Compiled by Bugle staff, here is your guide to a summer’s worth of suburban single-day and multi-day festivals and celebrations.
June 2-3 • Bolingbrook
Cavalcade of Planes. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bolingbrook’s Clow International Airport, 130 Clow International Pkwy C, Bolingbrook. A great family event that gives everyone the chance to see many types of aircraft, both flying and on the ground. Both days also including skydiving, formation flying, helicopter demonstrations, and much more! Check out the Illinois Aviation Museum as well while you’re there. You can pre-purchase tickets for $5 per adult and $3 per child at calvalcadeofplanes.com. Day of event tickets are $6.
June 9 • Bolingbrook
Piyesta Pinoy, or Philippine Fest. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. at Bolingbrook Performing Arts Center, 375 W Briarcliff, Bolingbrook. In it’s 5th year, this is an annual celebration showcases of Filipino heritage and culture. Featuring dozens of fun cultural events and. Experience authentic Filipino cuisine, cultural exhibits, arts and crafts, and Filipino games, It begins with a costume parade and provides children’s activities and educational workshops to all. Admission and parking is free. http://pacfmidwest.org/2015-pinoy-comedy-concert/
June 8 • Joliet
7th Annual New Orleans North. noon – 4 p.m. at Downtown Joliet N. Chicago St./Van Burren. An early summer outdoor Mardi Gras-style event featuring bands, beer tents, and Cajun food. The New Orleans atmosphere is enhanced with Hurricane drinks, a stilt walker, jugglers and other street performers. https://jolietchamber.com/events/new-orleans-north/
June 10 • Park Ridge
Wine Walk. noon-4 p.m. in Uptown Park Ridge. Attendees will receive a passport to visit each participating business. When a completed passport is turned in, you will receive a raffle ticket to win several prizes (gift certificates donated by participating chamber member businesses). Starts at Fitness Formula Clubs, 826 W. Touhy Ave., ends at Houlihan’s Restaurant, 550 W. Touhy Ave. www.parkridgechamber.org
June 13-17 • Woodridge
Woodridge Jubilee. All day to mid-evening at Woodridge and Center drives, Woodridge. Carnival rides, live music and a variety of food…summer doesn’t get any better than that! You’ll find that and much more at the 34th Annual Woodridge Jubilee, organized by the Woodridge Park District and Village of Woodridge. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, enjoy entertainment, delicious food, beverages and bingo. On Saturday, June 16, don’t miss the free children’s activities along with carnival rides, food, beverages, entertainment and fireworks. The carnival will also be open on Sunday afternoon. https://www.woodridgeparks.org/Jubilee.htm
June 14 • Plainfield
Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival. 5:30-10 p.m. at 14903 S Center St, Unit 109, 14903 S Center St, Unit 109, Plainfield. Join the Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce for the inaugural Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival. Ticket price includes: Live music, 1 BBQ Food Ticket and 3 Drink Coupons, one at each location. Live Music performed by Chicago Blues Angels, The Whiskeys and Michael Metoyer. Participating Companies: Werk Force Brewing Co , Warehouse 109, Tailwinds Distilling and Baby Back Blues BBQ. www.warehouse109.com, www.werkforcebrewing.com, www.tailwindsdistilling.com, babybackblues.com
June 14-17 • Lockport
Old Canal Days. Throughout the weekend at downtown Lockport. Carnival, craft show, beer garden, parade, Native American experience, car show, live bands. www.oldcanaldays.com
June 21-24 • Downers Grove
Rotary GroveFest. Downtown Downers Grove, Main Street, train tracks south to Curtiss St. This family-friendly event starts Thursday when the carnival comes to town! Friday evening officially kicks off the event with the parade following. The main stage will be located at Central Square with a beer and wine tent and exceptional entertainment lined up throughout the entire weekend; and the craft show will run Saturday and Sunday between 6th Street and 8th Street on State. There are numerous activities and exhibits scheduled at the Lincoln Landing as well as Heritage Village. http://www.rotarygrovefest.com/
June 24 • Bolingbrook
34th Annual Village Picnic. Noon – 6 p.m. behind Town Center, 375 W. Briarcliff Road. Art in the Park, community organizations selling food, climbing treadwall, petting zoo, free hot dogs, bingo, hot dog eating contest, egg toss contest, pony rides, kiddie obstacle, fishing derby, trackless train rides, senior tent, fun games. bbcca.org/villiage-picnic.http://bbcca.org/
June 24 • Shorewood
