Festivals July 19-25: County fairs, Vernon Hills Days, Sugar Grove Corn Boil and more

Starts before Friday

Kane County Fair: 3-11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, July 17-18; noon to midnight Friday and Saturday, July 19-20; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. 155th annual fair featuring a 4-H show, kids’ events, Miller Lite Soundstage, carnival and more. Grandstand shows: Illinois State Pullers ($10) at 6:30 p.m. Thursday; Professional Championship Bullriders & Cowgirls at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and Demolition Derby ($10) at 2 and 5 p.m. Sunday. Music from Eric Chesser at 7 p.m. Thursday; Pino Farina Band at 8 p.m. Friday; Hillbilly Rockstarz at 8:30 p.m. Saturday; and Hi Infidelity at 8 p.m. Sunday. Pre-fair with carnival only from 3-11 p.m. Wednesday, with $5 admission to the fairgrounds and $32 for unlimited carnival rides. Fair admission: Cash at the gate: $5 on Wednesday and Thursday; $10 for adults and $5 for kids 3-12 Friday through Sunday; and free for kids younger than 3. Seniors over 62 and military with ID admitted free after 5 p.m. Thursday. Season pass: $25. Free parking. kanecountyfair.com.

Rotaryfest 2024: 6-10:30 p.m. Wednesday July 17, carnival only; 6-10:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18; 6-11:30 p.m. Friday, July 19; 2-11:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20; and 2-9 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at Rotary Green, 164 Lions Drive, Elk Grove Village. Rides, live music, food and drinks. Music from Neon Trees at 7:30 p.m. Thursday; iPop at 6:30 p.m. and 7th heaven at 9 p.m. Friday; and Hello Weekend at 6:45 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. and Radio Gaga at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Free. elkgrove.org/community/special-events/rotaryfest.

Antioch Taste of Summer: 4-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 18-19; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 20; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 21, in downtown Antioch and at the Antioch Bandshell. Music, food vendors, family activities and more. Music includes: RICCO on Thursday; 90s Pop Nation on Friday; Hi Infidelity on Saturday; and Blooze Brothers on Sunday. Free. antiochchamber.org.

Highwood Days with Taco Fest: Carnival hours 5-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 18-19; 1-10 p.m. Saturday, July 20; and 1-9 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood. Highwood Days features a carnival in the Metra Station parking lot, live music and more. Taco Fest starts Friday and includes taco-centric restaurants, caterers and food trucks offering taco creations and the chance to vote for the People’s Choice Awards. Free. celebratehighwood.org/taco-fest-and-highwood-days.

Vernon Hills Days: 6-10 p.m. Thursday, July 18; 6-11 p.m. Friday, July 19; 1-11 p.m. Saturday, July 20; and 1-7 p.m. Sunday, July 21, in Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. Carnival, bingo, bags tournament, kids’ events and fireworks on Thursday. Music from The Boy Band Night at 7 p.m. Thursday; Alt 101 at 7 p.m. and Everclear at 9 p.m. Friday; The Gingers at 7 p.m. and Steve Augeri at 9 p.m. Saturday; and Mike & Joe at 6 p.m. Sunday. Wristband specials available. vhdays.com.

Chicago’s Midwest Jeep Jam: Thursday through Sunday, July 18-21, at 200 N. Breakwater Access and various locations in Chicago. Thursday: Jeep Jam Meet & Greet; Friday: Jeep Jam Charity Yacht Party; Saturday: Jeep Show with After Party; Sunday: Eats & Beats Brunch Party and Jeep Farewell Party. Fees vary. chicagomidwestjeepjam.com.

Friday, July 19

West Dundee River Challenge: 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, July 19, at Grafelman Park, 112 N. 5th St., West Dundee. Community festival kicking off the first day of the Chicago Grit 10-day bike race criterium features bike races, inflatables, food, drinks, music, a kids zone and open-air market from 3-8 p.m., a family bike parade at 6:15 p.m. and an after party from 8-10:30 p.m. Free admission. wdundeeriverchallenge.org.

