Summer of Fun

By Naperville Magazine
June 2025 View more Featured

By Jeff Banowetz

From festivals and fairs to concerts and outdoor fun, this is the season to shine

Take in the Tunes

Who doesn’t love an outdoor concert on a breezy summer evening? The Naper Nights Concert Series (napernights.org) at Naper Settlement has been celebrating historic milestones in music by featuring tribute artists each summer at the 13-acre living history museum in downtown Naperville. This year, while continuing in that tradition, the series also will bring the R&B band WAR to the venue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its 1975 multiplatinum album Why Can’t We Be Friends.

“We’re thrilled to welcome WAR to Naper Settlement,” says Adison Glick, special events senior team leader. “They are one of music’s defining and most enduring soul and funk groups.” The 2025 lineup starts June 20 with tributes to The Flaming Lips (Sun Stereo) and Jane’s Addiction (Nothing Shocking). The following night leans country, with bands performing Chris Stapleton (Tennessee Whiskey) then Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings (WailOn) taking the stage June 21.

Cover bands for Incubus (Morning View) and Radiohead (Android Paranoid) will perform July 18, with a Santana tribute (Rico!) opening for WAR on July 19. The final weekend of the series brings in tributes to String Cheese Incident (Cream Cheese Accident) and Widespread Panic (Bears Gone Phishin’) on Aug. 15, followed by Great American Taxi and a Wilco Tribute (Wilclone) on Aug. 16. Tickets for each show are $25 for adults and $15 for kids (ages 4 to 12) for all evenings except the WAR show, which costs $40 for adults. Or see all the shows for the price of a membership to Naper Settlement.

On Wednesday nights through August, the Morton Arboretum hosts its Arbor Evenings (mortonarb.org) concert series on Frost Hill where you can bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the show. Food trucks will be onsite to provide a variety of dinner options, drinks, and ice cream. Shows are from 6 to 8 p.m. each Wednesday through Aug. 20. Expect performers to provide all kinds of musical styles, from the Trabuco Salsa Band (July 2) to a Taylor Swift tribute (June 18). Tickets, which can be bought in advance, are $15 for adults and $5 for children. (Members pay $10 and children are free.)

The Memorial Park Concert Series (memorialparkwheaton.com) in downtown Wheaton has a packed schedule of both free and ticketed concerts this summer. Organized by the Wheaton Park District, the concert series offers free shows on June 29 (The Wayouts, which plays 1960s rock ’n’ roll) and July 20 (the DuPage Symphony Orchestra). Asia featuring John Payne, known for such ’80s hits as “Heat of the Moment,” performs June 28, with tickets priced $30 to $35. On July 26, Jimmy Buffett tribute band Gone 2 Paradise takes stage followed by yacht-rock band Anchors Away, with tickets ranging from $20 to $25. Other shows are priced at $10 to $12 and feature tribute bands, including acts showcasing Earth, Wind & Fire (Shining Star) on June 27, Taylor Swift (Burning Red) on July 19, and Led Zeppelin (Kashmir) on Aug. 8.

Also in Wheaton, the Cantigny Summer Concert Series (cantigny.org) returns this year at a new time and location in the park. The (mostly) Saturday night concerts, running through August, will now begin at 7 p.m. at the First Division Museum. The later start time and new setting allow for cooler temperatures, bigger crowds—and better access to the Cantigny Beer Garden and Cafe. The lineup includes a range of mostly tribute bands, including Radio Gaga (a fun mash-up of Lady Gaga and Queen) on June 7, American English (a Beatles tribute) on July 26, and Sixteen Candles (playing ’80s hits) on Aug. 30, to name a few. The concerts are included with $21 per vehicle admission to the park.

