Fairs & festivals: Where to celebrate July 4th in the suburbs

This weekend

<b>Barrington Fourth of July Fest:</b> 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 1-2, and 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 3, and Monday, July 4, under the Brat Tent in the Metra north commuter lot, Barrington. Food, live music and family entertainment hosted by the Barrington Lions Club. Admission is $5 after 5 p.m. for adults. 10K/5K/2K run/walk at 7:15 a.m. Monday, July 4. Parade on Main Street at 10 a.m. Monday. Barrington Community Band performs from noon to 2 p.m. Monday by the Brat Tent. Fireworks at dusk Monday at Barrington High School, 616 W. Main St. (847) 304-3400 or www.barrington-il.gov/.

<b>Mundelein</a><![CDATA[ Community Days:</b> Noon to 11 p.m. Friday, July 1; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 2; 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, July 3; and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Kracklauer Park, Seymour Avenue, Mundelein. Food, music, carnival, pageants, pancake breakfast, family events and more. Parade at 2 p.m. Sunday. 37th Freedom Classic 5K run/walk at 8 a.m. Monday. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Monday. Free. mundelein.org.

<b>Naperville</a><![CDATA[ Exchange Club Ribfest:</b> Noon to 10 p.m. Friday through Monday, July 1-4, at Knoch Park, 724 West St., Naperville. Music headliners include 3 Doors Down Friday, Sister Hazel and Sheryl Crow Saturday, Craig Campbell and Lee Brice Sunday, and Tonic and Gin Blossoms Monday. Ribs and other fare, family fun area, carnival, vendors, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Monday. Admission is $12 to $125; free for kids 11 and younger and after 7:30 p.m. Monday. ribfest.net.

<b>

Arlington Heights Frontier Days:</b> 3:30 p.m. to midnight Friday, July 1; 8:30 a.m. to midnight Saturday, July 2; 7:30 a.m. to midnight Sunday, July 3; and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St., Arlington Heights. Three live entertainment stages with Plain White T's headlining Friday, The Wallflowers Saturday, Here Come the Mummies Sunday and American English Monday, food, bingo, carnival rides, games and contests, arts and crafts, Frontier Days Stampede at 7:30 a.m. Sunday and more. Park in downtown Arlington Heights and take a shuttle to the fest grounds. Free. frontierdays.org.

<b>Mount Prospect Lions Club Festival:</b> 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 1, and 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday through Monday, July 2-4, in Melas Park, Central Road at Busse Road, Mount Prospect. Live entertainment, food, rides, raffles, fireworks and more. “Family Day” runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Fireworks at dusk Monday. Free. Unlimited-ride wristbands cost $25. mtprospectlions.com.

<b>Palatine Hometown Fest:</b> 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, July 1; noon to midnight Saturday and Sunday, July 2-3; and noon to 10 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Community Park, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine. Live music, food, drinks, carnival, games, arts and crafts, business and charity expo and more. Free. palatinejaycees.org.

<b>Bartlett</a><![CDATA[ Fourth of July Fest:</b> 5:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 1; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 2; 3 to 11 p.m. Sunday, July 3; and noon to 11 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Apple Orchard Park, Stearns and South Bartlett roads, Bartlett. Live music, games, food, beer, turtle races, nonprofit expo, carnival, children's entertainment and more. Main stage Friday: 5:30 to 7:50 p.m. Neverly Brothers; 8:30 to 11 p.m. Wedding Banned. Main stage Saturday: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Bad Medicine; 8:30 to 11 p.m. And Beyond. Main stage Sunday: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Rick Lindy & Wild Ones; 8:30 to 11 p.m. Hi Infidelity. Main stage Monday: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Modern Day Romeos. Turtle races at 4 p.m. Monday at the Aquatic Center. bartlett4thofjuly.com.

<b>Northwest Fourth Fest:</b> 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 1 (carnival only); 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 2-3; and noon to 4 p.m. Monday, July 4 (carnival only), at the Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Carnival, live entertainment, food, drink, games. Main stage Saturday: Serendipity at 4:30 p.m., American English at 6:30 p.m., Hi Infidelity at 8:30 p.m. Main stage Sunday: The Gingers at 4:30 p.m., Hairbangers Ball at 6:30 p.m., 7th Heaven at 8:30 and 10 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Arts and crafts fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Fourth of July Parade on Illinois Boulevard at 9 a.m. Free admission, free parking on-site. (847) 252-5446 or northwestfourthfest.com.

