This weekend, Highwood transforms into Nashville and three festivals around the Chicago area celebrate Greece, art, and a local organization. Plus, enjoy a variety of events with your favorite pup.
Nashwood
Aug. 24-26
Highwood
Take a trip to Nashville without leaving town as Highwood transforms into “Nashwood.” More than 20 venues (and nine outdoor stages) will host performers and bands, and guests can enjoy Southern-style food and drink specials. A family-friendly “stroller strut and kid crawl” will also take place Saturday.
Taste of Greektown
Aug. 24-26
Chicago
Festival season continues with this celebration of Hellenic pride. Dine on food from local restaurants, cheer on competitors in the Gyro Eating Contest, take part in kids’ activities, and more.
50Fest
Aug. 25
Northbrook
Best of 2018 winner North Suburban YMCA is celebrating 50 years with this party featuring kids activities, games, food from local restaurants, and live music. A suggested donation of $5 per person will support the North Suburban YMCA Strong Kids Fund.
Port Clinton Art Festival
Aug. 25-26
Highland Park
Now in its 35th year, this award-winning art festival features more than 300 artists, a youth art division, live music, kids’ activities, artist demos, and more. Plus, don’t miss Taste of Highland Park, running in conjunction with the art fest Aug. 24-26.
National Dog Day
Aug. 26
Chicago
Celebrate your best furry friend on National Dog Day. Pink Taco in River North is teaming up with the Anti-Cruelty Society for a Doggy Brunch with free dog treats, doggy champagne, and giveaways, plus adoptable dogs on-site. Smoke Daddy’s “Beers, Ears & Cheers” event will benefit PAWS Chicago ($1 of each Pig Ear doggie treat and Lagunitas beer purchase will go to PAWS’ senior dog adoption program). And Roosevelt Collection’s Paws, Jogs, and Hot Dogs event with Wiener Dog Races, a costume contest, and more will support Philanthropy Award winner SitStayRead.
More from Make It Better:
- 9 Great Road Trip Books to Read Before Summer’s Over
- 7 Out-of-the-Box Ideas for a Memorable Chicago Date Night
- Easy Chicago Daycations: Locals Share A Perfect Day in Their ‘Hood
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.
