When raising kids, you know life can get busy with school, sports practices, dance classes and other extracurricular activities. That’s why it’s sometimes helpful to plan ahead when searching for exciting events and attractions in Chicagoland. To make things easier for you, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do with kids this month.
There are many happenings around Chicagoland in the month of August. There are summer festivals and other outdoor attractions you can explore with your family. There are also plenty of movie in the park and music in the park events happening every week. Keep on scrolling to see our top picks of kid-friendly events in Chicago and the suburbs. You also can find more family events listed in our calendar.
Note: We’re updating our website as quickly as we can, but changes may occur due to COVID-19. Please double check before heading out for the most updated information on safety precautions, vaccine requirements and any last-minute cancellations.
City
Navy Pier ‘Water Flicks’ Summer Film Series at Polk Bros Park Lake Stage
Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2022
- Address: 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy Navy Pier’s popular film series at Polk Bros Park Lake Stage. Great for families to watch together. In August, see My Family Mi Familia, Rent, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Meet the Parents and Are We There Yet?
Millennium Park Summer Film Series at Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2022
- Address: 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can head to Millennium Park for a summer film series. Sit in the pavilion or on the lawn. This year’s theme is, “2022 Year of Chicago Dance” and films are inspired by dance. Aug. 2 is Dirty Dancing, Aug. 9 is Knives Out, Aug. 16 is Shang-Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings, Aug. 23 is Save the Last Dance and Aug. 30 is Strictly Ballroom.
Movies in the Parks at West Pullman Park
Aug. 2, 2022
- Address: 401 W. 123rd St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can head to West Pullman Park for a showing of Space Jam: A New Legacy. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at West Lawn Park
Aug. 2, 2022
- Address: 4233 W. 65th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can head to West Lawn Park for a showing of Space Jam: A New Legacy. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Hasan (Elliot) Park
Aug. 3, 2022
- Address: 6855 S. Oglesby Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can head to Hasan (Elliot) Park for a showing of Black Panther. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Tom (Ping) Memorial Park
Aug. 3, 2022
- Address: 1700 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Bring the kids out to Parks at Tom (Ping) Memorial Park for a showing of Sing 2. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages
Movies at Gallagher Way
Aug. 3, 17, 31, 2022
- Address: 3635 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Head out to Gallagher Way for their summer programming series. In August, see Grease, Encantoand Almost Famous. Reservations required.
Movies in the Parks at Kilbourn Park
Aug. 3, 2022
- Address: 3501 N. Kilbourn Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can head to Kilbourn Park for a showing of The Best Summer of my Life, beginning at dusk.
Chicago Duck Derby
Aug. 4, 2022
- Address: The Wrigley Building, 400 Michigan Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free; $5 to adopt a duck
Spectators cheer on more than 50,000 yellow rubber ducks during the annual Chicago Ducky Derby to benefit Special Olympics Illinois.
Movies in the Parks at Bartelme (Mary) Park
Aug. 4, 26, 2022
- Address: 115 S. Sangamon St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
See a showing of Hidden Figures on Aug. 4 and A League of Their Own on Aug. 26. The movie begins at dusk.
Movies in the Parks at Palmer (Potter) Park
Aug. 4, 2022
- Address: 201 E. 111th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can head to Palmer (Potter) Park for a showing of Space Jam: A New Legacy. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Senn (Nicholas) Park
Aug. 4, 2022
- Address: 5887 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can head to Senn (Nicholas) Park for a showing of The Mitchells vs the Machines. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Blues in the Parks at Tilton Park
Aug. 5, 2022
- Address: 230 N. Komar Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Come out to Tilton Park and join Chicago Blues Revival for their series of Blues in the Parks in 2022. Bring a lawn chair and see Omar Coleman.
Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) at McCormick Place
Aug. 5-7, 2022
- Address: 2301 S. King Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $99/3-Day adult ticket, $40/Friday adult ticket, $50/Saturday OR Sunday adult ticket, $20/3-Day child ticket OR digital ticket for child, $10/Sunday child ticket; VIP tickets available, too
At this event, you will see your favorite celebrities and comic creators, do meet and greets and photo ops and more. The Family Zone will have drawing workshops, performances and interactive activities. There will also be a show floor of dun exhibitors in “Pop Asia” and a beer garden, live music and trivia in “The Yard.”
