September 4–6, 2026
Labor Day festivals, live music, fireworks and a few bigger detours.
Septemberfest, Last Fling, Frankfort Fall Festival, Ravinia, Cantigny and 16 more strong suburban weekend picks.
Past guides
Past Chicago Suburbs Weekend Guides
Older Local Detour guides stay public for reference. Dates and event details may no longer be current.
Open guide
August 28–30, 2026
Corn Fest, Venetian Night, Shakespeare and major concerts.
Free festivals and outdoor music, plus Don Toliver, Miranda Lambert and other worthwhile paid picks.
August 21–23, 2026
Irish Fest, major concerts and free local music.
Irish Fest, RiverEdge, Ravinia, The Forge and strong free local music picks.
August 14–16, 2026
Festivals, FAN EXPO and major concerts.
Montgomery Fest, Naper Nights, FAN EXPO, major concerts and strong suburban picks.
August 7–9, 2026
Festivals, fireworks and live music.
Free plans first, plus worthwhile ticketed shows each day.
July 31–August 2, 2026
This Weekend, Sorted.
The original email edition with festivals, concerts, movies and family options.