Plan for four days of summer fun at Cream of Wheaton
Kick off summer with the Cream of Wheaton on May 30 to June 2 in Memorial Park and downtown Wheaton.
There will be fun for all ages, including live entertainment, carnival, beer garden, food vendors, arts & craft fair, business expo, and kids’ activities.
Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals
On Saturday morning, cheer on the runners and walkers in the Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals 5K/10K, which follows through Memorial Park and the surrounding streets. The race starts at 7:30 a.m. with the kids’ half-mile run at 8:45 a.m. The post-race party and awards will be 8 to
There’s still time to sign up for the 5K or 10K race for $40; price goes up to $45 on June 1. The kids' race is $20 or $25 on race day. Register via runsignup.com/Race/IL/Wheaton/CosleyZooRunfortheAnimals.
Proceeds from the race help support the zoo. It is hosted by the Cosley Foundation which supports Cosley Zoo's exhibit development projects, public programs and conservation projects.
Memorial Park
The band shell at Memorial Park will be rocking with four days of music from over a dozen music groups. It will kick off Thursday with Mickey Hatfield from 6 to 7:15 p.m., followed by the headliners Karla and the Phat Cats from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
The Wheaton Dad Band, made up of local dads who are ready to rock out and have a good time, will open the stage on Friday from 4 to 5:15 p.m. Chemically Imbalanced mixes sing-along classics with danceable rock hits from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Party band Hello Weekend will headline from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
JP and Jenny will open the Saturday stage with classic rock, country and rockabilly from 2 to 3:15 p.m. Banned Joe returns to the Cream of Wheaton stage from 4 to 5:15 p.m., followed by Vital Signs from 6 to 7:15 p.m. The popular festival band Hi Infidelity will headline from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
On Sunday, the Nite Hawks will perform big band, swing, jazz, jump and blues from 1 to 2:15 p.m., followed by Common Area Maintenance from 3 to 4:15 p.m.
The Beatles tribute band American English will close out the four-day festival, performing from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
If you’re getting parched from all the dancing, head over to the beer garden in the park, open from 4-9:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
Check out the offerings at local businesses at the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Business Expo from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday.
On Karlskoga Avenue
Along Karlskoga Avenue, find some tasty treats at the food vendor row from 4 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
The annual arts & crafts fair will be offering handmade jewelry, home and floral decor, macramé, clothing, pet accessories, candles, garden art, glassware, and more from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday.
There also will be face painting, balloon artists, crafts, giveaways, and more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
On Liberty Drive
Head over to Liberty Drive for some carnival rides, kids’ games and food.
The carnival rides will be running from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 4 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Wristband specials are available from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Before the festival, wristbands are available for purchase at the Community Center and the DuPage County Historical Museum.
Clocktower Mini Golf, an 18-hole prairie-themed mini-golf course, will be offering 2-for-1 mini golf starting at 10 a.m. Thursday, 3 p.m. Friday and noon on Saturday and Sunday.
Learn more at wheatonparkdistrict.com/events/cream-of-wheaton/.