Another outdoor series can be found at The Forge: Lemont Quarries, a destination known for its climbing, ziplining, paddling, and laser tag facilities. Last year it expanded its concert offerings, and that continues this year with the Rockin’ the Quarry Concert Series (forgeparks.com) with concerts every weekend through the summer. You’ll find a wide range of primarily tribute acts, including those covering Steely Dan (June 6), ABBA (June 27), Toby Keith (Aug 1), and Carrie Underwood (Aug. 29). The Quarry also hosts a Woodstock Festival Aug. 23, which will celebrate the spirit of the 1969 event with seven hours of musical performances, food, and drink specials. Bands include tributes to Santana, The Who, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Tickets for most shows are $15.

Aurora’s RiverEdge Park (paramountaurora.com) is typically home to several prominent outdoor concerts each year, organized by the same folks who run the Paramount Theatre. But the riverfront venue is undergoing a major renovation this summer, meaning that you’ll have to wait until 2026 for a return of live music. However, an outdoor concert featuring One of These Nights, an Eagles tribute band, will be held Aug. 9 in nearby Wilder Park, on the opposite side of the Fox River.

Blackberry Farm, a living-history museum in Aurora, continues its Live and Uncorked Concert Series (blackberryfarm.info) on Thursday nights through July 24. These BYOB concerts are for those 21 and older, and food is available for purchase from the Summer Kitchen. The eight concerts in the series in include Disco Circus (June 12), Billy Elton (a Billy Joel/Elton John tribute) July 3, and Breakfast Club (July 10). Tickets are $10 to $12, or a season pass for all eight shows can be purchased for $64.

Combining wine and music, Cabernet Cabaret, also known as CabCab, returns to Oswego’s Arranmore Farm & Polo Club (arranmorefarmandpoloclub.com) on July 19. This year’s theme of the open-air concert is ’90s Mix Tape—think grunge, hip-hop, and classic pop from the era, brought to you by a powerhouse band of handpicked local musicians. Bring your own blankets, chairs, and folding tables to relax and enjoy the show. Outside food and beverages are permitted, or take advantage of the curated wine tastings onsite. Tickets range from $35 to $60 (early entry), and kids 13 and under are free.

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Free Outdoor Concerts

SUNDAYS

Naperville: Concerts in Your Park
June 8, June 22, June 29, July 13, July 20, July 27
7 to 8:30 p.m., various parks / napervilleparks.org

TUESDAYS

Naperville: Children’s Lunch Hour Entertainment
June 10–July 15
11:30 a.m., alternating between the 95th Street Community Plaza and the Riverwalk / napervilleparks.org

Downers Grove: Summer Concert Series
June 3–Aug. 12
7 to 8:30 p.m., Fishel Park, 1036 Grove St. / dgparks.org

WEDNESDAYS

Geneva: Concerts in the Park Series
July 9–30
7 to 8:30 p.m., River Park, 151 N. River Lane / genevaparks.org

Lisle: Summer Entertainment Series
5:30 to 9:30 p.m. July 3, fireworks afterward
7 to 8:30 p.m. July 9–30
Lisle Community Park, 1800 Short St. / lisleparkdistrict.org

Batavia: River Rhapsody Concert Series
5:30 to 6:15 p.m. June 11
7 to 8:30 p.m. June 18–Aug. 6
Peg Bond Center, 151 Island Ave. / bataviaparks.org

Woodridge: Summer Concert Series
June 25–Aug. 6
Various parks / woodridgeparks.org

THURSDAYS

Oswego: Venue 1012 Free Concert Series
June–September
6 p.m. at Venue 1012, 1012 Station Drive, Oswego / venue1012.com

St. Charles: Summer Concerts
May 29–Aug. 7
7 p.m. at the Lincoln Park gazebo, St. Charles / stcparks.org

Hinsdale: Uniquely Thursdays
June 12–August 21
6 p.m., Burlington Park, 30 E. Chicago Ave. / hinsdalechamber.com

Warrenville: Lunchtime Live
June 12–Aug. 7
11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Summerlakes Park, 3S010 Talbot Ave. / warrenvilleparks.org

