Fairs & fests: Dragon boats, cruise nights, picnics, art and more

From the rebranded Festival of the Fox in St. Charles (with the annual dragon boat races) to the Lombard Ale Fest to the Elk Grove Village Art in the Park, there's no shortage of fun to be had this weekend.

This weekend

Chicago Blues Festival: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, June 10-12, at Grant Park, 331 E. Randolph St., Chicago. Blues headliners on five stages. Free. cityofchicago.org.

Ninth Annual Day Without Hunger: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, June 10, at Loaves & Fishes Community Services, 1871 High Grove Lane, Naperville. Community festival features an outdoor barbecue, food, live entertainment, exhibits and activities for the entire family. Loaves & Fishes will highlight its commitment to reducing food insecurity in children. Free. loaves-fishes.org.

Arlington Heights Picnic in the Park: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 10, at North School Park, Eastman Street and Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Family-friendly live entertainment, food vendors, face painting and more. Free. ahpd.org.

Rolling Meadows Block Party on Kirchoff: 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 10, on Kirchoff Road, between Meadow Drive and Oriole Lane and the Community Church parking lot, 2720 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Multiple community events in one evening: farmers and food trucks, city market, cruise night and a law enforcement vehicle display, all on or along Kirchoff Road. Family-friendly event with kids' activities, games and music. Free. ci.rolling-meadows.il.us.

Franklin Park Fest featuring Railroad Day: Events open at 5 p.m. Friday, June 10, and noon Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12, at Franklin Avenue and Calwagner Street, Franklin Park. Carnival, entertainment, food and more. Railroad Day celebration with train displays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 11. Free. (847) 671-4800 or villageoffranklinpark.com.

Hawthorn Woods Car Show Cruise Night: 5 p.m. Friday, June 10, at Hawthorn Woods Community Park, 5 Park View Lane, Hawthorn Woods. See classic cars (pre-1980 stock cars, any year exotic cars and any year modified cars). Spectators welcome. Trophy presentations at 8 p.m. Car Show Cruise Nights are paired with the Concerts in the Parks series. Food vendors available. Cars should enter at the public works facility off Old McHenry Road. Free. (847) 550-5500 or vhw.org.

Meadows Cruise Night: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 10, at Meadows Christian Fellowship, 2401 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Classic cars, food and more. Free. (847) 255-8764 or meadowsfamily.org.

Midsommarfest: 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 10, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12, in the Andersonville neighborhood, Clark Street from Foster to Catalpa, Chicago. Street festival features music, a vendor marketplace, food, kids' activities, dancing and more. $10 donation at the gate; free for kids younger than 12 and seniors. andersonville.org.

Prospect Heights Park District's 50th Anniversary Party: Friday through Sunday, June 10-12, at various venues in Prospect Heights. Battle of the Bands runs 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 10, at Gary Morava Rec Center, 110 N. Camp McDonald Road; Music Under the Stars Day is 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 11, in Lions Park at Gary Morava Rec Center, with a food truck, craft beer and wine sales from 6 to 9 p.m. Serendipity plays from 7 to 9 p.m. A family picnic runs from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday in Lions Park. Must register to get the free lunch of hot dog, chips and a drink. prospectheightsparkdistrict.org.

Ribfest Chicago 2016: 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 10, and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12, on Lincoln Avenue, from Irving Park Road to Berteau Avenue, Chicago. Barbecued ribs from 30 Chicago rib vendors, rib-eating competition, music from headlining bands and more. Purchase tickets for food and drinks. ribfestchicago.com.

Hawthorn Woods Summer Concerts: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 10, in Community Park, 5 Park View Lane, Hawthorn Woods. Magic Frank Blues Band (blues/rock) performs. Food vendors will be on-site. Free. vhw.org.

Arlington Heights Sounds of Summer concerts: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 10, in Harmony Park, Vail and Campbell streets, Arlington Heights. Centerfold performs. Free; bring chairs and blankets. vah.com.

Beer Tasting at Twin Lakes: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 10, at Twin Lakes Tent, 1200 E. Lake Drive, Palatine. Sample beers from a variety of vendors. $15-$20. saltcreek.multisportsystems.com.

Dundee Township Park District Concert in the Park: 7 p.m. Friday, June 10, in Grafelman Park, 4th and Main streets, West Dundee. The Fortunate Sons perform. Free. dtpd.org.

