Must-Attend Events
Wheaton Fun Run ... In Color
Annual Events
Winter
January
Winter
January
Indoor Sidewalk Sale Glen Ellyn
Brave the cold and find savings up to 75 percent in many Glen Ellyn stores! Visit downtownglenellyn.com.
Winter Wine Walk, Wheaton
Sip, stroll and shop your way through Downtown Wheaton while tasting fine wines.
You will enjoy 12 1-oz. tastings in your souvenir wine glass at various downtown merchants. The Wheaton Winter Wine Walk happens rain, snow or shine. For more information, visit downtownwheaton.com.
February
February
Chocolate, Cheese and Wine Glen Ellyn
Enjoy an evening of wine, chocolate and cheese tastings from around the world. The admission ticket includes a souvenir wine glass, tastings of over 35 wines, as well as chocolate and cheese. In addition, local Glen Ellyn restaurants will be showcasing a sample off their menu. This event will be held at Reserve 22 at Village Links. Call 630-469-0907.
Enjoy an evening of wine, chocolate and cheese tastings from around the world. The admission ticket includes a souvenir wine glass, tastings of over 35 wines, as well as chocolate and cheese. In addition, local Glen Ellyn restaurants will be showcasing a sample off their menu. This event will be held at Reserve 22 at Village Links. Call 630-469-0907.
Lombard Park District Winter Carnival
Don’t let cabin fever give your family the winter blues! Enjoy some cheer with a FREE carnival! Be sure to bundle up because this is an indoor/outdoor event full of hot cocoa, games, crafts, sledding, and much more! Enjoy a ride on the Gold Medal Express train (weather permitting), and an afternoon with friends and family. Located at Sunset Knoll Recreational Center. Visit lombardparks.com.
Don’t let cabin fever give your family the winter blues! Enjoy some cheer with a FREE carnival! Be sure to bundle up because this is an indoor/outdoor event full of hot cocoa, games, crafts, sledding, and much more! Enjoy a ride on the Gold Medal Express train (weather permitting), and an afternoon with friends and family. Located at Sunset Knoll Recreational Center. Visit lombardparks.com.
Ice Art Festival, Wheaton
Enjoy a family winter tradition in Downtown Wheaton! Stroll through Downtown Wheaton to view the many custom-carved ice sculptures and enjoy a live ice carving demonstration. For more information, see the Downtown Wheaton Association's website at www.downtownwheaton.com.
March
Lombard Park District Take Time for Tots Day
Lombard Park District’s Take Time for Tots Day is jam-packed with activities for tots, preschoolers to age 8 and their family on Saturday, March 21, from 10:00 am-12:00 pm at Sunset Knoll Recreation Center, 820 S. Finley Rd., Lombard. Tots will make arts and crafts, jump in the bounce house, ride a pony, sing songs, play music, and more. Toothy, Smile More Dental’s mascot, will be handing out free toothbrushes. Parents will have the opportunity to speak with community organizations about safety and wellness for their children, such as fingerprinting and ID kits from the Kiwanis Club. Visit lombardparks.com.
March
Lombard Park District Take Time for Tots Day
Lombard Park District’s Take Time for Tots Day is jam-packed with activities for tots, preschoolers to age 8 and their family on Saturday, March 21, from 10:00 am-12:00 pm at Sunset Knoll Recreation Center, 820 S. Finley Rd., Lombard. Tots will make arts and crafts, jump in the bounce house, ride a pony, sing songs, play music, and more. Toothy, Smile More Dental’s mascot, will be handing out free toothbrushes. Parents will have the opportunity to speak with community organizations about safety and wellness for their children, such as fingerprinting and ID kits from the Kiwanis Club. Visit lombardparks.com.
Casino Night, Wheaton
Casino Night brings glitz, glam, and gambling to the DuPage County Historical Museum. Enjoy a night of Vegas-style craps, money wheel, and Texas Hold’em. For more information, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com.
Spring
April
Glen Ellyn Park District’s Annual Eggs-trordinary Egg Hunt
Featuring more than 4,000 treat-filled eggs hidden within a designated area at the park, the kids will have a blast filling their baskets. Participants that find the special eggs will be awarded an exciting prize! As always, the Easter Bunny himself will make a special appearance for photos, so don’t forget to bring your camera! The Park District will also have photos available for download following the event. Visit geparks.org.
