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It's that time of year again. The spring weather ushers in a host of local outdoor activities and street fests, which ramp up in the summer months. Here are some of the best ongoing and upcoming street fests in the western suburbs.
Town: Addison
Fest: Rock 'N' Wheels
Details: 6 to 10 p.m. Thursdays from June through August at the Village Green, just east of Addison Village Hall, Addison
At a glance: Each night will feature a car and bike show, and prizes will be awarded. Additionally, organizers have scheduled a rocking music lineup as well as weekly themes that highlight barbecue fare, Italian food, around-the-world cuisines and gourmet tacos. The annual "Salute the Troops" night is June 25.
More info: http://ithappensinaddison.com/
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Town: Berwyn
Fest: Berwyn Cruise Nites
Details: 6 to 9 p.m on the first and third Tuesday of every month through August, Berwyn Depot District, Windsor and Grove avenues, Berwyn
At a glance: The Depot District will be the stage for flashy vehicles of all kinds, from street rods, to muscle cars, to antiques and even the latest in automobile design. Cars, trucks and motorcycles will be on display at the intersection of Windsor and Grove avenues. Visitors can mingle and learn more about Berwyn's classic car culture and historical automotive heritage. Trophies are awarded to the 10 most stunning vehicles at each Cruise Nite event. Restaurants and businesses in the Depot District will also be open. Admission is free.
More info: http://berwyn.net/bdc-community-events/cruise-nites
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Town: Brookfield
Fest: Summer NightsConcerts at the Brookfield Zoo
Details: 4 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturdays, June 5 through Aug. 8 at the Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W. 31st St., Brookfield
At a glance: Enjoy Brookfield Zoo in a new light with cooler evening weather, enhanced dining, beer and wine gardens, roaming performers, kids' entertainment, live music and a new laser light show, all surrounded by wildlife and nature. Admission to the Brookfield Zoo is $14.95 for adults and $9.95 for children and seniors.
More info: http://www.czs.org/Events
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Town: Elmhurst
Fest: Block to Block Party
Details: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays in June and July at the Elmhurst City Centre, 147 N. York St., Elmhurst
At a glance: Eat, shop, dine and take in family friendly live music and entertainment at the Elmhurst Block to Block Party.
More info: http://www.elmhurstcitycentre.com/
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Town: Lombard
Fest: Lombard Cruise Nights
Details: 6 to 10 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 24 in downtown Lombard near St. Charles and Main streets, Lombard
At a glance: For the 17th year in a row, unique classic cars and live musical performances returns to downtown Lombard's weekly classic car show showcase and street fest, Lombard Cruise Nights. The Lombard Cruise Nights returns this summer with a new childrens' attraction. From 6 to 9 p.m. during the fest, the new Kids Corner will host childrens' activities such as a sports zone and a craft area.
More info: http://www.villageoflombard.org/629/Cruise-Nights
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Town: Woodridge
Fest: Woodridge Jubilee
Details: June 17-21 at the corner of Woodridge and Center drives, Woodridge
At a glance: Local bands, thrilling carnival rides, an assortment of food vendors, a fireworks spectacular and more are slated for the 32nd annual Woodridge Jubilee on June 17- 21. The five-day festival takes place at the corner of Woodridge and Center Drives and is organized by the Woodridge Park District and the Village of Woodridge. Carnival rides for all ages begin the night of June 17 and run throughout the event. From June 18-21, enjoy entertainment, food, beverages and bingo. On June 20th, don't miss the free children's activities along with carnival rides, food, beverages, entertainment and fireworks.
More info: http://www.woodridgeparks.org/Jubilee.htm
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Town: Itasca
Fest: Scottish Festival & Highland Games
Details: June 19 and 20 at Hamilton Lakes, 1 Pierce Place, Itasca
At a glance: The Chicago Scotts hosts the Midwest's Largest Scottish Event, the 29th annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games. Featuring an extravaganza of activities and attractions—from the Caber Toss to the Highland Dance to the Dogs of Scotland—the family-friendly event is a chance to explore Scottish culture without buying a plane ticket. Highlights include the ever-popular Heavy Athletics Exhibition, a Rugby Exhibition, the Friday Night Fling, and crowning of the Heather Queen and Court.