Movies in the Parks at Avalon Park
Aug. 5, 2022
- Address: 1215 E. 83rd St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can enjoy seeing a showing of King Richard at Avalon Park. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Dvorak (Anton) Park
Aug. 5, 2022
- Address: 1119 W. Cullerton St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Bring the kids out to Dvorak (Anton) Park for a showing of Sing 2. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at LeClaire-Hearst Park
Aug. 5, 2022
- Address: 5120 W. 44th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Bring the kids out to LeClaire-Hearst Park for a showing of Sing 2. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Bugapalooza at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Aug. 6, 2022
- Address: 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $17-$27 (ticket includes museum admission
Stop by the bug zoo to get up close and personal with native insects and spiders and make sure to visit the petting zoo while you’re there. Speak with their entomologist, watch insect pinning demos and learn to dance like a bee. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center at Washington (George) Park
Aug. 6, 27, 2022
- Address: 5531 S. King Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free
See a showing of Encanto on Aug. 6 and Coming 2 America on Aug. 27 at DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. The movie begins at dusk.
Movies in the Parks at Jonquil Park
Aug. 6, 20, 2022
- Address: 1001 W. Wrightwood Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Head to Jonquil Park for a movie beginning at dusk. For all ages. Moana is on Aug. 6 and Sleepless in Seattle is on Aug. 20.
Northalsted Market Days®
Aug. 6, 2022
- Address: 3400 N. Halsted St., Chicago
- Cost: $15/suggested donation
This weekend long live music street festival is celebrating its 40th year. There will be six stages, food, drinks, arts and crafts, DJ’s, sponsor booth and over 250 unique vendors.
Movies in the Parks at Calumet Park
Aug. 9, 2022
- Address: 9801 S. Avenue G, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Head to Jonquil Park for a showing of Fantasia beginning at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Chippewa Park
Aug. 9, 2022
- Address: 6748 N. Sacramento Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Bring the kids out to Chippewa Park for a showing of Encanto. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Field (Eugene) Park
Aug. 9, 2022
- Address: 5100 N. Ridgeway Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Bring the kids out to Field (Eugene) Park for a showing of Encanto. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Lake House Market at Fairmont Hotel Valet Drive
Aug. 10, 2022
- Address: 200 N. Columbus Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Local vendors and artists gather to give you the best of what Chicago has to offer! Come support your local community as we feature arts + crafts, jewelry, and more!
Midweek on the Midway at Midway Plaisance Park
Aug. 10, 2022
- Address: 1130 Midway Plaisance, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can head to Midway Plaisance Park for a showing of Raya and the Last Dragon. They will also be giving away books to the first 50 kids.
Movies in the Parks at Clark (John) Park
Aug. 10, 2022
- Address: 4615 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can head to Clark (John) Park for a showing of Ghostbusters: Afterlife, beginning at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Piotrowski (Lillian) Park
Aug. 10, 2022
- Address: 4247 W. 31st St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can head to Piotrowski (Lillian) Park for a showing of Ghostbusters: Afterlife. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Schreiber Park
Aug. 10, 2022
- Address: 1552 W. Schreiber Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Bring the kids out to Schreiber Park for a showing of Luca. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Fosco (Peter) Park
Aug. 11, 2022
- Address: 1312 S. Racine Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can head to Fosco (Peter) Park for a showing of King Richard. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Marquette (Jacques) Park
Aug. 11, 2022
- Address: 6743 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Bring the kids out to Marquette (Jacques) Park for a showing of Encanto. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Tuley (Murray) Park
Aug. 11, 2022
- Address: 501 E. 90th Place, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Bring the kids to Tuley (Murray) Park for a showing of Soul. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Retro on Roscoe in Roscoe Village
Aug. 11, 2022
- Address: 2000 W. Roscoe St., Chicago
- Cost: $10/suggested donation
There will be live music on three stages, antique vendors and merchants and a family area. The family area features inflatables, face painting, balloon artists, rides, crafts and more.
Movies in the Parks at Archer (William Beatty) Park
Aug. 12, 2022
- Address: 4901 S. Kilbourn Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can head to Archer (William Beatty) Park for a showing of Spider-Man: No Way Home. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Mather (Stephen Tying) Park
Aug. 12, 2022
- Address: 5941 N. Richmond St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Bring the kids out to Mather (Stephen Tying) Park for a showing of Sing 2. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Pasteur (Louis) Park
Aug. 12, 2022
- Address: 5825 S. Kostner Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can enjoy a showing of Moana at Pasteur (Louis) Park. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Bud Billiken Parade and Festival
Aug. 13, 2022
- Address: King Drive & Oakwood Blvd., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Celebrating their 93rd year, the parade kicks off at 10 a.m. and features floats, bands, drill teams, dance teams and celebrities. There will be a family-friendly festival post parade that will include vendors, face painting, Zumba in the Park and more.
