Free events in Addison, IL

This event features Sheets by Karen at the Winfield Farmers Market.

Explore the Elmhurst Farmers Market, where more than 40 vendors offer just-picked produce, specialty pantry staples, artisanal foods, and ready-to-eat fare from food trucks. Live music adds to the atmosphere as you shop. Pick up ingredients for dinner, meet friends for coffee, breakfast, or lunch, and discover new favorite vendors at this welcoming community gathering.

Car lovers gather at Chickies in Hillside for Park and Chill, a relaxed meet where enthusiasts can browse an array of rides or bring their own to share with the community. The atmosphere centers on conversation, chrome, and good vibes among fellow gearheads. Admission is free for both participants and spectators.

Romeo and Juliet brings classic Shakespeare to the Memorial Park Bandshell as part of Shakespeare in the Park, an annual production presented free of charge by the Wheaton Park District and Wheaton College’s Arena Theater. A puppet show precedes the main performance. Seating is general admission on a first-come, first-served basis, and reserving space before the gates open is not allowed. Guests may bring a blanket or a standard bag or camping chair, and items such as bags, chairs and blankets are subject to search at entry. If ADA assistance or accessible seating is needed, email events@wheatonparks.org at least 72 hours in advance; requests for sign language interpreters must be made at least two weeks prior. Items not permitted include outside alcoholic beverages, pets other than service animals, weapons, glass bottles, tobacco or vaping products, large beach umbrellas, flags or banners, laptops, video recording devices other than cell phones, selfie sticks and large coolers.

The season wraps up with the final Rock 'N Wheels, featuring Sixteen Candles as the headliner and a fireworks show to cap the night, visible from the Village Green. Special guests Jagged Little Pill kick things off before the main set. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from local favorites including 601 Bar & Grill, Barbara's Polish Deli, Sweet 'n Brew, Lou Malnati's, Muggs 'N Manor, Tacos Puebla, and Holy Smokes. The Addison Historical Museum will host an open house with a craft and vintage fair and Revolutionary War soldiers reenactors. A car show will take place at Green Meadow Shopping Center in spaces along Lake Street. Admission is free. Handicapped parking is available at Village Hall. Please note that tarps are not permitted on the Village Green. The schedule is subject to change.

Enjoy a euchre card night with free participation. Shuffle, deal, and play a few hands with other players.

This six-week, in-person program invites participants to reflect on the many ways parents shape who we are while exploring topics such as grief, shifting family roles, regret, gratitude, and forgiveness. The group provides a caring space to share memories and voice difficult emotions. There is no cost to attend and community members are welcome, and registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Maureen at 630-856-6990 or Maureen.Jordan@AdventHealth.com.

A community food pantry is available through Food For The Soul Ministry at Good Samaritan Church. It offers food assistance to the community on a recurring weekly schedule.

The Schaumburg Farmers Market is set in the Trickster Cultural Center parking lot within Schaumburg Town Square. Local growers and makers present a wide assortment, including fruits and vegetables, organic options and microgreens, pasture-raised meats, cheeses, flowers, plants and treats for dogs. Visitors will also find knife sharpening available on site and handmade body care items. Food vendors serve pizza, breakfast sandwiches, empanadas, pierogies and crepes, along with drinks and sweets such as lemonade, kettle corn, coffee and Italian ice. For safety and comfort, pets are not allowed, and bicycles, roller skates, skateboards and scooters should remain outside the market area.

A community block party and resource fair hosted by Housing Forward in collaboration with the Village of Broadview brings neighbors together while spotlighting efforts to prevent and end homelessness. Attendees can explore resource tables from local organizations and nonprofits, register to vote, find back to school support, and enjoy youth dance performances, free food, and activities for all ages. More details will be shared as they become available. For sponsorship inquiries or other ways to get involved, contact Libby Foster at lfoster@housingforward.org.

Wheaton Cruise Nights showcases supercars, classic cars, and hot rods in the center circle at Town Square Wheaton, complemented by live music, food options, and a vibrant atmosphere. Admission is free for attendees. Registration is required for vehicle owners who plan to participate, and the event is presented in partnership with Chitown Exotic Car Group. The center circle will be closed to non-event traffic. Enter from the north and south parking lot entrances, as the Naperville Road entrance will not be open. Live music features acts such as The Oh Boys and Villekulla, with another performer to be announced.

Shakespeare in the Park brings a live performance to the Memorial Park Bandshell, presented at no cost by the Wheaton Park District in collaboration with Wheaton College’s Arena Theater. This annual outdoor tradition welcomes the community for a night of classic theater, with the park opening before a puppet show and the main performance following. Seating is general admission and first come, first served, and saving spots before the gates open is not allowed. Bags, chairs, and blankets may be checked at entry. Guests may bring a blanket or a standard bag or camping chair, and are asked to use only the space they need. If you need ADA assistance or a sign language interpreter, make arrangements in advance. To keep everyone comfortable and safe, certain items are not allowed, including outside alcoholic beverages, pets other than service animals, weapons, glass bottles, tobacco and vaping products, large umbrellas, flags and banners, laptops, dedicated video recording devices other than cell phones, selfie sticks, and large coolers. Smoking of any kind, including marijuana, is not permitted in Memorial Park.

The Throwbacks bring a live set of 1950s and 1960s hits to Mount Prospect, with plenty of dance-friendly classics. There is no admission charge, and all are welcome.

Celebrate the final Music on Maple Street concert of the summer as Dawn Xiana Moon performs a mix of folk, pop, jazz, and traditional Chinese music at the Bill Mueller Memorial Gazebo. Bring a blanket or chair, pack a picnic, or grab a treat from Dairy Queen. This concert is free, and registration is appreciated.

