Festivals and Fairs
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Best Bets: Rosemont hosts Spring Fun Fest and Anime CentralMay 12, 2026 10:52 am - The Spring Fun Fest and Anime Central convention take over Rosemont, “Veep” alum Matt Walsh performs with Bluebird Improv at the Studebaker Theatre, and Chicago’s Intuit Art Museum showcases a former Aurora sculptor’s new exhibit.
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Things to do May 15-21: Long Grove Chocolate Fest, D.L. Hughley, Lake Zurich Water Lantern Festival and moreMay 11, 2026 1:09 pm - Mark your calendar for the Long Grove Chocolate Fest, Aurora Food Truck Fest, D.L. Hughley at the Chicago Improv in Schaumburg, Lake Zurich Water Lantern Festival and more.
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Learn about police and fire safety at Lake County First Responders ExpoMay 07, 2026 1:02 pm - A two-day event to support first responders will be held May 16 and 17 at Gurnee Mills, parking Lot E, 6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee.
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Chocolate Fest to kick off festival season in Long Grove May 15-17May 06, 2026 12:19 pm - Festival season begins in Long Grove the only way it knows how: with chocolate.
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Things to do May 8-14: Lombard Lilac Time, Glow Wild, Mother’s Day events and moreMay 04, 2026 9:37 am - Mark your calendar for Lombard Lilac Time, the final days of Glow Wild at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Mother’s Day events and more.
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Art show season is blooming in the suburbsMay 03, 2026 3:46 pm - May flowers aren’t the only eye-catching beauty starting to pop up across the suburbs now that April showers are (hopefully) behind us. Art show season is underway, filling our local parks, town squares and other public gathering spaces with the work of the region’s finest creatives.
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Free Aurora GreenFest to feature over 100 exhibitors on Energy Smart LivingApr 29, 2026 9:21 pm - Aurora GreenFest returns May 2 after a one-year hiatus, featuring over 100 exhibitors focused on energy efficiency and environmental conservation with the theme "Make a Difference! Be Energy Smart!"
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In full bloom: Must-visit flower festivals this spring and summer
Apr 29, 2026 11:21 am - From tulip-lined fields to sprawling lilac gardens, the Midwest bursts into color each spring with festivals that celebrate nature at its most vibrant.
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Things to do May 1-7: Mexico Fest, Go Fly a Kite, Lombard Lilac Time, Katt Williams and moreApr 29, 2026 11:11 am - Mark your calendar for Mexico Fest at Navy Pier, Lombard Lilac Time, Go Fly a Kite in Wheaton’s Graf Park, Art in Wilder Park in Elmhurst, Katt Williams at Chicago’s United Center and more.
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Best bets: ESO season comes to a close, and Orion Ensemble disbands after 35 yearsApr 29, 2026 8:16 am - The ESO closes out its season this weekend, the Orion Ensemble bids farewell after 35 years, and comedian Doug Benson hosts a live taping of his podcast, “Doug Loves Movies,” at Zanies Rosemont.