Celebrate Dad all weekend long with a free music festival, a race to support programs for racial justice and violence prevention, a barbecue, and tours by bike or helicopter.
And if you need last-minute gift inspiration, check out our Father’s Day Gift Guide.
Winnetka Music Festival
June 15-16
Winnetka
After a successful debut last year, this free North Shore music festival will return with a lineup featuring ZZ Ward, A Thousand Horses, Cobi, Andrew Belle, Walker County, Jake Allen, and more. With three main stages, a family stage, food courts, and beer and wine vendors, this festival is not to be missed.
Race Against Hate 2018
June 17
Evanston
Join the community in running or walking against racial hatred and violence during this annual YWCA Evanston/North Shore event, which will feature music, refreshments, family-friendly activities, and more. Make It Better is a proud media sponsor of this event.
Father’s Day Bluegrass BBQ & Pig Roast
June 17
Highwood
This Father’s Day, treat Dad to barbecue with a side of live music by the Windy City Bluegrass Band during this 210 Live event.
Chicago Helicopter Experience
Ongoing
Chicago
Think outside the box this Father’s Day and give Dad the experience of exploring Chicago from above the city. Not only can you book your Father’s Day tour now, but you can also save with Chicago Helicopter Experience’s Father’s Day special (two passengers for $199, regularly $356).
Pedal Oak Park
Ongoing
Oak Park
Explore Oak Park on bike with the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio this Father’s Day weekend (or any weekend through September). Bikers will see 21 Wright-designed buildings, including the Heurtley House and Furbeck House.
Looking Ahead
- The Chicago Lighthouse, “a world-renowned social service organization serving the blind, visually impaired, disabled and Veteran communities,” will present Lighthouses on the Mag Mile June 19 to Aug. 11. This public art display will celebrate “access and inclusion for people with disabilities.” Find a map of all the sculptures here.
More from Make It Better:
- 30 of the Best Things to Do in Chicago This June
- Sound Bites: Where to Eat at Ravinia’s New Dining Pavilion
- 6 Out-of-the-Box Ways to Experience Lake Michigan This Summer in Chicago
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.