Art and food fests galore on tap this weekend

If you spent a beautiful Friday at Strawberry Fest in Long Grove, or Greek Fest in Palatine, or Taste of Chicago, you may have made a wise choice.

A forecast for hot, muggy weather, with a strong chance of thunderstorms, mars the weekend outlook for a plethora of art fests and other outdoor events on tap in the Northwest suburbs.

If you're looking for a rainy weather backup to your plans, the Japan Festival could be a good choice as the colorful event is held inside.

The Mid American Japanese Club promises that you will "feel as if you were in Japan," even though you actually are at the Forest View Educational Center, 1212 S. Goebbert Road in Arlington Heights.

Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. today and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, with the attractions including Japanese music, dance, martial arts, cultural displays, food and a special kids' corner. Admission is free.

More information is at japanfest-chicago.org, or call (847) 593-1633.

Other major events this weekend:

• Strawberry Fest continues from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. today and Sunday in the Long Grove Historic Village, Robert Parker Coffin and Old McHenry roads. The fest, which has free admission, features everything strawberry, and includes food and live entertainment on four stages.

Major acts today include 4 p.m. NuBlu Band with Carlise Guy at 4 p.m. and 7th Heaven at 6:30 p.m. A Sunday highlight is "The Next Food Network Star" contestant Paul Young at 1:30 p.m.

Details are at longgroveonline.com, or call the visitors information center, (847) 634-0888.

• Greek Fest continues from 3 p.m. to midnight today and Sunday at St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church, 133 S. Roselle Road, Palatine. Admission is $2, children 12 years and under get in free.

On-site parking limited; free shuttle service from Harper College West Lot, Algonquin and Roselle roads, and Marion Jordan School, Palatine Road at Harrison Avenue. For more, call (847) 359-5170 or visit stnectariosgoc.org.

• Summerfest is from 5-10:30 p.m. today at Lions Park, 110 W. Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights, with live music, food and beer vendors, and games for children. Sponsored by the Prospect Heights Park District.

• Promenade of Art runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday at Vail Avenue and Campbell Street in Arlington Heights, featuring the work of 150 artists from around the country.

Parking is free at the Metra lot. For details, visit amdurproductions.com or call (847) 926-4300.

• The Bartlett Festival of the Arts will feature about 40 artists from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday. Downtown business and the Center for the Arts are participating.

Free parking is at village hall and at Metra lots. Visit village.bartlett.il.us for details.

• Hoffman Estates' 24th annual arts and crafts fair is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, on the police department grounds, 1200 Gannon Drive. Free parking is available on-site and at Hoffman Estates High School, 1100 W. Higgins Road. Call (847) 252-5446 for more.

• The Wheeling Park District free Fiesta del Sol celebration is from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Chamber Park, 213 N. Wolf Road. Music, crafts, games, food and entertainment. For more, visit wheelingparkdistrict.com or call (847) 465-3333.

• Cyphan, a sci-fi/fantasy convention for costumers, collectors, gamers and others who like the genre, is 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Westin Chicago North Shore in Wheeling. For more, visit cyphan.com.

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