Festivals and Events in Chicago Area

Fall in Chicago means Fall festivals.  Looking for some fun or a good time then you are in the right place as there are Fall festivals happening all around Chicago in September and October.  Below is a list of several noteworthy festivals and events worth checking out.

Updated:  September 21, 2024

Chicago Area Events

September and October 2024

Sept. 14 - Oct 30       Sonny Acres Fall Festival - West Chicago

September 20 - 22       Riot Fest Music Festival - Douglas Park, Chicago

Sept 21 - Oct. 27       Pumpkin Daze - Abbey Farms - Aurora

Sept 22 - Oct 31       Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up (tickets required) - Goose Island, Chicago   

Sept 27 - 29       Oktoberfest Chicago - St. Alphonsus - West Lakeview, Chicago

Sept 27 - Oct. 30    Wicked West Fest - Westmont

October 4 - 5    Naper Settlement Oktoberfest - Naperville

October 4 - 6     Lincoln Park Wine Fest - Lincoln Park, Chicago

October 5        Chicago Beer Fest - Field Museum, Chicago

October 5      Family Fall Festival (starts at 9 AM) - Elmhurst

Oct. 11 - 13     Autumn on the Fox Art and Craft Show - Saint Charles     

Oct. 11 - 13     Scarecrow Fest - Saint Charles

Oct. 12 - 13    Fall Festival at Danada - Wheaton

Oct. 12 - 13    Harvest Pow Wow - Wheaton

October 13      Chicago Marathon - starts near Grant Park, Chicago

October 26     BatFest - Batavia

October 26     Fall Color 5K Run & Walk - Morton Arboretum - Lisle

Final Thoughts

Chicago is great in the Fall.  These events and festivals are just a sampling of the many festivals, concerts, and events in the Chicago area.  

(C) 2022-24 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Lake Geneva Winterfest

Lake Geneva 28th Annual Winterfest 

The City of Lake Geneva holds the 28th Annual Winterfest, featuring the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship February 1 – 5, 2023. 

This is the only national snow sculpting championship in the United States.  This is the 28th year of the Winterfest and it welcomes the most talented and award-winning sculpting teams from across the country to compete against each other.  

The snow sculpting competition runs 11am Wednesday February 1st through 1pm Saturday February 4th at Riviera Plaza and Flat Iron Park along the beautiful shore of Geneva Lake. 

Admission is FREE to attend and the ice sculptures will remain on display through Sunday (and until they melt).

Lake Geneva Winterfest Snow Sculpture 

This is considered the gold standard of snow sculpting competition and draws over 60,000 guests annually to enjoy the snow sculpture competition and an array of fun winter-inspired events and activities throughout the region.

The winter fest has loads of fun events and activities including “BONFIRES ON THE BEACH,” which includes cozy bonfires, live entertainment, warm drinks, and tasty s’mores and other treats.

Besides the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship competition Winterfest includes a local school snow sculpture event, a fire and ice bar, the downtown ice sculpture walk, a snowball white party, and the Riviera Ballroom warming center. 

Free shuttle bus service is available for the Winterfest.

For the Winterfest schedule, directions, parking, and other information go to:  https://www.visitlakegeneva.com/winterfest/

Lake Geneva offers a variety of activities for all ages besides the Winterfest.  This is a run down of some:  

• Ice skating 
• Sledding
• Skiing 
• Ice Fishing
• Explore the Ice Castles

Also, the Grand Geneva located at:  7036 Grand Geneva Way  Lake Geneva, WI 53147 has Ice Skating, a Sledding hill, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing.

Bundle up and head out for the Winterfest in February and check out some of these other fun winter activities.

For more travel information and destinations visit our Travel Page.

And to learn about things to do in Hoffman Estates check out the post:  Things to do in Hoffman Estates

Final Thoughts

This is the 28th annual year of the Lake Geneva Winterfest.  The snow sculpture competition produces such amazing creations.  And besides the snow sculpture competition there is a ton of other activities and fun things to do.  Hope to see you February 1st - 5th at the Lake Geneva Winterfest.