Lombard Park District Annual Egg Hunt and Lunch With the Bunny
Hop into spring with a FREE egg hunt! Bring a basket to Lombard Commons, and get ready to seek eggs, prizes, and candy. Mr. Bunny may even make a guest appearance. Parents are allowed to accompany children but not to assist in the collection of eggs. Then, Mr. Bunny will be very hungry after the Egg Hunt, so he is throwing a luncheon! Mr. Bunny will be posing for photos with each child for a complimentary keepsake. Families can enjoy pizza, sandwiches, “carrot juice,” s’mores, and much more. The egg hunt is open to all. Visit lombardparks.com.
Celebrate Easter, Celebrate Spring, Wheaton
It's the Wheaton annual Celebrate Easter, Celebrate Spring event. Festivities will begin with the annual Easter Egg Hunt, immediately followed by the Easter Bonnet Contest for children in the bandshell. Next, enjoy Easter Bunny Train Rides around Memorial Park, and stay for entertainment by Miss Jamie’s Farm at the bandshell. For more information, visit downtownwheaton.com.
Fun Run ... in Color, Wheaton
Show up in your brightest white shirts, shorts, and shoes and get showered along the route with vibrant color made from safe, food-grade, biodegradable cornstarch. By the time you cross the finish line, you’ll be a brilliant color palette of warm and cool hues. With wave starts, four color stations, and a final color toss at the after-party, you’re guaranteed to go home wearing colors you’ve never worn before. Have no fear, these colors are non-toxic and easily come off in the wash. For more information, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com.
Wheaton Farmers' Market
Flowers, locally grown produce, jewelry, crafts and more are sold from 8 am to 2 pm each Saturday through October at Wheaton's French Market. The outdoor market is at Main Street and Liberty Drive in downtown Wheaton.
May
Taste of Glen Ellyn
A family event featuring Chicago's best live bands, Youth Community Stage, great food and drink, Y Run 5K, The Village Carnival, business and arts and craft fair, SHOP-A-THON and the French Market Grand Opening. Call 630-469-0907.
Glen Ellyn Park District Touch-A-Truck
Ever wanted to get your hands on big trucks you see driving around town? This is your chance to climb on dump trucks, RV's, fire trucks, police cars, and other large vehicles on the road and at construction sites. Maryknoll Park, Glen Ellyn. Visit gepark.org/events/touch-a-truck/.
Taste of Glen Ellyn
A family event featuring Chicago's best live bands, Youth Community Stage, great food and drink, Y Run 5K, The Village Carnival, business and arts and craft fair, SHOP-A-THON and the French Market Grand Opening. Call 630-469-0907.
Glen Ellyn Park District Touch-A-Truck
Ever wanted to get your hands on big trucks you see driving around town? This is your chance to climb on dump trucks, RV's, fire trucks, police cars, and other large vehicles on the road and at construction sites. Maryknoll Park, Glen Ellyn. Visit gepark.org/events/touch-a-truck/.
Lilac Time Festival
The Lombard Park District’s Lilacia Park is an 8.5-acre horticultural showcase featuring 700 lilacs and 25,000 tulips! All ages will enjoy a stroll through the park or one of our many special events. From tastings to tours and concerts to coronation, there is something for everyone during Lilac Time. Visit lombardlilactime.com.
The Lombard Park District’s Lilacia Park is an 8.5-acre horticultural showcase featuring 700 lilacs and 25,000 tulips! All ages will enjoy a stroll through the park or one of our many special events. From tastings to tours and concerts to coronation, there is something for everyone during Lilac Time. Visit lombardlilactime.com.
Go Fly A Kite, Wheaton
Go Fly A Kite is a free event held in Wheaton’s Graf Park that encourages the community to come out and enjoy spring and fly kites! Whether you’re an avid kite flyer or taking the family out for the first time, this is a great event for young and old. Watch kite demonstrations, and participate in our Grand Launch. Concessions will be available along with activities, kite sales, and a small business expo. Bring your own kite or purchase one at the event. For more information, visit wheatonparkdistric.com.
Wheaton Memorial Day Parade
The parade steps off at 10 am from Memorial Park, 210 W. Union Ave., continuing west on Union, and then south on West Street until the Wheaton Cemetery. A Memorial Day ceremony will begin at 11 am at the cemetery.
Summer
June
June
Glen Ellyn Wines and Finds
Couples, friends and wine enthusiasts are invited to spend the evening enjoying the downtown and all that it offers. Each participating store will offer two wine selections to taste paired with specific foods. Wine professionals will be available to offer their expertise. Visit downtownglenellyn.com.