Naperville: Municipal Band
June 6–Aug. 15
7:30 p.m., Central Park, 103 E. Benton Ave. / napervilleband.org

Wheaton: Municipal Band
June 12–Aug. 7 (also Wednesday, July 2)
7:30 p.m., Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave. / wheatonmunicipalband.org

VARIOUS DATES

BrightSide Theatre Summer in the Parks
The BrightSide Theatre returns this year with its annual free summer concert series at parks around Naperville. This year’s hourlong show, “Fun in the Sun: A Broadway Musical Review,” features selections from Wicked, Guys & Dolls, Hamilton, Hairspray, Once Upon a Mattress, and Spamalot.
July 10: 7 p.m. at the 95th Street Community Plaza, 3109 Cedar Glade Drive
July 16: 7 p.m. at the Millennium Carillon Amphitheatre, 443 Aurora Ave.
July 23: 7 p.m. at Westglen Park, 1560 Westglen Drive
Aug. 7: 7 p.m. at Country Lakes, 1835 N. Aurora Road
Aug. 17: 2 p.m. at Arrowhead Park, 711 Iroquois Ave.
brightsidetheatre.com

Follow the Festivals

You can find some kind of festival in the area most summer weekends, but here are some of the best. The Cream of Wheaton (wheatonparkdistrict.com), June 5 to 8, is the kickoff to the season for many. The city’s signature summer event includes a carnival, live music, beer garden, an arts and crafts fair, and food trucks and vendors. Wake up early for the Run for the Animals 5K/10K on Saturday to burn off some of that carnival fare.

Take flight, literally, at the Cavalcade of Planes (cavalcadeofplanes.com) in Bolingbrook. The Clow International Airport is home to this two-day event, June 7 to 8, which features aircraft to view both on the ground and flying in formation. Or book a ride on several of the aircraft throughout the weekend to get a view from the sky. You’ll find restored “warbirds” on display and see military fly-bys—and be sure to enjoy a drink at the World War II–era canteen. The Illinois Aviation Museum, also onsite, is open throughout the festival.

A Father’s Day weekend tradition, Oswego’s PrairieFest (prairiefest.com) is the largest festival in Kendall County and held this year June 12 to 15. This free event (free parking, admission, and concerts) includes a diverse musical lineup, starting off Thursday evening with The Prince Experience, a Prince tribute band. Friday night, the bluegrass band Runaway June will perform, followed by the Beatles tribute band American English on Saturday. Sunday afternoon brings Conjunto Atardecer, a well-known Mexican band, to the stage. The carnival runs all four days of the festival.

Välkommen! This year marks the 75th year of Geneva’s Swedish Days (genevachamber.com), which was founded in 1949 to celebrate the heritage of early settlers to the region. This year’s event—June 18 to 22—will once again take over downtown Geneva with a beer tent, carnival, musical entertainment, and food stands.

The Windmill City Festival (windmillcityfest.org) in Batavia is another one with longtime roots in the community, dating back to 1956. This year’s event, July 11 to 13, will host a musical main stage at the Peg Bond Center, with performances by Sixteen Candles, Radio Gaga, and Totally Taylor, among others. Bring your kids to the sidewalk chalk drawing contest or take Fido to the pet competition (prizes for best trick, among other categories). Plus you’ll find carnival rides, food tents, and a beer garden.

Rotary Grove Fest (rotarygrovefest.com), organized by the Rotary Club of Downers Grove, will be held June 20 to 23. You’ll find a carnival midway, children’s rides, a beer garden, and live music. Check out the festival of cars on Sunday morning to see some true classics.

County fairs have long celebrated the agricultural heritage of the state. The Kane County Fair (kanecountyfair.com), July 16 to 20, and the DuPage County Fair (dupagecountyfair.org), July 24 to 27, continue that tradition with livestock judging and other agricultural-related contests. You’ll also find exhibits, carnival rides, food, music, and all kinds of entertainment targeted at a family audience (a corn sandbox, anyone?)