<b>Round Lake Area Fourth of July Celebration:</b> July 2, 3, and 4 at the Village of Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center, 2007 N. Civic Center Way. Entertainment: The Kids from Wisconsin perform from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 2. Movies in the Park: “Max” screens at 8 p.m. Sunday, July 3. The Band performs patriotic favorites at 6 p.m., Five Guys Named Moe play oldies, current hits and more at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks at dusk Monday. Free. villageofroundlakebeach.com.

<b>Naval Station Great Lakes Fourth of July Celebration:</b> 3 to 10 p.m. Sunday and Monday, July 3-4, at Naval Station Great Lakes, 601 D St., Gate 3, Great Lakes. Family activities; fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Sunday and 9:30 p.m. Monday. Free. mwrgl.com.

<b>Warrenville's All Fired Up for the 4th:</b> 3 p.m. Sunday, July 3, and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Cerny Park, River Road and Forest View Drive, Warrenville. The parade, with the theme “Stars & Stripes Forever,” starts at 3 p.m. Sunday in downtown and travels south on Warren Avenue, west on Warrenville Road, south on Curtis Avenue and ends at Woodland Road. Music, entertainment and concessions in the park after the parade. Firecracker 5K Run and 50-yard Tot Dash at 8 a.m. Monday at the Warrenville Park District Recreation Center. Children's Parade at 11:45 a.m. Monday from St. Irene Church, Warren and Warrenville, to Cerny Park. Baseball in the park at 10 a.m. Monday, followed at noon by entertainment, children's activities, contests and music. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Free. warrenville.il.us.

<b>Lincolnshire's “Red White & Boom” Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks:</b> 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 3, and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Spring Lake Park, 49 Oxford Drive, Lincolnshire. Kids' attractions and activities, classic car show, live bands and food/beverages. Parade at 11 a.m. Monday and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Monday. Free. village.linconshire.il.us.

<b>Wheaton Independence Day Celebration:</b> Sunday and Monday, July 3-4, Graf Park, 1701 Manchester Road, and downtown Wheaton. Festivities from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday include rides, concessions and DJ entertainment in the afternoon and fireworks at 9 p.m. The annual parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Monday in downtown Wheaton. Free. wheatonparkdistrict.com.

<b>Deerfield Family Days:</b> 5 p.m. to dusk Sunday, July 3, and 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Jewett Park, Deerfield. Live entertainment, petting zoo, pony rides, food, arts and crafts, bike parade, flower show and dog show. Fireworks at dusk Sunday. Parade at noon Monday starting at Deerfield High School, south on Waukegan Road, west on Hazel to Jewett Park. Free. deerfield.il.us/familydays.

July 4

<b>

Great Western Freedom 4:</b> 6:30 a.m. Monday, July 4, at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. Four-mile competitive run and 2-mile scenic walk benefiting Lazarus House. New this year is a Kids' Dash for children younger than 13. Registration for the Dash is on the event day with a suggested donation of $5 per child. Event includes vendors, Colonial breakfast sandwiches, ice cream and Starbucks coffee. Fee for runners is $28 by Friday, July 1; $35 on Monday, July 4. Walkers: $20 by Friday, $25 on Monday. Register at signmeup.com.

<b>Sleepy Hollow Fourth of July Festival and Fireworks:</b> 8 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Sabatino Park, Thorobred Lane, Sleepy Hollow. Fun run at 8 a.m.; fishing derby at 9 a.m. at Lake Sharon; Buick GS Club of America car show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; food and drinks from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Bill Ritchie Memorial Parade at 11:30 a.m.; music with Hudson McCoy at 12:30 p.m.; bags tournament at 1 p.m.; games from 12:30 to 3 p.m.; pie-eating contest at 2:30 p.m.; fireworks parking opens at 7 p.m., donations requested; fireworks at 9:15 p.m. shsc-il.org.

<b>Elgin Fourth of July Parade:</b> 9 a.m. Monday, July 4, from Slade and Douglas, ends at Douglas and Highland. The 20th annual parade with the theme “Going for the Gold” is co-sponsored by the city of Elgin and the Downtown Neighborhood Association. This year there will be an “All-American Pooch Parade” at 8:30 a.m. Free. downtownelgin.com.