Tots In The Park: 10:30-11:15 a.m. Friday, July 19, at the Alcott Center, 530 Bernard Drive, Buffalo Grove. Ben Tatar performs. Bring a blanket. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held inside the Alcott Center. Free. bgparks.org/tots-in-the-park.

Lunch in the Park: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 19, in Cook Park, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Live music and food vendors. Free. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Pitchfork Music Festival: Gates open at noon Friday through Sunday, July 19-21, at Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Headliners include 100 GECS at 6:15 p.m., Jai Paul at 7:25 p.m. and Black Pumas at 8:30 p.m. Friday; Jessie Ware at 6:15 p.m., Carly Rae Jepsen at 7:25 p.m. and Jamie XX at 8:30 p.m. Saturday; and Muna at 6:15 p.m., Brittany Howard at 7:25 p.m. and Alanis Morissette at 8:30 p.m. Sunday. General admission tickets start at $119 per day; VIP and three-day passes available. pitchforkmusicfestival.com.

PeacePalooza: 3-9 p.m. Friday, July 19, at Oakwood Beach, 4101 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Live music, obstacle courses, free food, gladiator joust, bumper cars, bounce houses, resource tables and more. Performances include: Vic Mensa, Joey Purp, TheHxliday, Eddy Mack, Fly Skinz, OG Stevo, Norhan, Gee Get Money and more. Free. Tickets available at eventnoire.com.

Moose Cruise Nights: 4-8 p.m. Friday, July 19, in the show lot at Warren and Forest avenues in Downers Grove. See classic cars, including vintage muscle cars, convertibles and more. Free. dgmoose.net/moose-cruise-night.

Summer on State Street Dance: 4-8 p.m. Friday, July 19, at 206 S. State St., Hampshire. Music by DJ Joey Broadway, foam machine dance party, bounce house, kids’ games, crafters, vendors, food trucks and drawings. Free. hampshirechamber.org.

Hanover Park COPS Day Picnic: 5-8:30 p.m. Friday, July 19, at Hanover Park Park District Community Park, 1919 Walnut, Hanover Park. Emergency vehicle show and touch-a-truck, petting zoo, community resource fair, DJ, mascots, games and activities. Police dog demo at 6:30 p.m. Screening of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” at dusk. Free. hpil.org.

Historic Game Night — Mystery Games: 5-8 p.m. Friday, July 19, at the Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn. Hear a brief presentation about the evolution of mystery board games, then try several games in the History Center. Free. gehs.org.

Naper Nights: 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 19-20, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Hillbilly Rockstarz (country) at 6 p.m. and The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute at 8 p.m. Friday. Soulful Sounds (The Heavy Sounds featuring Gina Bloom and Renaldo Domino) at 6 p.m. and Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary Tour at 8 p.m. Saturday. Food and drinks for purchase. $20; $15 for kids 4-12. Tickets: NaperNights.org.

Skyline Sessions Concert Series: 5-9 p.m. Friday, July 19, and Thursday, July 25, at the Wave Wall Stage at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Lydia Cash at 5 p.m., Reilly Downes at 6:30 p.m., and Meg & The Wheelers at 8 p.m. Friday; and The Devil Said Jump at 5 p.m. and Albion West at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Free. navypier.org.

Downtown Wheaton Summer Music Series: 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 19; 1 and 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20; and 10 and 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at locations in Wheaton. Friday: The Shy Sheks at Suzette's Creperie, 211 W. Front St.; Saturday: Dan Dick Music at 1 p.m. at 302 Wheaton, 302 W. Front St., and Judy Roberts and Greg Fishman at 5:30 p.m. at Suzette’s Creperie; Sunday: Kevin Janus at 10 a.m. at Five & Hoek Coffee, 112 B. N. Main St.; Katie Kostner at 11 a.m. under the Innovator Hale Street Tents and guitarist Jack Wilson at 6 p.m. at Adelle’s, 535 W. Liberty Drive. downtownwheaton.com/summermusic.

Friday Night Live: 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, July 19, at the Main Street train station in Downers Grove. Duck & Cover Band performs. Free. downtowndg.org.