More info: http://www.chicagoscots.org/highlandgames/
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Town: Villa Park
Fest: Villa Park Summerfest
Details: June 19 and 20 at the Ardmore Business District, Ardmore Avenue and Park Boulevard, Villa Park
At a glance: Lucha Libre wrestlers will take center stage June 20 during the Villa Park Summerfest as the two-day festival plays host to five matches, plus a meet and greet with the wrestlers. Summerfest also features arts and crafts, children's activities, music, beer and wine, a car show and a bags tournament. All-day wristbands are $10.
More info: http://www.villaparksummerfest.com/
Town: Berwyn
Fest: St. Odilo Pig Roast
Details: 3 to 8 p.m. June 20 at St. Odilo Parish, 2244 East Ave., Berwyn
At a glance: St. Odilo is honoring two of its parishoners, Rev. Anthony Brankin and Msgr. Rev. Richard Saudis, with a celbratory pig roast June 20. Other festivities including music, games, children's activities, bingo, beer and raffles. The menu also includes hamburgers and hot dogs, and the music lineup spans bagpiping, Irish music and dancers, mariachi and blues. Admission is $10; advance purchase is required.
More info: www.saintodilo.org
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Town: Lisle
Fest: Morton Arboretum Passport Europe Cultural Festival
Details: June 20 and 21, Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinios Route 53, Lisle
At a glance: Join the the Morton Arboretum for a trip around Europe during the second annual Passport Europe Cultural Festival. Activities include authentic music and dance performances and traditional European cuisine. Additionally, attendees will have a chance to hike the trails and explore the Arboretum's collections of trees and plants native to central and northern Europe, some of the oldest collections on the Arboretum's grounds.
More info: http://www.mortonarb.org/events/passport-europe-cultural-festival
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Town: Oak Brook
Fest: Father's Day Classic Car Show
Details: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 21 at Oakbrook Center, 100 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook
At a glance: This Father's Day, Oakbrook Center is offering a great way to drive dad crazy! On June 21, the outdoor shopping destination will once again transform into a classic car lover's paradise as it plays host to the 47th Annual Father's Day Classic Car Show. Presented by the Greater Illinois Region of the Classic Car Club of America in partnership with Oakbrook Center, more than 80,000 visitors are expected to attend this one-day-only event, which features more than 90 antique, classic, vintage and specialty automobiles will be on display throughout Oakbrook Center. Admission is free.
More info: http://www.oakbrookcenter.com/events/47th-annual-fathers-day-classic-car-show
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Town: Downers Grove
Fest: Downers Grove Rotary GroveFest
Details: June 25-28 in Downtown Downers Grove
At a glance: Hosted by the Rotary Club of Downers Grove, this year's annual GroveFest features a new craft beer fest and more discounted ticket options. In addition to the staple attractions such as a craft show, the festival of cars, a five-mile race, live music, a food and business expo, and a wide array carnival rides and games, the 2015 GroveFest will also have a craft beer fest on Jun 27 and a ticket option for unlimited rides during daytime hours.
More info: http://www.rotarygrovefest.com/
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Town: Lemont
Fest: Freedom Days
Details: June 28 to July 3 at various Lemont Park District parks and facilities, Lemont
At a glance: The Lemont Park District's Fourth of July/Freedom Days series includes: The Color Me Proud 5K at 8 a.m. June 28; the All-American Swim at 8 p.m. June 29; the Stars and Stripes Tribute to Our Veterans at 6:30 p.m. June 30; Red, White and Zumba at 6:30 p.m. July 1; Sky High Freedom Fly and Movie in the Park at 6 p.m. July 2; and the Independence Day Extravaganza at 4 p.m. July 3.
