On the road: Aurora opens RiverEdge with Blues on the Fox
Blues on the Fox
It's time for the grand opening of the RiverEdge Park Music Garden in downtown Aurora, a venue inspired by Chicago's Millennium Park and Northerly Island and Milwaukee's Summerfest. It's the new site for Aurora's 17th Annual Blues on the Fox festival, which will be headlined by Chicago blues legend Buddy Guy. The rest of the lineup includes Dr. John, The Stone Foxes, Tommy Castro and The Painkillers, and Robert Randolph and The Family Band.
7 p.m. Friday, June 14, and 3 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at 360 N. Broadway St., Aurora. Tickets cost $10 a day or $15 for a two-day pass; $30 a day or $50 for a two-day pass for preferred general admission bench seating. (630) 896-6666 or RiverEdgeAurora.com.
Chicago
Feast of family fun
The Family Fun Festival returns to Millennium Park. Interactive activities and musical games for kids of all ages engage minds on summer vacation. Wiggleworms instructors from the Old Town School of Folk Music lead young children in singalongs, circle dances and finger games. There also will be story time and activities hosted by museums such as the Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium and others.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Sunday, June 10 to Aug. 18, at 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago. (312) 742-5222 or www.millenniumpark.org.
Funny business
Russell Brand, Bob Newhart, Seth Meyers, Bill Maher, Scott Adsit, Matt Walsh, Horatio Sanz and many more jokesters will perform as part of the fifth annual TBS Just for Laughs comedy festival. Taking place at various venues across the city including The Vic, Chicago Theater and UP Comedy Club, the comedy festival also brings back “Saturday Night Live” newcomers Tim Robinson, Cecily Strong and Aidy Bryant to Chicago for a night of sketch, improv and more.
June 11-16. Locations and ticket prices vary. Get schedules and ticket information at www.justforlaughschicago.com.
Send him up the river
The Friends of the Chicago River and the Chicago Botanic Garden will offer a chance to canoe the lakes of the garden. The garden's aquatic biologist will paddle along for the hourlong trip and explain the program to restore the lakeshore while participants view herons, ducks, small fish and turtles in their watery habitat. No experience with canoeing is necessary. Instruction, canoes, life jackets and paddles are provided.
9, 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 16-17, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. Cost is $57 per person. Children must be 5 years old. Maximum of three participants per boat. Register at www.chicagobotanic.org/calendar/event/fathers_day_canoe_adventure.
Midwest
Floating away in Galena
More than 20 hot-air balloons will fill the skies over Galena and northwest Illinois during the 12th annual Great Galena Balloon Race. The balloon race benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Friday night's activities feature AleFest under the big tent with more than 100 craft beers. On Saturday night, the Great Galena Balloon Race welcomes Wine Flight Night, in addition to the annual Collectors Car Show with more than 40 collector cars perfectly restored and open to the public. Both nights feature live music, food and bounce house activities for kids.
Friday through Sunday, June 14-16, at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, 444 Eagle Ridge Drive, Galena. AleFest is $20. (800) 892-2269 or www.eagleridge.com.
Golf and grub for dear old Dad
Celebrate Father's Day by treating Dad to a day of golf and relaxation at nearby Lake Lawn Resort. After golfing on the 18-hole championship golf course (on Father's Day dads enjoy a discount of a $20 round of golf including cart and 25 percent off special apparel in the pro shop), it's brunch. At the Father's Day Patio Grille & Beer Brunch, Dad can pile his plate with ribs, smoked lake trout, a variety of Wisconsin cheese and sausages, salads and bakery items. Dads also get a complimentary pint of beer from Capital Brewing Co. or Miller Brewing Co. and can take the logo glass souvenir home.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 16, at Lake Lawn Resort, 2400 E. Geneva St., Delavan, Wis. Brunch is $27.95 for adults, $12.95 for children ages 4-12 and free for children 3 and younger. (262) 725-9051 or www.lakelawnresort.com.