Make the most of the last few weeks of summer with a favorite festival, live music at Navy Pier, and fun annual events at Brookfield Zoo and Chicago Botanic Garden. Then, start your back-to-school shopping at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago.
61st Annual Ginza Holiday Festival
Aug. 12-14
Chicago
This Japanese cultural festival will feature traditional cuisine like grilled chicken teriyaki dinner, udon, sushi and Japanese beer, plus performances, bonsai and ikebana (flower arranging) and more. Master craftspersons, flown in from Tokyo, will also demonstrate their skills.
Live Music at Navy Pier
Aug. 12-14
Chicago
There are a lot of changes happening at Navy Pier, so check it all out as you enjoy some live music. The Miller Lite Beer Garden hosts singers and bands Wednesdays through Sundays until Labor Day. This weekend, don’t miss The Middle Ground and The Ivorys on Friday, John Kattke, The Congregation and The Nublu Band on Saturday, and MER’s Music Showcase and Nicholas Barron on Sunday.
Summer Nights
Aug. 13
Brookfield
Brookfield Zoo’s last Summer Nights event of 2016 is this weekend. Stop by the zoo for live music, roaming performers, kids entertainment, food, a beer and wine garden, and a laser light show.
Kite Festival
Aug. 13-14
Glencoe
The Chicago Fire Kite Team and Kite Society of Wisconsin & Illinois will show off their skills during stunt-kite performances set to music at Chicago Botanic Garden. Guests can also visit for kite making workshops, a Kids’ Mad Dash, food and more.
Back-to-School Celebration
Ends Aug. 14
Rosemont
This celebration at Fashion Outlets of Chicago features back-to-school deals at ASICS, Janie and Jack Outlet, J.Crew Factory, Neiman Marcus and more stores, plus a fashion show and “Bling a Binder” craft activity on Saturday.
Bonus
- In honor of Chicago’s least windy month, iFLY Indoor Skydiving is offering $20 off indoor skydiving flights Monday through Thursday throughout August at its Lincoln Park, Rosemont and Naperville locations with code WINDY20 (subject to availability and not valid on previously scheduled reservations).
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