Island Lake Concerts in the Park: 7 p.m. Friday, June 10, in Veterans Park, 432 W. State Road, Island Lake. Bring chairs and blankets and food. Free. villageofislandlake.com.

Dairy Breakfast and Stockshow: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at the Historic Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Road, Glenview. Farm-style breakfast, live music, dairy demonstrations, wagon rides and hands-on activities. New this year is a county fair stock show. Area 4H members will have their livestock projects judged during the event. $5-$10; free for kids 2 and younger. (847) 657-1506 or glenviewparks.org.

Streamwood Stride: 8:15 a.m. Saturday, June 11, at Park Place Family Recreation Center, 550 S. Park Blvd., Streamwood. 5K, 10K and kiddie races, pancake breakfast. $7-$35. spdcares.com.

Grayslake Antique and Vintage Market: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 11, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 12, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. Antiques, collectibles. Admission is $7; free parking. zurkopromotions.com/.

Kids' Fishing Derby: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 11, at Big Bear Lake at Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. Fishing for kids 5 to 13, sponsored by the Vernon Hills Park District and Libertyville Fishing Club. Day begins with safety instructions and demonstrations. Bait provided. Limited number of poles available. Prizes for first and biggest fish. Meet at the boat dock shelter. $6-$7. (847) 996-6800 or vhparkdistrict.org.

Festival of the Fox/Dragon Boat Races: Dragon boat races from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 11, and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 12, in Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave., St. Charles. Carnival from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 11, and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, June 12, at Route 31 and Cedar Street, St. Charles. Free. festivalofthefox.com.

Arlington Heights Promenade of Art: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12, at Vail and Campbell streets, Arlington Heights. Wide variety of artwork, local fare, live music and more. Free. amdurproductions.com.

Aurora GreenFest: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at the Prisco Community Center and McCullough Park, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora. Family event features a community trade show and children's eco-village with more than 100 exhibitors. Other attractions include food, auto and bike expo, healthy living activities and more. Free. auroragreenfest.com.

Hinsdale Fine Arts Festival: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12, at Burlington Park, on Chicago Avenue between Garfield and Washington streets, Hinsdale. More than 135 juried artists, music, kids' activities and giveaways. Free. hinsdalechamber.com.

Japan Festival 2016: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 11, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 12, at Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. Cultural celebration with food, Japanese art, music, dance and martial arts demonstrations, children's activities, artisans, Japanese flower arrangements, authentic cuisine, Taiko (Japanese drums), Minyo (Japanese folk dance) and more. $5 for ages 18 and older at the door. japanfest-chicago.org.

Lake Villa Celebration of Summer: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at Lehmann Park, 148 Cedar Ave., Lake Villa. Car show, Ribfest, live music, fireworks. Proceeds benefit the Lake Villa Township Food Pantry. Free. lake-villa.org.

Lisle Woman's Club 2016 Garden Gait and Craft Faire: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 12, at The Museums at Lisle Station Park, 921 School St., Lisle. Craft fair runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Garden Walk runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features five private gardens located throughout the Lisle community. Advance tickets cost $15. Tickets at the event are $17 and available at the starting point. lislegardengate.net.

Mundelein Park and Recreation District's Community Picnic: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at Diamond Lake Beach, 1016 Diamond Lake Road, Mundelein. Zumba on the beach at 10 a.m. Go for a swim, take a spin on a paddle boat, build a sand castle, navigate the floating SportsPark and play games. Wonder Lake Water Ski Show Team performs at 6 p.m. Free. Food vendors. mundeleinparks.org.

67th Annual Old Town Art Fair: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12, in historic Old Town, with the main gate at Lincoln Avenue and Wisconsin Street, Chicago. See artwork from 250 juried artists, plus arts, crafts, live music, an art auction, food and more. $10 donation. (312) 337-1938 or oldtowntriangle.com.

Rails to Victory: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 11, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 12, at the Fox River Trolley Museum, 361 S. La Fox St., South Elgin. Occupied France World War II living history re-enactment, military encampment, and period battles on the banks of the Fox River. All American Girls baseball game with Rockford Peaches at 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Special excursion fares apply; get tickets in advance at railstovictory.com.

