Festivals July 12-18: Itasca Fest, Vernon Hills Days, the Kane County Fair and more

Starts before Friday

Fresh Fest: Noon to 5 p.m. Thursday, July 11, and 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 12, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Young musicians, dancers and artists perform on three stages. Free. navypier.org.

Windy City Smokeout: 2-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 11-12, and 1-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 13-14, in United Center Parking Lot C, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. Outdoor country music and barbecue festival. Headliners include: Thomas Rhett and Chase Rice Thursday; Parker McCollum and Lee Brice Friday; Cody Johnson and Billy Currington Saturday; and Carrie Underwood Sunday. General admission starts at $69.95. windycitysmokeout.com.

Glendale Heights Fest: 4-10:30 p.m. Thursday, July 11; 4-11 p.m. Friday, July 12; 2-11 p.m. Saturday, July 13; and 2-10 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at Camera Park, 101 E. Fullerton Ave., Glendale Heights. Live music, food, carnival rides and games, and a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Music from Kashmir at 8:30 p.m. Thursday; Keith Semple Band at 9 p.m. Friday; Hi Infidelity at 8:30 p.m. Saturday; and Hillbilly Rockstarz at 5 p.m. and 7th heaven at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Free. glendaleheightsfest.com.

Lake in the Hills Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest: 4:30-11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 11-12; 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 13; and 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills. Professional pitmasters and vendors, carnival and more. Music lineup: Simply Elton at 6:45 p.m. and Hello Weekend at 9 p.m. Thursday; Anthem at 6:45 p.m. and Radio Gaga at 9 p.m. Friday; Heart to Heartbreaker at 6:30 p.m. and Jefferson Starship at 9 p.m. Saturday; and The Disco Circus at 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Vendor Blender, featuring local crafters and entrepreneurs, from 4-9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. $5, free for kids 12 and younger accompanied by an adult or active military with ID. rockinrotaryribfest.com.

Taste of Westmont: 5-9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 11; 4-10:30 p.m. Friday, July 12; noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13; and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 14, on Cass Avenue, from Burlington Avenue to Naperville Road, Westmont. Food, live music on two stages, an all-ages carnival,​ a craft show, commercial vendors,​ kids’ activities and more. Music lineup: Hi-Fi Infidelity at 7 p.m. Thursday; The Neighborhood at 6 p.m. and One of These Nights (Eagles tribute) at 8:30 p.m. Friday; Brad Redlich Band (country rock) at 4 p.m., Night Moves (Bob Seger tribute) at 6 p.m., and Echos of Pompeii (Pink Floyd tribute) at 8:30 p.m. Saturday; and Mike Wheeler Band at 4 p.m. and Hairbangers Ball at 6 p.m. Sunday. Each night there will be a “15 Minutes of Fame Spotlight” and “Westmont Special Events Spotlight.” westmontevents.com/taste-of-westmont.

Itasca Fest: 6-11 p.m. Thursday, July 11; 6-11:30 p.m. Friday, July 12; noon to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13; and noon to 11 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at Washington Park, 350 Irving Park Road, Itasca. Music, carnival, food, bingo, family entertainment, classic car show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Usher Park and more. Music from Form at 7 p.m. Thursday; Boy Band Review at 9 p.m. Friday; Petty Kings at 6 p.m. and ARRA at 9 p.m. Saturday; and Think Floyd at 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Free entry. itascalionsclub.org/ or facebook.com/itascalions.

Friday, July 12

Fun Day In The Park: 10-11 a.m. Friday, July 12, at Vogelei Park, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. Ben Tatar will perform. Free. heparks.org.

Lake County Greek Fest: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, July 12-14, at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 1400 N. O’Plaine Road, Libertyville. Greek food, music and dancing. saintdemetrioslibertyville.com.

Lunch in the Park: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 12, at Cook Park, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Live music and food vendors. Free. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Moose Cruise Nights: 4-8 p.m. Friday, July 12, in the show lot at Warren and Forest avenues in Downers Grove. See classic cars on display, including vintage muscle cars, convertibles and classics. Free. dgmoose.net/moose-cruise-night.