At the Yorkville River Fest (yorkville.il.us), July 19 at Riverfront Park, you’ll find a celebration of the Fox River—and country music. The one-day festival offers performances from Cowboy Co., Riplock, and Back Country Roads. There’s craft beer tasting, family activities, and a cardboard boat race.

Travel to France via Wheaton when Cantigny Park (cantigny.org) offers two French-themed events July 19 and 20. On Saturday, Rendezvous: Splendor of Versailles is a 21-and-over event that brings the opulence of the palace of Versailles to Cantigny’s gardens. Entertainment will include string music, aerialists, burlesque, and roaming performers. On Sunday, the family-friendly Voyage en France continues the cultural celebration, with a French marketplace and plenty of arts-focused family activities. Throughout the park you’ll find musical performances, cancan dancers, and ballet demonstrations. Make sure to take a picture at the replica of the Eiffel Tower.

The Morton Arboretum brings a different part of the world close to home at its Destination Asia Festival, which runs Aug. 2 to 3 and showcases food and culture from throughout Asia. Local vendors will be offering tastes from around the continent, while dances and musical performances highlight traditional arts from a variety of countries. This being the arboretum, you also can find out more about the Asian trees and plants that are part of its collection.

VeggieFest (veggiefestchicago.org) celebrates its 15th anniversary when it returns to Danada Park South in Lisle on Aug. 9 and 10. The festival has drawn as many as 50,000 people over the two-day event for international vegetarian food, vegetarian cooking demonstrations, live music, children’s events, yoga and meditation tents, and experts offering advice on how to follow a healthy, plant-based diet.

Finally, the Naperville Jaycees Last Fling (lastfling.org) closes out the festival season with its annual Labor Day event in downtown Naperville Aug. 29 to Sept. 1. Last Fling takes over Jackson Street with a carnival midway, food vendors, live music on multiple stages, and a variety of family-friendly activities and competitions (such as a water balloon toss, dunk tank, and bubble party).

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More Fests

Warrenville Multicultural Festival
June 14
Noon to 6 p.m., Warrenville City Hall Complex, 28W710 Stafford Place / warrenvilleparks.org

Woodridge Jubilee
June 12–15
Jubilee Point Park, 8115 Woodridge Drive / woodridgeparks.org

Warrenville Summer Daze
Aug. 1–2
Warrenville City Hall Complex, 28W710 Stafford Place / warrenvilleparks.org

Taste of Glen Ellyn
Aug. 14–16
College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd. / glenellynchamber.com

Make Time for Art

Whether you’re looking to decorate your home, discover new artists, or simply enjoy some breezy time among beautiful things, an art fair is a wonderful way to spend a summer day. So it’s no surprise that the number of art fairs in the area continue to grow—while the favorites return year after year.

Celebrating its 65th anniversary, the Naperville Fine Art & Artisan Fair (nwcfineartfair.org) returns to Naperville Settlement June 28 and 29. Hosted by the Naperville Woman’s Club, the festival brings more than 100 artists from across the country to town for this free event. Those who attend the event can contribute to some art themselves, as one of the exhibitors paintings will be turned into an eight-by-12-foot mural made up of 216 individual squares. Paint one of the squares yourself or just watch the piece come together.

Kids can work on their own sculptures at the ClaySpace or burn off some energy with yard games in the children’s area. Food and drinks will be available, along with live music, throughout the festival.

Also in downtown Naperville, the Water Street Fine Art & Fine Craft Fair (waterstreetnaperville.com) returns for its second year July 13. Held along Water and Webster Streets just off the Riverwalk, the juried art expo focuses on local artists, bringing in primarily exhibitors from DuPage, Kane, and Will Counties. “There is such a breadth of talent among artists and fine craftspeople in our surrounding suburbs—we look forward to hosting them at this more intimate, leisurely event,” says organizer Deb Newman. The festival also will feature live music from the Pete Ellman Trio as well as children’s events and activities.

