Free events in Glen Ellyn, IL

Marking the United States’ 250th anniversary, the McAninch Art Center and the Cleve Carney Museum of Art, in association with the College of DuPage Foundation, present Walking With Giants, a free outdoor exhibition that can be explored on foot. Ten painted silhouette sculptures, each about 10 feet tall, are arranged along a route surrounding the MAC on the College of DuPage campus in Glen Ellyn. Created by contemporary artists with input from the community, these larger than life works honor influential American figures in visual art, music, theater, and dance, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Dolly Parton, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. The exhibition is open now and continues throughout the summer.

Anti-Normal Trivia is a free-to-play trivia event with prizes to be won.

Enjoy a pub trivia competition with free entry. Prizes are awarded to the highest scoring teams, and tap burgers are available for $10.

Car enthusiasts gather at Chickies in Hillside for a relaxed meet where you can stroll the lot, admire a variety of vehicles, or roll in with your own. The vibe is casual and community focused, making it easy to connect with fellow car lovers. Admission is free for both participants and spectators.

Paulie & The Shakers perform as part of the City of Northlake Summer Concert Series at the Grant Park Gazebo. This free concert is welcoming to all ages, and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for comfortable seating.

Enjoy a summer evening of live ’80s hits in the park as The Jolly Ringwalds take the stage at Usher Park. Presented by the Village and Park District, this free community concert brings neighbors together to relax outdoors, enjoy a lively performance, and spend time in good company. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets for comfortable seating on the grass.

Across six weeks, this in-person program explores the many ways parents shape who we are while offering a welcoming place to share memories and talk about grief. Discussions cover coping strategies, shifting family roles, regret, gratitude, and the practice of forgiveness. Open to community members at no cost, with registration required in advance. For information or to register, contact Maureen at 630-856-6990 or Maureen.Jordan@AdventHealth.com.

Lisle French Market returns with a larger footprint, expanding to twice its previous size to offer even more vendors to explore. This open-air farmers market invites the community to shop locally and support small businesses while enjoying the fresh air. Held in the Metra Parking Lot, it mixes the French market flair celebrated across Chicagoland with the distinctive charm of Lisle. Browse to uncover new favorites and reconnect with vendors you already know and love.

A French-inspired outdoor market showcases fresh produce, baked specialties, and offerings from local retailers alongside community groups. It centers on quality and a lively, fun atmosphere.

A community walking club focused on fitness. Registration is free. The organizers are working to expand with additional locations on the South Side of Chicago and in the western suburbs.

Break through creative block at a relaxed meet-up at Arts in Bartlett. Bring your own project and work alongside other artists in a welcoming setting that sparks inspiration and motivation. Admission is free and the gathering is open to participants 16 and older.

Walking With Giants is a free outdoor, walkable exhibition presented by the McAninch Art Center and the Cleve Carney Museum of Art in association with the College of DuPage Foundation. Ten painted silhouette sculptures, each about 10 feet tall, are installed along a route surrounding the MAC on the College of DuPage campus in Glen Ellyn. Created by contemporary artists with input from the community, the works celebrate American artistic achievement and honor influential figures in visual art, music, theater, and dance, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Dolly Parton, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.