Rockin' in the Park
2025-08-12 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Pl, Rosemont, Illinois, 60018
Ticket to the Moon, an ELO cover band, is performing
Musical fireworks tonight after the show.
All “Rockin’ in the Park” concerts will run from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Admission to “Rockin’ in the Park” is free. Outside food and coolers are prohibited.
Parking is available at the Parkway Bank Park parking garage and is free with validation from any of the park’s venues.

Free Resident Day at the Field Museum
2025-08-13 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-20 09:00 - 17:00 | Field Museum, 1400 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60605, United States
“Free Admission Days are the perfect opportunity for Illinois residents to explore our general admission exhibitions with your family or a group of science-loving friends. Or, use these days to check out special ticketed exhibitions or a 3D movie with a discounted Discovery or All-Access Pass.
Tickets for Free Days are only available to Illinois residents on-site and cannot be reserved in advance. Please ask a Visitor Services staff member for the special offer and show your Illinois proof of residency. You cannot take advantage of Free Days when buying tickets online.” -From the Field Museum Website

Art After Dark
2025-08-13 16:00 - 19:00, 2025-08-20 16:00 - 19:00 | Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL, 60624, United States
“Join GPCA’s Nature Educators on Wednesday evenings to explore and discover together! This program runs every week from 4-7:30pm. This free, drop in program is designed for kids and families ages 4 and up. Activities will follow themes of nature and science, but with a special focus on learning, processing, and making personal connections to subject matter through art. Families can enjoy open-ended collaborative or individual projects, nature journal prompts inspired by the Conservatory collection and conversations about Chicago’s ecosystems and our place in them, in a calm and inviting atmosphere!
This program is included in all reservations to visit the Conservatory, book your reservation ahead of time here: here (link opens in a new tab)
Family programs are supported in part by Peoples Gas Community Fund, The Dr. Scholl Foundation and PNC.”
-Description from the Garfield Park Conservatory Website

Wild Wednesdays
2025-08-13 16:00 - 19:30, 2025-08-20 16:00 - 19:30 | Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL, 60624, United States
“Wild Wednesdays are back for the season at Garfield Park Conservatory! Join Family Programs staff outdoors in Play and Grow Garden for free, drop-in activities, such as fort building, bug hunts, chalk drawing, and more! Find us every Wednesday evening from 4:00-7:30 pm. Just head outside through our Desert House doors and follow the giant bubbles!
This program is included in all reservations to visit the Conservatory, book your reservation ahead of time here: here (link opens in a new tab)
Family programs are supported in part by Peoples Gas Community Fund, Dr. Scholls Foundation and PNC”
-Description from the Garfield Park Conservatory Website

FREE Adler at Night Admission for Illinois Residents
2025-08-13 16:00 - 22:00, 2025-08-20 16:00 - 22:00 | Adler Planetarium, 1300 S Dusable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL, 60605, United States
“Every Wednesday night we are open late, and free for Illinois residents!
Join us after work, school or for date night at the Adler Planetarium you’ll find hands-on, minds-on activities, experiences, and shows about the universe that will blow your mind!
Wednesday tickets include entry to the museum at one of the designated entry times, 4:00 pm or 7:00 pm (last admission 9:00 pm). You may enter anytime after your chosen entry time, and up to the next designated entry time.
Best of all? Every Wednesday is free Museum Entry for Illinois residents with proof of residency! To show proof of residency, you can use a valid Illinois driver’s license or photo ID, Illinois student ID with photo, or a photo ID plus a document (utility bill, lease, etc.) that shows your name and Illinois address.
All tickets must be bought online and you must choose a designated entry time, in advance of your visit. All sales are final. Book your tickets for Adler at Night if you’re an Illinois resident or non-Illinois resident.”
-Details provided by the Adler Planetarium Website

Highwood Garlic Fest
2025-08-13 16:30 - 21:30 | Everts Park, 111 North Ave, Highwood, IL, 60040, United States
“Held in conjunction with Highwood’s Evening Gourmet Market, this foodie fest showcases a plethora of dishes with the ever-popular taste (and scent) of garlic, with a garlic trivia contest, garlic tattoos and hennas, live music and plenty of family-friendly activities to entertain all evening long. Not to worry, there will be loads of mints on hand!
Known for its culinary and medicinal purposes, attendees will have the opportunity to sample various garlic creations from out-of-the-ordinary garlic-infused chocolate, cookies, ice cream, fudge, funnel cakes and garlic-infused cocktails, to the classic, savory options like pastas, sandwiches, sauces and spreads, and vote for their favorite!”-From the Garlic Fest Website

Free Admission at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2025-08-14 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-21 10:00 - 16:00 | Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL, 60614, United States
Illinois Residents can enjoy FREE admission to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. A $10 suggested donation per household is greatly appreciated.

Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest
2025-08-15 - 2025-08-17 | Rogers Part Art Festival Grounds, 6900 N Glenwood Ave / 1400 W Morse Ave., Chicago
For over twenty years, The Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest (GAAF) has presented a free, weekend-long arts festival featuring over 100 artist booths, open studios, and live entertainment on outdoor stages. Attendees view and purchase handmade artworks directly from the creators. The Fest brings free live music, performances and art demonstrations — along with street food and craft beer from local merchants on the cobblestone streets of the Glenwood Avenue Arts District in Chicago’s historic Rogers Park neighborhood.
Friday 8/15: 6pm-10pm Friday Night Cobblestone Jam
Saturday 8/16: 11am to 9pm Artists’ Market
Sunday 8/27: 11am to 7pm Artists’ Market
-All information from the Glenwood Avenue Website

Naper Nights
2025-08-15 17:00 - 2025-08-16 22:00 | Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St, Naperville, IL, 60540, United States
Eat, drink, dance, and hear the best tribute bands perform your favorite hits of different genres!
Adults $20, Kids 4-12: $15
August 15
Widespread Panic, Grateful Dead, & Phish Tribute
Bears Gone Phishin’ | 8-10 PM
String Cheese Incident Tribute
Cream Cheese Accident | 6-7:30 PM
August 16
Wilco Tribute
Wilclone | 8-10 PM
Great American Taxi
6-7:30 PM

Air and Water Show
2025-08-16 10:00 - 2025-08-17 14:00 | North Avenue Beach, Chicago, IL, 60614, United States
The Chicago Air and Water Show presented by the City of Chicago is the largest FREE Air and Water show in the country. The show can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point.

Evanston Art and Big Fork Fest
2025-08-16 10:00 - 2025-08-17 17:00 | Downtown Evanston, 800 Church Street, Evanston, IL, United States
130 juried artists from around the country will show and sell their art including paintings, jewelry, mixed media, photography, sculpture, ceramics, one-of-a-kind furniture, home accessories and more!
Live music on three stages, great food, drinks, and tasty treats from local restaurants, and a variety of kids’ activities, create a fun and festive family-friendly event. Artist booth chats and artisan demonstrations add to the experience.
Admission is free and there is plenty of parking. The show is wheelchair and stroller accessible. -From the Evanston Art and Big Fork Fest website

Great American Lobster Fest
2025-08-16 12:00 - 2025-08-17 19:00 | Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, United States
Mark your calendar for the Great American Lobster Fest, a lively seafood bash happening at Chicago’s famous Navy Pier, perfectly timed with the thrilling Chicago Air & Water Show.
Feast on fresh Maine lobster flown in daily from the East Coast, cool off with an ice-cold drink, explore unique craft booths, and enjoy live music – all while high-flying jets and daring aerial stunts roar above in a show you can only see here.
Not a seafood fan? No problem! There’s plenty to choose from, including mouthwatering BBQ, decadent desserts, and other tasty favorites. This family-friendly event offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, making it the perfect setting for an unforgettable summer weekend on the waterfront.

Roaring Nights: Better Than Ezra & Tonic
2025-08-16 18:00 - 22:00 | Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL, 60513, United States
Join us for an unforgettable nights of music, fun, and celebration as Brookfield Zoo Chicago marks its 90th anniversary with Roaring Nights. Set against the backdrop of the Zoo’s landscapes and diverse wildlife
Better Than Ezra & Tonic — Saturday, August 16
6:00 to 9:30 p.m.
General Admission: $70
Members: $60 (save $10 off General Admission)
Children (Ages 0-11): $15
Better Than Ezra have made their mark on the music world in a major way through their hummable melodies, unshakable guitar riffs, and confessional lyrics that have stood the test of time. From 1995’s #1 hit “Good” all the way to Taylor Swift’s famous 2010 cover of the Better Than Ezra classic “Breathless,” they’re still going strong, earning their designation as one of the “100 Greatest Alternative Artists of All Time” by Billboard. Better Than Ezra starts at 8:00 p.m.