The Oakbrook Artisan Market will once again highlight “fashion, food, home and art” when it returns June 7 and 8 to the Oak Brook Center. (A fall version of the market takes place Oct. 4 and 5.) The curated show highlights the “ingenuity of independently owned small businesses that create one-of-a-kind products.” The Naperville Artisan Market (napervilleartisanmarket.com), organized by the same group, also holds two festivals each year, one in May and the second this year at the CityGate Centre Sept. 20 to 21.

Third Street in downtown Geneva is transformed each year as it hosts the Geneva Art Fair (genevachamber.com) July 26 and 27. The popular festival attracts artists in a variety of mediums from across the country. The landscape architecture firm Plandscape converts the intersection of Third Street and Franklin into an impressive display of trees, shrubs, and plants especially for the fair. You’ll also find a kids area to create art.

The Morton Arboretum Wine and Art Walk (mortonarb.org) in Lisle Aug. 16 and 17 offers a more natural setting for an art fair—plus, of course, the chance to sip a little vino as you enjoy the pieces. The art booths line the Meadow Lake Trail, a paved path that loops around Meadow Lake. The juried art fair is free with purchase of admission to the arboretum.

Marking its 52nd anniversary, the Hinsdale Fine Art Festival (hinsdalechamber.com) is another one of the area’s long-running art fairs. Close to 100 artists are expected to attend the event in Burlington Park. You’ll find artists from all over the nation working in a variety of mediums, including sculpture, ceramics, and photography, in addition to a wide variety of painters. Like so many of these shows, you have the opportunity to meet and talk to the artist to understand more about the creative work on display—and what better way to find that perfect piece of art for your collection.

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More Art Fairs

Burr Ridge Art Fair
Aug. 9–10
Burr Ridge Village Center / amdurproductions.com

Hinsdale 4th for All Family Festival & Art Fair
July 4
Burlington Park / amdurproductions.com

Alley Art Festival
Aug. 30
Water Street Mall, downtown Aurora / alleyartaurora.com

Downers Grove Fine Art Festival
Sept. 6–7
Downtown Downers Grove / downtowndg.org

Eat and Imbibe

Tasting new foods, wine, beer, or spirits has become a festival staple in recent years—and the area is filled with options. Start with the popular Sunday afternoon Downtown Naperville Spring Wine Walk on June 8, running from noon to 5 p.m. The event, which typically sells out, was created in partnership with the Downtown Naperville Alliance and the Arranmore Farm & Polo Club. This year’s walk will spotlight women-owned wines from around the world, and participants can enjoy 13 curated wine tastings throughout downtown Naperville. Each attendee receives a signature charcuterie cup from Busy Butternut caterers, and small bites can be sampled at Tapville, SixtyFour Wine Bar & Kitchen, and Davanti Enoteca.

The Arranmore Farm & Polo Club also hosts Wine Down Wednesday Polo held each Wednesday between July 9 and Aug. 13. You’ll find the “ultimate polo tailgate experience” at these events at the club in Oswego that feature a late-afternoon match with craft beer and a curated wine list. Admission is $65 to $75 per car.

For those who prefer beer, the Naperville Ale Fest (napervillealefest.com) returns to Naper Settlement July 12. The event has become so popular that it offers both a winter and summer edition. You’ll find more than 100 craft beers, food trucks, and other vendors that make this event a summer highlight.

Uncorked at the Cosley Zoo (cosleyzoo.org) in Wheaton on July 10 is a Thursday night event with wine tasting, live music, and appetizers. It’s $55 per person, and each attendee receives a commemorative wine glass. Wine lovers also can sample at Batavia Uncorked (bataviaparks.org), a Saturday afternoon event on June 7 at the Peg Bond Center on Batavia’s Riverwalk. Opt for 10 one-ounce pours for $35 or 15 one-ounce pours for $50, along with food and live music. Rosemont Uncorked (rosemontuncorked.com), organized by the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance, is a two-day festival (June 7 to 8) showcasing wines grown in Illinois.