Lombard's Cruise Nights and Summer Concerts
Cruise Nights in Downtown Lombard are a fun time for friends, family, and neighbors to enjoy unique and classic cars, and outdoor live music. Cruise Nights 2109 will take place from 6-10 pm on Saturday nights, from June through August, with music scheduled from 6:30-9:30 pm. The event takes place throughout downtown Lombard, and the live concerts are at the intersection of Park Avenue and Michael McGuire Drive. Visit villageoflombard.org.
Lombard Ale Fest
The Lombard Ale Fest is Lombard's premier craft beer festival. The fifth annual fest will take place on Saturday, June 9, 2018. Situated in the heart of downtown Lombard, the fest will feature over 80 unique beers from craft beers from around the country and some of Chicagoland's favorite food trucks. The fest will be a celebration of summer seasonal beers, food and live music. Kick off your summer right with the Lombard Ale Fest. Visit lombardalefest.com.
Couples, friends and wine enthusiasts are invited to spend the evening enjoying the downtown and all that it offers. Each participating store will offer two wine selections to taste paired with specific foods. Wine professionals will be available to offer their expertise. Visit downtownglenellyn.com.
Lombard's Cruise Nights and Summer Concerts
Cruise Nights in Downtown Lombard are a fun time for friends, family, and neighbors to enjoy unique and classic cars, and outdoor live music. Cruise Nights 2109 will take place from 6-10 pm on Saturday nights, from June through August, with music scheduled from 6:30-9:30 pm. The event takes place throughout downtown Lombard, and the live concerts are at the intersection of Park Avenue and Michael McGuire Drive. Visit villageoflombard.org.
Lombard Ale Fest
The Lombard Ale Fest is Lombard's premier craft beer festival. The fifth annual fest will take place on Saturday, June 9, 2018. Situated in the heart of downtown Lombard, the fest will feature over 80 unique beers from craft beers from around the country and some of Chicagoland's favorite food trucks. The fest will be a celebration of summer seasonal beers, food and live music. Kick off your summer right with the Lombard Ale Fest. Visit lombardalefest.com.
Taste of Wheaton
Organized annually by the Wheaton Park District and the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, the Taste of Wheaton fills several square blocks with carnival rides, the best local food, live entertainment, family-friendly games and crafts, a beer garden, business expo, the Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals 5K/10K, art and craft vendors, and Art in the Park. For more information, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com.
Vintage Rids Classic Car Show, Wheaton
The Downtown Wheaton Association hosts a popular free classic car show each Friday night through August, with a DJ, family fun and more. Each week has a different theme or car featured. Find out more at www.downtownwheaton.com.
July
July
Glen Ellyn Lakeboard Regatta
Boat builders will vie to keep their cardboard creations afloat as they cross Lake Ellyn. It's an afternoon of hilarious fun, whether you're onboard or onshore. Visit gepark.org/register.
Glen Ellyn Freedom 4-Mile Run
Join the biggest event of the running season, and help the Park District raise money for scholarships! This star-spangled run starts off on Lenox Road next to Lake Ellyn at 7:30 am “sharp” on Thursday, July 4. Visit freedomfourrun.com.
Glen Ellyn Fourth of July Celebration
The Fourth of July celebration is THE EVENT of the year in Glen Ellyn! The parade starts off at noon in downtown Glen Ellyn. Then, head on over to Lake Ellyn for afternoon festivities for the whole family. Finally, enjoy a fireworks display over Lake Ellyn at dusk. Visit gepark.org.
Jazz Up Glen Ellyn
Over 10 jazz bands performing from two stages fill the downtown with music. Bring your friends, lawn chair, picnic basket, and wine, and enjoy the ambiance of Downtown Glen Ellyn. Visit jazzupglenellyn.org.
Downtown Glen Ellyn Sidewalk Sale
Find the best bargains in Glen Ellyn. This four-day event features music and discounts on merchandise from a number of participating stores. Call 630-469-0907.
Tour of Lake Ellyn Bike Race
Returning for the forth year, the Tour of Lake Ellyn promises fast, international bicycle racing on the challenging course around picturesque Lake Ellyn. Be sure to bring your family, friends and bikes to enjoy Lake Ellyn for a day of food, thrilling racing and the annual Family Fun Ride. Visit intelligentsiacup.com/schedule/glen-ellyn/.
