Lollapalooza takes center stage this weekend in Chicago, but if you won’t be rocking out in Grant Park, make your way to Victory Gardens Theater for six brand-new plays or Soldier Field for Chicago Bears Family Fest. Or, head out to the suburbs for a new museum exhibit (and free admission) and two festivals.
Plus, don’t miss your chance to win Chicago Botanic Garden exhibit tickets and parking passes.
Northbrook Days
Aug. 2-6
Northbrook
Don’t miss this summer festival featuring live music, food, a beer and wine garden, carnival rides, bocce, face painting, a dunk tank, and more entertainment. And purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win $20,000.
IGNITION Festival of New Plays
Aug. 4-6
Chicago
Victory Gardens Theater will host this free festival to highlight six new plays from both up-and-coming and established playwrights. This year’s plays will explore everything from losing a child to social activism.
2017 Meijer Chicago Bears Family Fest
Aug. 5
Chicago
Spend your Saturday at Soldier Field and watch a team scrimmage, enjoy family-friendly activities, run the field (kids 14 and younger who are 36 inches or taller) and more. Tickets are only $8, so buy yours now.
Art at The Glen
Aug. 5-6
Glenview
More than 185 artists will participate in this annual art festival, which was named one of the top 30 shows in the country by Sunshine Artist magazine. This year’s Green Ribbon Project charity is Autism Speaks. If you purchase art with a green ribbon, the artists will donate 10 percent of the proceeds to the organization.
“Heritage Markers: Local Native American History & Cultures”
Ongoing
Evanston
The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian opened its latest exhibit on July 21 to explore the Native American heritage that’s all around us here in Chicago and the North Shore. Visit on Friday for Free General Admission Day.
Looking Ahead
- Visit Brookfield Zoo Aug. 7-9 and kids ages 11 and under will receive free admission.
More from Make It Better:
- 5 Reasons to Try a River Cruise — And How to Choose the Best One For You
- 2017 Summer Go Guide, Part 2: The Best Chicago Events in July and August
- Summer Theater: 6 Must-See Plays at Steppenwolf, Lookingglass and More
Anna Carlson writes the weekly 5 Things to Do column and monthly Recommended Events. A graduate of Glenbrook South High School and the University of Missouri, she loves cheering on the Cubs and Blackhawks and also fears she watches too much Netflix.