(C) 2023 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Festivals and Events in Chicago Area

Fall and Winter in Chicago means fun times.  There are many festivals and events happening all around Chicago for the Fall and Winter 2022.  Below we list several noteworthy festivals and events worth checking out.

Updated:  February 10, 2023

Chicago Area Events

Free Chicago Museum Days

Free days to the Chicago Museums for Illinois Residents for 2023 have been announced.  See the dates at Free Chicago Museum Days.

January 2023

January 5         Crafty Kids  Ages 3 – 7  1 - 5 PM - 3600 Lexington Drive 

January 6-8     Great American Dog Show - Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center

January 6          Hoffman Estates Public Skate - Triphahn Center & Ice Arena

January 6          Windy City Bulls vs. Lakeland Magic - Now Arena

January 7           Windy City Bulls vs. Lakeland Magic - Now Arena

Jan. 11 - 15      Chicago Boat Show - 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

                            Prices:  $15/ages 13-plus, $10/seniors 62-plus with ID, 

                            free/ages 12 and under with the purchase of an adult ticket

                            For discounted tickets:  use code "INFL2023"

Jan 11 - 15      Journey to the Sun at Chopin Theatre  1543 W. Division, Chicago

                              Prices:  $25/adult, $15/ages 18 and under, free/ages 5 and under

Jan 11 - 16        The Art of Brick at Museum of Science and Industry - Chicago 

January 14         Windy City Bulls vs. Cleveland Charge - Now Arena

January 16         Windy City Bulls vs. Cleveland Charge - Now Arena

January 19         Windy City Bulls vs. College Park SkyHawks - Now Arena

Jan 20 - Feb 5    Chicago Restaurant Week - Multiple Restaurants participating

January 28         Global Connections Lunar New Year at 1 pm - Navy Pier

January 28        Chinese New Year Dumpling Making Dinner  - Hing Kee Restaurant

January 28-29   Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live Glow Party - Now Arena

January 29        Chinatown Parade for Lunar New Year - parade begins at 1:00 p.m.

• Starts at the intersection of 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue
• Travels north on Wentworth towards viewing stand at Cermak and Wentworth.

February 2023

February 1 - 5       Lake Geneva 28th Annual Winterfest -  Lake Geneva, WI

February 4 - 5       Bull Riders World Tour Finale - Now Arena

February 11       The Pajama Crawl - Chicago's Coziest Winter Bar Crawl! - Wrigleyville

February 11 - 20    Chicago Auto Show - McCormick Place Complex

February 18 - 19    55th Annual Mad City Model Railroad Show & Sale - Madison, WI

February 25th        Naperville Ale Fest - Winter Edition    Naperville - Frontier Park

February 25th     Schaumburg Highschool Craft Fair 10 AM to 4 PM - Schaumburg 

March 2023

March 7 - 19th     Annie playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre - Chicago, IL

March 11                Outreach Basketball Tournament - Warrenville, IL

April 2023

April 8                    Easter Egg Hunt - Morning & Afternoon - Bettendorf Castle

May 2023     

May 27th                 Muddy Dash  - Fox Valley Off Road Ottawa, IL  

Final Thoughts

Chicago is great in the Winter.  These events and festivals are just a sampling of the many festivals, concerts, and events in the Chicago area.  

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Lake Geneva Venetian Festival

Lake Geneva, WI:  August 17th-21st, 2022 

This is the 60th year of the Lake Geneva Venetian Festival.  It is a five-day festival of great family entertainment and is capped off on Sunday with a traditional Venetian Style lighted boat parade.

The five-day Festival runs from Wednesday August 17th- Sunday August 21st and takes place at Flat Iron, Library, and Seminary Parks in picturesque downtown Lake Geneva

Venetian festival weekend includes a Craft Fair, Carnival, Water ski show, Traditional festival food and a beer tent featuring live music and on Sunday night the lighted boat parade is followed by the area’s largest fireworks display over Geneva Lake.