Glen Ellyn Park District Family Fun Night
It’s a night full of free entertainment and kids’ activities, presented by the Glen Ellyn Park District. Family Fun Night, a longtime summer tradition, is held at Lake Ellyn Park. Kids will enjoy live music, riding on the chair swing and the kiddie ferris wheel or burning off some energy in the two inflatables set up for the occasion. There also will be face painting, a photo booth complete with props, and a kids’ craft area. Concessions for sale will include hot dogs, chips, beverages and candy. Visit geparks.org.
Lombard Fourth of July Fireworks
Lombard's Fourth of July fireworks display is held at Madison Meadow Park! Attendees are highly encouraged to utilize the free shuttle service available to and from the event. Visit villageoflombard.org.
Lombard's Fourth of July fireworks display is held at Madison Meadow Park! Attendees are highly encouraged to utilize the free shuttle service available to and from the event. Visit villageoflombard.org.
Wheaton Fourth of July Fireworks
The Wheaton Park District presents the Independence Day Fireworks Show and Activities. Graf Park opens at 5 pm with a DJ, carnival rides and games, food vendors and more. Come early, save your seat, and enjoy a night in the park. Fireworks begin at approximately 9 pm. For more information, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com.
Wheaton Fourth of July Parade
The Wheaton Park District invites the community to the annual Fourth of July Parade, stepping off at 10 am from Main Street and Hawthorne.
Music in the Park, Wheaton
The Wheaton Fine and Cultural Arts Commission will host the 12th annual Music in the Park event in Memorial Park. Admission is free.
Uncorked at Cosley Zoo, Wheaton
Looking for a wild night out? We have just the thing! Enjoy a distinctive wine tasting experience, complete with the animals and atmosphere of Cosley Zoo. Join us for wine sampling, hors d’oeuvres, a raffle, giveaways, and more! Enjoy an evening at Cosley Zoo while sampling from a variety of wines, listening to live entertainment, mingling with some of the zoo’s animal residents, and entering for a chance to win fantastic raffle prizes. For more information, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com.
August
Sounds on the Street Glen Ellyn
Close out the summer with Sounds on the Street. Indulge in some of the great tastes of Glen Ellyn while enjoying live music on Main Street. For more information, visit glenellyn.com/events/sounds-on-the-street/.
Festival of the Arts Glen Ellyn
A two-day free festival of juried fine artists and great music. The annual Glen Ellyn Lions Festival of the Arts is held at Lake Ellyn Park. facebook.com/pg/GlenEllynFestivalOfTheArts
A two-day free festival of juried fine artists and great music. The annual Glen Ellyn Lions Festival of the Arts is held at Lake Ellyn Park. facebook.com/pg/GlenEllynFestivalOfTheArts
Wheaton Brew Fest
Wheaton, IL’s annual outdoor craft beer fest takes place in Memorial Park featuring unique brews from local and national breweries. For more information, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com.
Annual Bike Wheaton Festival
Join the Wheaton Bicycle Advisory Commission for the Bike Wheaton Festival. This event will take place in the parking lot behind City Hall, 303 W. Wesley St.
September
September
Glen Ellyn Park District Glow In The Park
At Glow in the Park, enjoy activities, food, and face painting, live music followed by the lantern parade around Lake Ellyn. Participants will have an opportunity to create a paper lantern for $10 for the walk or bring one from home! Prizes awarded for most creative lanterns! Visit gepark.org.
Lombard Park District Touch-A-Truck
This event is perfect for families to play outside, meet with local businesses, and Touch-A-Truck! A variety of vendors will be present along with activities focused on play. Kids will have the opportunity to explore police cars, fire trucks, dump trucks and more. Don’t forget to check the Kids' Corner for games and activities. Located at Lombard Common. Visit lombardparkdistrict.org.
Fall
October
Glen Ellyn Park District Pumpkin Flortilla Fest
The Pumpkin Flotilla Fest is a one-of-a-kind annual fall festival in Glen Ellyn! The flotilla is comprised of pumpkins carved by members of the community. When the pumpkins are floated on Lake Ellyn, it creates a wonderful glowing spectacle. The festival features a variety of events and activities, including live music, a giant pumpkin-carving demonstration, trackless train rides, bounce houses, canoe rides, and the illuminated Pumpkin Flotilla on the lake at dusk. Visit gepark.org.