<b>Hoffman Estates Fourth of July Parade:</b> 9 a.m. Monday, July 4, on Illinois Boulevard, Hoffman Estates. Theme is “USA Going for the Gold.” Children's Bike and Trike parade assembly at Kingman Lane at 8:45 a.m. Bring nonperishable food and cleaning items to donate to local food pantries. Free. hoffmanestates.com.

<b>Lakemoor Fourth of July Parade:</b> 9 a.m. Monday, July 4. Staging begins at 8:30 a.m. The parade will start and end at the Morrison Park pavilion, 110 S. Lakeshore Drive. Theme is “America the Beautiful.” There will be a Mister and Miss Lakemoor contest. Free. lakemoor.net.

<b>Vernon Hills 4th of July Parade, Concert and Fireworks:</b> 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Century Park on Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. Parade at 9 a.m. at Deerpath and Atrium Drive features marching bands, floats, clowns, costumed characters, stilt walkers, local merchants, school groups, pageant winners, civic leaders and organizations. Marching units will head south to Sullivan Drive, then west to Aspen, ending at Hawthorn South Elementary School. Viewing areas will be marked along the route. Residents can decorate bikes, wagons or pets or just walk in the parade as a participant. The Big Fun Band plays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Century Park on Lakeview Parkway. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. over Big Bear and Little Bear lakes. Free. (847) 367-3700 or vernonhills.org.

<b>The City of Prospect Heights' Independence Day Parade:</b> 9:30 a.m. Monday, July 4. Begins at Metra Station and heads north on Wolf Road; then west on Camp McDonald to Wheeling Road, where parade heads north to Willow Road; west on Willow to Schoenbeck Road; then north to the Hebron Church. Hot dogs and refreshments will be served at the end of the parade route, sponsored by the Hebron Church. Call Karen at (847) 398-6070 or see prospect-heights.il.us.

<b>Highland Park Fourth Fest:</b> Children's Bike & Pet Parade at 9:30 a.m. Monday, July 4, at St. Johns and Laurel avenues; Independence Day parade at 10 a.m., at St. Johns and Laurel avenues to Sunset Woods Park, 1801 Sunset Road; Fourth Fest with live music, carnival rides, games, petting zoo, pony rides and concession stands from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Sunset Woods Park; Bitter Jester Battle of the Bands concert from 4 to 9:30 p.m. at Wolters Field, 1080 Park Ave.; 9:45 p.m. fireworks at Wolters Field. Free. cityhpil.com/july4.

<b>Arlington Heights Fourth of July Parade:</b> 10 a.m. Monday, July 4, starting at Oakton Street and Dunton Avenue, Arlington Heights. South on Dunton to Miner Street, east on Miner to the festival grounds at Recreation Park. Free. Reserving spaces along the parade route is forbidden until 7 p.m. Sunday. frontierdays.org.

<b>

Aurora Independence Day Parade:</b> 10 a.m. Monday, July 4. Parade proceeds east on Benton Street, north on Broadway, west on Galena Boulevard, south on Stolp Avenue, west on Downer Place and ending at River Street. The best viewing will be at the reviewing stand in front of the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. Pre-parade ceremony at 9:15 a.m. outside Paramount Theatre. Free. aurora-il.org.

<b>Barrington Fourth of July Parade:</b> 10 a.m. Monday, July 4. Runs along Main Street from Barrington High School to the train station. Theme is “The Best of Barrington - A Village Celebration.” Free. barringtonparade.com.

<b>Bensenville Libertyfest and Fourth of July Parade:</b> 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Redmond Recreational Complex, 735 E. Jefferson, Bensenville. Day begins with the parade at 10 a.m. from Town Center, 12 S. Center St., east on Green Street, south on York Road, east on Jefferson Street, finishing at Redmond Recreational Complex. Free public skate and swim from noon to 4 p.m. at 545 John St. Food, beer, games and activities at Redmond starting at 1 p.m. Music from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. followed by fireworks. Free. bensenville.il.us.

<b>Carol Stream July 4 Parade:</b> 10 a.m. Monday, July 4, at County Farm and Lies Road, Carol Stream. Ends at Gary Avenue, south of Lies. Free. carolstream.org.

<b>Des Plaines Fourth of July Parade:</b> 10 a.m. Monday, July 4, starting at Oakton and Center streets, going north on Center to Prairie Avenue, east on Prairie and disbanding at Prairie and Pearson streets. Review stand is at Thacker and Center streets. Theme: Historic moment of “The Making of the City of Des Plaines” or “The History of Our Country.” desplaines.org.

