August Events We’re Looking Forward to In and Around Chicago
It’s time to get serious about maximizing these last summer days, as August is quickly approaching. So, if you still haven’t made it out to one of Chicagoland’s stellar festivals or events this season, it’s time to mark up your calendars with these last celebrations in the sun!
This has already been an exciting summer with all of the happenings in and around Chicago, but the fun’s not ready to stop yet. From exciting stunt planes at the Chicago Air and Water Show to the colorful, dancing crowds at Lollapalooza, August has saved some of the best for last! Here’s a look at some of the things that we’re most excited about happening in and around town next month:
When: Thursday, August 2nd – Sunday, August 5th
Where: Grant Park
For four fun-packed days, Lollapalooza will take over Grant Park for Chicago’s largest music festival. This epic, world-famous festival is expected to attract an estimated 100,000 attendees each day! This year’s headliners include the Weeknd, Bruno Mars, Jack White and Arctic Monkeys among many other top-billed acts like St. Vincent, Franz Ferdinand, Tyler, the Creator and so many more. The event will feature more than 180 artists, some delicious fare from local eateries and plenty of beer – all of the things Chicago summers were made for!
Flashback Weekend Chicago Horror Convention
When: Friday, August 3rd – Sunday, August 5th
Where: Crowne Plaza Chicago O-Hare
Flashback Weekend is always a scream! This annual festival features all of your favorite actors from slasher flicks and horror films. Event goers can stand in line for autographs from their most beloved characters then browse through movie memorabilia or enter the fan-favorite horror-themed costume contest.
Illinois State Fair
When: Thursday, August 9th – Sunday, August 19th
Where: Illinois State Fairgrounds
It’s just not summer without a trip to the Illinois State Fair. Come out, and watch tractor pulls, horse races, parades and live musical acts. As all of the locals know, attendees may come for the festival fare, but they’ll stay for the infamous fair’s unofficial icon – Butter Cow. And, if you’ve never seen Butter cow, you absolutely must make it out for this showing of the life-size cow sculpture made from 500 pounds of butter!
When: Saturday, August 11th – Sunday, August 12th
Where: Halsted and Roscoe Streets, Boystown
You won’t want to miss Northalsted Market Days, as it’s the largest two-day street festival in the entire Midwest! The event features musical acts, tasty treats and junk food, as well as lots of booze and enviable street fashion.
Chicago Air and Water Show
When: Saturday, August 18th – Sunday, August 19th
Where: North Avenue Beach
This two-day event is one that you just can’t miss. Head to North Beach or its surrounding areas along with the masses to witness a truly spectacular air and watercraft show. Demonstrations will include performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights.
Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
When: Thursday, August 23rd – Sunday, August 26th
Where: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
No, this is not a Harry Potter convention, but it is an event that celebrates every facet of pop culture. From film, to television and comic books, this annual event will have attendees lined up en masse for autographs from special guests. There’s also tons of shopping for merchandise from a sea of vendors. This year’s special guests will include Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes in the Captain America films), Dave Bautista (Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy) and Nichelle Nichols (Uhura in Star Trek).
Summer’s not over yet, folks, but let’s end it with a bang! We look forward to seeing you all out there for these last days of fun in the sun.
