All American Grooming Show (Schaumburg) $10/$15
Date: Thursday, August 13, 2026 – Sunday, August 16, 2026
Venue: Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel (1551 Thoreau Dr N, Schaumburg, IL).
One of the largest professional grooming events in the country, bringing together pet groomers, industry professionals, vendors, educators, and grooming enthusiasts for four days of competitions, demonstrations, seminars, and a large trade show featuring the latest pet grooming products and equipment.
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56 Music Fix (Mount Prospect)
Date: Friday, August 14 – Sunday, August 16, 2026
Venue: Downtown Mount Prospect, throughout Mount Prospect
A three-day, village-wide celebration of live music featuring regional bands across Mount Prospect’s bars, restaurants, and shops. Enjoy a variety of music styles while exploring local venues and supporting local musicians. Admission is free.
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FAN EXPO Chicago 2026 (Rosemont) : $36+
Date: Friday, August 14 - Sunday, August 16, 2026
Venue: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N River Road, Rosemont, IL
Major multi-day pop culture convention drawing tens of thousands for comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming, cosplay, celebrity guests, panels, photo ops, and vendor halls. One of the largest family-friendly fan gatherings in the region, held in the expansive convention facilities.
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International Gem & Jewelry Show 2026 (Schaumburg) : $8
Date: Friday, August 14, 2026 – Sunday, August 16, 2026
Venue: Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel (1551 Thoreau Drive North, Schaumburg, IL).
A massive, three-day public shopping expo and trade market that stands as one of Chicagoland’s premier jewelry events. The convention center hosts hundreds of independent designers, international wholesalers, and direct manufacturers showcasing an extraordinary inventory of rare gemstones, loose beads, estate jewelry, and raw mineral specimens. Visitors can shop directly from source creators, discover unique hand-crafted statement pieces, and access wholesale supply pricing under one roof. (Note: Children under 9 are not permitted on the show floor).
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15th Annual Little Bear Ribfest 2026 ( Vernon Hills) $6
Date: Friday, August 14 - Saturday, August 15, 2026
Venue: Century Park Arboretum, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills, IL.
"Blues, Brews and BBQ" along the shores of Little Bear Lake — award-winning musicians perform Country Music Night (Friday) and Blues Music Night (Saturday), with local rib vendors like Brothers' BBQ and Real Urban Barbecue serving up ribs, sides, corn, and desserts. New this year: a VIP Experience ($75) with an all-you-can-eat buffet.
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Grayslake SummerFest
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Venue: Historic Downtown Grayslake Village Center (Center and Whitney Streets / Lake Street area), Grayslake, IL
Chamber of Commerce-hosted one-day community festival kicked off by a parade, followed by live music (multiple bands including 7th Heaven and others), food trucks, beer/wine tents, bingo, carnival games, giant slide, and family activities. A classic downtown summer gathering with strong local flavor.
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Barrington Family Fest
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Venue: Citizens Park, 511 North Lake Zurich Road, Barrington, IL
A signature, free-admission summer community expo curated by the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce to connect residents with local resources. The expansive park gathering features a wide array of local business showcases, civic group booths, live musical entertainment, and a dedicated magic show. Highlighting the afternoon is a family-favorite Best Dressed Pet Parade, alongside children's game zones, therapy animal encounters, giveaways, and independent food trucks.
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Desi Junction Summerfest & Kite Festival (Schaumburg)
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Venue: National India Hub (930 National Parkway, Schaumburg, IL).
An expansive cultural celebration that has officially joined forces with India Fest to commemorate India's Independence Day weekend. This free community gathering brings a massive, colorful sky display of traditional kite flying (Patang-Baazi) alongside a mega vendor marketplace filled with authentic Indian crafts, attire, and artisan jewelry. Attendees can experience incredible live music, the high-energy Desi Junction Talent Championship on the main stage, and a diverse lineup of specialized street food stalls serving delicious South Asian culinary favorites.
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Taste of the Philippines (Long Grove)
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026 – Sunday, August 16, 2026
Venue: Brothers' Field (340 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove, IL).
A premier multi-day cultural explosion bringing authentic Filipino food, music, and tradition to the heart of historic Long Grove. This lively gathering features numerous independent merchandise vendors, artisans, and specialized food trucks serving traditional favorites like crispy lumpia, savory pork adobo, and halo-halo desserts.
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Rescheduled Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks (Roselle)
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026 | Event starts at 5:30 PM; Fireworks at 8:30 PM.
Venue: Lake Park High School West Campus (500 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue, Roselle, IL).
Roselle's original July 3 fireworks display was officially rescheduled to this date. To mark the nation’s 250th anniversary, the town is throwing a massive celebration featuring roaming LED performers, a stilt walker, magicians, jugglers, an interactive DJ, and free patriotic giveaways during the first hour. It all culminates in a massive 25-minute pyrotechnics and light show synchronized to a specialized soundtrack charting the evolution of America.
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Art Inspired by Music Art Show + State of the Art Weekend (Elk Grove Village)
Date: Friday, August 14 – Monday, August 17, 2026
Venue: Mikerphone Brewing, 121 Garlisch Drive, Elk Grove Village, IL
Mikerphone Brewing’s annual State of the Art festival celebrates creativity across art, music, food, and beer. The weekend kicks off Friday with the Art Inspired by Music Art Show (6–9 PM), featuring more than 21 artists. Saturday brings an art fair where you can meet artists and support them directly, plus interactive art, live music, food, and beer. The weekend also features SECRET TAPE, a Tony Hawk Pro Skater-inspired live band, and The Biker Dude serving smashburgers on Sunday starting at 4 PM. The festival is also teaming up with nearby 56 Music Fix in Mount Prospect for a full weekend of live music.
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2026 Vine St BBQ Competition & Fest (Park Ridge)
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Venue: Hodges Park, Park Ridge, IL
An official KCBS Backyard BBQ Competition that transforms the municipal park into a vibrant, smoky culinary festival. Families can experience local pitmasters battling for top honors while enjoying non-stop live music, independent food trucks, specialized kids' crafts, and microbrew tents benefiting local charities.
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Skokie Summer Series August Vintage & Artisan Fest
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026 – Sunday, August 16, 2026
Venue: Westfield Old Orchard (Skokie, IL).
Browse a curated selection of vintage finds, handmade goods, unique artwork, and artisan creations at this free two-day outdoor market. It’s a great opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind treasures, shop from local makers, and enjoy a relaxed summer weekend at Old Orchard.
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Palatine Street Feast
Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026
A high-energy, dedicated culinary street festival hosted by the Downtown Palatine Business Association. This major gathering showcases neighborhood pubs and restaurants side-by-side with regional food trucks, creating a massive outdoor block party packed with live entertainment and family activities.
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Honey Fest (Schaumburg)
Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026
Venue: Heritage Farm at Spring Valley (1111 E. Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL).
Celebrate all things honey at this family-friendly event featuring a sweet look at the world of bees, beekeeping, and local honey. Enjoy hands-on activities, learn about the important role bees play in our environment, and discover more about how honey makes its way from the hive to the table.
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Monarch Family Fun Fair (Crystal Lake)
Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026
Venue: Main Beach (300 Lakeshore Drive, Crystal Lake, IL).
An eco-focused family event celebrating butterflies, nature, and conservation with interactive educational booths, children's craft activities, and family-friendly experiences along the lake
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