Windmill City Festival: 5-11 p.m. Friday, July 12; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 13; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at the Peg Bond Center and Batavia Riverwalk, 151 N. Island Ave., Batavia. Live music, food court and beer garden, a carnival along Houston Street, a golf challenge and more. On Saturday, pet competition at noon, Sidewalk Chalk Contest at 2:30 p.m. and craft activity at 4 p.m. On Sunday, Windmill Whirl 5K Race at 8 a.m. including Kids Fun Run, Big Wheels/Tricycle Races at noon and Diaper Derby at 3 p.m. Music includes The Wayouts at 6 p.m. and Modern Day Romeos at 9 p.m. Friday; Paul & Jay Band at 3 p.m., Radio Gaga at 6 p.m. and Lounge Puppets at 9 p.m. Saturday; and Miss Jamie at noon, Johnny Russler & the Beach Bum Band at 1 p.m. and Hillbilly Rockstarz at 4 p.m. Sunday. Sponsored by the Batavia Park District and the City of Batavia. Free. Schedule at windmillcityfest.org.

Downtown Wheaton Summer Music Series: 5:30 and 6 p.m. Friday, July 12; 6 p.m. Saturday, July 13; and 11 a.m. Sunday, July 14, under the Innovator Hale Street Tents and at Suzette’s Creperie, 211 W. Front St., Wheaton. Performances by Petra at 5:30 p.m. at Suzette’s Creperie and Eric Quigley at 6 p.m. under the Hale Street Tents Friday; The Jukebox Heroes at 6 p.m. Saturday under the Hale Street Tents; and Robin Lukas for Bastille Day at 11 a.m. Sunday at Suzette’s Creperie. Free. downtownwheaton.com/summermusic.

Friday Night Live: 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, July 12, at the Main Street train station in Downers Grove. Claremont Drive performs. Free. downtowndg.org.

Outdoor Movie Nights: 6 p.m. Friday, July 12, at Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N. Rand Road, Deer Park. Preshow activities include face painting, balloon artist, games and more. “Trolls Band Together” starts at 7 p.m. Free. shopdeerparktowncenter.com.

STC Live!: 6-7:30 p.m. Friday and Wednesday, July 12 and 17, at 1st Street Plaza, St. Charles. Connie Cipher performs Friday and Grant Milliren performs Wednesday. Jonny Vestro performs at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Pollyanna Brewing. Free. stcalliance.org/stclive.

Hawthorn Woods Concerts in the Park: 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, July 12, at Hawthorn Woods Community Park, 5 Park View Lane, Hawthorn Woods. FunkTonic will perform. Free. vhw.org.

Pingree Grove Independence Day celebration: 7-10 p.m. Friday, July 12, and 4-10:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13, on the Wester Boulevard ball fields, Pingree Grove. Beers and bands on Friday and family day and fireworks on Saturday. villageofpingreegrove.org.

Sounds of Summer Concert Series: 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 12, at Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Blooze Brothers will perform. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. Free. palatineparks.org/sounds-of-summer.

Sixteen Candles: 8 p.m. Friday, July 12, at RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora. Hits from the 1980s. Gates open at 6 p.m. $5. paramountaurora.com/events/sixteen-candles-2024.

Wheaton’s Movies Under the Stars: 8 p.m. Friday, July 12, in the Wheaton Public Library’s West Plaza, 225 N. Cross St., Wheaton. See “Trolls: Band Together.” Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Space is limited; first-come, first served. Free. downtownwheaton.com.

Westmont Movies Under the Stars: 8:30-11 p.m. Friday, July 12, at Diane Main Park, 200 W. 59th St., Westmont. The 2024 animated film “Kung Fu Panda 4” will be shown. Concessions available. Bring a blanket and chairs. westmontparks.org.

Movies Under The Stars: Dusk Friday, July 12, at Willow Stream Park, 651 Old Checker Road, Buffalo Grove. See “Trolls: Band Together.” Concessions available or bring a picnic. Free. bgparks.org.

South Elgin Movie Night in the Park: Dusk Friday, July 12, at Panton Mill Park, North Water Street, South Elgin. Screening of “Wish.” Concessions start at 6:30 p.m. Movie Bingo before the movie. Free. southelgin.com.

Saturday, July 13

McHenry Garden Walk: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 13, starting at Master Gardener Demonstration Garden at MCC parking lot C, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. University of Illinois Extension McHenry County Master Gardeners and MCC host a self-guided drive featuring gardens studded with artwork, edible plots and more in Crystal Lake, Woodstock, Harvard and McHenry. Register: mchenry.edu/gardenwalk.