Fridays Rock! & Roll in Meadows Concert Series: 6-10 p.m. Friday, July 19, at Kimball Hill Park, 3266 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Judson Brown Band and Radio Gaga perform. Free. cityrm.org.

Hemingway’s Birthday Fête: 6 p.m. Friday, July 19, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 20, and 7-7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 21, in Scoville Park, 800 W. Lake St., Oak Park. Friday includes Hemingway readings at 6 p.m. at 139 N. Oak Park Ave.; 7 p.m. at 143 N. Oak Park Ave.; and 8 p.m. at 115 N. Oak Park Ave. Saturday includes a scavenger hunt from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Running with the Bulls’ Kids Fun Run at 10 a.m. and a Concert on the Porch featuring Nora O’Connor and Steve Dawson from 7-9 p.m. at the Hemingway Birthplace Museum, 339 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. Sunday includes “Happy 125th Birthday Ernest Hemingway!” from 5-7:30 p.m. Free. pickoakpark.com/hemingway.

Lake Zurich Alpine Fest: Opens at 6 p.m. Friday, July 19, and noon Saturday and Sunday, July 20-21, at Lion Fred Blau Park, 81 E. Main St., Lake Zurich. Music, rides, carnival games, food and more. Music from Mike & Joe at 9 p.m. Friday; Mr. Blotto at 9 p.m. Saturday; and Kevin Purcell & The Root Doctors at 4 p.m. Sunday. Parade at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. lzlions.com.

STC Live!: 6-7:30 p.m. Friday and Wednesday, July 19 and 24, on 1st Street Plaza; at Flagship on the Fox, 100 S. Riverside Ave.; and at The Office Dining and Spirits, 201 E. Main St., St. Charles. Friday: Suzy Mars on 1st Street Plaza, Demi Clara at Flagship on the Fox; Wednesday: Gregory Hyde at 1st Street Plaza, Nicole Devine at The Office Dining and Spirits. Free. stcalliance.org/stclive.

Hawthorn Woods Concerts in the Park: 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, July 19, at Hawthorn Woods Community Park, 5 Park View Lane, Hawthorn Woods. Second Time Around performs. Free. vhw.org.

Wheeling’s Friday Night Headliners Concert Series: 7-9 p.m. Friday, July 19, at Heritage Park Performance Pavillion, 201 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Motor City “The Motown Revue” performs. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. Coolers are allowed; no outside alcohol is permitted. Soft drinks, water, beer and seltzer available for purchase. Free. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

Sounds of Summer Concert Series — Main Stage Concerts: 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 19, at Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. The Jolly Ringwalds will perform. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. Free. palatineparks.org/sounds-of-summer.

North Aurora Movie in the Park: 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 19, at Fearn Park, 1501 Waterford Road, North Aurora. Watch Disney’s “Encanto” on the big screen. Bring a lawn chair, blanket and snacks. Free. northaurora.org.

Hawthorn Woods Movies in the Park: Dusk Friday, July 19, at Community Park, 5 Park View Lane, Hawthorn Woods. See “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” Free. vhw.org.

Huntley Movie in the Park: Dusk Friday, July 19, at Parisek Park, 10881 Allegheny Pass, Huntley. “Moana” begins at dusk. The Hawaiian Food Truck will be selling food. Bring blankets, chairs and snacks. Free. huntley.il.us.

Saturday, July 20

Calibre Car Show: 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, July 20, at The Arboretum of South Barrington, 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. The theme is “Bimmers & Beans” presented by Windy City BMW. Sponsored by Calibre Coffee. Free. shopthearb.com/events.

North Shore Taco 5K Family Run, Walk & Stroll: 9 a.m. Saturday, July 20, in downtown Highwood. $40 registration includes a T-shirt. The event is stroller, bike, scooter, wagon and pet friendly. celebratehighwood.org/taco-fest-5-k-run.

Emmett’s BrewFest & Adult Big Wheel Race: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 20, at Emmett’s Brewing Company West Dundee, 128 W. Main St., West Dundee. BrewFest features seven craft breweries, plus adult Big Wheel races, live bands, food tent and a car show. Free admission; $40 to participate in the Big Wheel races. emmettsbrewingco.com.