<b>Hawthorn Woods Fourth of July Parade:</b> 10 a.m. Monday, July 4. Parade kicks off at Falkirk and Carlisle and ends at Hawthorn Woods Village Hall, 2 Lagoon Drive, for a flag-raising ceremony. Road closures: Lagoon, Falkirk and Carlisle roads will be closed the morning of July 4 because of parade festivities. Free. vhw.org.

<b>Lake Zurich July Fourth Celebration:</b> 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Henry J. Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Daylong activities include music, food, entertainment, kids' inflatables and rides, swimming and Taste of Summer. Fireworks at 8:45 p.m. $2-$7. Residents, ages 17 and younger, admitted free; nonresidents, ages 3 and younger, admitted free. (847) 438-5146 or lakezurich.org.

<b>South Elgin Fourth of July Parade:</b> 10 a.m. Monday, July 4, at Spring Street, South Elgin. Steps off from West Spring Street and Wedgewood Drive. Features marching band, dancers, veterans, police, fire and local organizations. Grand marshal is Operation Warrior Wishes. Spring Street will be closed at 8 a.m. southelgin.com.

<b>Island Lake Family Picnic:</b> 11 a.m. Monday, July 4, at Veterans Park, 432 W. State Road, Island Lake. Hot dogs, crafts, games and more. Free. villageofislandlake.com.

<b>Lincolnshire Fourth of July Parade:</b> 11 a.m. July 4. The parade starts near Sprague School and winds through the residential areas south of Route 22 and concludes at Spring Lake Park, 49 Oxford Drive. Free. village.lincolnshire.il.us.

<b>Lisle July 4 Parade:</b> 11 a.m. Monday, July 4, in downtown Lisle. Parade proceeds from Main Street to School Street, right on Spencer and left on Burlington. Free. eyestotheskies.org.

<b>Red, White and Blue Day:</b> 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, July 4, at the Fox River Trolley Museum, 361 S. La Fox St., South Elgin. Pay the original 1966 fare of 50 cents or 25 cents for kids as the museum celebrates its 50th birthday. (847) 697-4676 or foxtrolley.org.

<b>Rolling Meadows Fourth of July Parade:</b> 11 a.m. Monday, July 4, from the Rolling Meadows High School parking lot. North on Jay, west on Grouse, north on Meadow, west on Kirchoff and ends at the Jewel parking lot on Kirchoff Road. Free. ci.rolling-meadows.il.us.

<b>Antioch Fourth of July:</b> Noon Monday, July 4, at Williams Park, 741 Main St., Antioch. 5K Run for Freedom & Fun Walk at 8 a.m. The annual 4th of July parade starts at 10:30 a.m., followed by the Kids Festival at Williams Park at noon. Food and drink vendors will be open all day at the park. Bags tournament, softball tournament and live music featuring Libido Funk Circus. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Free. antioch.il.gov.

<b>Fourth of July Hot Wings-Eating Competition:</b> Noon Monday, July 4, at Williams Park, 741 Main St., Antioch. Smackdown Slow Burn Hot Wings eating competition open to all amateur eaters, 18 years or older, who are in good health. Three preliminary rounds of eight contestants each. Three contestants from each round advance to the final round. Cash prize and trophy awarded to the winner. $20. antioch.il.gov.

<b>Glen Ellyn 4th of July Parade:</b> Noon Monday, July 4, on Main Street, Glen Ellyn. Music, floats, and nostalgia of the red, white and blue. Free. glenellyn4thofjuly.org.

<b>Villa Park Parade:</b> Noon Monday, July 4, on Central, Villa Park. Parade proceeds from Central to Harvard, south to Madison, east to Summit, north to Park, west to Ardmore. Free. (630) 834-8191.

<b>Downers Grove July 4 Parade:</b> 12:45 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Downers Grove North High School, 4436 Main St. Proceeds south on Main Street, ending at Warren Avenue. Free. events.downers.us.

<b>Mount Prospect Fourth of July Parade:</b> 1 p.m. Monday, July 4, from the corner of Emerson Street and Prospect Avenue, northwest on Prospect to Central, west on Central to the festival grounds. Theme is “Mount Prospect's Birthday Countdown” in anticipation of Mount Prospect's centennial celebration in 2017. For details, email Jill Friedrichs at jillmyrle@wowway.com.