Experience a free Summer Movie Series presented by the Wood Dale Park District with support from the City of Wood Dale. Screenings begin at dusk. Bring a blanket and a few snacks, get comfortable, and enjoy the show.

Deejay Mixx delivers a genre-blending, open format set shaped by 25 years behind the decks, with quick-cut scratching and spontaneous mashups that keep the whole crowd moving. As the founder of KMP Entertainment Group and a longtime pillar of Chicago’s DJ scene, he brings seasoned energy to the Lucca patio. Cocktails are crafted by Gallo, there is no cover, a full bar is available, and the kitchen serves late-night bites.

Experience a French-inspired outdoor market with stalls offering fresh produce and baked goods, alongside displays from local retailers and community groups. The atmosphere highlights quality and a sense of fun, creating a welcoming place to browse and explore.

Backyard and tabletop games pair with live music in a relaxed outdoor setting. Drawing inspiration from the community beer gardens once common in Schaumburg’s farming community, the gathering features pretzels and bratwurst along with local craft beer and soda available for purchase. It will proceed regardless of weather. There is no charge to attend, and no registration is needed for this drop-in format. Outside alcohol is not allowed.

Carol Stream’s Summer Send-Off fills the Ross Ferraro Town Center with two days of music and community fun. Look for live performances, a large display of classic cars, a winner-take-all bags tournament, food, drinks, raffles, and prizes, all in support of a good cause. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. During the celebration, Libido Funk Circus takes the stage with a dance-ready set, followed by LP Vinyl. With more than two decades of high-energy shows, Libido Funk Circus pulls from a wide songbook that spans disco, rock, pop, new wave, funk, dance, country, hip hop, and Motown. Their concerts feature costume changes, inventive medleys, standout musicianship, and nonstop energy. The band has played thousands of shows across the Midwest, maintains five-star ratings on The Knot and Wedding Wire, and has earned Wedding Wire’s Couples’ Choice Award for five consecutive years. In addition, 100 percent of classic car registration proceeds will be donated to local nonprofits.

Romeo and Juliet takes the stage at the Memorial Park Bandshell as part of Shakespeare in the Park, an annual outdoor theater tradition presented to the community at no cost by the Wheaton Park District and Wheaton College’s Arena Theater. The program begins with a puppet show, then the full production follows. Seating is general admission on a first come, first served basis, and saving spots before gates open is not allowed. Guests may bring a blanket or a standard bag or camping chair, and are asked to use only the space they need so others can be accommodated. Bags, chairs, blankets, and similar items may be inspected upon entry. Accessibility accommodations are available with advance notice. For ADA assistance or accessible seating, please reach out at least 72 hours beforehand. Requests for sign language interpreters should be made at least two weeks in advance. To help keep the park comfortable and safe, do not bring outside alcoholic beverages, pets except service animals, weapons, glass bottles, tobacco products or vaping devices or any smoking materials, large beach umbrellas, flags or banners, laptops, dedicated video recording equipment other than cell phones, selfie sticks, or large coolers.

Part of Schaumburg’s free outdoor Summer Breeze concert series held on select Saturdays in July and August, this performance takes place on the grounds of the Al Larson Cultural Center and features Shining Star, a nine-piece group honoring the music of Earth, Wind & Fire. Admission is free. Complimentary parking is available at the Al Larson Cultural Center, with overflow at the School District 54 parking lot.

A community picnic rooted in tradition will be held at Dam No. 4 Woods East in Grove 2. Started by Steve "Boy" Gore and later carried on by Ken "Turtle" Kasal, it is now being continued by the next host to keep the #LifeGuardsForLifePicnic spirit alive. Families, friends, and pets are welcome, and attendees should plan to bring their own food, drinks, and any supplies they might need for a relaxed day outdoors.

Walking With Giants is a free outdoor, walkable art experience marking the United States’ 250th anniversary and celebrating American creative achievement. Presented by the McAninch Art Center and the Cleve Carney Museum of Art in association with the College of DuPage Foundation, the exhibition places ten painted silhouette sculptures, each about ten feet tall, along a route that circles the MAC on the College of DuPage campus in Glen Ellyn. Created by contemporary artists with input from the community, the works honor influential figures across visual art, music, theater, and dance, with tributes to Jean-Michel Basquiat, Dolly Parton, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and additional figures.

In recognition of the United States’ 250th anniversary, the McAninch Art Center and Cleve Carney Museum of Art, in association with the College of DuPage Foundation, present Walking With Giants, a free outdoor exhibition designed to be explored on foot. Now on view throughout the summer, the experience leads visitors along a route around the MAC on the College of DuPage campus in Glen Ellyn, where ten painted silhouette sculptures rise to roughly ten feet tall. Shaped by community input and created by contemporary artists, the works celebrate influential American voices in visual art, music, theater, and dance, featuring figures such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Dolly Parton, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The Lombard Farmers Market brings together local growers and makers at S. Park & St. Charles, offering fresh produce and artisan goods in a welcoming neighborhood setting. Shoppers can support small businesses while enjoying the tastes of the season, including vegetables, meats, eggs, cottage foods, and other consumables. This weekly gathering spotlights local agriculture and craftsmanship and provides an easygoing outing for families and friends to connect with the community.

Put your knowledge to the test with Anti-Normal Trivia. There is no entry fee and there are chances to win prizes.

This free event offers awards for the highest-ranking teams, and tap burgers are available for $10.