Big Monster Con: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, Buildings 2-3, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Presented by C2TS. Toys, comic books, horror, sci-fi, Godzilla, King Kong, Rat Fink, Universal monsters and more. Early-bird entry at 9 a.m. for $15. Regular admission: $8; free for kids 12 and younger; free parking. formula350.com.

Buford T. “Big Hoss” Bluegrass Festival: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at Judson University Herrick Chapel, 1151 N. State St. (Route 31), Elgin. Judson Bluegrass Experience opens the event. Other performers include Standard Strings, Truman’s Ridge, Grass Attack, Paddygrass, The Carl Bentley Band, Fox Crossing String Band, and Thunder and Rain, with The Price Sisters as the headliner. Meet-and-greets at lunch and dinner. Food, clog dancing, contests and more. $50. bufordtamerica.com/events.

Classic Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at Abbey Farms, 2855 Hart Road, Aurora. Second annual show, with trophies for many categories, including Best in Show. Entertainment by DJ Tony. Rain date is Aug. 3. Free for spectators; $20 to register a car. abbeyfarms.org.

Glencoe Festival of Art: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 20-21, at 694 Vernon Ave., Glencoe. Artwork from more than 100 juried artists from around the world, including ceramics, glass, jewelry, metal, painting, photography and wood. Includes art demos and booth chats, live music, food and kids’ activities. Free. amdurproductions.com/event/glencoe-festival-of-art.

Voyage en France: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. A cultural festival celebrating the sights, sounds and flavors of France featuring artistic demonstrations, live entertainment, a replica Eiffel Tower, special garden displays and activities, photo stations, a French marketplace and Moulin Rouge South Grove Beer Garden. $15; free for kids 15 and younger. cantigny.org.

Yorkville River Fest: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at Riverfront Park, 131 E. Hydraulic Ave., Yorkville. A country music festival with food, free family activities and more. Performances include Cowboy Co. The Country Music Show at 11 a.m., Ripped Jeans Duo at 3 p.m. and Whiskey Romance Band at 7 p.m. Free. yorkville.il.us.

Northern Illinois Bluegrass Association Festival: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at the Sandwich Fairgrounds, Suydam Road and Fair Wind Boulevard, Sandwich. Bluegrass music from Fox Crossing Stringband, Wesley Carr, Christopher Kolupa, Misspent Youth, Mackville, Tank Blankenship and the Beez, and Wheels North. nibaweb.org.

Ravenswood on Tap: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 20, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at Ravenswood and Berteau Avenues, Chicago. Craft beer festival featuring beer and spirits from local breweries and distilleries, ax throwing, live music and more. Musical performances include No Men, Bnny, Serengeti and French Police on Saturday and Punk’d and She’s Crafty on Sunday and more. Various tasting packages available for $30-$65. ravenswoodchicago.org.

Lombard Brew Fest: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at 116 W. Parkside Ave., Lombard. More than 30 breweries, cideries and meaderies will offer summer beverages. Each ticket includes 20, 3-ounce samples and a souvenir tasting glass. Tickets are $55 for general admission, $70 for VIP early entry and $25 for designated driver (limited to one nonalcoholic beer and water and soft drinks). Ticket prices will increase by $10 the day of the event. lombardbrewfest.com.

Live On The Lake Music Series: 2 p.m. to closing Saturday and Sunday, July 20- 21, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Saturday: Vintage Vinyl Revue at 2 p.m., Shamarr Allen at 5:30 p.m. and Sixteen Candles at 9 p.m. Sunday: Surabhi Ensemble at 2 p.m., DJ Papa G at 4:30 p.m. and The Drastics at 5:30 p.m. Free. navypier.org.