Movies in the Parks at Moore (Maurice) Park
Aug. 13, 2022
- Address: 5085 W. Adams St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can head to Moore (Maurice) Park for a showing of Spider-Man: No Way Home. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Oz Park
Aug. 13, 27, 2022
- Address: 1021 N. Burling St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can head to Oz Park for a showing of Clue on Aug. 13 and The Wizard of Oz on Aug. 27. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Veteran’s Memorial Park
Aug. 13, 2022
- Address: 2820 E. 98th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Bring the kids out to Veteran’s Memorial Park for a showing of Encanto. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Printer’s Row Art Fest
Aug. 13-14, 2022
- Address: 701 S. Dearborn St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Art at all price points by painters, street artists, jewelers, upcycling artists, photographers, mixed media artists and more. The local restaurants and bars will serve up their Chicago specialties.
Rocket Fuel: Astronaut Food from the Space Race to Now at Pritzker Military Museum & Library
Aug. 13, 2022
- Address: 104 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
The Pritzker Military Museum & Library invites you to join them while they explore the history of astronaut food from the Space Race to the present day. You will learn about the evolution of astronaut food, sample some space snacks and build and launch gravity-defying paper rockets.
2nd Sunday Concerts at Anderson (Fred) Park
Aug. 14, 2022
- Address: 1611 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a family-friendly concert at Anderson (Fred) Park. Aug. 14 will be Scott Hesse Trio.
Broadway In Chicago Summer Concert
Aug. 15, 2022
- Address: Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
At this free concert, there will be several shows performing including Disney’s The Lion King, Dear Evan Hansen, Wicked, MJ and more.
Movies in the Parks at McGuane (John) Park
Aug. 16, 2022
- Address: 2901 S. Poplar Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can enjoy a showing of Space Jam: A New Legacy at McGuane (John) Park. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks Oakwood Beach at Burnham (Daniel) Park
Aug. 16, 2022
- Address: 4100 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Head to Loyola Park for a showing of You Got Served The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Ward (A. Montgomery) Park
Aug. 16, 2022
- Address: 630 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
See a showing of Encanto at Ward (A. Montgomery) Park. Begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Hamlin (Hannibal) Park
Aug. 17, 2022
- Address: 3035 N. Hoyne Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Bring the kids out to Hamlin (Hannibal) Park for a showing of Sing 2. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Roberts (David) Park
Aug. 17, 2022
- Address: 5230 W. Argyle St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Kids will enjoy heading to Roberts (David) Park to see a showing of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Smith Playlot at Smith (Wendell) Park
Aug. 17, 2022
- Address: 9912 S. Princeton Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Bring the kids out to Smith Playlot at Smith (Wendell) Park for a showing of Sing 2. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Anderson (Louis) Park
Aug. 18, 2022
- Address: 3748 S. Prairie Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can head to Anderson (Louis) Park for a showing of King Richard. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Maggie Daley Park
Aug. 18, 2022
- Address: 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can enjoy a showing of Encanto at Maggie Daley Park. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Wicker (Charles, Joel) Park
Aug. 18, 2022
- Address: 1425 N. Damen Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Head to Wicker (Charles, Joel) Park for a movie. Begins at dusk. For all ages. La La Land is on Aug. 18.
Movies in the Parks at Gross (Theodore) Park
Aug. 19, 2022
- Address: 2708 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Bring the kids out to Gross (Theodore) Park for a showing of Moana. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Kosciuszko (Thadeuz) Park
Aug. 19, 2022
- Address: 2732 N. Avers Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can head to Kosciuszko (Thadeuz) Park for a showing of Ghostbusters: Afterlife. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Tilton (George) Park
Aug. 19, 2022
- Address: 230 N. Kolmar Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Bring the kids out to Tilton (George) Park for a showing of The Boss Baby 2: Family Business. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Ribfest Chicago
Aug. 19-21, 2022
- Address: 4000 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Suggested donation: $10/person or $20/family
Enjoy ribs and other food and listen to bands while the kids hang out at “Kids Square” featuring entertainment, inflatables and games.