Come and check out these Lake Geneva Venetian Festival activities and events:

• Carnival - Rides, Games, and Food for Every Age Group! 
• Entertainment Pavilion - Beer Tent and live music
• Art & Craft Fair - Lakefront Craft Fair where all of the products are Homemade!
• Baggo Tournament - Saturday starting at 11:30 AM CT
• Water Ski Show - Wonder Lake Ski Team Sunday Afternoon at the Riviera Beach
• Boat Parade & Fireworks - Venetian Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks Along the Entire Waterfront on Sunday starting at Dusk.

Credit:  Lake Geneva Jaycees

Venetian Festival Schedule

August 17th (Wednesday):  5 PM - Midnight  ** Carnival - Wristband Night till 10:30 pm

August 18th (Thursday):  5 PM - Midnight  ** Carnival Wristband Night till 10:30 pm

August 19th (Friday):  5 PM - Midnight ** Carnival ends at 11:30 PM

August 20th (Saturday):  

• 10 AM - 5 PM:   Arts and Crafts Fair
• 11:30 AM - 3 PM:   Baggo Tournament
• Noon - Midnight:  Beer Tent
• Noon - 11:30 PM:  Carnival   ** Carnival Wristband Afternoon Noon - 5 PM
• 3 - 6 PM:  Free Live Music - Terry Byrne - Coming by way of Chicago, Terry Byrne brings Rockin country and blues with an Irish twist.
• 8PM - Midnight:  Paid Live Music ($5 cover) - Too Hype Crew

August 21st (Sunday):

• 10 AM - 4 PM:  Arts and Crafts Fair
• Noon - 10:30 PM:  Carnival
• Noon - Midnight:  Beer Tent
• Noon - 3 PM:  Free Live Music - Rock Central
• 3 - 6 PM:  Free Live Music - Big Al Wetzel Band - If you know Lake Geneva, you know Big Al!
• 6 PM:  Water Ski Show - Wonder Lake Ski Team shows off in front of the Riviera Beach
• 8 PM - Midnight:  Paid Live Music ($5 cover) - Dirty Canteen Another Local Favorite. Dirty Canteen Rock & Rolls through the final night of the festival.
• Dusk:  Lighted Boat Parade
• Immediately Following the Lighted Boat Parade:  FIREWORKS!

Final Thoughts and Further Information

Support a good cause as this event brings in money for the Lake Geneva Jaycees.

This is the 60th year of the Lake Geneva Venetian Festival so the fireworks show should be spectacular and fun will be had by all. 

Further details on the Lake Geneva Venetian Festival are available at:  https://www.venetianfest.com/

Free Summer Concert Series Chicago area

Summer Concert Series - Select Chicago Suburbs

Summer time in Chicago means free music concerts for many communities throughout Chicago.  Former big name acts like Rick Springfield and Sheena Easton are scheduled to perform in the Chicago area for free in the summer of 2022.  Details of summer concert lineups for several Chicago suburbs are found here.  The list of suburbs included are shown below.

Suburbs included (click on hyperlink to go directly to the town section):

• Glen Ellyn - Thursday July 7th, August 4th, & September 1st
• Schaumburg - started June 6 for Mondays & Starts July 9 for Saturday 
• Palatine - Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday Nights 
• Bloomingdale - Tuesday Nights
• Itasca - Every other Wednesday Night - June 22; July 6, 20; August 3, 17
• Hoffman Estates  - starts June 16 - Select Thursday Nights 
• Arlington Heights - starts June 16 - Thursday & Friday Nights
• Elk Grove Village - July 4th, 12th, 21st, 26th

Listed for each free music concert series are the following details

• Dates or days of week the music performances are scheduled 
• Concert Times 
• Locations
• Links to the performance lineup.  

Copy the venue address into your GPS or phone to get directions. 

Hoffman Estates

The "Summer Sounds on the Green" summer concert series is back for Summer 2022.  Summer Concerts will begin June 16th at the Village Green Pavilion near the NOW Arena.  

Concerts are scheduled for select Thursdays in June, July, and August.  Complete details are below. 

