This weekend is all about festivals, food, and fun, starting with a celebration of country music and barbecue. Plus, don’t miss another music festival featuring local acts, food, and craft beer, a burger festival, and a farmers market in the suburbs. There’s even a new musical that’s perfect for the entire family.
Windy City Smokeout
July 13-15
Chicago
This summer festival returns with barbecue from Smoque BBQ (Chicago), 17th Street Barbecue (Murphysboro, Illinois), Lillie’s Q (Chicago), Bub City (Chicago), Peg Leg Porker (Nashville), Leroy and Lewis Barbecue (Austin), and much more, beer from vendors like Boulevard Brewing (Kansas City, Missouri), Alter (Downers Grove, Illinois), Burnt City (Chicago), and Goose Island (Chicago), and concerts with Brett Young, Brett Eldredge, Brothers Osborne, Midland, and more.
Square Roots Festival 2018
July 13-15
Chicago
This Best of 2018 winner for Best Neighborhood Festival (City) is back with more than 60 musical acts, food, craft beer, vendors, family activities, and more.
“Pinkalicious”
Opens July 14
Lincolnshire
“Pinkalicious,” the popular children’s book by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann, comes to life at Marriott Theatre in this musical adaptation your kiddos will love. “Different than most productions of ‘Pinkalicious,’ we have drawn inspiration from children’s instruments to enhance the amazing score and script,” says Director Amanda Zimmerman. “With various character journeys taking place and the use of instruments on stage, this production provides the perfect theatrical experience for the whole family to engage, interact, and learn together.”
Summer Farmers Market
July 14-15
Glencoe
Shop for fruits, veggies, baked goods, flowers, pottery, handmade soaps, and more from local farmers and producers amid the beauty of the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
July 14-15
Chicago
This festival is all about burgers and guests will enjoy tasty options from vendors like Billy Goat Tavern, Kuma’s Corner, and Select Cut Steakhouse. Plus, enjoy live music, a Kids’ Zone, and artists and merchants.
Make a Difference
- The 9th Annual Waraich Family Bowling Fundraiser is July 15 at Pinstripes in Northbrook. Admission is $15 (minimum) and all proceeds will benefit Curt’s Cafe, which “improves outcomes for young adults living in at-risk situations through work and life skills training.” Appetizers and drinks will be included.
More from Make It Better:
- 14 Shows Hitting Chicago Stages This Summer
- 31 of the Best Things to Do in Chicago This July
- The 13 Best Public Golf Courses in Chicago and Wisconsin
Anna Carlson writes the weekly 5 Things to Do column and monthly Recommended Events. A graduate of the University of Missouri, her work has been published in Chicago Parent, Inside Columbia Magazine and Central California Parent Magazine. She is a proud supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
