Events

The Evanston Chamber Artisan SummerFest, formerly known as the Fountain Square Art Festival, returns to Downtown Evanston for the 38th year. The North Shore\'s largest and oldest fine arts fair will have eclectic works of more than 150 juried artists, including the works of artists who make eco-friendly art from recycled and found materials. Visitors will enjoy strolling street musicians and performers, food, beer, wine and a children’s urban street art installation project that will be completed during the two-day event. A Craft Beer and Wine Tasting will have more than 50 varieties to choose from featuring small craft brewers to boutique wine makers. Tastings are 2:00pm to 6:00pm daily.

Stroll and shop among 100 juried artists on the Esplanade. This one-of-a-kind art festival brings botanic-themed and botanic-made photography, paintings, ceramics, cement, metal, fiber, wood, jewelry, and other pieces to the Chicago Botanic Garden. Find remarkable items to purchase or just admire them during your visit to the fifth annual event. Bring budding artists to the Family Activity tent to create their own masterpieces!

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2018, the fest will feature the for-sale works of more than 100 artists and complement Old Orchard’s mix of 125 stores/services and 19 restaurant and food options. Further welcoming visitors to this art extravaganza will be Westfield Old Orchard’s lush outdoor landscaping, fountains and other soothing amenities on the grounds of the sprawling 1.8 million square-foot upscale shopping mecca.

Evanston’s lakefront will be transformed into a Global Village for the World Arts & Music Festival, a two-day celebration of global diversity. This free event features art from an abundance of countries, family crafts activities, international cuisine, and live music and dance performances. Attendees will enjoy continuous performances throughout the weekend at two venues.
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The Glencoe Festival of Art takes place in the prestigious Frank Lloyd Wright influenced community of Glencoe, blocks from Lake Michigan on Chicago\'s famous North Shore area. The Glencoe Festival of Art will showcase the work of more than 110-juried artists from across the country in a variety of mediums, including painting, photography, ceramics, glass, jewelry, and wood. In addition to the incredible artwork available for purchase, attendees will be able to interact with artists through demonstrations and booth chats. Free admission and parking.

This year, the 15th Annual Art at the Glen will transform The Glen Town Center into an outdoor cultural experience. The streets will be filled with original work of 185-juried artist from across the country in a variety of mediums, including paintings, photography, ceramics, furniture and jewelry. Guests will have the opportunity to support the arts by viewing incredible artwork available for purchase and have one-on-one conversations with artists through booth chats. Kids can enjoy a special area designated just for them with interactive games and activities, including live performances by the renowned Marriott Theater.

Having quickly earned a reputation for quality, original live music, as well as a host of unique family attractions — Skokie\'s Backlot Bash is the summer street festival held annually over three days in late August, providing a large carnival midway, a 5K Run, a children\'s stage, kid\'s activities, classic films, an auto show, bingo, a sponsor and community resource fair, exhibits at the Skokie Heritage Museum, a Sunday pancake breakfast and farmer\'s market, and much more.