This weekend in Glendale Heights, IL

A lively marketplace in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia brings together skilled artisans, delicious local food, and live entertainment for a welcoming community experience. Explore more than 150 vendors set up across several buildings, with a new building added for 2026, and enjoy the atmosphere under outdoor tents while music fills the grounds. Discover handcrafted pottery, woodworking, glass art, textiles, home decor, jewelry, and more from Nova Scotian makers. Savor regional flavors from food trucks on site both days, along with baked goods, fudge, nuts, specialty foods, a range of beverages, and local wines. Admission includes a bracelet that serves as a weekend pass. Only service dogs may enter the buildings. Bringing cash is recommended for a smooth visit.

Spartan DEKA and CrossFit Elmhurst present a new fitness challenge that turns training into a game and celebrates progress. The DEKA STRONG format features ten functional training zones with no running, offering a clear way to test performance. Competitors can aim to earn an official DEKA STRONG Mark and begin building toward DEKA FIT 2026. Spots are limited.

Lisle French Market has expanded to twice its previous size, bringing a larger selection of local vendors to explore. Set in the Metra Parking Lot, this open air farmers market blends the familiar spirit of Chicagoland French markets with the distinctive character of Lisle. Attendees can shop from local vendors and small businesses, enjoy the open air, and reconnect with favorite sellers while discovering new ones. Held on Saturdays, it offers a recurring chance to support the community and find something new each week.

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.

Take part in the Annual CROWN Season Starter Tournament. Bowl at your convenience during the tournament period for a chance to win free lineage for an entire league season. Registration is available.

Families can take on a 50-foot climbing tower for a mix of fun and challenge. Before climbing, an experienced instructor will cover basic techniques and provide all necessary equipment. All skill levels are welcome. Each participant must register. The maximum weight for climbers is 265 pounds. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The session meets at the Lincoln Marsh main entrance. The fee is $30 for Wheaton residents and $38 for non-residents.

Fliptastic Youth Pinball Club invites kids ages 7 to 17 to learn the game and spend time with others who enjoy pinball. The gathering takes place at The Pinball Capital, where 130 pinball machines are on freeplay. Kids with a parent can arrive before the arcade opens, with special early entry pricing of $5 per child and $10 per adult. A four round match play tournament will be held in the back room for any kid who wants to participate. Pinball Capital prizes are awarded to the winner, and every participant receives a prize.

Explore Kinusaiga, a Japanese craft from the 1980s that uses a no-sew technique to create quilt-like artwork. This beginner-friendly workshop guides participants through a fun project with a selection of designs, resulting in an 8 x 8 framed piece. All materials are provided. By registering, participants acknowledge that photos may be taken during the workshop or in the retail space and may be used for promotional purposes unless a written opt-out is submitted beforehand.

Build a steady meditation practice in a structured six-part series created for both newcomers and long-time practitioners. Each meeting provides ample quiet time to apply what you learn and deepen your focus. Hosted by the Science of Spirituality International Meditation Center, the series is open-entry so participants can begin at any point. Everyone is welcome, and there is no cost to attend. For questions, call 630-955-1200 or email lislecenter@sos.org.

This follow-up meditation session is intended for those who have already completed the first Learn to Meditate course and are ready to go deeper. Participants receive more advanced instruction and spend longer stretches in guided practice. The program takes place at the Science of Spirituality International Meditation Center, is free of charge, and welcomes everyone. For details, call 630-955-1200 or email lislecenter@sos.org.

Experience a musical twist on bingo at The Beer Cellar. Instead of letters and numbers, short snippets of songs are played and players mark their cards to match what they hear. The soundtrack spans from the 1950s to today’s hits, with themed rounds like 80s rock, 90s hits, One Hit Wonders, and more. Whoever completes five in a row first wins. It is not music trivia, so players can ask friends or use Shazam to help identify song titles. While you play, enjoy a selection of craft beer along with wine, spirits, and canned choices, plus options to take home.

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.

This interactive true crime dinner experience places guests inside a present day mystery inspired by real cold cases. Enjoy a full meal while a hidden culprit blends into the crowd, and anyone might be tapped as a lead suspect. Detectives circulate to question attendees and gather clues as the plot thickens and additional victims are revealed. At the conclusion, a prize is awarded to the guest who solves the crime.

Experience a genre-spanning mix of rock, pop, folk, country, reggae, and soul.

Spend a family-friendly evening on the water at Northside Park. The experience begins with on-land instruction in canoeing fundamentals, then moves to a guided paddle as staff share insights into the area’s natural history and help participants notice more of their surroundings. The fee applies per canoe and includes up to three people. Registration is required for everyone, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet by the canoe cabin at Northside Park. Cost is $33 per canoe for Wheaton residents and $42 per canoe for non-Wheaton residents.

At Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church of Downers Grove, a candlelit concert pays tribute to Fleetwood Mac with a classical twist. A string trio brings the band’s iconic songs to life, including Go Your Own Way, Second Hand News, Dreams, Don’t Stop, The Chain, You Make Loving Fun, I Don’t Want To Know, Gold Dust Woman, Landslide, Gypsy, Little Lies, and Everywhere. Presented by Lumos, known for creating atmospheric performances in remarkable spaces, this event blends intimate ambiance with beloved melodies. Seating operates on a first come, first served basis within the purchased tier, which is arranged in Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze zones. The event is open to ages 8 and up. The venue offers wheelchair access, with specific placement such as front row not guaranteed. Lumos also contributes to a different charity each month.

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.

Presented by Afterlife and RMRP Studio, Twista takes the stage at Basecamp in Lisle with opening acts by RMRP Studios. The lineup is planned to keep the energy high from start to finish for a lively night.

Don’t Matter To Me brings a charged live set to Ten:21 Bar & Grill, shaped by influences such as Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, and Heart. Formed in 2020, the band is known for soaring vocals, tight playing, and a wide ranging setlist that moves from classic rock favorites to pop and funk. Look forward to a night packed with songs you know, opportunities to sing and dance, and a few unexpected surprises.

Johnny’s Blitz Bar and Grill hosts Nostalgia for a live performance featuring hits across funk, soul, rock and roll, and blues. This blues-focused spot is a popular stage for both national and local artists. A $10 cover charge applies. The kitchen is also known for serving some of the best burgers in town.

Returning to a favorite hangout, the performers head back to Ballydoyle - Downers Grove for another night of jamming. They are revisiting a place they enjoy and keeping the focus on the music.

A family-friendly 5K run and walk at Mallard Lake Forest Preserve in Hanover Park welcomes participants of all ages, whether taking part solo or on a team. The focus is on community, remembrance, and support for people affected by crashes caused by impaired or reckless driving. Participation benefits the Victims’ Assistance Fund, which helps families with essentials such as groceries, transportation, funeral expenses, education, and counseling, and encourages collaboration with law enforcement and victim advocates to help prevent future losses. The event also advances the broader mission to create safer roads and provide meaningful assistance to those impacted. AAIM is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), federal tax ID # 36-3206134.

A women’s sand 4s volleyball tournament takes place at the Four Lakes volleyball courts, welcoming full teams of four women or free agents who want to be placed with a team. Matches are played on a women’s net with women as the primary hitters, and there is a single division with BB/A level players recommended. To secure a spot, message Court Kittens directly. Payment is due at sign up, with early bird pricing at $160 and $200 thereafter. Teams play three to four pool matches before moving into playoffs, with at least one playoff match guaranteed. Advancement is determined by wins, losses, and total points. Event rules include no tipping with an open hand, use a closed fist or knuckles, let serves are allowed, overhead sets that cross the net must be square and intentional, hand setting on serves or free balls is not permitted while setting hard driven attacks or roll shots is allowed, jump setting is permitted, and men may not substitute. Champions receive T shirts and prize money, dependent on the number of teams that register.

Browse a mix of booths from different vendors, including Astrid's Kitchen with sourdough artisan loaves, focaccia, and more. The market is set up in the parking lot across from the Bloomingdale Post Office, and parking is available in the post office lot.

Set in Chicago, this showcase of standout cars pairs the automotive scene with the city skyline. The event has grown each year, and a full house is expected. Activities include RC drifting demonstrations, live music, a sneaker contest, builder Q&A sessions, exhibitor displays of new products, giveaways, and more.

Sparks Fly, a tribute to Taylor Swift, brings a live show to Basecamp Lisle filled with sing-along favorites from every era. Expect a lively atmosphere with themed drinks inspired by Taylor, chances to win prizes and giveaways, and plenty of opportunities to dance and sing along. This event is open to all ages.

Chicagoland West English Country Dance offers a social, pattern based dance session in the gymnasium at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center. A caller guides each dance, and all figures are walked through beforehand, so no partner or prior experience is needed. Bring a water bottle, and if you plan to share refreshments, choose bite sized snacks that are easy to eat neatly. Those who arrive early can also take part in International Folk Dance before the main session. To help cover the cost of the hall rental, the suggested donation is $5 to $10 per person. Use the signed back entrance from the parking deck, then go up to the second floor where the gym will be directly on the left. Bathrooms are available on other floors. Parking is available in a garage behind the Civic Center, with additional street parking nearby. The Glen Ellyn Metra stop is a short walk from the venue.