<b>Itasca Fireworks:</b> 3 p.m. to dusk Monday, July 4, at Hamilton Lakes, 333 Pierce Road, Itasca. Activities and entertainment prior to the fireworks at dusk. $25. itasca.com.

<b>St. Charles Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks:</b> 4 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Pottawatomie Park, 8 North Ave., St. Charles. Shout Out performs from 6 p.m. to dusk in the historic pavilion. Fireworks show begins at dusk off Boy Scout Island. Parking is limited. Fireworks can be best viewed at Pottawatomie Park or Ferson Creek Park. Free. stcparks.org.

<b>Aurora Independence Day Fireworks:</b> 4:30 to 10 p.m. Monday, July 4, at RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway Ave., Aurora. Car and Bike Show to benefit veterans from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the city parking lot, 309 N. River St. American Legion Band and Fox Valley Orchestra perform. Viewing at McCullough Park, Illinois Avenue and Lake Street, and RiverEdge Park. McCullough Park will have local food vendors, inflatables and face painting. Free park and ride shuttle service from 6 to 9 p.m. Free. aurora-il.org.

<b>Batavia Fourth of July Sky Concert:</b> 5 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Engstrom Park, Main and Millview streets, Batavia. Savor the Flavor food vendors open from 5 to 9:30 p.m. $5 donation for parking at both high school parking lots (off Wilson and Main), the Ace Hardware parking lot and the Wilson Business Center on West Wilson Street. bataviafireworks.org.

<b>Carol Stream Independence Day Concert and Fireworks:</b> 6 p.m. Monday, July 4, at the Carol Stream Town Center, 960 N. Gary Ave., Carol Stream. Food and beer concessions begin at 6 p.m. Billy Croft & the 5 Alarm perform a two-hour concert at the Town Center Gazebo Stage at 7 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:20 p.m. Free. carolstream.org.

<b>Lake Forest Fouth of July:</b> 6 to 10 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Deerpath Community Park, 400 Hastings Road, Lake Forest. Family activities; MJ Live, a Michael Jackson tribute act, headlines at 8 p.m.; fireworks at 9:40 p.m. $15-$20. (847) 234-6700 or cityoflakeforest.com.

<b>Navy Pier's Freedom Fest:</b> 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 4, on the rooftop at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. A ticket is required to attend this celebration, which features a barbecue, a full bar and music. Fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. This is an all-ages event. Tickets can be purchased at chitownevents.com/events/the-3rd-annual-freedom-fest.

<b>Buffalo Grove Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks:</b> 7 p.m. Monday, July 4. Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band concert at 7 p.m. at the Rotary Village Green, followed by fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Best viewing is from the Rotary Village Green, the Buffalo Grove Golf Course or Willow Stream Park. Free. vbg.org.

<b>Elk Grove Village Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks:</b> Independence Day concert with Peter Cetera at 8 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Community Park, 164 Lions Drive, Elk Grove Village. The Lions Club 4th of July fireworks display follows the concert at dusk. Free. elkgrove.com.

<b>Oakbrook Terrace Concert and Fireworks:</b> 8 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Terrace View Park, Route 83 and 22nd Street, Oakbrook Terrace. Concert by Together from 8 to 9 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Free. (630) 941-8300.

<b>Huntley Fourth of July Fireworks:</b> 8:30 p.m. Monday, July 4. Visible from Deicke and Warrington parks. huntley.il.us.

<b>Barrington Fourth of July Fireworks:</b> Dusk July 4, at Barrington High School, 616 W. Main St., Barrington. Free. barrington.il.gov.

<b>Elgin Fourth of July Fireworks:</b> Dusk Monday, July 4, at Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave., Elgin. Fireworks follow the concert by Mark Farner, Rare Earth and Felix Cavaliere's Rascals. Free. cityofelgin.org.

<b>Glen Ellyn 4th of July Fireworks:</b> 9 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn. Bring a blanket for seating. Free. glenellyn4thofjuly.org.

<b>Rolling Meadows 4th of July Fireworks:</b> 9 p.m. Monday, July 4, at the Rolling Meadows Community Center, 370 Pheasant Lane, Rolling Meadows. Free. ci.rolling-meadows.il.us.

<b>Streamwood Fourth of July Fireworks:</b> 9:15 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Dolphin Park on Park Boulevard. Rain date is Tuesday, July 5. Free. streamwood.org.