• Dates:   Select Thursday Evenings from June 16th to August 18th
• Time:  Concerts begin at 7pm
• Where:  Village Green Pavilion 
• Address:  5510 Prairie Stone Pkwy, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
• Series lineup and details:  Sounds on the Green Lineup
  

Schaumburg

 2 summer Concert Series available

The Village of Schaumburg has 2 summer concert series planned - one organized by the Schaumburg Park District, the other organized by the Schaumburg Township Library District.  The Park District concert series will be held on select Saturday evenings in July and August.  The Library sponsored concert series are held Monday evenings.  Full details are below.

1) Park District - Summer Breeze Concert Series 

• Days:  Select Saturday Evenings from July 9th to August 27 
• Time:  Concerts begin at 7 pm
• Where:  Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center
• Address:  101 Schaumburg Ct, Schaumburg, IL 60193
• Series lineup:  https://indd.adobe.com/view/25e1aba5-93f3-4e43-8242-98a96b388fbd?startpage=7

2) Library - Town Square Concerts & Events

• Concert Dates: Monday Nights from June 6th to August 8th
• Concert Times:  6:45 pm – 8:15 PM
• Where:  Town Square Amphitheater across from library 
• Address: 130 S Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193
• Series lineup includes other events (NOTE:  schedule includes other events besides the Monday concert series):  https://www.schaumburglibrary.org/town-square

Palatine

Palatine's "Sounds of Summer" music concert series will be held at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater.  Performances are free.  So, feel free to pull up a lawn chair, pack a picnic, and enjoy the musical performances.  Full details for the "Sounds of Summer" music concert series are below.

• Dates:  Performances generally Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings 
• Times:  Generally 7:30 – 9:30 pm, some performance are 6 pm – 8:30 pm – see lineup
• Where:  Fred P. Hall Amphitheater 
• Address:  256 E. Palatine Road, Palatine, 60067
• Phone:  847.202.5222
• Series lineup and further details:  https://www.palatineparks.org/rccms/soundsofsummer/?tribe_paged=1&tribe_event_display=list

Arlington Heights

Beginning June 16th the Village of Arlington Heights will be offering free musical performances in downtown Arlington Heights on Thursday and Friday nights.  Check out the details below.

• Dates:  Thursdays & Fridays, from June 16th - July 29th
• Time:  Music 7 – 8:30 pm
• Where:  Harmony Park in downtown Arlington Heights
• Address:  7 S Vail Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
• Series lineup:  https://www.vah.com/our_community/WhatsNew/2022_sounds_of_summer_lineup

Elk Grove Village 

Mid Summer Classics Concert Series

Elk Grove Village has 4 dates scheduled for free music concerts in July.  The schedule includes Rick Springfield and Sheena Easton.  Check below for full details.

• Dates:  Monday July 4th, Tuesday July 12th, Thursday July 21st (Rick Springfield), and Tuesday July 26th (Sheena Easton)
• Time:  July 4th – 8 pm,  All others 7:30 pm
• Where:  
• July 4 & 21 at Rotary Green, 164 Lions Dr., east of Lions Park
• July 12 & 26 on the Village Green, 901 Wellington Ave
• Series lineup:  https://www.elkgrove.org/home/showpublisheddocument/13306/637856318969970000
• Concert FAQ: https://www.elkgrove.org/community/mid-summer-classics-concert-series/faq-for-summer-concert-series

Glen Ellyn

On the First Thursday of June, July, August, and September downtown Glen Ellyn has scheduled free musical performances.  Doors open at 5 pm and music begins at 6 pm.  For full details check below.

• Dates:  June 2, July 7, August 4, and September 1
• Time:  5:00 - 9:00pm, Doors open at 5:00pm, Live Music Begins at 6:00pm
• Where:  Downtown Glen Ellyn - Glenwood/Crescent Parking Lot (see image)
• Series lineup and further details:  https://www.glenellynchamber.com/summer-concert-series/

First Thursday Concert location

Bloomingdale

The Village of Bloomingdale free summer concert series has begun.  Musical performance start at 7 pm on Tuesday nights at Old Town Park.  Check out the details below.