Bristol Renaissance Faire: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 2, off I-94 at the Illinois/Wisconsin border. Step back in time with food, games, costumes, theme weekends and more. $40 for adults; $15 for kids 5-12; and free for kids 4 and younger. renfair.com/Bristol.

Christmas in July Craft Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at Abbey Farms, 2855 Hart Road, Aurora. $5 entry. abbeyfarms.org.

Glen Ellyn Unplug Illinois: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 13, at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road, Glen Ellyn. Fitness, nature activities, games, arts, sports, food trucks, face painting and other technology-free activities. Free. gepark.org.

North American Reptile Breeders Conference: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 13, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at the Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. See reptiles from breeders from all over the country, with vendors, reptile talks and more. $15 for adults, $10 for kids 6-12, and free for kids 5 and younger. narbc.com.

Helping Hands Brat Fest: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at the Wheeling Town Center, 351 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling. Annual fundraiser featuring brats, beer, wine, live music, raffles, kids’ games and dunk tank. All proceeds will support the underprivileged in the Wheeling area. Free admission. thewheelingtowncenter.com.

Chicago Got Sole: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Sneaker convention hosted by Dennis Rodman, with giveaways, special guests and more. Tickets start at $25 in advance, $35 at the door. gotsole.com.

RE: Fest Summer Street Festival: Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at Rebuilding Exchange, 1740 W. Webster Ave., Chicago. Summer street festival about reclaiming, repairing and reusing for an eco-friendly extravaganza. Live music, kids’ play area, a local makers market, contests and refreshments from local vendors. Free; donations accepted at the door. Buy tickets at eventbrite.com.

Barrington Bourbon and Brew Crawl: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, July 13, from Scratch Pastificio, 135 Park Ave., Barrington. The crawl includes sampling specialty bourbons and local brews at 16 stops throughout Barrington, plus live music. Ages 21 and older. Hosted by the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce. $35. barringtonchamber.com.

Blind Flight Outdoor Beer Tasting: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville. Carpentersville Morning Rotary Club hosts a picnic-style craft beer tasting fundraiser. Food for sale and live music. Beer tasting tickets include a tasting glass. Tickets: carpentersvillerotary.org.

Taste of Round Lake Park: 1-9 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at East Main Street, Round Lake Park. Live entertainment, petting zoo, bingo, outdoor craft show, Pixi The Clown, Magic Dave, a canine demonstration and food. Free. rlpil.us.

Live On The Lake Music Series: 2 p.m. to closing Saturday and Sunday, July 13-14, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. The Last Waltz at 2 p.m., Pino Farina at 5:30 p.m. and Dr. Bombay at 9 p.m. Saturday and Sol Dial at 2 p.m., DJ Papa G at 4:30 p.m. and Kofi & New Roots at 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Free. navypier.org.

Bluesmobile Cruise Nights: 3-9 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at the East Metra parking lot, near the intersection of Route 83 and Northwest Highway, Mount Prospect. Classic cars, entertainment and more. mplions.org/cruise-nights.

Wave Wall Moves: 4-5 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Performances by Natya Dance Theater and Ruth Page School of Dance. Free. navypier.org.

Wave Wall Wax: 5:30-10 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Music from DJs Buen Viaje and DJ IGGY & FINGY. Free. navypier.org.

Bastille Day: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, July 13, in Polk Bros. Park at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Live music, family-friendly entertainment and French treats for purchase. Free. navypier.org.

Lombard’s Cruise Nights and Summer Concert Series: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, July 13, on South Park Avenue, Lombard. Classic and custom cars, live music and kids’ activities, including face painting, balloon artists, magic shows and more. Hillbilly Rockstarz will perform from 6-9 p.m. villageoflombard.org/cruisenights.

Summer Breeze Concert Series: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center, 101 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. The Lovettes will perform. Free. parkfun.com.

Island Lake Fireworks: Dusk Saturday, July 13. villageofislandlake.com/events.

Navy Pier Summer Fireworks: 10 p.m. Saturday, July 13, and 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Free. navypier.org.

Sunday, July 14

Ride for Hope 2024: 8 a.m. Sunday, July 14, at Moretti’s Ristorante and Pizzeria, 1175 W. Lake St., Bartlett. Ninth annual ovarian cancer awareness motorcycle ride and celebration raises money for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. A 50-mile, fully escorted ride begins at 10:30 a.m. with registration from 8-10 a.m. After Party from 1-4 p.m. features lunch and dessert buffet, live music by Bronson Rock, a silent auction, box drawings, Teal Chopper Gift Card raffle, Split the Pot raffle, Teal Marketplace and Survivor’s Tent with LMS Comfort Dogs. $35 in advance; $40 day of the event. rideforhopeil.org.