October Fest, Wheaton
Join the Wheaton Park District for October Fest 5. This fall celebration features live music, a beer garden, children’s area, and a variety of food vendors. Proceeds benefit DuPage County Historical Museum Foundation. The Museum will be open during the event. For more information, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com.
Mike Williams Cosley Classic Golf Outing, Wheaton
Join the Cosley Foundation for the 37th annual Mike Williams Cosley Classic Golf Outing!
Tee off to support the important work of Cosley Zoo, and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at the beautiful Arrowhead Golf Club. All event proceeds support Cosley Zoo and its mission to create connections between people and animals that will inspire lifelong conservation of the natural world. For more information, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com.
Halloween Happening, Wheaton
This Halloween family event presented by the Wheaton Park District includes activities for all ages. Costumes encouraged. Features include: Strolling Magic, carnival games*, bounce house*, Touch-A-Truck, Trick-or-Treat Trail*, crafts, sensory tables, concession stand* and airbrush tattoos*. All ages are welcome. *Some activities require a small fee. For more information, visit wheatoparkdistrict.com.
Boo-Palooza, Wheaton
Ghosts and goblins are coming to Downtown Wheaton for Boo-Palooza! Activities include trunk-or-treating, trick-or-treating, face painting, pumpkin decorating, costume contest, pet costume contest, hayrides, and a live pumpkin-carving demonstration. For more information, visit downtownwheaton.com.
November
Ladies' Night Out Glen Ellyn
Grab your friends! Hundreds of women have joined us each year to get a head start on their holiday shopping in Downtown Glen Ellyn. Over 20 stores are throwing a party just for you! The night is full of music, cocktails, appetizers and special deals! For more information, visit downtownglenellyn.com.
Glen Ellyn Winter Fashion Show
Shop for the season’s must-have holiday gifts at our silent auction, and enjoy fashions presented by the Glen Ellyn boutiques. Visit glenellynchamber.com.
Glen Ellyn Park District Turkey Trot
How often do you have an opportunity to participate in an event that, one, is a lot of fun, two, helps increase your fitness level, three, helps those who are less fortunate, and, four, encourages you to dress up in a crazy Thanksgiving-themed costume? The answer is: once a year, at the Glen Ellyn Park District’s Annual Turkey Trot! The Glen Ellyn Park District’s Turkey Trot is a 5-mile “predicto” race that begins and ends at Lake Ellyn The top two winners will take home a delicious Thanksgiving pie to share with their family! Visit gepark.org.
Glen Ellyn Holiday Walk
Celebrate the holiday season as downtown Glen Ellyn Comes alive with twinkling lights, decorated storefront windows, the sounds of Christmas, and Santa lighting the Christmas tree. During the Holiday Walk, enjoy free hot cocoa on Main Street. For more information, call 630-460-0907.
Living Wheaton Christmas Parade
A time-honored tradition, Wheaton comes together to celebrate the coming of Christmas with a hometown parade. Stick around till the end because some special and jolly pays his first visit to Wheaton! For more information, visit downtownwheaton.com.
Living Wheaton Christmas Festival
Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, cookie decorating, a visit with Santa’s reindeer, roaming entertainment and more in downtown Wheaton. For more information, visit downtownwheaton.com.
Wheaton Community Christmas Tree Lighting
An annual tradition. For more information, visit downtownwheaton.com.
December
Holiday Treats Glen Ellyn
Downtown Glen Ellyn is the place to shop, dine, and donate this holiday season. Holiday Treats is an event that will fill tummies with sweet treats, assist you in your holiday shopping, and support a local treasure. All of the proceeds from this Cookie Adventure will be donated to a charity. Visit downtownglenellyn.com.
Holiday Lights at Lilacia Park
Join Lombard Park District’s annual lighting celebration in Lilacia Park! Charming holiday displays light up Lilacia Park with a magical array of animated light shows, decorated trees, a gingerbread house, and much more. Youngsters can visit with Santa Claus, enjoy a spectacular show with complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, and visit with holiday characters. Visit lombardparks.com.
Lombard Jinglebell Jubilee
JingleBell Jubilee is a community-wide holiday event held in Lombard, Illinois. Come and see beautiful holiday lights, meet Santa, hear stories, listen to carolers, drink hot cocoa, and much more! Hosted by Lombard Park District, Village of Lombard, Helen Plum Library, Lombard Historical Society, Lombard Town Centre, Maple Street Chapel, and Lombard Bible Church. Visit villageoflombard.org.