Shorewood Kite Fest 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Cene’s Four Seasons Park, 25520 W Seil Rd, Shorewood. Bring your kite or purchase one at the park. Professional kite flyers to demonstrate ties, large show kites and sport kites. http://vil.shorewood.il.us/departments/parks-and-recreation/Brochure%20Snips/Kite_Fest.JPG
July 26 • Niles
Niles Cycling Classic. at Notre Dame College Prep, Niles, Professional cycling comes to Niles this summer! Introducing the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Niles Cycling Classic. The Village’s traditional Bike Niles Fest has evolved into a new high-energy, family-friendly all-day event. The Niles Cycling Classic is a part of the Intelligentsia Cup, a multi-day cycling tournament that includes sites throughout Chicago. Racing begins at 10 a.m., with professional races starting at 5:05 p.m. and a family fun ride at 6:15 p.m. The race course goes right through the streets of Niles. https://www.vniles.com/877/Niles-Cycling-Classic
June 27 • Joliet
Race Fan Rally. 5- 10 p.m. in downtown Joliet at Chicago Street between Cass and Jefferson Streets, N Chicago Street, Joliet. Each year, members of the Will County Center for Economic Development and the Joliet City Center Partnership host a one-day fest on the streets of downtown Joliet to kick off the NASCAR race weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. http://jolietdowntown.com/race-fan-rally/
June 27-July 1 • Lisle
Lisle Eyes to the Skies Carnival kicks of 5 days of this annual event in Lisle Community Park, 1825 Short Street in Lisle. The five days include the carnival, balloon launch, craft and food vendors, kids activities and entertainment and evening concerts. https://www.eyestotheskies.org
June 28-July 1 • Niles
St. John Brebeuf Summer Fest and Carnival. 6-10 p.m. at St. John Brebeuf Parish, 8301 N. Harlem Ave., Niles. Enjoy summer days with rides, games, food pancake breakfast and live entertainment! Purchase a Mega Pass before June 27th. Contact SJB (847) 966-8145.
June 30 -July 4 • Morton Grove
Morton Grove Days. at American Legion Memorial Civic Center, 6140 Dempster Street, Morton Grove. Five days of food rides, bands, games, activities, a parade and with fireworks to close the festival. mortongrovedays.org
July 3 • Romeoville
Independence Day Celebration. 6-9:30 p.m. at Deer Crossing Park, 1050 W. Romeo Rd. Activities, food and live bands. Live music by the Ron Burgundys (6-7 p.m.) and Wedding Banned (7:30-9:30 p.m.); 9:30 p.m. fireworks show at Village Park (900 W. Romeo Rd.) All park rules apply; no pets allowed. http://www.romeoville.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=1286&month=7&year=2018&day=3&calType=0
July 3 • Park Ridge
Park Ridge July 3rd Fireworks Celebration. 6:30-10 p.m. at Maine East High School Field, 2601 E Dempster St, Park Ridge. Bring a picnic (no alcoholic beverages or grills) and relax before the fireworks begin. Enjoy the evening catching up with friends and family. DJ & Children’s Entertainment: 6:30-8 p.m. Live Music Entertainment starts at 8 p.m. Fireworks begin at dusk. https://www.prparks.org/Events/List/ArtMID/964/ArticleID/719/Park-Ridge-July-3rd-Fireworks-Celebration
July 4 • Niles
Fourth of July Parade and Celebration. 8:45 a.m. at from Notre Dame College Prep, 7655 W. Dempster Street. Join us to celebrate Independence Day at the Village of Niles 4th of July Parade. This family fun event features local groups and organizations as well as marching bands from around the country! The parade steps off from Notre Dame College Prep, continuing south on Ozark Avenue, east on Main Street, south on Harlem Avenue, and west on Monroe Street to Oketo Avenue. Post-parade festivities at Grennan Heights are sponsored by the Niles Park District. https://www.vniles.com/878/Fourth-of-July-Parade
July 4 • Westmont
Independence Day Celebration. 4-10 p.m. at Ty Warner Park, 801 Burr Oak Drive, Westmont. We will be lighting up the skies with bigger and better fireworks than ever before! The family fun begins at the old-fashioned Independence Day Celebration. A complete list of activities can be found in the summer progr a.m. guide on Westmont Park Districts website. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy the best 4th of July around. https://www.westmontparks.org/event/independence-day-celebration/
July 4-7 • Naperville
Rifest. Noon-10 p.m. daily at Knoch Park, 724 South West Street, Naperville. Fireworks, family area, carnival, food and 12 rib vendors compete for cash prizes and honors in three categories: for the Best Ribs, Best Sauce and Kid’s Choice. Big name music acts such as Pitfall, Steven Tyler, Stray Cats and Melissa Etheridge. ribfest.net.