Cantigny’s annual Jazz & Wine Fest (cantigny.org) returns on June 15, as does the Count Basie Orchestra, which will play the festival again by popular demand. Bring chairs and blankets to relax on the lawn, listen to live jazz from noon to 7 p.m., and take part in the curated wine tasting throughout the afternoon. Tickets are $75 for all access, $50 just for the concerts, and $30 for those under 21—and parking at Cantigny is included.

At the Morton Arboretum, Blues, Brews, and BBQ on June 7 combines the tastes of smoky barbecue along with samples from craft breweries. The event, from noon to 3 p.m., will host tasting booths on the arboretum’s east side and performances by Marty “Big Dog” Mercer, Brother John, and Windy City Rev Ups. Tickets are $68 ($58 for members) and include admission to the arboretum and 20 three-ounce beer samples.

And for those who prefer to skip the alcohol, the arboretum will once again host its Mocktails and More Festival, highlighting a variety of nonalcoholic drinks. The July 18 event will include craft vendors offering unlimited tastings of nonalcoholic beer, wine, whiskey and spritzes, herb-infused mocktails, CBD- and hemp-infused beverages, and other concoctions. You’ll also find a tasting menu with vegan and gluten-reduced options. The event is for those 21 and over.

The season winds down with Geneva’s Festival of the Vine (genevachamber.com), Sept. 7 to 9, which showcases wine, beer, and food vendors—including many Geneva restaurants. You’ll also find wine tasting (of course), horse-drawn carriage rides, live music, and an arts and crafts show.

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Free Outdoor Flicks

Enjoy a movie under the stars

DARIEN
Summer of Movies
June 29: Mufasa at South Grove Park
July 11: Inside Out 2 at Birchwood Park
July 25: Wicked at Community Center 
darienparks.com

ELMHURST
Movies in the Park
Wilder Park, 175 S. Prospect Ave.
June 13: Wreck It Ralph
July 11: Moana II
Aug. 8: Wicked
epd.org

GENEVA
Movies in the Park
Moore Park, 877 Geneva Drive
June 12: Sonic the Hedgehog
July 10: Wonka
Aug. 7: Little Giants
genevaparks.org

HINSDALE
Movies in the Park
Burns Park, 320 N. Vine St.
June 20: Sonic the Hedgehog 3

NAPERVILLE
Night at the Movies
July 25: Elf at Rotary Hill
Aug. 8: Freaky Friday (2003) at 95th Street Community Plaza
Aug. 15: Inside Out 2 at Rotary Hill
Aug. 29: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 at 95th Street Community Plaza
Sept. 12: Star Wars: The Force Awakens at 95th Street Community Plaza
napervilleparks.org

WARRENVILLE
Summer Movies in the Park
Cerny Park, 4S150 River Road
June 19: Despicable Me 4
July 17: Inside Out 2
Aug 7: Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
warrenvilleparks.org

WESTMONT
Movies Under the Stars
June 6: IF at Ty Warner Park, 800 Blackhawk Drive
July 11: Moana 2 at Diane Main Park, 200 W. 59th St.
Aug. 1: Million Dollar Arm at Veterans Memorial Park, 55 E. Richmond St.
Aug. 22: The Greatest Game Ever Played at Twin Lakes Golf Club, 400 W. 59th St.
westmontparks.org

Photos: Naper Settlement; Blackberry Farm; Arranmore Events; Angel Yu (DuPage County Fair); Geneva Chamber of Commerce (Swedish Days); The Morton Arboretum; Davison Images/Naperville Woman’s Club; The Morton Arboretum; Water Street; Vizo Arts (Alley Art Festival); The Morton Arboretum; Arranmore Events (Polo); Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (Inside Out 2); AJ Pics/Alamy Stock Photo (Little Giants)