Tinley Park Block Party: 2-10 p.m. Saturday, July 20, and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at Zabrocki Plaza, 17375 Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park. Live music on two stages, food vendors, beverages, rides, games and more. Music from Cadillac Groove at 2 p.m., Ashley Brooks at 5 p.m. and Gold Dust Dreams at 8 p.m. Saturday, and The Walkins at noon, Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band at 1 p.m., One of these Nights at 4 p.m. and ARRA at 5 p.m. Sunday. Free. visittinleypark.com.

Bluesmobile Cruise Nights: 3-9 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at the East Metra parking lot, near the intersection of Route 83 and Northwest Highway, Mount Prospect. Classic cars, entertainment and more. mplions.org/cruise-nights.

Taco & Art Fest: 3-7 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at Reed-Keppler Park, 129 W. National St., West Chicago. Food, art, and performances by Mariachi Universiario and Jose Valdes & The Mambo All-Stars. Free. we-goparks.org.

Wave Wall Moves: 4-5 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Presented in partnership with See Chicago Dance, the Uptown Rockers will perform on the Wave Wall Stage. Free. navypier.org.

ArtWauk: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, July 20, in the Arts & Entertainment District, 2001 Belvedere Road, Waukegan. The monthly celebration of arts in downtown Waukegan and the Belvidere Mall includes art exhibits, musicians and performances. artwauk.com.

Live Music at Bridges Beer Garden: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at Bridges Beer Garden, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates. The StingRays will perform. Concessions available. Free. heparks.org.

Chicago Water Lantern Festival: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at Humboldt Park, 1301 N. Humboldt Drive, Chicago. Food trucks, music, activities and thousands of lanterns lighting up the night. $26.98-$55.99; free for kids 7 and younger. waterlanternfestival.com/chicago.php.

Wave Wall Wax: 5:30-10 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Chicago DJs Steve Miggedy Maestro, J. Lektro & Jesse De La Pena will perform. Free. navypier.org.

Fool House — The Ultimate 90s Dance Party and Fueled by Emo: 6-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at Memorial Park Bandshell, 225 Karlskoga Ave., Wheaton. Wheaton Park District Summer Entertainment Series. $10. Tickets: memorialparkwheaton.com.

Lombard’s Cruise Nights and Summer Concert Series: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, July 20, on South Park Avenue, Lombard. Classic and custom cars, live music and kids’ activities, including face painting, balloon artists, magic shows and more. Yacht rock tribute band EZFM performs from 6-9 p.m. villageoflombard.org/cruisenights.

Summer Insect Extravaganza: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at the Nature Center at Spring Valley, Schaumburg. Games, crafts and search for insects in the prairie and at the pond. At dusk, take a wagon ride to the woods for a short walk to see the fireflies. $3; $12 per family; free for kids 2 and younger. parkfun.com.

Summer Breeze Concert Series: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center, 101 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Horizon performs. Free. parkfun.com.

I Love the ’90s Tour: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora. Vanilla Ice, Rob Base, Kid N Play, Tone Loc and Color Me Badd will perform. Gates open at 6 p.m. $45-$149. riveredgeaurora.com.

Bensenville Movie at the Farm: 8 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at Fischer Farm, 16W680 Old Grand Ave., Bensenville. Watch the movie “Charlotte’s Web.” Free. bvilleparks.org.

Rotaryfest Fireworks: 9 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at Rotary Green 164 Lions Drive, Elk Grove Village. elkgrove.org/community/special-events/rotaryfest.

Navy Pier Summer Fireworks: 10 p.m. Saturday, July 20, and 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Free. navypier.org.

Sunday, July 21

Lambs Farm Car Show Benefit: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville. See a variety of makes and models of cars, bikes and trucks in the main parking lot. Free for spectators. lambsfarm.org.

Fiesta Days Parade: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 21, in McHenry. Annual parade heads east on Main Street to Green Street, left on Green to Pearl Street, right on Pearl to Riverside Drive, left on Riverside to Washington Street. mchenryfiestadays.com.

Cantigny Summer Concert Series: 3-5 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at Cantigny Park parade field, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Saved by the ’90s will perform. $20 per car. cantigny.org/events.

DuPage Symphony Orchestra: 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at the Memorial Park Bandshell, 225 Karlskoga Ave., Wheaton. Free. memorialparkwheaton.com.