Movies in the Parks at Unity Park
Aug. 20, 2022
- Address: 2636 N. Kimball Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can head to Unity Park for a showing of King Richard. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Osterman Beach at Lincoln (Abraham) Park
Aug. 23, 2022
- Address: 3600 N. Recreation Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Head to Osterman Beach at Lincoln (Abraham) Park for a showing of Stormy Weather. Begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at River Park
Aug. 23, 2022
- Address: 5100 N. Francisco Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can head to River Park for a showing of Respect. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Russell (Martin) Square Park
Aug. 24, 2022
- Address: 3045 E. 83rd St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can enjoy a movie at Russell (Martin) Square Park for a showing of Ghostbusters: Afterlife. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at South Shore Cultural Center/Fieldhouse Park
Aug. 24, 2022
- Address: 7059 S. South Shore Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can head to South Shore Cultural Center/Fieldhouse Park for a showing of The Wiz. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Cole (Nat King) Park
Aug. 25, 2022
- Address: 361 E. 85th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can enjoy a showing of Space Jam: A New Legacy at Cole (Nat King) Park. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Gage (George) Park
Aug. 25, 2022
- Address: 2411 W. 55th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Bring the kids out to Gage (George) Park for a showing of Sing 2. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Athletic Field Park
Aug. 26, 2022
- Address: 3546 W. Addison St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can head to Athletic Field Park for a showing of Spider-Man.. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Movies in the Parks at Scottsdale Park
Aug. 26, 2022
- Address: 4637 W. 83rd St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Kids can enjoy a showing of Encanto at Scottsdale Park. The movie begins at dusk. For all ages.
Taste of Greektown
Aug. 26-28, 2022
- Address: 315 S. Halsted St., Chicago
- Cost: $7/suggested donation
This annual event features Greek food, music and entertainment, including Greek bands, artisans and games for both kids and families.
Stan’s Donut 5K and Kid’s Dash
Aug. 27, 2022
- Address: 1410 Special Olympics Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $44.99-plus/5K, $20-plus/Kids Dash
Enjoy donuts throughout the course and at the finish line while knowing that your participation helped the fight against hunger in Chicago. Registration required.
Family Storybook Yoga at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Aug. 28, 2022
- Address: 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $10-$15
Join Buddha Belly Kids Yoga for a storybook yoga class with your family! Families will interact through moving, breathing and connecting while listening to a story. For ages 2-8. Advanced registration is required.
North/Northwest Suburbs
Music Under The Trees at The Dole- Hey Jimmy: ‘Prom Revisited’
Aug. 4, 2022
- Address: 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake
- Cost: $20/general admission
Enjoy live music from Hey Jimmy on the front lawn at The Dole. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket and snacks. You can also order dinner or drinks ahead of time.
Anime Magic! at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Aug. 5-7, 2022
- Address: 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont
- Cost: $40/one-day Friday ticket, $45/one-day Saturday ticket, $35/one-day Sunday ticket, $50/weekend pass, $150/VIP pass
Anime Magic is an anime and Japanese Culture convention by fans, for fans. There will be celebrity guests, cosplay, cosplay contests, themed photo studios, vendors and much more.
Vintage Days at Historic Downtown Long Grove
Aug. 6-7, 2022
- Address: 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove
- Cost: Free
This event is a two-day street market for antique, reclaimed, repurposed, upcycled, vintage and handmade items. Live music, too.
DOGwood Day at Lambs Farm
Aug. 7, 2022
- Address: 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville
- Cost: Free for visitors and dogs
Enjoy one day of puppy love at this annual every for you and your doggie at Lambs Farm.
The Wizard of Oz at Marriott Theatre
Through Aug. 7, 2022 (Wednesdays-Sundays)
- Address: 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire
- Cost: $15
Relive the classic tale of four unlikely friends on the adventure of a lifetime! Join Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow (and little Toto too) as they journey down the yellow brick road to the magical Emerald City.
Chicago World’s Fair of Money at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Aug. 16-20, 2022
- Address: 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont
- Cost: $10/person, free/children under 12 and ANA members (also free admission on Saturday)
More than 500 dealers will be buying and selling rare coins, paper money, gold and silver. Take photos with Abraham Lincoln and Ben Franklin reenactors and participate in educational seminars and a children’s treasure trivia game.
Music Under The Trees at The Dole- Jimmy Nick & Friends
Aug. 18, 2022
- Address: 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake
- Cost: $20/general
Enjoy live music from Jimmy Nick & Friends on the front lawn at The Dole. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket and snacks. You can also order dinner or drinks ahead of time.
