Festivals and Fairs
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Beyond the farm stand: The new role of suburban farmers marketsJun 28, 2026 2:45 pm - Suburbs are embracing farmers markets in ways that go beyond the sale of produce. They have evolved into multi-purpose civic events — a proving ground for small businesses, a way for communities to advertise their services, a showcase for local musical talent and a source of food for area pantries.
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Colorful Wauconda Fest draws diverse crowd on first of four days ThursdayJun 26, 2026 6:48 am - Festgoers came out to Wauconda Fest Thursday night for the live music, carnival rides and games, fair food and more. The festival continues through Sunday in Cook Park.
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Elgin’s July Fourth features parades, live music and fireworksJun 25, 2026 6:05 pm - Elgin's Fourth of July celebration returns with a full day of patriotic festivities on Saturday, July 4. The day kicks off with the parade and pet parade, followed by live music, pie-eating contest, food trucks, and fireworks in the evening.
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Taste of the towns: Food-centric festivals satisfy hungry festgoersJun 24, 2026 3:36 pm - Of course, every festival offers tasty tidbits of some sort, but not every fest makes food the main focus. Here are upcoming festivals through Labor Day with food right in the title.
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Best Bets: Long Grove’s strawberry fest and Rosemont’s Rockin’ the USA music festJun 23, 2026 1:32 pm - Long Grove hosts its annual Strawberry Fest, Rosemont hosts the village’s first Independence Day music fest, and Skokie welcomes opera lovers to the Opera Festival of Chicago.
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Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club to hold Field Day June 27Jun 23, 2026 11:55 am - See amateur radio in action and learn about some of Schaumburg’s history when the Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club holds its annual field day from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, June 27, on the grounds of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 202 E. Schaumburg Road.
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Things to do June 26 to July 2: Swedish Days, Wauconda Fest, Frontier Days and moreJun 23, 2026 6:27 am - Mark your calendar for Swedish Days in Geneva, Wauconda Fest, Frontier Days in Arlington Heights, Mundelein Community Days, Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest, Northwest Fourth-Fest in Hoffman Estates and more.
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Downers Grove Rotary GroveFest returns with new Family Zone and four days of live musicJun 22, 2026 12:28 am - Downers Grove Rotary GroveFest returns June 25-28 with a new Family Zone featuring crafts, activities, and photo booth opportunities. The four-day festival also includes live music performances from tribute bands and local artists.
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Libertyville Days finishes with a flourish of funJun 21, 2026 3:11 pm - Sunday was the final day for the four-day Libertyville Days festival held at Cook Park over the weekend.
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Community pride through preservation: How the Gifford Park Association protects Elgin’s architectural heritageJun 21, 2026 7:00 am - The Gifford Park Association is dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Elgin’s historic neighborhoods. The group, founded in 1979, provides grants for home restoration, hosts monthly meetings, and organizes the annual Historic Elgin House Tour each September, showcasing significant homes to inspire preservation efforts and build community pride.