• Dates:   Tuesday:  June 14, 21, 28;  July 12, 19, 26; August 9, 16, 23rd
• Time:  Concerts begin at 7pm    ** for kids:  Come at 6:30PM before each concert and enjoy a variety of FREE crafts and games for ages 5-12!
• Where:  Old Town Park 
• Address:  111 3rd St, Bloomingdale, IL 60108, USA
• Series lineup 

JUNE

14th  - THE WAYOUTS(1960s Garage Rock)

21st  -   SERENDIPITY(60s, 70s, and 80s covers as well as current pop hits)

28th   - ROSIE & THE RIVETS(Rockabilly & Surf Music)

JULY

12th  -  RICO(Santana Tribute, Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder).

19th   - DANCING QUEEN(Tribute to ABBA)

26th  -  WHISKEYFIST(Mix of today’s and yesterday’s hottest country hits, along with some southern rock and classic rock music)

 

AUGUST

9th  -  SHOUT OUT(60’s to today’s Rock, Pop, Top 40, R&B, Country)

16th  -  THE STUDENT BODY(80s, 90s, and Now)

23rd  -  AMERICAN ENGLISH(Beatles Tribute)

Itasca

Photo courtesy  of Itasca Park District

The Village of Itasca summer concert series in Usher park is on every other Wednesday in June, July, and August.  Musical performances start at 7 pm.  Check out the details below.

• Dates:   Wednesday:  June 22; July 6, 20; August 3, 17   Check website www.itascaparkdistrict.com and Facebook page for cancellations
• Time:  7 - 8:30 pm    
• Where:  Usher Park
• Address:  201 S. Walnut, Itasca, IL 60143
• Series lineup 

Final Thoughts

Many communities in the Chicagoland area offer free music concerts and events during the summer.  Details for the free concert series in Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Palatine, Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, Glen Ellyn, Itasca, and Bloomingdale are found above.  Pull up a lawn chair, pack a picnic, and enjoy your summer evenings with free music and good weather.

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Lake Geneva Winterfest - February 2 - 6, 2022

Winterfest starts today and runs through February 6th.

The City of Lake Geneva will hold the 27th Annual Winterfest, featuring the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship February 2 – 6, 2022. As the only national snow sculpting championship in the United States, Winterfest welcomes the most talented and award-winning sculpting teams from across the country.  The snow sculpting competition runs 11am Wednesday through 1pm Saturday at Riviera Plaza and Flat Iron Park along the beautiful shore of Geneva Lake. It's FREE to attend and view, and sculptures will remain on display through Sunday (and until they melt).

Winterfest Snow Sculpture

Regarded as the gold standard of snow sculpting competitions and draws over 60,000 guests annually to enjoy snow sculptures and an array of fun winter-inspired events and activities throughout the region.

The winter fest has many fun events and activities including “BONFIRES ON THE BEACH.”  Bonfires on the beach includes cozy bonfires, live entertainment, warm drinks, and tasty s’mores and other treats.

Besides the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship competition Winterfest includes a local school snow sculpture event, a fire and ice bar, the downtown ice sculpture walk, a snowball white party, and the Riviera Ballroom warming center. 

Free shuttle bus service is available for the Winterfest.

Beside the winter fest Lake Geneva has a variety of activities for all ages.  

In the winter Lake Geneva offers many options for fun and unique activities:  Ice skating, skiing, festivals and special events are just a few things you can do in the area throughout the winter. Bundle up and head out for these fun activities.

In the winter at Grand Geneva located at:  7036 Grand Geneva Way  Lake Geneva, WI 53147 Ice Skating and a Sledding hill are available.  You can also do snowshoeing or cross country skiing there.

To find out more about Winterfest go to:  https://www.visitlakegeneva.com/winterfest/

Or check out more travel information and destinations to visit on the Travel Page.

To learn about things to do in Hoffman Estates check out the post at:  Things to do in Hoffman Estates