Wells Street Art Festival: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12, in the Old Town neighborhood, on Wells Street, between North Avenue and Division Street, Chicago. Works from more than 225 juried artists, food, live music and kids' activities. $7 gate donation. cityofchicago.org.

Spring Valley Country Fair: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12, at Volkening Heritage Farm at Spring Valley, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Experience a community fair as it was in the late 19th century with livestock exhibits, farm equipment and more. $3; $12 per family; free for ages 3 and younger. parkfun.com.

Lombard Ale Fest: 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at the Metra Station, 150 S. Park Ave., Lombard. Features more than 100 beers from craft breweries around the country along with local food vendors and live music. Proceeds benefit nonprofit organizations in the community. $15-$70. lombardalefest.com.

Riverside Folk Festival: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Music, food and family activities. Guests are invited to bring a picnic blanket for seating. Chicago Gaelic Games will teach the basics of Irish football with minicamps throughout the day. $5 per person; $20 per family. Parking is $10. rside.org.

Ravine Festival: 4 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at Grace Central Church, 10216 Kitchener St., Westchester. Live music, vendors, entertainment and more. Proceeds assist with purchasing food for the church's food pantry. Tickets are $10; free for kids 12 and younger. gracecentral.net.

Donuts for Dad 5K & Kids Fun Runs: 8 a.m. Sunday, June 12, at Dundee Township Visitor's Center, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Preregistration available at dtpd.org.

Just for Kids Fishing Derby: 8 a.m. Sunday, June 12, at Blackwell Forest Preserve, Butterfield Road, west of Winfield Road, Warrenville. The 30th year of this friendly fishing competition for kids ages 15 and younger. Bring your own gear. Bait provided while supplies last. Free. (630) 933-7248.

Arts4Kids Foundation National Children's Day Festival: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 12, at #1 Dam Woods, Grove #1, Forest Preserve, 541 Dundee Road, Wheeling. Circus-themed family event. Donations from the fest help support the Shriners Hospital for Children and Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation. $20-$50. Early bird family ticket is $20. (847) 274-1648 or eventbrite.com.

Elk Grove Village Art in the Park: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 12, at Village Green, 901 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village. Artwork, performances and more. Free. elkgroveparks.org.

Batavia Ice Cream Social: 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 12, at the Batavia Riverwalk, 100 N. Island Ave., Batavia. Highlights include ice cream sundaes and hot dogs, old-fashioned games, formation of a human flag, soapbox derby races, raffles, music performances by the Batavia Community Band and Batavia High School and other musical groups and All Things Batavia Red/White/Blue market. Free. bataviaflagday.com.

Oak Park's Great Food Truck Rally 2016: 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 12, at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake St., Oak Park. Wide variety of fare from food trucks plus live music. The doors of the historic church will be open for guided tours. Free. foodtrucks-oakpark.info.

Mount Prospect Concerts in the Park: 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 12, at Capannari Ice Cream, 10 S. Pine St., Mount Prospect. Bring a picnic dinner, lawn chair and your dancing shoes. Groundspeed performs. Free. (847) 392-2277 or capannaris.com.

Next week

Palatine Teen Battle of the Bands: 7 p.m. Monday, June 13, at Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. The winning band will advance to the regional competition with a chance to perform at the Illinois State Fair. Free. palatineparks.org.

Mount Prospect Community Band Concert: 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 13, at Veterans Memorial Band Shell, 411 S. Maple St., Mount Prospect. Join new music director Monty Adams and the Mount Prospect Community Band for a concert for all ages. (847) 640-1000 or mppd.org.

Summer Stage Children's Concert Series: 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, at Mallard Ridge Park, 110 Robincrest Lane, Lindenhurst. Free. lindenhurstparks.org.

Batavia Flag Day 100th Anniversary Celebration: 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, at the Batavia Riverwalk, 100 N. Island Ave., Batavia. Music by the Air National Guard Band of the Midwest and the Batavia Patriotic Pop-Up Chorus; presentations about Batavia's own Bernard Cigrand, “Father of Flag Day”; Batavia's connections with the flag's history; essays read by the winners of “What the American Flag Means to Me” contest; flag ceremony; Riverwalk decorated with flags and 1,777 luminaria. Free. bataviaflagday.com.