<b>Bartlett Fourth of July Fireworks:</b> 9:30 p.m. Monday, July 4, with music simulcast on 98.1 FM. Skydivers at 8:30 p.m. before the fireworks. bartlett4thofjuly.com.

<b>Chicago Fourth of July Fireworks:</b> 9:30 p.m. Monday, July 4, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Free. navypier.com.

<b>Downers Grove July 4 fireworks:</b> 9:30 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Lemont Road and 75th Street, Downers Grove. Co-sponsored with Woodridge. Free. events.downers.us.

<b>Libertyville Fireworks:</b> 9:30 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Butler Lake Park, Lake Street, Libertyville. Libertyville Village Band performs at 7:30 p.m. Free. (847) 362-2430 or libertyville.com.

<b>Mundelein Fourth of July Fireworks:</b> 9:30 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Kracklauer Park, Seymour Avenue, Mundelein. Free. mundelein.org.

July 5 and beyond

<b>Koncerts for Kids:</b> Noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, at Cook Park Picnic Shelter, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda. Free. (847) 526-3610 or waucondaparks.org.

<b>Summer Concert in the Park:</b> 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, at Addison Village Hall Village Green Gazebo, 1 Friendship Plaza, Addison. The New Invaders headline Tuesday. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held indoors in the Village Hall Rotunda. Bring picnic baskets, chairs. Wine and beer are allowed during show hours. Free. (630) 543-4100.

<b>Taste of Chicago:</b> 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, July 6-8, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 9-10, in Grant Park, Jackson Street and Columbus Drive, Chicago. Outdoor food festival also features live music. Free; charge for food tickets. cityofchicago.org.

<b>Cary Cruise Nights:</b> 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 6, at West Main Street and Jandus Road off Route 14, Cary. Free. Call Cary Grove Area Chamber of Commerce at (847) 639-2800 or see carygrovechamber.com.

<b>Villa Park Kiwanis Summer Concerts:</b> 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. July 6, at the Ruggard Gazebo, Ardmore Avenue and Park Boulevard, Villa Park. Concessions open at 6 p.m. Free. (630) 834-8500.

<b>Geneva Park District Summer Concerts in the Park:</b> 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 6, at Island Park, along the Fox River, Geneva. Spoken Four performs. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Firehouse Pizza & Grill and Dairy Queen will be available for purchase. genevaparks.org.

<b>Libertyville's Eighth Annual Dog Days of Summer:</b> 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, July 7-10, at Cook Park, 300 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Home of the DockDogs regional finals dog-jumping competition, more than 35 dog-related vendors, a pet blessing ceremony, sheriff K-9 demo, agility course, 3K dog walk and more. Free. (847) 362-2430 or libertyville.com.

<b>

Lake in the Hills Rockin' Ribfest:</b> 4:30 to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 7-8; 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 9; and 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 10, at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills. Barbecue, live music, vendors, kids' games, car show on Saturday, and community rib cook-off on Sunday. Admission is $5 for ages 13 and older; free for active military with ID and kids 12 and younger when accompanied by an adult. (847) 742-3378 or lithribfest.com.

<b>Geneva Classic Car Shows:</b> 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 7, at the Kane County Courthouse parking lot, 100 S. Third St., Geneva. Check out the antique, custom build, muscle and sport cars. Food and a DJ. Downtown shops, pubs and eateries also stay open late, with some evening entertainment. Free. genevachamber.com.

<b>Windmill City Festival:</b> 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 7; 4 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 8; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 9; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 10, at the Riverwalk, Houston Street at Island Avenue, Batavia. Carnival, food booths, games, Windmill Whirl 5K run, pet parade and ice-cream eating contest. On Thursday, Back Country Roads play from 7 to 10 p.m.; Friday: Midwest Dueling Pianos from 6 to 8 p.m. and 7th Heaven from 9 to 11 p.m.; Saturday: Live Band Karaoke from 3 to 5 p.m., The New Invaders from 6 to 8 p.m., and Arra from 9 to 11 p.m.; Sunday: Miles Nielsen from 1 to 3 p.m. and Hillbilly Rockstarz from 4 to 6 p.m. Free. windmillcityfest.org.

<b>Des Plaines Live at the Lake:</b> 7 p.m. Thursday, July 7, at Lake Park Memorial Pavilion, 2200 Lee St., Des Plaines. The Des Plaines Community Concert Band performs. Bring a lawn chair or blankets. Free. dpparks.org.