Wheeling’s Sounds of Summer Concert Series: 5-6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at Heritage Park Performance Pavilion, 201 Community Blvd., Wheeling. The Luxmen will perform. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. Coolers are allowed; no outside alcohol permitted. Soft drinks, water, beer and seltzer for purchase. Free. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

Monday, July 22

Water Flicks: 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 22, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. See “Elemental” at the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park. Free. navypier.org.

Mount Prospect Community Band Summer Concert Series: 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 22, at the Lions Park Bandshell, 411 S. Maple St., Mount Prospect. Free. mppd.org/community-band.

Tuesday, July 23

Movie at the Pool: 8:30-10 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, at Frontier Park, 1933 N. Kennicott Drive, Arlington Heights. Watch “Moana” under the stars. Movie starts after sunset. Free. ahpd.org.

Sounds of Summer — Family Picnic Series: Noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, at Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Nanny Nikki will perform. Free. palatineparks.org/sounds-of-summer.

Buffalo Grove Park District Summer Concert Series: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, at Willow Stream Park, 651 Old Checker Road, Buffalo Grove. GooRoos will perform. Food, beer, wine and soft drinks for purchase. Bring blankets and chairs. No outside alcohol allowed. Free. bgparks.org/summer-concert-series.

Crystal Lake Concerts in the Park: 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, at Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake. Rosie & the Rivets will perform. Free. For parking locations, see crystallakeparks.org/special-events.

Downers Grove Summer Concert Series: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, at Fishel Park’s Veterans Memorial Pavilion, 1036 Grove St., Downers Grove. One Night Band will perform top 40s hits. Food and beverage sales start at 6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Free. dgparks.org/summer-concert-series.

Huntley Concerts on the Square: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, at Huntley Town Square on Coral Street, Huntley. One of These Nights will perform. Free. huntley.il.us.

Waukegan Band Summer Concert Series: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, at Stiner Pavillion at Waukegan Municipal Beach, 201 E. Seahorse Drive, Waukegan. Free. waukeganband.com.

Wednesday, July 24

Lake County Fair: Livestock barns open at 8 a.m. (milking competition at 7 a.m. Wednesday). Fair hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, July 24-25; 10 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, July 26-27; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 28, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Food, carnival rides, motocross, monster trucks, demolition derby, bull riding, pig races, livestock competitions and more. Music includes Donnie Lee Strickland at 5 p.m. and Brass From The Past at 8 p.m. Thursday; GooRoos at 6 p.m. and Motown Nation at 9:30 p.m. Friday; 90s Pop Nation at 9 p.m. and Matthew Holm Band at 9 p.m. Saturday; and Billy Elton at 5 p.m. and Total Beaches at 6 p.m. Sunday. lcfair.com/2024.

Food Truck Socials: 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, at Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Features a rotating selection of food trucks. lakezurich.org.

Bites and Bits Event Series: 4:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, at Community Church of Rolling Meadows, 2720 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Food truck fare and live music. Adult beverages will be available to purchase for ages 21 and older. Sponsored by the city of Rolling Meadows. Free admission. cityrm.org.

Party in the Park Anniversary Celebration: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, at Apple Orchard Community Park, 620 W. Stearns Road, Bartlett. The Bartlett Park District is celebrating 60 years with giant backyard games, inflatables, DJ, crafts, a foam party and more. Food trucks will be selling food. Free. bartlettil.gov.

Glendale Heights Concerts in the Park: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, at Camera Park, 101 Fullerton Ave., Glendale Heights. Family-friendly music. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. Free. ghrec.org.

South Elgin Summer Concert Series: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, at Panton Mill Park, 10 N. Water St., South Elgin. Cadillac Groove will perform. Free. southelgin.com.

Wickstrom Lincoln Concert Series: 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, at the Arboretum of South Barrington, 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Radio Gaga will perform. Food for purchase. Free. shopthearb.com.

Arbortheater Concerts: 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, at the Vernon Hills Memorial Arbortheater, 50 S. Fairway Drive, Vernon Hills. School of Rock Libertyville will perform. Free. vernonhills.org.