Evanston Art & Big Fork Fest
Aug. 19-21, 2022
- Address: 800 Church St., Evanston
- Cost: Free
Shop from over 130 juried artists from around the country at this annual event. For three days, art lovers will have the opportunity to see the masters at work with live art demonstrations along with one-on-one booth chats.
Little Bear Ribfest in Century Park
Aug. 19-20, 2022
- Address: 1002 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills
- Cost: $5/entry fee, free/ages 5 and under
The entertainment will be awarding winning blues artists. Bring your own lawn chairs to set up by the lake to listen to music. Multiple restaurants will be selling ribs and side dishes.
Midwest Bonsai Society August Exhibition at Chicago Botanic Garden
Aug. 19-21, 2022
- Address: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
- Cost: Free
It will feature over 50 world-class trees, it’s a showplace of trees from across the Midwest and beyond. Enthusiasts from across the country bring their trees to be judged in the main hall at the Garden’s Regenstein Center. There will be over 25 vendors selling trees, tools, pots, soil, fertilizers, etc. There will also be workshops and lectures.
Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players at Ravinia
Aug. 20, 2022
- Address: 201 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park
- Cost: $15-plus/general admission lawn tickets
Head to Carousel State at Ravinia for a kid’s concert. The genre is pop/rock.
Lake Forest Music Festival
Aug. 20, 2022
- Address: 220 E Deerpath Road, Lake Forest
- Cost: $10-plus
Enjoy a family-friendly summer party in downtown Lake Forest. There will be kids activities, food, live bands on two stages and a beer, bourbon and wine pavilion.
Port Clinton Art Festival
Aug. 27-28, 2022
- Address: 600 Central Ave., Highland Park
- Cost: Free
This annual festival offers fine art from more than 260 of the world’s most celebrated artists. There will also be food and drinks at local restaurants available to purchase.
South Suburbs
Movie Nights at Village Commons Lawn
Aug. 3, 10, 2022
- Address: 1 Veterans Pkwy., New Lenox
- Cost: Free
Families can enjoy a movie night at Village Commons on the lawn. Food and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase. For all ages. Aug. 3 is Raya and the Last Dragon and Aug. 10 is The Boss Baby: Family Business.
MAPLD FanFest at Matteson Public Library District
Aug. 13, 2022
- Address: 801 School Ave., Matteson
- Cost: Free
There will be educational and fun programs/events for all ages will be scheduled throughout the entire day. Take part in our cosplay showcase, video game tournament, streamer panel and more. Come meet superheroes and enter to win numerous prize baskets.
Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert Tour at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Aug. 28, 2022
- Address: 19100 Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park
- Cost: $47-plus
Kids will enjoy the film, Encanto as it comes to life in a one-of-a-kind concert event. It will feature the entire feature-length film and an on-stage band celebrating all the record-breaking hit songs from the beloved soundtrack.
Western Suburbs
Back to School Bash at Venue 1012
Aug. 4, 2022
- Address: 1012 Station Drive, Oswego
- Cost: Free
Enjoy music by a DJ, play games and more at this back to school event. Prizes will be given away every 30 minutes. There will be food and drinks available for purchase.
Festa Italiana at Naper Settlement
Aug. 5-7, 2022
- Address: 523 S. Webster St., Naperville
- Cost: $10/single day admission for 13 and up, free/ages 12 and under single admission, $5/Naperville resident single admission and seniors 65+, $20/3-day general admission, $25/single day admission for family of four
Families can enjoy live Italian and rock music, shopping, meatball eating contest, Italian food and kid’s activities and rides.
Movie in the Park at Wilder Park
Aug. 5, 2022
- Address: 175 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst
- Cost: Free
Grab a picnic blanket and join Elmhurst Park District at Wilder Park for a showing of Jurassic Park. Movie begins at dusk.
Movies on the Center Green at Geneva Commons
Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26, 2022 (Fridays)
- Address: 602 Commons Drive, Geneva
- Cost: Free
Families can enjoy a movie and food trucks at Geneva Commons this summer. Bring a blanket or chair and some snacks. Aug. 5 is Grease, Aug. 12 is Aladdin (2019), Aug. 19 is Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Aug. 26 is The LEGO Movie.
New Philharmonic at The Lakeside Pavilion at the McAninch Arts Center
Aug. 5, 2022
- Address: 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
- Cost: Free
See this show, which is under the direction of Conductor and Music Director Kirk Muspratt, the awarded symphony orchestra performs a highly entertaining mix of classical, Broadway pops, movie scores and more.
