Summer Celebrations—Soak Up the Fun with the Hottest Events in the Western Suburbs

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June 2016 View more

NMAG0616_FeatureSummer_047_800pxJune

Wednesdays, Woods and Wine
Wednesdays June 1 through August 31, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Enjoy wine, light fare, and live music outdoors every Wednesday night. The Morton Arboretum Arbor Court, Lisle.

Movie Under the Stars
Join your friends and neighbors under the stars in Naperville’s Central Park, 104 E. Benton, for an outdoor movie night.  Movies start at dusk. Bring the family and a blanket or chairs.
June 3: Inside Out
June 24: Star Wars The Force Awakens

Naperville Park District Frontier Kite Fly Festival
Sunday, June 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Enjoy gigantic kites, exciting demonstrations, stunts, and hands-on activities. Plus live music, games, and giveaways. This is a free event for the whole family. Frontier Park, 3380 Cedar Glade Drive, Naperville.

Naper Nights Community Concert Series
Naper Settlement continues the History of Rock during this summer’s Naper Nights Community Concert Series on the 12-acre grounds of Naper Settlement. Gates open 5 to 10 p.m. each night.
Friday, June 17
The Fortunate Sons, featuring a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band, 6 p.m. Mr. Blotto, a popular local band playing music from the Allman Brothers, The Grateful Dead and The Band, 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 18
Beggars Banquet, an authentic Rolling Stones Tribute Band, 6 p.m. American English, will be celebrating five decades  of Beatlemania, 8 p.m.

Cantigny Art in Bloom
June 18 and 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
One of Cantigny Park’s biggest events of the year, and a Father’s Day weekend tradition, features a juried art show, nearly 100 exhibiting artists, activities, and crafts for kids, demonstrations, live music, and great food. Free with paid parking. Cantigny Park, Wheaton.

Craft Beer Festival
June 25, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Toast to the trees with the 3rd annual Craft Beer Festival. Sip on local favorites and explore new beers from more than 40 breweries while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of The Morton Arboretum. The Morton Arboretum, Lisle.

RiverEdge Park Concert
June 25, 8 p.m.
Willie Nelson and Family with special guest Kris Kristofferson perform an outdoor concert at downtown Aurora’s RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway Street. Gates open 6:30 p.m.

July

Naperville Ribfest
July 1 through July 4, noon to 10 p.m. Daily
The 29th Naperville Ribfest, draws visitors with its family activities, award-winning rib vendors from across the country, and musical entertainment at Naperville’s Knoch Park.
July 1: 3 Doors Down. 7:30 p.m.
July 2: Sister Hazel and Sheryl Crow, 7:30 p.m.
July 3: Lee Brice, 7:30 p.m.
July 4: Gin Blossoms and Tres Moustache. *Annual fireworks display starts at 9:30 p.m.

Summer Sidewalk Sales
July 7 through July 9
Downtown Naperville shops and restaurants take to the streets during the popular Summer Sidewalk Sales and Downtown Naperville Days. Visitors can enjoy hot deals on cool styles from downtown merchants.

Movie Under the Stars
The free outdoor movie night continues with another popular family movie under the stars in Naperville’s Central Park, 104 E. Benton. Dusk.
July 8: Max

Naperville Woman’s Club 57th Fine Art Fair
July 9 and 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Illinois’ longest running art fair with more than 100 local and national artists selling, exhibiting, and demonstrating their original works of art. Naper Settlement.

2016 Naperville Ale Fest
July 16, noon to 6 p.m.
The 4th annual Naperville Ale Fest showcases more than 200 unique beers from craft breweries around the country, live music, and food on the grounds of the Naper Settlement. Proceeds benefit the Naper Settlement and the Naperville Heritage Society.

Cabernet Cabaret (CabCab) – Say My Name
July 16, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. 
Open-air musical event features an eclectic mix of musical performers. The Cabernet Cabaret Concert Series (CabCab) takes place on the lawn of Arranmore Farm & Polo Club, 34 Rance Road, Oswego.

USPA Arranmore Polo Classic
Sunday, July 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Arranmore Farm & Polo Club’s signature tournament event. Guests are treated with pre-match access to the club’s barns and horses, along with premium field side views of the action. Ticketing options include club ticket, private tents and lawn seating.

Best of Naperville 2015
July 28, 5:30 p.m.
Winners of this year’s Best of Naperville Magazine Awards will be announced during an evening of fun, food, and celebration at Hotel Arista, Naperville. Voting continues through June 15. To vote and purchase tickets, visit www.napervillemagazine.com.

Naper Nights Community Concert Series
Friday, July 22, 5 to 10 p.m.
Naper Nights Community Concert Series continues. OMT, local favorites play a variety of music from indie to rock, to country and classics, 6 p.m. Mike & Joe, one of Chicago’s premier party band, 8:15 p.m. Naper Settlement.
Saturday, July 23
Killer Queen, a full production tribute to the legendary band Queen, 6 p.m.
Landslide, a tribute band to Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Fleetwood Mac, 8:15 p.m.

NMAG0716_FeatureSummer_048_800pxAugust

Cabernet Cabaret (CabCab) – Guilty Pleasures
August 6, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
The best guilty pleasure songs from the ‘80s and ‘90s will keep you dancing all night long during this annual outdoor dance party at Arranmore Farm and Polo Club, 34 Rance Road, Oswego.

Destination Asia Cultural Festival
August 6 through 7
Explore the diverse cultures of Asia through music, dance, food, and trees. The Morton Arboretum, Lisle.

Movie Under the Stars
The free outdoor movie night continues with another popular family movie under the stars in Naperville’s Central Park, 104 E. Benton. Dusk.
August 5: The Good Dinosaur

Cantigny French Connection Day
August 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Celebrate French culture and the special connection between Cantigny Park and France. Enjoy a fun, French-filled day with activities for the whole family. Free with $10 parking. Cantigny Park, Wheaton.

Naperville Wine Festival
August 12 and 13, 5 to 10:30 p.m.
Sample more than 300 wines from around the world. Learn about new and exciting varieties from the experts in a festival setting. Live music plus wine seminars, and cooking demonstrations. CityGate Centre, Naperville.

Naper Nights Community Concert Series
Annual concert series continues at Naper Settlement.
Friday, August 19
Fletcher Rockwell, 6 p.m.
Hometown Chicago band featuring classical Americana-tinged rock and roll. 16 Candles, ‘80s night headliner, 8 p.m.
Saturday, August 20
Who’s Who, return to rock roots with a tribute to The Who, 6 p.m. Kashmir, featuring vintage Led Zepplin’ music, stage gear, costumes and special effects, 8 p.m.

September

Naperville Jaycees Last Fling
September 2 to September 5
End of summer bash features carnival rides, food, music and fun for the entire family. Jackson Avenue and the Riverwalk. The powerhouse ensemble Rusted Root performs at 4:30 p.m. and Toad The Wet Sprocket takes the stage at 6:30 p.m. on September 3. The Last Fling Labor Day Parade will be held September 5, at 10 a.m.