July 12-15 • Westmont
Taste of Westmont. 5:30-9:30 p.m. at downtown Westmont on Cass Ave. Visit Westmont in July for the award-winning Taste of Westmont summer festival. A four-day weekend full of fun for the whole family. Thursday is Kidzapalooza featuring carnival specials, Irving stage, battle of the bands, car show and more. More carnival specials all weekend, plus craft show, kids activities, face painting, beer tent, and of course, grab a “taste” at our local restaurant food booths. westmontevents.com/
July 12 • Lemont
28th Annual Heritage Fest. 4 to 11 p.m. at 418 Main Street, Lemont. Now in its 27th year, Heritage Fest continues to provide an enjoyable celebration for residents, local businesses, and visitors alike with great music, wonderful food, amazing family fun, and best of all, most activities are FREE! This event will coordinate with the Lemont Fireman’s Association 67th Annual Keepataw Parade. Heritage Fest immediately follows the parade. Children’s activities: 3 to 7 p.m.; Main Stage Entertainment, 3 to 11 p.m. www.lemont.il.us/440/Heritage-Fest
July 14-16 • Niles
The Big Greek Food Fest Of Niles. hours varied. Holy Taxiarhai & St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, 7373 Caldwell Avenue, Niles. Authentic Greek food, Greek pastries, roasted lamb, kids corner, (crafts, face painting and more), live music, imported greek wines, Greek taverna, loukoumathes, festival dancers and cooking classes. biggreekfoodfestofniles.org.
July 20 • Lisle
Family Fun Fest. 6-8:30 p.m. at Community Park Bandshell, 1825 Short Street, Lisle Come out this summer for an evening of entertainment! The Community Park Bandshell area will be filled with fun for the whole family, including fun fair games, face painting, children’s entertainment, inflatables, prizes and more. Win prizes at more than 20 fun fair games that will entertain and challenge. $10 for a punch card of 25 punches. Snacks will be available for purchase at Sea Lion Aquatic Park’s Sammy’s Snack Shack. All Ages Rain site: Lisle High School Commons – 1800 Short Street, Lisle. http://lisleparkdistrict.org/specialevents.html
August 2-5 • Romeoville
RomeoFest is a 4-day long celebration of the Romeoville community with music, food, family entertainment, carnival, car show, bingo, and much more. The Village of Romeoville fills every day with non-stop free entertainment for all ages to enjoy. The event is located at Deer Crossing Park (1050 W. Romeo Road) and Village Park (900 W. Romeo Road). https://www.romeoville.org/741/RomeoFest
August 3-5 • Shorewood
Crossroads Fest. Gene’s Four Seasons Park, 25520 W Seil Rd, Shorewood. 42nd annual festival featuring carnival, music, food and craft vendors, car show, kids zone, fireworks, Sunday parade. https://www.crossroadsfest.com/
August 4 • Joliet
Kidzfest. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in downtown Joliet, located along Chicago Street between Benton and Jefferson Streets, Chicago Street Between Van Buren and West Jefferson St and the Van Buren Plaza, Joliet. A free family fun extravaganza in downtown Joliet! Be sure to stop by Lewis University’s Mini Campus at the fest to get your picture in a small airplane, make an art project, create a science experiment and more! All activities are *FREE*! There will also be plenty of area businesses and organizations with free activities for kids along Chicago Street. Food and drink will be available at a cost.