Batavia's River Rhapsody Concert Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, at the Peg Bond Center, 151 N. Island Ave., Batavia. The Jolly Ringwalds will perform. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Wine, beer and food for purchase. Free. bataviaparks.org.

Geneva Concerts in the Park: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, at River Park, 151 N. River Lane, Geneva. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Concessions for purchase. Free. genevaparks.org.

Lake Villa-Lindenhurst Live Music in the Parks: 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, at Lehmann Mansion, 485 N. Milwaukee Ave., Lake Villa. The Hair Band Night will perform. Free. lindenhurstparks.org.

Christmas in July: Wednesday through Tuesday, July 24-30, in downtown Wheaton. Christmas-themed sidewalk sales, holiday-inspired food and drinks, holiday music and decor and more. Attractions include a 14-foot tall tree of lights, a 20-foot long tunnel of lights and more. On Saturday, July 27, enjoy a real-life summer blizzard at the “W” Tent on Front Street with a snow machine. downtownwheaton.com/christmas-in-july.

Thursday, July 25

Barrington Thursday Night Out: 4-8 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at Cook and Station streets in downtown Barrington. Barrington Farmers Market, classic cars, live music, family activities and more. Free. barrington-il.gov/events/thursday-night-out.

Bolingbrook’s Street Markets at the Promenade: 4-9 p.m. Thursday, July 25, on South Sandburg Way at The Promenade, 631 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook. Fresh beef, pork, chicken, eggs and produce, honey, crafters, artisans and more. Live music from 7-9 p.m. on The Row. Bring a lawn chair. Free. shoppingpromenade.com/events/ or facebook.com/streetmarketsatthepromenade.

Food Truck Thursdays: 4:30 p.m. to dusk Thursday, July 25, at Jens Jensen Park, 486 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park. A rotating selection of food trucks and live entertainment in the Ravinia District. Free. enjoyhighlandpark.com/food-truck-thursdays.

Algonquin Founders’ Days: 5-10 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at Main Street and Riverfront Park, and 5-11 p.m. Friday, July 26; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 27; and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 28, at Spella Park, 2610 Harnish Drive, Algonquin. The theme is “Goes to the Movies.” Come dressed as your favorite movie character and win the Oscar for Best Character in a Community Event. New this year: Founders' Brewfest from 5-9:30 p.m. Thursday. Cardboard Boat Regatta at 4 p.m. and Main Street Car Show at 5 p.m. Thursday. Taste of Founders' from 5-11 p.m. Friday, 3-11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Bags tournament at 6 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday. Founders' Goes to the Movies Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday from Eastgate Drive to Algonquin Road, Algonquin to Main Street, and Main to Madison Street. Founders’ 1-mile run at 8 a.m. and 10K/5K at 8:30 a.m., vendors market and bazaar from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., kids’ games from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., baking contest at noon and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Sunday. Music from Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 25; Rok Brigade at 6:30 p.m. and 7th heaven at 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 26; Focal Point at 4:30 p.m., Hairbangers Ball at 6 p.m. and ARRA at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 27; and Jimmy Nick and Don't Tell Mama at 4:30 p.m. and Pino Farina Band at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 28. The best band nominees will perform at 5 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Sunday. algonquinfoundersdays.com.

Sugar Grove Corn Boil: 5-10 p.m. Thursday, July 25; 5-11 p.m. Friday, July 26; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 27; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 28, at Volunteer Park, Sugar Grove. Opening parade at 5 p.m. Friday. Bob Bohler Memorial Fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Saturday and car show ($10 per entry) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Music, corn, food and more. Free shuttle service at the library and municipal center. sugargrovecornboil.org.

Rock 'N Wheels: 6-10 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at Village Green, 1 Friendship Plaza, and historical museum campus, Addison. Music from Heart to Heartbreaker (Heart and Pat Benatar tribute) at 6:30 p.m. and Kashmir (Led Zeppelin tribute) at 8 p.m., food vendors, kids’ activities, interactive DJ and more. Car show along Lake Street. Craft and Vintage Fair, museum open house and weekly portrayals and demonstrations until 8 p.m. at the museum campus. ItHappensInAddison.com.

