Food fests, art shows, concerts and more on tap this summer

Summer’s on the way, so it’s time to play. Here are 14 great (mostly outdoor) events happening this summer.

Sweet sounds

Bitter Jester Foundation for the Arts presents the “17th Annual Bitter Jester Music Festival,” 5:45 p.m. June 2, 3, 9, and 10 at Port Clinton Square, Downtown Highland Park. Tickets: free admission. bitterjesterfoundation.org.

Winners will be chosen at these four preliminary concerts in the Midwest’s largest professional music competition for emerging bands and soloists.

Day of discovery

The Village of Oak Park presents “A Day in Our Village,” 11 a.m.-4 p.m. June 4 at Scoville Park, Lake St. and Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. Tickets: free admission. 708-358-5700; oak-park.us/events/day-our-village-5.

More than 100 Oak Park entities will have activity and information booths at this annual event that focuses on the village’s many civic, cultural, social service, business, educational and religious groups.

Go wild!

The Theatre of Western Springs presents “Wild, Wild Western Springs,” 6-10 p.m. June 10 at 4384 Hampton Ave., Western Springs. Tickets: $40 in advance; $45 at the door; $60 for a Quick Draw entrance. 708-246-4043; theatreofwesternsprings.com.

Jeans and boots are the proper attire for this benefit event and will feature food, drinks, music, games and dancing.

Midweek music

The Village of Skokie, Skokie Chamber of Commerce and Skokie Public Library present “Wednesdays on the Green,” 7 p.m. Wednesdays, June 14-Aug. 16, at Village Green, 5155 Oakton St., Skokie. Tickets: free admission. 847-673-0240; wednesdaysonthegreen.com.

Bring lawn chairs, a picnic dinner, and dancing shoes for this weekly free all-ages concert. The performers include Class of ‘68, Skokie Idol Winners, Sushi Roll, Kaleidoscope Dance Night and seven more popular acts.

Downtown sound

Winnetka Music Festival, 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m. June 16 and 1-10:30 p.m. June 17 at 610 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka. Tickets: $45-$195 Friday; $60-$275 Saturday; $89.50-$395 for a two-day pass; free for Family Stage from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday. winnetkamusicfestival.com.

The popular festival returns for its seventh year with a packed schedule that incudes The Wallflowers, Abraham Alexander, Ruen Brothers, LowDown Brass Band, Toronzo Cannon, Johanna Samuels and many more acclaimed performers.

The Lot’s the spot

The City of Highland Park presents “Taste of Highland Park,” 5-10 p.m. June 23 and noon-10 p.m. June 24 at The Lot, 523 Central Ave. Highland Park. Tickets: Admission is free. 847-432-0800; enjoyhighlandpark.com/thelot.

Delicious food and beverages will be sold at this popular two-day event that includes a lineup of free live music featuring nationally recognized headliners and activities for the entire family.

Salute to fruit

Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association presents “Strawberry Fest,” noon-11 p.m. June 23, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. June 24, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 25 at 145 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove. Admission: $5; $10 for a three-day pass. 847-634-0888; longgrove.org/festival/strawberry-fest.

Visitors can purchase everything strawberry-related from strawberry popcorn to strawberry fudge, strawberry smoothies, chocolate covered strawberries and much more. There also will be live music on multiple stages, family entertainment and a classic carnival with rides and games.

Return to roots

Frontier Days, Inc. presents “Frontier Days,” June 30-July 4 (times to be announced), at 500 E. Miner St., Arlington Heights. Tickets: Admission is free. 847-577-8572; frontierdays.org.

The three-time Governor’s Hometown Award winning event features free entertainment on three stages, plus family events, sports activities, carnival rides and one of the largest Fourth of July parades in the northwest suburbs.

Artists emerge

Gorton Center presents “Gortonpalooza,” 7-9 p.m. July 8 in the parking lot at 400 E. Illinois Rd., Lake Forest. Tickets: $10-$15. 847-234-6060; gortoncenter.org/event/gortonpalooza-2023.

Three local indie-rock bands will perform Ravinia-style under the stars. Featured performers are Coach House, Space Cow and the Kay and Rob Band. A cash bar will be available.

Midsummer magic

Oak Park Festival Theatre presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, and 7 p.m. Sundays, July 13-Aug. 19 at Austin Gardens, 167 Forest Ave., Oak Park. Tickets: $20-$38. 708-300-9396; oakparkfestival.com/project/a-midsummer-nights-dream.

Lovers face challenges before all ends well in this whimsical tale that intertwines three stories over the course of a single night.

Welcome to “Xanadu”

Metropolis Performing Arts Center presents “Xanadu,” 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 3 p.m. (July 15 and 22 only) and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays, July 13-Aug. 19, at 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Tickets: $40-45. 847-577-2121; metropolisarts.com/event/Xanadu.

The hilarious musical by Douglas Carter Beane (book) and Jeff Lynne and John Farrar (music and lyrics) is a romantic comedy that celebrates ‘80s kitsch, while telling a moving, fun tale. It’s based on a cult classic movie that starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly.

Past perfect

Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association presents “Vintage Days”, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 29 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 30, at 145 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove. Tickets: admission is free. 847-634-0888; longgrove.org/festival/vintage-days.

Vintage, reclaimed, handmade, upcycled, antique, and repurposed items will be displayed and for sale. There also will be games, live music and a penny carnival for kids. Food will be for sale.

Look and listen

The Adler Arts Center and the Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills Chamber of Commerce present “The 42nd Annual Festival of the Arts,” 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 5 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 6 at Cook Park, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Tickets: free admission. 847-367-0707; adlercenter.org/festival-of-the-arts.

Juried artists will show and sell their work in a diverse range of mediums and live music will fill the air in Cook Park for this family-friendly festival.

Fun for all

Amdur Productions presents “Evanston Art & Big Fork Fest,” noon-5 p.m. Aug. 18 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 19 and 20, at 800 Church St., downtown Evanston. Tickets: free admission. 847-926-4300; amdurproductions.com/event/2023-evanston-art-and-big-fork.

Artwork by over 130 juried artists, food for sale from local restaurants, live music on three stages and kids’ activities, make this a great event for all ages.

Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.