Are you trying to plan something for your family this summer that’s fun and exciting? Whether you’re looking for a fun day trip or looking to get away for a weekend, these midwest summer festivals should be on your bucket list.
All are within driving distance from Chicagoland and are sure to be something special to experience with your kids this summer.
This article was updated on May 3, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Manager, Katina Beniaris. Her work included updating dates for 2024 summer festivals. Questions? Please reach out to katina@chicagoparent.com.
The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival
Through June 16, 2024
- Address: John Ball Zoo, 1300 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI
- Cost: $19/members on Wednesday-Thursday, $22/non-members on Wednesday-Thursday, $21/members on Friday-Sunday, $24/non-members on Friday-Sunday, free/ages 2 and under.There are ticket options for groups of 4 too.
This lantern festival will feature handcrafted lantern displays throughout the zoo. Each lantern tells a story and intersects Asian culture along with wildlife. The tour is one-mile long and will operate in rain or shine. There will be food available to purchase throughout the park. The tour does not include viewing any actual animals. Advanced tickets are recommended.
Edwardsville Route 66 Festival
June 8, 2024
- Address: City Park, 101 S. Buchanan St., Edwardsville
- Cost: $28/general admission, $62/three-day pass
This 26th annual festival will take place in downtown Edwardsville and feature classic cars, vendors, food and more. There will be live entertainment, too.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024
July 20-28, 2024
- Address: 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI
- Cost: $140/weekly ticket for member, $43/member daily ticket, $60/non-member daily ticket, $22/Sunday member ticket, $27/Sunday non-member ticket, free/ages 18 and under; $15/advanced daily parking, $25/on-site daily parking, $90/weekly parking
It’s the largest annual gathering for aviation and aircraft enthusiasts. Families can see air shows, a classic film at the Fly-In Theater, Twilight Flight Fest, aircraft rides, aircraft areas and more.
DeKalb Annual Corn Festival
Aug. 23-25 2024
- Address: Downtown DeKalb, Lincoln Highway between First and Fourth Streets, DeKalb
- Cost: Free
This free music festival features regional music acts, craft fest, kid fest and kid’s art fest, a carnival, car show, community stage, over 90 vendors, a corn boil on Saturday and more.
The Marshall County Blueberry Festival
Aug. 30-Sept. 2, 2024
- Address: Centennial Park, 1660 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, IN
- Cost: Free admission, $10-$20/parking
End this summer with this Labor Day weekend fest. Celebrating its 58th year, this Blueberry Festival offers entertainment all weekend long, along with a carnival, parade, fireworks, pageant, bicycle cruise, vendors and more. There will be lots of blueberry souvenirs to purchase at this fest.
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