Independence Grove Concerts: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, at Independence Grove, 16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville. Bring blankets and lawn chairs and pack a picnic, or purchase fare from the walk-up cafe. Cars will be turned away when parking is full. Parking is $6 per car after 5 p.m. on concert days. To learn if lot is full, or if a concert has been canceled due to rain, call (847) 968-3497. lcfpd.org.

Brookfield Zoo's Hamill Family Play Zoo 15th Anniversary Celebration: 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 15, at Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield. Everyone is invited to join in the 15th anniversary celebration of Brookfield Zoo's Hamill Family Play Zoo. Guests can meet a zoo professional, participate in a scavenger hunt, attend special Zoo Chats, work on an art activity, take part in a parade and more. The band CREW performs from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Admission to Hamill Family Play Zoo is $3, along with general $12.50-$17.85 zoo admission. Parking is $11. czs.org.

Daily Herald Cruise Nights: 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, at Stratford Square Mall, Bloomingdale. Classic cars, live music, food and more. Free. events.dailyherald.com.

Cary Cruise Nights: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, on West Main Street and Jandus Road, off Route 14, Cary. (847) 639-2800. Free. carygrovechamber.com.

Elk Grove Village Rotaryfest: 6 to 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, June 15-16; 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, June 17; 2 p.m. to midnight Saturday, June 18; and 2 to 10 p.m. Sunday, June 19, at Lions Park, 150 Lions Drive, Elk Grove Village. Carnival rides, games, live bands, car show on Friday night, food and beer sales, Special Needs Day, parade and fireworks on Saturday. Free. elkgroverotaryfest.com.

Lindenhurst Live Music in the Parks: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, in the Lindenhurst Park District, 2200 E. Grass Lake Road, Lindenhurst. Free. Refreshments available for purchase. (847) 356-6011 or lindenhurstparks.org.

Bensenville's Music in the Park: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, at 2 S. Center St., Bensenville. Infinity performs at the free family summer concert series. Earlier in the evening, there are free games, giveaways, photo booths and more. Each concert night includes a Classic Car Show and a 50/50 split-the-pot raffle. French Market runs 5:30 to 9 p.m. bensenville.il.us.

Oswego Park District's Prairie Fest: 5 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday, June 16; 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 17-18; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 19, at Prairie Fest Park, 91 Plank Drive, Oswego. Music, food, carnival and more. Free. prairiefest.com.

Porky's Rib Fest: 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, June 16-17; 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 18; and 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday, June 19, at Toyota Park, 7000 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview. Music, carnival, rib-eating contest and more. $5-$10; free for kids 5 and younger. Parking is $10. porkysribfest.com.

Italian Night: 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at Addison Village Hall, 1 Friendship Plaza, Addison. Food, music, bike and car cruise night. Historical museum open house and craft fair from 6 to 8 p.m. Free. ithappensinaddison.com.

Libertyville Days Festival: 6 to 11 p.m. Thursday, June 16; noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 17-18; and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 19, in Cook Park, Libertyville. “Pirates of the 'Ville” is the theme. Bands, food, arts and crafts, carnival rides, a Miss Libertyville pageant, a beer garden and activities for kids. Parade at 10 a.m. Saturday. Free. libciviccenter.org.

Barrington Cruise Nights: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at the Harris Bank parking lot, South Cook Street, just south of Lake-Cook Road, Barrington. Food and ice cream vendors, prizes, live entertainment. Ford and Mercury cars will be featured. (847) 304-3400 or barrington-il.gov.

Hoffman Estates “Summer Sounds on the Green” concerts: 7 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at Village Green Amphitheater, 5510 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Chicago Skyliners Big Band performs. Free. hoffmanestates.com.

St. Charles Park District Concerts in the Park: 7 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at Lincoln Park, Main and Fifth streets, St. Charles. Run Forrest Run performs. In the event of rain, concerts will be moved to the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St. Free. stcparks.org.

Wauconda Summer Concert Series: 7 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at Cook Park, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda. K. Michaels Rock performs. Free. waucondaparks.com.

Antioch “It's Thursday” concert series: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at William E. Brook Memorial Entertainment Center, 902 Skidmore Drive, Antioch. Features bands from the 1950s through today. Free. (847) 395-1000 or antioch.il.gov/itsthursday.