August 10 • Woodridge
Hawiiaan Family Fun Day. noon-4 p.m. at Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park, 8301 Janes Ave, Woodridge. Join us for a Hawaiian-themed day of fun with the family. There will be games for all ages, live entertainment, lunch specials and prizes. https://www.woodridgeparks.org/cgi-bin/events/events.pl?record=225
August 11 • Bolingbrook
Taste of Bolingbrook. at the The Promenade Bolingbrook, 631 East Boughton Road Bolingbrook. Sponsored by the Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce, enjoy delicious food, live music, and entertainment! More details to come! Free to the public.
August 26 • Bolingbrook
Taste of Pakistan. Noon-11 p.m. at Village of Bolingbrook, Performing Arts Center, 375 W. Briarcliff Rd., Bolingbrook. Pakistani Independence Day. The 26 annual flag hoisting ceremony. Honored guests include Mayor Roger C. Claar and Consul General of Pakistan Faisal N. Tirmizi. Join us and bring the family to enjoy a day filled with fun, food and simply the best entertainment.https://www.facebook.com/events/702407003303745/?active_tab=about
Aug. 31-September 3 • Naperville
Last Fling. The Naperville Jaycees’ Last Fling is a family-friendly community festival in and around downtown Naperville and, for many, is a fun way to say farewell to summer! The Last Fling offers a wide variety of attractions for all ages to enjoy including: national and local musicians on two stages, Family Fun Land, a carnival, unique special events, a business expo and a running event. http://www.lastfling.org/
September 8 • Joliet
Fiesta En La Calle. 4-11 p.m. on Chicago Street, downtown Joliet. An annual Street Festival presented by Alianza de Negocios (a division of the Joliet Chamber of Commerce & Industry). The festival supports the Spanish Community Center and Alianza de Negocios. The event will include live bands, authentic Mexican food, palomas, and a kid’s zone play area. https://jolietchamber.com/events/fiesta-en-la-calle/
September 8-9 • Lockport
WWII Days. Dellwood Park, Rte 171 and Woods Dr., Lockport. Relive the days of WWII from the battlefront and the homefront. New this year is a Vietnam living history experience. www.lockportpark.org
September 8-9 • Downers Grove
Fine Arts Festival 2018. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. downtown Downers Grove. Fifty artists will line Main Street wtih a variety of mediums and price points. www.downtowndg.org/whats-happening
September 16-17 • Lisle
Depot Days. noon to 5 p:m. at the Museums at Station Park campus. 921 School Street, Lisle. The event is free to the public, and all ages are welcome. Discover what life was like more than 100 years ago at Depot Days, where you’ll be transported back in time as you tour the Depot Museum, Beau Bien Tavern, Netzley/Yender House, and a working blacksmith shop. Or visit the historic Lisle Cemetery and search for some of Lisle’s earliest settlers. Visitors can also take a hayride, shop at the craft fair, observe the abundance of a historical fall garden, or enjoy the aroma of fresh baked apple pies and warm cornbread. Watch demonstrations such as basket weaving, lace making, bee keeping, and more! There are also model railroad trains on display. http://lisleparkdistrict.org/museumsatlislestationpark.html
September 22 • Joliet
Comic Book & Fantast Art Expo. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Joliet Area Historical Museum , 2014 N Ottawa Street , Joliet . Galaxy Comic Book and Fantasy Art Expo will immerse you in the world of comic books, fantasy art and authors; bringing together fans, collectors, and even future writers and artists of tomorrow. Perfect for those who collect comics as well as those who like to casually read them. For those who even enjoy the look of fantasy art such as dragon’s realms of far off worlds. Spend the day talking with the artists, and authors who bring these worlds to life. Meet the artists that work in the industry for the likes of Disney, Marvel, DC, Topps, Magic The Gathering. Take in a panel on a number of topics. Out side the norm of a basic banquet hall convention. Enjoy the challenge of the Expo hunt game for all ages and win free raffle ticket for the prize table.This is being held at the modern Joliet Area Historical Museum spread though all four floors. www.jolietmuseum.org
September 23 • Woodridge
Indian Summer Festival. noon-5 p.m. at Castaldo Park, 3024 71st Street, Woodridge. Bring your entire family out for the 27th Annual Indian Summer Festival. Enjoy a bike ride or walk through the Woodridge Park District’s parks while participating in family events and eating a variety of food. Bring along clothes to make your own scarecrow – we supply the hay! https://www.woodridgeparks.org/IndianSummerFestival.htm