5 fests for Labor Day weekend
<h3 class="breakHead">Sad, but true</h3>
The time to enjoy warm, sunny afternoons and mild, breezy evenings outdoors is fading fast. So enjoy the upcoming three-day weekend to the fullest with fests that offer concerts, crafts, corn dogs and a whole lot more. Here are five options for the weekend. For others, go to dailyherald.com/calendar.
<h3 class="breakHead">Last Fling</h3>
One of the area's biggest fests returns to downtown Naperville this weekend. The annual Naperville Jaycees' Last Fling features music by Daughtry, Lucky Boys Confusion and more, plus new attractions in the Family Fun Land, carnival rides, bed races, dunk tank, rib cook-off, business expo, Labor Day parade and more. Free; tickets for the main stage acts cost $10-$30. lastfling.org. 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5 and 6; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7.
<h3 class="breakHead">Buffalo Grove Days</h3>
Enjoy live music, food, a carnival, craft fair, business fair, bingo and more at Buffalo Grove Days at Lake-Cook Road and Raupp Boulevard, Buffalo Grove. The event includes a parade at 1 p.m. Sunday at Bernard Drive and Indian Hill, and fireworks at dusk Sunday. Special carnival for residents with disabilities from 10:30 a.m. to noon Monday. Free. bgdays.com. 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, Sept. 4; 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Sept. 5; 7:30 a.m. to midnight Sunday, Sept. 6; and 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7.
<h3 class="breakHead">Septemberfest</h3>
More fest fun awaits at the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center grounds, 101 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. Arts and crafts show, carnival, entertainment on three stages, Taste of Schaumburg, bingo and more are featured. Fireworks are at 10 p.m. Sunday, and the Labor Day parade starts at 10 a.m. Monday at Summit Drive and Wise Road. Free. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6; and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7 septemberfest.org.
<h3 class="breakHead">Fox Valley Irish Fest</h3>
Go green at the Fox Valley Irish Fest at RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora. The event showcases concerts, Irish food, beer, games, gifts, crafts, a kids' play area and more. $5-$10; free for kids 2 and younger. (630) 896-6666 or riveredgeaurora.com. 3 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5.
<h3 class="breakHead">Fox Valley Folk Music & Storytelling Festival</h3>
Sample more than 100 hours of folk music, dance and storytelling on eight stages in Island Park, 2 E. State St., Geneva. The event also includes kids' activities and an Old-Time Community Barn Dance from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday. $20 a day; $15 for seniors and teens; free for kids 12 and younger. foxvalleyfolk.com. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Sept. 6 and 7.