AUGUST 21–23 · CHICAGO SUBURBS

This Weekend, Sorted.

Free festivals, big concerts, local favorites and a few genuinely unusual detours for August 21–23.

Hi Neighbors,

Here’s what looks worth your time around the suburbs this weekend. The strongest picks are up top, and the rest is organized by day so you can find something without digging through a dozen event pages.

START HERE

Five Worth Leaving the House For

DETOUR OF THE WEEK

Chicago Gaelic Park Irish Fest

FRIDAY–SUNDAY · FRI 4–11 PM; SAT 3–11 PM; SUN 1–8 PM · OAK FOREST

A three-day Irish music and culture festival with multiple music stages, Irish dance, cultural programming, food and family activities.

Best forAdults, families, live-music people, anyone who likes a festival with a real identity.

Why it made the cutOne of the easiest full-weekend yeses: multiple music stages, Irish dance, cultural programming, food and family activities make this much more than a small cultural fair.

The catch: It is a paid festival, and the best value is if you stay long enough to use the music-heavy schedule.

02Free entry

Glen Ellyn Chamber Carnival

FRIDAY–SUNDAY · FRI 5–10 PM; SAT 1–10 PM; SUN 1–5 PM · GLEN ELLYN

More than 10 rides plus a fun house, games and concessions in downtown Glen Ellyn.

Best forFamilies who want rides, games and an easy suburban evening.

Why it made the cutA classic summer carnival in the middle of downtown Glen Ellyn, and it pairs naturally with the art festival on Saturday or Sunday.

The catch: This is strongest as part of a Glen Ellyn double-stop rather than a destination from the far edges of the coverage area.

03Free

57th Annual Festival of the Arts

SATURDAY–SUNDAY · 10 AM–5 PM · GLEN ELLYN

A free lakeside art festival with 80+ artisans, live music, food trucks, beer/wine and a children’s play area.

Best forCouples, families, art browsers and people who want a relaxed daytime plan.

Why it made the cutThe setting is the selling point: 80+ artisans around Lake Ellyn, plus live music, food trucks and beer/wine. It feels like a real outing, not a vendor row in a parking lot.

The catch: Weather matters, and parking near Lake Ellyn can tighten at peak hours.

04$39.50+

The Australian Pink Floyd Show

FRIDAY · 8 PM; GATES 6 PM · AURORA

The internationally touring Australian Pink Floyd Show comes to RiverEdge Park.

Best forPink Floyd fans and adults looking for a bigger Friday-night show.

Why it made the cutA high-production tribute show at RiverEdge, strong enough to stand on its own even for people who normally skip tribute acts.

The catch: Popular Friday-night show; ticket availability can change.

05$22+

Copley Comedy Series: Larry Reeb, Laura Hugg & Tim Benker

SATURDAY · 8 PM; LOBBY DOORS 7 PM · AURORA

Larry Reeb and Laura Hugg perform with host Tim Benker in Aurora.

Best forAdults wanting an easy date-night comedy option.

Why it made the cutA good indoor counter-programming pick if you do not want another outdoor concert or festival.

The catch: 18+ only; the show may include mature adult content/language.

THE FULL GUIDE

More Plans, Organized by Day

The featured five are not repeated below. The rest is split by day and price so you can get to a plan faster. Every event name opens the organizer’s current page.

NEXT WEEKEND, BEFORE FRIDAY