Edison Park Festival returns on August 17^th-10^th at the Northwest corner of the City of Chicago.  This annual summer festival features fun for the whole family.

This festival features drinks, food, entertainment, business and craft expos, a parade, dog show, bags tournament, a basketball camp and much more.  Musical lineup includes Inbound Kennedy, Strain Busy Sky, Cletus & The Sliders, Hag, Robbie Gold, Hyper Flo, Your Villain My Hero, Luna Blu, Sons of Mary, Local Favorite, Imposter Radio and Maggie Speaks.

When:  August 17-19

Where:  Chicago, IL—Edison Park

Price:  Free

Website

20,000 people will attend the North Side Summerfest,one of Chicago’s favorite neighborhood parties, on August 17^th-19^th.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit the North Center Chamber of Commerce.

This festival features drinks, food, entertainment, and one huge musical lineup for everyone to enjoy one of the last summer festivals of the season.  Many different local vendors will be dishing out their best interpretation of the classic hotdog.   An amateur hot dog eating contest will also take place at this summer festival.

When:  August 17-19

Where:  Chicago, IL—Lincoln Avenue at Irving

Price:  $5

Website

Hundreds of survivors and caregivers will walk to raise funds and awareness for the Lymphoma Research Foundation.

Funds raised will support the Foundation’s mission of eradicating lymphoma and serving those touched by this disease.  You can do your part by volunteering your time, donating some money, or participating in this great 5K walk to raise awareness.

When:  August 12

Where:  Chicago, IL—Montrose Harbor

Price:  Free to Watch—Fundraising Event

Website

Presented by the Midwest Buddhist Temple, Ginza Festival, the laregest Japanese cultural festival, will return to Old Town for its 57^th year.

This festival will celebrate the Japanese culture as they will have many different traditional Japanese cuisine including charcoal grilled chicken teriyaki, sushi, edamame, grilled on the corn and much more.  Inside will feature demonstrations and exhibits, arts and crafts, while outside there will be self defense tactics and live entertainment.

When:  August 10-12

Where:  Chicago, IL—Old Town

Price:  $6

Website

Chicago’s premier Pit Master competition comes to Chicago on August 12^th in the Windy City Rib Classic.

The focus of this event will be a real BBQ competition.  All meats will be cooked onsite over 100% hardwood fuel source and judged by 10 different judges including Famous Dave Anderson, Bob Zrenner, Barry Sorkin, Matt Jost, Lee Ann Whippen, Steve Zaransky, Charlie McKenna, Colleen Rush, Phil Wingo, and the BBQ Whisperer Meathead.  Twenty BBQ teams will fight for the right to be called Rib, Chicken, or Sauce Champion.

When:  August 12

Where:  Chicago, IL—near Theatre on the Lake

Price:  Free

Website

Put on by Star Events, Retro on Roscoe returns to the city on August 11^th-12^th.  This tree-lined festival features entertainment and food in the Roscoe Village area of Chicago.

This festival features six full blocks of artisans, antique vendors and cool merchants.  Lots of local food samplings and tasty treats, as well as a classic car and motorcycle show and Chicago’s top talent and entertainment on 3 main stages.

When:  August 11-12

Where:  Chicago, IL—Roscoe Village

Price:  $10

Website

The Taste of Elmwood Park fest returns on August 17^th-19^th.  Many local residents will gather to feast on local Elmwood Park food.

This festival features great food, a beer garden, arts and crafts, games and rides, and live entertainment.  Live entertainment includes American English and Maggie Speaks.

When:  August 17-19

Where:  Elmwood park, IL

Price:  Free

Website

Returning for its 15^th year, RiverFest Express will take place on August 16^th-19^th in South Elgin.  Thousands of people will get together and celebrate with a fun-filled, outdoor festival.

This festival features a carnival, car show, fireworks, craft shows, trolley rides, special night for kids, small business expo, freedom express museum, and much more.  Live entertainment includes Hillbilly Rock Starz, Talkin Trash, 7^th Heaven, Keep Seven, Bob & Terry, StormCrow, Ides of March, Liberty’s Teeth, The Fairlanes and Smokin Gunz.

When:  August 16-19

Where:  South Elgin, IL—Panton Mill Park

Price:  Free

Website

One of the biggest vegetarian festivals in North America returns to Naperville this year.  Veggie Fest features good food and healthy living on August 11^th-12^th.

Vegetarians, vegans and health-enthusiasts will be participating in this great festival.  This fest features a huge international vegetarian food court, lots of exciting food demos, and dozens of experts speaking on vegetarianism, spirituality and healthy living.  Over 100 exhibitor booths, activities for kids, and live music featuring The Giving Tree Band, Gizzae, Caribe Son Internacional, Zach, LiveWire and Marisa Buchheit.

When:  August 11-12

Where:  Naperville, IL—Naperville-Wheaton Rd

Price:  Free

Website

Festa Italiana returns for its 13^th year at The American Italianin Crest Hill, Illinois.  Free admission, live entertainment, food, bakery and games highlight this Italian festival.

This outdoor festival features a Mass and Procession, raffles, children’s games, meatball sandwiches, Italian beef sandwiches, Italian sausage sandwiches, mostaccioli, pizza, gelato, tiramisu, cannoli and much much more.  Entertainment includes Frank Rossi, Nino Folino, Nick Pontarelli, Diva Montell, Libido Funk Circus, and the Chicago Music Machine.

When:  August 11-12

Where: Crest Hill, IL—1918 Donmaur Drive

Price:  Free

Website