More info: lemontparkdistrict.org
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Town: Bensenville
Fest: Bensenville Park District Civil War Weekend
Details: June 27 and 28 at Fischer Farm, 16W680 Grand Ave., Bensenville
At a glance: Step back in time 150 years to one of the most significant events in our history. There will be a rally for drills in the morning and a skirmish in the afternoon as well as first-person presentations throughout the day. Attendees have a chance to meet soldiers, hear a speech from President Abraham Lincoln, learn about civilian life and more.
More info: http://www.bensenvilleparkdistrict.org/pdcms/events-at-the-farm
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Town: Glen Ellyn
Fest: Starlight Summer Series
Details: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in July and August at the Lakeside Pavilion at College of DuPage's McAninch Arts Center, 425 22nd St., Glen Ellyn
At a glance: The newly designed Lakeside Pavilion at the College of DuPage plays host to outdoor movies and concerts this summer. Beginning July 16 with the "Frozen" movie singalong, the organizers will movie singalongs at 8 p.m. Thursdays in July. Various jazz ensembles will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays in August, while an array of bands will rock out beginning at 7:30 p.m. Fridays in July through August. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and a picnic, however outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Beer, wine and other concessions will be available for sale. Admission is free.
More info: http://www.atthemac.org/shows-events/lakeside-pavilion/
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Town: Berwyn
Fest: FitzGerald's American Music Festival
Details: July 1- 4 at FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn
At a glance: FitzGerald's American Music Festival boasts one of, if not the best live music festival lineup in the area. Spread over four days, take in more than 50 bands on three stages playing a wide array of music including rock, soul, rockabilly, country, blues, jazz and bluegrass. Former restaurateur Tom "Festival" Cimms will once again be cooking and selling cajun food. A four-day pass is $100, and single day tickets are also available.
More info: http://www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com/
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Town: Oak Brook
Fest: First Folio Theatre Shakespeare Under the Stars
Details: July 8 through Aug. 9, presented by First Folio Theatre at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook
At a glance: First Folio Theatre will present "The Winter's Tale" as part of its annual outdoor Shakespeare Under the Stars series. A preview will be held July 8 with opening night scheduled for July 11; the production runs through Aug. 9. Attendees are encouraged to pack a picnic and bring a blanket. Preview tickets are $22. Regular priced tickets are $29 Wednesdays and Thursdays, and $39 on Fridays through Sundays.
More info: www.firstfolio.org
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Town: Riverside
Fest: Riverside Cruise Nights.
Details: 5 to 10 p.m. July 9 on Burlington Avenue and 5 to 10 p.m. Aug. 13 at East and Pine avenues.
At a glance: Join hundreds of car enthusiasts throughout the region at the annual Riverside Cruise Nights. The Village of Riverside is located on the historic Route 66, and is a perfect setting to feature classic, hotrod, muscle and vintage cars.
More info: http://shawurl.com/1yob
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Town: Westmont
Fest: Taste of Westmont
Details: July 9-12 on Cass Avenue in downtown Westmont
At a glance: Local restaurants are always the highlight of the annual Taste of Westmont. And with vendors such as Absolutely Delicious, China Chef, Neat Kitchen & Bar, Papa Passero's, Taco Express and Uncle Bubs already on board, this year's test is shaping up to be a memorable one. Other Taste of Westmont activities include live music, carnival specials, a craft show, kids activities, face painting, a beer tent, battle of the bands, a car show and more.
More info: http://www.westmontevents.com/Taste_of_Westmont.html
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Town: Elmhurst
Fest: Elmhurst Garden Walk and Faire
Details: July 12 at various Elmhurst locations; Wilder Park is located at 175 S Prospect Ave., Elmhurst
At a glance: Presented by the Elmhurst Garden Club and in cooperation with the Elmhurst Park District, the garden walk is an exploration through the gardens of seven local homeowners. Each garden has its own personality and style and ranges in size from grand to modest, and the passion that these homeowners bring to their gardens is evident throughout the landscapes. Additionaly, the Faire in Wilder Park will feature unique garden accessories and one-of-a-kind pieces to transplant into your own garden. Perennials will be for sale from a nearby nursery. Advanced tickets are available for $15, or $20 the day of the event.