Around The World Food Truck Fest
2025-08-17 12:00 - 18:00 | The Forge Lemont Quarries, 1001 Main Street, Lemont, IL, United States
Get ready for a culinary passport unlike any other. Around the World Food Truck Festival brings a global tasting tour to The Forge: Lemont Quarries with an eclectic lineup of local and regional food trucks serving bold, international flavors. From Greek gyros and Maine lobster rolls to Hawaiian barbecue, Belgian waffles, and Korean dumplings, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Bring your appetite, your friends and your sense of adventure for an afternoon of delicious eats and outdoor fun!
Featuring food from:

Yum Dum
Hello Boba
All Belgium Waffles
Flyin Hawaiian
CHkNBox
Mamalicious
Los Razos
Eva Lee Cooking
Sernas Grill
Taste Greek Food
Ben’s Pretzels
Cousins Maine Lobster
Pierogi Rig
Smokin Z’s
Tacomatora
Avocado Theory
Culinary Gangster
Spoon Burger

Family Day Chicago Dogs Day Game
2025-08-17 15:00 - 18:00 | Impact Field, 9850 Balmoral Ave, Rosemont, IL, 60018, United States
Catch on the Field, Autographs, $3 Bottomless Popcorn, $3 Bottomless Fountain Drinks

FREE Illinois Resident Day at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
2025-08-18 09:30 - 17:30, 2025-08-19 09:30 - 17:30, 2025-08-25 09:30 - 17:30, 2025-08-26 09:30 - 17:30 | Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S Dusable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60637
The Museum of Industry will be FREE for Illinois Residents today. You can reserve your tickets online, and the discount is applied at checkout.

Free Admission for Illinois Residents at the Museum of Contemporary Art
2025-08-19 17:00 - 21:00 | Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, United States
Illinois Residents receive FREE admission to the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Usual Rates:

Adults: $22
Students, teachers, and anyone 65+: $14

Note: Anyone under 18 is always FREE

The following Discounts always apply as well:

$3 tickets for up to six individuals when visitors present their LINK (EBT) Card as part of the Museums for All program.
Free Admission
Admission is free every day for:

Illinois elementary and high school teachers. Simply present a valid teacher ID at the admissions desk. If you’re planning on visiting with your class, please visit our School programs page for more information.
Visitors with disabilities and their caregivers.
Active members of the military, police, and fire departments and veterans as well as their families (with ID).
Anyone 18 and under.
MCA Members.

FREE Resident Evening at the Shedd Aquarium
2025-08-19 17:00 - 21:00 | Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, United States
The Shedd Aquarium will be FREE for Illinois Residents on select evenings from 5pm-9pm with last entry at 7:00pm.
Advanced tickets are required, so make your reservations soon!

Sensory Friendly Morning at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2025-08-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL, 60614, United States
“Join us at the Nature Museum for a sensory friendly morning event for guests with disabilities and Veterans to explore our exhibits and experiences in a relaxed and accepting environment with their family members and companions.
Exclusive access for registrants 9-10am. Tickets include museum admission for the day. Exhibits and experiences modified to be low sensory until noon.
Modifications for our Sensory Friendly Morning include:

Limited capacity with advanced registration

Exhibits modified for lower light and sound stimuli

Sensory friendly critter connections & first flight butterfly release

Accessibility supports available year-round:

Sensory kits

Quiet room for sensory breaks

And more”

-Description from the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Website

Low-Sensory Morning at the MSI
2025-08-24 08:30 - 09:30 | Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S Dusable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60637
“Low-Sensory Mornings provide exclusive early access to MSI from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., allowing you to explore with exhibits with modified lighting and sound. Your tickets also include Museum Entry for rest of the day, with most Museum experiences remaining in sensory-friendly mode until noon.”-from the MSI website

Family Storybook Yoga
2025-08-24 09:00 - 10:00 | Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL, 60614, United States
“Join our friends at Brain to Belly Kids Yoga for a cozy storybook yoga class with your family! This imaginative yoga class will flow through a sequence of fun and creative poses that embody the story; bringing literature to life. BBKY is a mobile yoga + mindfulness company founded by educators and dedicated to nurturing kids’ innate desire for movement and play. This class provides a medium for families to unplug and bond in the most playful of ways. Children and their grown-ups will interact through moving, breathing, and connecting. This class is designed for children ages 2-8 years; however, all ages are most welcome! All children must be accompanied by a guardian.
Space is limited. BYO Mat. Must register online in advance; no drop-ins. Ticket includes access to all museum exhibits.
Family registrations strongly encouraged.
Museums for All pricing available upon request. Please email programs@naturemuseum.org to inquire.”
-Description from the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Website

Calm Waters at the Shedd Aquarium
2025-08-24 09:00 - 23:00 | Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, United States
Calm Waters is an exclusive event for guests with disabilities and Veterans to explore Shedd Aquarium’s exhibits and experiences in a comfortable and accepting environment. Modifications for this event will include limited capacity and streamlined entry with advance registration.
Modifications for Calm Waters Include:

Limited capacity and streamlined entry with advance registration
A low-sensory animal spotlight with American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation
An animal encounter opportunity
Complimentary 4D Experiences during the event

Family members and companions are welcome.