Reptile Party at North Riverside Park Mall
Aug. 6, 2022
- Address: 7501 W. Cermak Road, North Riverside
- Cost: Free
Kids can enjoy reptiles from Crosstown Exotics, face painting, balloon artists, back to school selfie stations and more. The first 200 kids will receive a free sea turtle key chain, while supplies last. Online registration required.
Shopping Cart Shuffle at Mallard Lake Forest Preserve
Aug. 6, 2022
- Address: Mallard Lane & West Schick Road, Bloomingdale Township
- Cost: $18-$20/500m Kids Dash, $40-$50/2K Walk and 5K Walk/Run
This race will have a 2K Walk, a 5K Walk or Run and a 500m Kids Dash for ages 2-10. All participants will receive the same event t-shirt, finisher medal and other items. Registration required.
Wheaton Art Walk
Aug. 6-7, 2022
- Address: Hale Street & Karlskoga Avenue, Wheaton
- Cost: Free admission and parking; pre-registration is required
The Wheaton Art Walk will showcase the work of many juried artists from around the country in a variety of mediums, including painting, jewelry, ceramics, fiber, glass, sculpture and more.
Adaptive Play Time at DuPage Children’s Museum
Aug. 7, 2022
- Address: 301 N. Washington St., Naperville
- Cost: $15/admission, $14/senior, free/children under 1
Adaptive Play Time provides a modified environment for play and learning for children and their caregivers. This program is indented for families with disabilities, on the autism spectrum, and/or sensory processing disorders. Pre-registration required.
Lunchtime Live – Miss Jamie’s Farm at Cerny Park
Aug. 11, 2022
- Address: 4S150 River Road, Warrenville
- Cost: Free
Pack a lunch and join Cerny Park for a lunchtime concert with live entertainment for children happening in the summertime.
A Night at the Movies at Rotary Hill
Aug. 12, 2022
- Address: 443 Aurora Ave., Naperville
- Cost: Free
Join the Naperville Park District outdoors for family-friendly movie night at Rotary Hill. See a Field of Dreams on Aug. 12. Bring your own folding chairs or a blanket.
2022 Western Suburbs Lupus Walk at the Naperville Riverwalk
Aug. 13, 2022
- Address: 912 Honorary Sindt Memorial Ct., Naperville
- Cost: $25/adult registration prior to event $30/adult registration day of, $10/children 12 and under
Participants can walk as individuals or as part of a team. Event activities include music, face painting, games and raffle prizes.
Movies Under the Stars: Disney’s LUCA at Venue 1012
Aug. 18, 2022
- Address: 1012 Station Drive, Oswego
- Cost: Free
Join the Village of Oswego for a free showing of Disney’s Luca. Bring a chair or blanket, buy a snack and soak up some great movies while the stars come out.
Summer Movies in the Park at Cerny Park
Aug. 18, 2022
- Address: 4S150 River Road, Warrenville
- Cost: Admission is included with $5 parking fee, $10 on summer weekend
Families can enjoy a movie night at Cerny Park and see a showing of Encanto Movies begin at dusk. There will be concessions available for purchase.
Park Palooza at Berens Park
Aug. 20, 2022
- Address: 493 N. Oaklawn Ave., Elmhurst
- Cost: Free
Bring your lawn chairs or pack a blanket and enjoy a lazy end-of-summer Saturday with live music, family games, a beer garden and more.
Night at the Movies at 95th Street Community Plaza
Aug. 26, 2022
- Address: 3109 Cedar Glade Drive, Naperville
- Cost: Free
Join the Naperville Park District outdoors for family-friendly movie night at 95th Street Community Plaza. Bring your own folding chairs or a blanket. See Jungle Cruise on Aug. 26.
Bike for the Kids at Festival Park
Aug. 28, 2022
- Address: 132 S. Grove Ave, Elgin
- Cost: $15/Kid’s Ride & Pedal Parade, $40-$50/12, 25, 50 & 100 Mile Rides, free/Easterseals clients and children 12 and under
Choose your distance and celebrate at the finish line with refreshments and family-friendly entertainment. All ages and abilities are encouraged to participate. Wheels of all kinds are welcome. Registration required.
Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World at Cantigny Park
Through Oct. 30, 2022
- Address: 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
- Cost: Admission is included with $5 parking fee, $10 on summer weekends
Visitors of this exhibit can see a five-month outdoor art exhibit featuring dozens of mythical animals inspired by Mexican folklore. The installation will feature nearly 50 “alebrijes” of all sizes created by artists from Mexico City.
This post is updated monthly.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.