Windmill Whirl 5K Race: 8 a.m. Sunday, July 14, at the Peg Bond Center, Island Avenue, Batavia. 5K race for ages 10 and older starts at 8 a.m. and 1K fun run for kids 10 and younger is at 8:05 a.m. The 5K starts at the pedestrian bridge just outside the Windmill City Festival, follows along the Fox River, and finishes back at the festival. Cost for 5K is $50 (includes race shirt and post-race beverage) or $30 for race only; fun run (with no race shirt) is $5. bataviaparks.org/special-events.

Heritage Fair Vintage Car Show: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at the McHenry County History Museum, 6422 Main St., Union. Car show with 50/50 raffle, door prizes, DJ, food vendors, over 15 unique custom trophies and 10 People’s Choice trophies. All makes, models and years are welcome. Register your car at bit.ly/3ISCAbL. Free for spectators. mchenrycountyhistory.org.

Elmhurst Garden Walk & Faire: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 14. The walk showcases private and public gardens along with a boutique in Elmhurst’s Wilder Park. elmhurstgardenclub.org.

Heritage Fair: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at the McHenry County Historical Museum, 6422 Main St., Union. Plant sale, vintage sale, artisan demos, kids’ activities, food vendors and more. The Vintage Car Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. includes a DJ, door prizes and food vendors. Free admission; car entrants can preregister at bit.ly/3ISCAbL to save $5. The first 75 registered cars will receive a goody bag, dash plaque and door prize ticket. mchenrycountyhistory.org.

Cow Appreciation Day: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at Heritage Farm at Spring Valley, 201 S. Plum Grove Road, Schaumburg. Learn about cows, play games and make a craft. Free. parkfun.com.

Planet Palooza: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at Historic Woodstock Square, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Family-friendly event featuring local nonprofits, with demonstrations, activities and giveaways. Live music and food trucks from 1-4 p.m. Register for free tickets via EventBrite.com.

Glen Ellyn Sportswap: 1-2:30 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road, Glen Ellyn. Give and get gently used sports equipment at this community exchange and sale. Equipment collected the preceding week. Free. gepark.org.

Wickstrom Lincoln Concert Series: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, July 14, and 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at the Arboretum of South Barrington, 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Pino Farina Band performs on Sunday and Mike & Joe on Wednesday. Food for purchase. Free. shopthearb.com.

Cantigny Summer Concert Series: 3-5 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at Cantigny Park parade field, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Fearless: A Tribute to Taylor Swift performs. $20 per car. cantigny.org/events.

Des Plaines Park District Community Concert Band Sunday Concert Series: 3-5 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. Tickets at the door. $8-$10. dpparks.org.

Play, Picnic & Party: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at Elk Grove Village Hall, Library and Park District Grounds, 901, 1000 and 1001 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village. Live music, kids’ activities, a picnic lunch, petting zoo, Touch-A-Truck and more. Free. elkgrove.org

Wheeling’s Sounds of Summer Concert Series: 5-6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at Heritage Park Performance Pavilion, 201 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Mariachi Monumental De Mexico performs. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. Coolers are allowed; no outside alcohol permitted. Soft drinks, water, beer and seltzer for purchase. Free. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

Monday, July 15

Bartlett’s 30th annual National Night Out activities: 9-11 a.m. Monday, July 15, at the Bartlett Metra Lot. Touch-A-Truck and Kids ID event. bartlettil.gov/government/police/national-night-out.

Water Flicks: 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 15, at the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. See “Honey I Shrunk the Kids.” Free. navypier.org.

Mount Prospect Community Band Summer Concert Series: 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 15, at Lions Park Bandshell, 411 S. Maple St., Mount Prospect. Free. mppd.org/community-band.

Tuesday, July 16

Wauconda Cruise Nights: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, at Route 176 and West Mill Street, Wauconda. Cars on display and family-friendly activities. Free to cruisers and spectators. waucondacruisenight.com.

Geneva Park District Park Cookout: 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, at Williamsburg Park, 1913 Sheffield Lane, Geneva. Free picnic in the park. Food is first-come, first served. genevaparks.org.