More info: http://www.elmhurstgardenwalk.com/
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Town: Lemont
Fest: Heritage Fest
Details: All day July 11 in downtown Lemont
At a glance: This is the village of Lemont's signature annual downtown festival, complete with a carnival, food and live entertainment. There will be an abundance of great childrens' activities running from 4 to 8:00 p.m. July 11 with something for every age group!. Other activities includ a zip line, rock wall, pony rides, a petting zoo and much more!
More info: http://www.lemont.il.us/HeritageFest
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Town: La Grange
Fest: La Grange Craft Fair
Details: July 11 and 12 at the La Grange Main Business District, La Grange
At a glance: The 41st Annual La Grange Craft Show takes to the streets of the downtown area July 11 and 12 with nearly 200 tents exhibiting unique arts and crafts items created by Midwest artisans, many of them new to this year's show. The craft show features a broad range of wares, most of them hand-made, including baby gifts, summer and fall florals, garden and yard stakes, pet accessories and many fabric items. Outdoor enthusiasts will find hand-made fishing lures, concrete yard adornments, mosaic birdbaths, sports photography, turned wood and more. There will also be a variety of hand-crafted jewelry including fused glass and antique spoon jewelry. Live demonstrations by artists will also be featured.
More info: http://lgba.com/event-1865901
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Town: La Grange Park
Fest: St. Louiise de Marillac SummerFest
Details: July 16-19 at St. Louiise de Marillac School, 30th and Raymond avenues, La Grange Park
At a glance: A fun event for the whole family, SummerFest showcases a diverse lineup of local performing artists, while providing carnival rides, activities and a range of quality food from local vendros. Megapasses, which will be good for all four days at the fest, are available for $40 advance purchase.
More info: http://www.slmparish.org/summerfest/; 708-352-7388
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Town: Wheaton
Fest: DuPage County Fair
Details: July 22-26 at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton
At a glance: In spite of hundreds of building code violations as well as a recent spat of animal illnesses, the 61st annual DuPage County Fair will go on as planned. In addition to the usual food vendors, rides and carnival games, this year's county fair includes a beer and wine tasting event July 24, two rodeos July 25 and a paid demolition derbies July 26. Admission is $10 for adults.
More info: http://www.dupagecountyfair.org/
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Town: Naperville
Fest: Naperville Wine Festival
Details: Aug. 14 and 15 at Citygate Center, 2135 City Gate Lane, Naperville
At a glance: The Naperville Wine festival provides an opportunity to sample more than 300 wines from around the world. Attendees can also learn about new and exciting wine varieties from the experts in a relaxed festival setting. Wine seminars and cooking demonstrations are conducted by event sponsors, exhibiting wineries, area chefs and restaurateurs. Some of the area's best restaurants and caterers will sell their signature dishes. Live music will be performed on the festival stage. Tickets can be purchased for $32 in advance or $40 at the door. Designated driver tickets, which includes two non-alcoholic drinks, are available for $15.
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Town: Oak Brook
Fest: Canine Companions DogFest Walk 'n Roll
Details: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug 23 at Central Park West, 1500 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook
At a glance: Grab a leash and join the Canine Companions DogFest Walk 'n Roll, a community dog walk that supports the mission of Canine Companions for Independence. Interested parties are encouraged to create a team of friends, family members and coworkers who then fundraise to earn a cool DogFest prize. Teams that raise $100 will get a DogFest bandana to wear at DogFest. People can also sign up as an individual or can join a pre-existing team.
More info: http://shawurl.com/1yo6