Hello, August! We can expect another fun weekend of summer festivals, including Chinatown Summer Fair and Jeff Fest. Plus, you can get in the Olympic spirit at home with these fun games for kids.
With Illinois in Phase 5, you can bet that more local attractions are reopening and the summer events are rolling in. We’ve rounded up our favorite family-friendly events, activities and even date nights to check out this weekend.
Remember that if you’re leaving the house, be sure that all unvaccinated kids and adults are wearing a face covering indoors and heed social distancing requirements. Stay safe and have a great weekend!
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 and any last-minute cancellations.
Events
The city and suburbs continue to offer excellent options for family-friendly events. We picked some of our favorites going on this weekend below. Find even more events on our calendar.
Cirque Italia
Begins July 29, 2021
- Address: Chicago Premium Outlets, 1650 Premium Outlet Blvd., Aurora
- Cost: $10-$50
Cirque Italia presents “Aquatic Spectacular” with the name reflecting a unique attribute under the tent. The show features a custom designed water stage that travels from city to city. The stage holds 35,000 gallons of water that performers dazzle over while thrilling the audience with every move.
Festa Italiana
July 30-Aug. 1, 2021
- Address: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville
- Cost: $10
Families can enjoy live Italian and rock music, family-friendly entertainment, merchants and authentic Italian restaurants. See dancers and singers, and then feast on the best Italian food Illinois has to offer.
Jeff Fest
July 30-Aug. 1, 2021
- Address: Jefferson Park,4822 N. Long Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $5
The northwest side’s cozy Jefferson Park neighborhood throws its annual community party with food, music, arts/crafts and activities for kids. Look for the Kids Zone on the north side of the park.
Taste of Roselle
July 30-Aug. 1, 2021
- Address: Main Street between Roselle Road and Howard Street, Roselle
- Cost: Free admission
The Roselle Lions Club is hosting Roselle’s best block party this summer. Enjoy food, live entertainment, carnival, bingo tent and craft fair. Free children’s games will take place on Saturday and Sunday (1:30-2:45 p.m.).
Block City Lego Building Day
July 31, 2021
- Address: 3360 S. State St., Chicago
- Cost: Free, registration required
Get your creative juices flowing and help build a giant city out of Lego blocks on the campus of Illinois Institute of Technology. You may select the 9 a.m.-noon or 1-4 p.m. time slot. Free parking available.
Chinatown Summer Fair
July 31- Aug. 1, 2021
- Address: Chinatown, Wentworth Avenue and Cermak Road, Chicago
- Cost: Free
This neighborhood street festival will open with a lion dance procession at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, a welcome at 1 p.m. on the main stage, followed by Asian performances, kung fu demonstrations, samplings from Chinatown’s restaurants & unique gift shops, arts & crafts exhibits, street vendors with an array of merchandise, a children’s area with pony rides and petting zoo.
Art at the Glen
July 31-Aug. 1, 2021
- Address: The Glen Town Center, 2030 Tower Drive, Glenview
- Cost: Free, timed registration required
See the art of more than 140 juried artists from across the country. Artists will be available at their booths to give demonstrations and one-on-one conversations about their artistic processes. New for 2021, Art at the Glen will feature an Emerging Artist Section. Families are invited to bring gently used art to the fest and donate it to The Chicago Furniture Bank.
Music in the Park: The Forge Sings Disney
July 31-Aug. 1, 2021
- Address: The Forge: Lemont Quarries, 1001 Main St., Lemont
- Cost: $10
Families with kids of all ages can enjoy a Disney cabaret as talents from around the country lead a Disney sing-along. Guests can bring their own chairs and blankets; snacks and beverages are available for purchase.
Clark After Dark
Begins Aug. 1, 2021
- Address: River North, 420 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Cost: $10
USO of Illinois’ annual Clark After Dark block party celebrates America’s military service members and their families. Entertainment includes a food festival and live musical performances. Proceeds from the event benefit the USO of Illinois program and services that serve more than 326,000 military personnel and military families of Illinois.
Sunday Bandshell Concerts
Aug. 1, 2021
- Address: Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
- Cost: Free, preregistration & parking fee required
Enjoy a concert at the Cantigny Bandshell, with musical guests ranging from classic rock to family entertainment. Social distancing is required and face masks must be worn when social distancing isn’t possible.
Around Town
Photo Credit: Superdawg Drive-In
Spend the weekend exploring Chicagoland with your family with these ideas listed below.
- If you’re craving a Chicago-style bun or any other variation, these local hot dog spots will hit the spot.
- Adventure is out there! Get your whole family’s adrenaline running with these thrilling, family-friendly spots.
- Travel around the world without leaving Chicago. Check out this guide featuring culture-focused neighborhoods like West Ridge, Greektown and more.
- Summer festival season is not over yet. Mark your calendar with these kid-approved summer festivals planned for August.
At-Home Fun
If your family wants to stay at home this weekend, you can try streaming a new kids’ show or virtually visit your favorite Chicagoland location.
- Have you been watching the Olympics with your kids? Here are some fun games to bring the celebration to your backyard.
- It’s been so hot in Chicagoland lately. Cool off by trying one of these homemade ice cream recipes.
- The new Space Jam reboot is now streaming on HBO Max. After watching Space Jam: A New Legacy, check out our latest Watch This, Do That post featuring lessons and games for kids.
Parents Only
Since it’s summer, you deserve a night out! Consider these following ideas for a date night or a day out with friends.
- Get a taste of the hot chicken sensation with Dave’s Hot Chicken, opening its first Chicagoland location in Naperville on Friday, July 30.
- The Art Institute of Chicago is open late on Thursday and Friday. Guests can purchase tickets for 6-9 p.m. Just enough time to squeeze in a date night!
- Travel by bike to experience some of the best bites in Chicago’s Fulton Market, Ukrainian Village, Wicker Park and more with Bobby’s Bike Hike’s Westside Foodie Ride Bike.
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