Thirsty Thursdays: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at the Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Arena rock and hairband tribute band The Lounge Puppets will perform. Food and drinks for purchase. Bring a lawn chair. Free. eastdundee.net.

Canine Carnival: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. $10; registration required. palatineparks.org.

Plaza Concert Series: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at Wheeling Town Center, 351 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling. Free concerts in the plaza with food and beverage options from local restaurants. Physical Graffiti will perform. Free. thewheelingtowncenter.com/events.

Sounds of Summer — Thursday Night Acoustic Series: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at Towne Square, 150 W. Palatine Road, Palatine. Acoustic Deep Cuts will perform. Free. palatineparks.org/sounds-of-summer.

Bolingbrook Summer Music: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, July 25, on The Row at The Promenade, 631 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook. Anthem will perform classic rock. Bring a lawn chair. Free. shoppingpromenade.com/events/ or facebook.com/streetmarketsatthepromenade.

Carol Stream Summer Concert Series: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at Ross Ferraro Town Center, 960 N. Gary Ave., Carol Stream. Anchors Away will perform. Food and drinks for purchase. Free. carolstream.org.

It’s Thursday Concerts: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at the Antioch Bandshell, 900 Skidmore Drive, Antioch. Billy Elton will perform. Free. antioch.il.gov.

Live & Uncorked: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. Gates open at 6:15 p.m. Bring a chair and snacks. The Breakfast Club will perform. Purchase tickets online for $8 or $10 at the gate. foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/summerconcerts.

Rockin’ in the Park Summer Concert Series: 7-10 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Live The Who will perform, followed by a musical fireworks display. Food and beverage tents on the park’s great lawn. Free. rosemont.com/thepark/calendar.

Sounds of Summer Concert Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at Harmony Park, 7 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. Heartache Tonight will perform. Free. vah.com/explore/sounds_of_summer_concerts.php.

St. Charles Concerts in the Park: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at the Lincoln Park gazebo, off Fifth and Main streets, St. Charles. Radio Gaga will perform. Local restaurants will be selling snacks. Bring blankets and chairs. Free. stcparks.org/summer-concerts.

Summer Party & Movie in the Park: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at Washington Park, 350 E. Irving Park Road, Itasca. Games, contest, crafts, food truck, movie at 8:30 p.m. and more. Free. itascaparkdistrict.com.

Summer Sounds on the Green Concert Series: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at Village Green, 5510 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Bopology will perform. Bring a picnic, coolers, food, drinks, chairs, blankets and small tables. Seating is first-come, first-served. Food and beverages for sale. Free. hoffmanestatesarts.com/summer-concert-series.

Naperville Municipal Band Summer Concerts: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25, in Central Park, 104 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Free. napervilleband.org.

Harper College Summer Concert Series: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at the Drs. Kenneth and Catherine Ender Pavilion on Harper’s campus, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. Harper College Concert Choir will perform. Bring lawn chairs or blankets; park in lots 9 and 10. harpercollege.edu.

Wheaton Municipal Band: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at Memorial Park Bandshell, 225 Karlskoga Ave., Wheaton. The concert will feature conductor and audience favorites. Free. wheatonmunicipalband.org.

Thursday Movie in the Park: 8 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at Heritage Park Performance Pavillion, 201 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Watch the “Super Mario Bros. Movie.” Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Popcorn, snacks and drinks for purchase. Free. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

Ongoing

Dinos Alive: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays; 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays; 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Exhibition Hub Art Center Chicago, 2367 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago. See over 80 life-size, moving dinosaur replicas, take part in interactive and educational experiences and more. $17.90-$30.90. dinosaliveexhibit.com.

Bristol Renaissance Faire: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 2, off I-94 at the Illinois/Wisconsin border. Step back in time with food, games, costumes, theme weekends and more. $40 for adults; $15 for kids 5-12; and free for kids 4 and younger. renfair.com/Bristol.