South Elgin Cruise Night: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, at Panton Mill Park parking lot, Water Street, South Elgin. Show off your ride. No registration is required. Concessions available. southelgin.com.

Buffalo Grove Park District Summer Concert Series: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, at Willow Stream Park, 651 Old Checker Road, Buffalo Grove. Prissillas will perform. Food, beer, wine and soft drinks for purchase. Bring blankets and chairs. No outside alcohol allowed. Free. bgparks.org/summer-concert-series.

Crystal Lake Concerts in the Park: 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, at Main Beach, 300 Lakeshore Drive. 28 Days will perform. Free. For parking locations, see crystallakeparks.org/special-events.

Downers Grove Summer Concert Series: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, at Fishel Park’s Veterans Memorial Pavilion, 1036 Grove St., Downers Grove. The Disco Circus will perform. Food and beverage sales start at 6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Free. dgparks.org/summer-concert-series.

Huntley Concerts on the Square: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, at Huntley Town Square on Coral Street, Huntley. Radio Gaga will perform. Free. huntley.il.us.

Waukegan Band Summer Concert Series: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, at Stiner Pavilion at Waukegan Municipal Beach, 201 E. Seahorse Drive, Waukegan. Free. waukeganband.com.

Pete Ellman Big Band Summer Series: 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, at The Venue, 21 S. Broadway, Aurora. The Pete Ellman Big Band will perform with special guest Paul Marinaro. Doors open at 7 p.m. $20-$25. themusicvenue.org.

Wednesday, July 17

Kane County Fair: 3-11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, July 17-18; noon to midnight Friday and Saturday, July 19-20; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. 155th annual fair featuring a 4-H show, kids’ events, Miller Lite Soundstage, carnival and more. Grandstand shows: Illinois State Pullers ($10) at 6:30 p.m. Thursday; Professional Championship Bullriders & Cowgirls at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and Demolition Derby ($10) at 2 and 5 p.m. Sunday. Music from Eric Chesser at 7 p.m. July 18; Pino Farina Band at 8 p.m. July 19; Hillbilly Rockstarz at 8:30 p.m. July 20; and Hi Infidelity at 8 p.m. July 21. Pre-fair with carnival only from 3-11 p.m. Wednesday, with $5 admission to the fairgrounds and $32 for unlimited carnival rides. Fair admission: Cash at the gate: $5 on Wednesday and Thursday; $10 for adults, $5 for kids 3-12 Friday through Sunday; and free for kids younger than 3. Seniors over 62 and military with ID admitted free before 5 p.m. Thursday. Season pass: $25. Free parking. kanecountyfair.com.

Food Truck Socials: 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. A rotating selection of food trucks. lakezurich.org.

Margarita Night: 4:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood. Jimmy Buffett tribute band, margaritas, Mexican food, Key lime pie and more. celebratehighwood.org/margarita-night.

UnPlug at the Park: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at Pleasant Run Park, 590 Equestrian Drive, Wheeling. Features a balloon artist. Free. wheelingparkdistrict.com.

Car Fun on 21: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, on Church and Cook streets, Libertyville. Classic car show featuring cars, trucks and motorcycles 25 years and older, music and food from Rosati’s Pizza. mainstreetlibertyville.org.

Rotaryfest 2024: 6-10:30 p.m. Wednesday July 17, carnival only; 6-10:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18; 6-11:30 p.m. Friday, July 19; 2-11:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20; and 2-9 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at Rotary Green, 164 Lions Drive, Elk Grove Village. Rides, live music, food and drinks. Music from Neon Trees at 7:30 p.m. July 18; iPop at 6:30 p.m. and 7th heaven at 9 p.m. July 19; Hello Weekend at 6:45 p.m. and Radio Gaga at 9:30 p.m. July 20. Fireworks at 9 p.m. July 20. Free. elkgrove.org/community/special-events/rotaryfest.

Glendale Heights Concerts in the Park: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at Camera Park, 101 Fullerton Ave., Glendale Heights. Family-friendly music. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. Free. ghrec.org.

South Elgin Summer Concert Series: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at Panton Mill Park, 10 N. Water St., South Elgin. Sunfallen will perform. Free. southelgin.com.

Batavia’s River Rhapsody Concert Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at the Peg Bond Center, 151 N. Island Ave., Batavia. Classical Blast will perform. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Wine, beer and food for purchase. Free. bataviaparks.org.

