August family events in Chicagoland
Disney Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour at Allstate Arena
Aug. 6, 2025
- Address: 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont
- Cost: $39.50-plus
See a one-of-a-kind interactive live concert that features a talented line up including Joshua Colley from “Descendants: The Rise of Red” and Mekonnnen Knife from “Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires.”
Bud Billiken Parade
Aug. 9, 2025
- Address: 51st and Cottage and 51st and King, Chicago
- Cost: Free
In its 96th year, the parade features floats, bands, drill teams and more. As the second-largest U.S. parade, it unites the community and supports youth with the “Back to School” initiative.
Burr Ridge Art Fair
Aug. 9-10, 2025
- Address: 701 Village Center Drive, Burr Ridge
- Cost: Free
Artisans and makers will be showing and selling items from art to food, clothing to lotions, stationary to furniture, and candles to home decor. Also enjoy food vendors and live music.
Movies at Gallagher Way
Aug. 13, 27, 2025
- Address: 3635 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Head out to Gallagher Way for their summer programming series. In August, see Moana 2 and Crazy Rich Asians.
FAN EXPO Chicago at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Aug. 15-17, 2025
- Address: 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont
- Cost: $34-plus/single day ticket
This expo is perfect for anyone who’s into anime, comics, gaming, sci-fi, horror or cosplay. Meet celebrities, get autographs, play in the gaming booths, go shopping and more.
Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival
Aug. 16-17, 2025
- Address: 800 Church St., Evanston
- Cost: Free
Shop the works of art from 150 juried artists from around the country at their annual art fest. There will also be a live painting class, face painting, live music, a kids art zone, food trucks and more.
Taste of Greektown
Aug. 22-24, 2025
- Address: 315 S. Halsted St., Chicago
- Cost: Contact for details
This annual event features Greek food, music and entertainment, including Greek bands, artisans and games for both kids and families.
Bulls Fest at United Center
Aug. 23-24, 2025
- Address: 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
The two-day festival will feature a 3v3 basketball tournament, live music, art exhibitions, kid-friendly activities and food and drinks.
Port Clinton Art Festival
Aug. 23-24, 2025
- Address: 600 Central Ave., Highland Park
- Cost: Free
This annual festival offers fine art from more than 200 of the world’s most celebrated artists. Also, face painting, food, drinks, a kids tent and more.
Naperville Last Fling
Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 2025
- Address: 100 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville
- Cost: Free admission; fees for activities
The festival will include an entertainment stage, food vendors, business expo vendors, family activities, Labor Day parade and a carnival.
This article was recently updated on July 28, 2025, by Chicago Parent Content Writer Kari Zaffarano. The update included her adding new Chicagoland events to ChicagoParent.com‘s calendar and featuring the best family events this month, aligning with Chicago Parent’s mission to provide the top parenting resources for local families. Questions? Please reach out to kari@chicagoparent.com.
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