Geneva Concerts in the Park: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at River Park, 151 N. River Lane, Geneva. Hillbilly Rockstarz will perform. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Concessions for purchase. Free. genevaparks.org.

Glen Ellyn Jazz in the Park: 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at Newton Park, 707 Fairview Ave., Glen Ellyn. The Glen Ellyn Jazz Ensemble performs. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and a picnic dinner. Free. gepark.org.

Itasca Outdoor Concert Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at Usher Park, 200 S. Walnut St., Itasca. Strung Out will perform. Bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets. Free. itascaparkdistrict.com/239/Summer-Concert-Series.

Lake Villa-Lindenhurst Live Music in the Parks: 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at Parkman Pavilion, 2200 Grass Lake Road, Lake Villa. Rosie & The Rivets will perform. Free. lindenhurstparks.org.

Westmont Summer Concert Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at Diane Main Park, 200 W. 59th St., Westmont. Roger That will perform. Bring picnic baskets, lawn chairs and blankets. Free. westmontparks.org.

Woodstock City Band Concert: 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at Woodstock Square, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Live music, ice cream social and Serna's Grill food truck. Free. woodstockoperahouse.com.

Glen Ellyn Santa at Sunset: 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at Sunset Pool, 483 Fairview Ave., Glen Ellyn. After-hours party with swimming, pizza and photo opportunities with Santa. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $15-$20 per child. Register at gepark.org/register.

Sounds of Summer — Palatine Concert Band: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 256 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Palatine Concert Band, under the direction of Dr. Frederick Lowe, will perform. Free. palatineparks.org/sounds-of-summer.

Movies on the Green: Dusk Wednesday, July 17, at Centennial Green at the Mount Prospect village hall, 50 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect. Bring blankets and chairs. Free. mpdowntown.com/events.

Thursday, July 18

Antioch Taste of Summer: 4-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 18-19; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 20; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 21, in downtown Antioch and at the Antioch Bandshell. Music, food vendors, family activities and more. Music includes: Rico at 8 p.m. July 18; 90s Pop Nation at 7 p.m. July 19; Hi Infidelity at 7 p.m. July 20; and Blooze Brothers at noon July 21. Free. antiochchamber.org.

Barrington Thursday Night Out: 4-8 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at Cook and Station streets in downtown Barrington. Barrington Farmers Market, classic cars, live music, family activities and more. Free. barrington-il.gov/events/thursday-night-out.

Food Truck Thursdays: 4:30 p.m. to dusk Thursday, July 18, at Jens Jensen Park, 486 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park. A rotating selection of food trucks and live entertainment in the Ravinia District. Free. enjoyhighlandpark.com/food-truck-thursdays.

Highwood Days with Taco Fest: Carnival hours 5-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 18-19; 1-10 p.m. Saturday, July 20; and 1-9 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood. Highwood Days features a carnival in the Metra Station parking lot, live music and more. Taco Fest starts July 19 and includes taco-centric restaurants, caterers and food trucks offering taco creations and the chance to vote for the People's Choice Awards. Free. celebratehighwood.org/taco-fest-and-highwood-days.

Music Under the Oaks: 5-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at Ralph Seyller Memorial Park, 400 E. Jefferson Ave., Hampshire. Local singer/songwriter Nicole Devine opens from 5-6 p.m., with headliner Yankee Cowboy from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Food truck Smash’D. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Free. hampshireparkdistrict.org.

Skyline Sessions Concert Series: 5-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 18-19, at the Wave Wall Stage at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. AlmaFuerte at 5 p.m. and Daniel Chavez Organ Quartet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday; Lydia Cash at 5 p.m., Reilly Downes at 6:30 p.m., and Meg & The Wheelers at 8 p.m. Friday. Free. navypier.org.

Annual Classic Car Show: 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at Harrer Park Pavilion, 6250 Dempster, Morton Grove. Classic cars, The Stingrays will perform and food for purchase. Free. mortongroveparks.com.

Rock 'N Wheels: 6-10 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at Village Green, 1 Friendship Plaza, and historical museum campus, Addison. Music from Sammy Hagar tribute Bad Motor Scooter at 6:30 and 16 Candles at 8 p.m. Food vendors, kids’ activities, interactive DJ, and car show along Lake Street. Craft and Vintage Fair, museum open house and weekly portrayals and demonstrations until 8 p.m. at the museum campus. Free. ItHappensInAddison.com.

Vernon Hills Days: 6-10 p.m. Thursday, July 18; 6-11 p.m. Friday, July 19; 1-11 p.m. Saturday, July 20; and 1-7 p.m. Sunday, July 21, in Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. Carnival, bingo, bags tournament, kids’ events and fireworks on Thursday. Performances include: The Boy Band Night at 7 p.m. July 18; Alt 101 at 7 p.m. and Everclear at 9 p.m. July 19; The Gingers at 7 p.m. and Steve Augeri at 9 p.m. July 20; and Mike & Joe at 6 p.m. July 21. Carnival wristband specials available. Free entry. vhdays.com.

Elmhurst Music at the Gazebo: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at Wild Meadows Trace, Prairie Path and Spring Road, Elmhurst. Music at 6:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Free. springroad.com/our-events.

Plaza Concert Series: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at Wheeling Town Center, 351 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling. Leonum will perform. Food and beverages for purchase. Free. thewheelingtowncenter.com/events.

Bolingbrook Summer Music: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, July 18, on The Row at The Promenade, 631 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook. Foo Fighters tribute band Too Fighters will perform. Bring a lawn chair. Free. shoppingpromenade.com or facebook.com/streetmarketsatthepromenade.

Carol Stream Summer Concert Series: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at Ross Ferraro Town Center, 960 N. Gary Ave., Carol Stream. 7th heaven will perform a concert for the troops. Food and drinks for purchase. Free. carolstream.org.

Hanover Township Music in the Reserve: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at the Izaak Walton Reserve outdoor amphitheater, 899 Jay St., Elgin. The Fuze Band will perform. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Free. hanover-township.org/home.

It’s Thursday Concerts: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at the Antioch Bandshell, 900 Skidmore Drive, Antioch. RICO will perform. Free. antioch.il.gov.

Live & Uncorked: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. Gates open at 6:15 p.m. Buckle will perform. Bring a chair and snacks. Purchase tickets online for $8 or $10 at the gate. foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/summerconcerts.

Rockin’ in the Park Summer Concert Series: 7-10 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Departure will perform before a musical fireworks display. Free. rosemont.com/thepark/calendar.

Sounds of Summer Concert Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at Harmony Park, 7 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. Petty Kings will perform. Free. vah.com.

St. Charles Concerts in the Park: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at the Lincoln Park gazebo, off Fifth and Main streets, St. Charles. Starlight City will perform. Concessions available. Bring blankets and chairs. Free. stcparks.org/summer-concerts.

Summer Sounds on the Green Concert Series: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at Village Green, 5510 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. American Cash will perform. Bring a picnic, coolers, food, drinks, chairs, blankets and small tables. Seating is first-come, first-served. Food and beverages for purchase. Free. hoffmanestatesarts.com/summer-concert-series.

Naperville Municipal Band Summer Concerts: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18, in Central Park, 104 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Free. napervilleband.org.

Harper College Summer Concert Series: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at the Drs. Kenneth and Catherine Ender Pavilion on Harper’s campus, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Guitar alumni concert. harpercollege.edu.

Wheaton Municipal Band: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at Memorial Park Bandshell, 225 Karlskoga Ave., Wheaton. The theme is “All the Earth and Air.” Free. wheatonmunicipalband.org.

Movies in the Park: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at Woodstock Square, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Pre-entertainment by RC Juggles. Watch "Guardians of the Galaxy" at 8:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, blanket and snacks. Concessions available. Free. woodstockoperahouse.com.

Movie Night With the Cops: 8-10 p.m. Thursday, July 18, by the pavilion/playground at Seven Gables Park, 1750 S. Naperville Road, Wheaton. Wheaton Park District and Wheaton Police Department are hosting a screening of “Super Mario Bros.” at dusk. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. Free. wheatonparkdistrict.com.

Chicago’s Midwest Jeep Jam: Thursday through Sunday, July 18-21, at 200 N. Breakwater Access and various locations in Chicago. July 18: Jeep Jam Meet & Greet; July 19: Jeep Jam Charity Yacht Party; July 20: Jeep Show with After Party; July 21: Eats & Beats Brunch Party and Jeep Farewell Party. Fees vary. chicagomidwestjeepjam.com.

Ongoing

Dinos Alive: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays; 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays; 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Exhibition Hub Art Center Chicago, 2367 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago. See over 80 life-size, moving dinosaur replicas, take part in interactive and educational experiences and more. $17.90-$30.90. dinosaliveexhibit.com.