DUPAGE COUNTY EVENTS
Thru 2025
An Exhibit of large-scale sculptures made from reclaimed and pruned tree branches and other natural materials gathered from various locations throughout the Arboretum’s 1,700 acres. The sculptures are created by international Artist Olga Ziemska who says that her aim is to “remind people that “everything in life is derived from the same basic elements that form everything in nature, including ourselves”.
Thru Dec 2024
On the 1st Sunday of every month Dupage county fairgrounds presents the Great Midwest Train Show the largest monthly model train show in the nation for over 40 years. See over 500 tables of new and used model trains, accessories, parts, and more for sale, as well as free giveaways to attendees and a DCC train layout for kids to operate.
Thru May 20
Get ready for some tail-wagging fun. Mondays are designated as “Paws in the Park Days” (excluding holidays like Labor Day and Indigenous People’s Day). So, grab your four-legged companion, hop in the car, and get ready for some Barks and Recreation time in our beautiful gardens! Check the Cantigny website for fees and specifics.
Thru June 8
Whether it be by land, sea or air, humans are always looking for new and innovative ways to travel. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles look at the various ways in which transportation has changed over time and what made these changes necessary. DuPage County Historical Museum (Note Link is for all exhibits at the Museum)
April 20
Civil War and Collector Arms dealers from throughout the United States will be offering 1000’s of Civil War Treasures and Memorabilia. The history of America’s Great Heritage can be viewed on the 100’s of tables of unique artifacts offered for sale. In addition here will also be memorabilia from the Revolutionary war and the Spanish American Wars and a display of Civil War cannons and artillery.
April 20 - Mid Sept
Umbrella Sky Elmhurst returns with a colorful exhibit of more than 300 brightly colored umbrellas will fill Schiller Court at York and Schiller streets. And don’t miss Color Rain, a vibrant collection of multi-colored ribbons, which will adorn the structure at 110 South Cottage Hill Avenue; and Layers, colored waves of fabric that will be displayed at the North York Stage at 254 North York Street in front of the public parking garage.
April 25-27
The Arbor Day Plant Sale at The Morton Arboretum is one of the largest seasonal plant sales in the Chicago region. It offers thousands of carefully chosen plants, and expert Plant Geniuses are available throughout the sale to answer questions and suggest plants. Space limited. Tickets first come first served.
April 26
McAninch Art Center presents a creative spin on a classic tale! This reimagined production from Off-Broadway Alliance Award Winning TheaterWorksUSA, features bluegrass music and a clever set design, telling the treasured story of selfless love and the true meaning of friendship. Join Charlotte, Wilbur, and their farm animal friends in this terrific tale of bravery and hopefulness. Tickets required
April 27
From soldering and robots to microorganisms and fossils, STEMCON lets you explore the fascinating world of STEM. Get hands on with dozens of high-quality experiments and demonstrations designed to inform, entertain and spark interest in a broad range of STEM topics. And meet special guest Emily Calandrelli MIT engineer, author of the Ada Lace Adventures books, and host of “Emily’s Wonder Lab” and “Xploration Outer Space.”
April 27 - Dec 21
With her indomitable spirit, moral compass & fiery red curls, Little Orphan Annie remains an important icon in American culture 100 years after the character’s debut in the namesake comic strip. The Lombard Historical Society, Village of Lombard, & the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau present a series of events that will run from 4/26 through 12/23 paying tribute to Little Orphan Annie’s legacy and to Harold Gray, the creative genius who brought her to life.
April 28
Kline Creek Farms sheep shearing demonstrations are an educational and enjoyable experience for all ages! Watch farmers hand shear our heritage Cotswold sheep and learn about the role of sheep on an 1890s farm. Suggested admission donation of $5 per person ages 3 and up to enter the farm. All ages. Free. 1:30-3:30
May 3
The new Firefly Race Series offers a variety of invigorating races on the grounds of The Morton Arboretum. The 2024 season kicks off with a 3K fun run around Meadow Lake and a competitive 10K course along the rolling terrain of the Arboretum’s East Side. Participants also have the option to run one or both distances virtually, at a time and location of their choosing.
May 4
Whether you’re an avid kite flyer or taking the family out for the first time, this is a great event for all ages. Watch kite demonstrations and participate in our Grand Launch. Enjoy a food truck, activities, kite contests, sales and demonstrations. Bring your own kite or purchase one on site.
May 4
Spend a spring day at Country in the Park—part of the annual Downers Grove Founders Day celebration sponsored by The Grove Foundation. Families will visit with farm animals, play 1850’s pioneer-era games and more! This event is free.
May 4 & 5
Join the Elmhurst Art Museum for the 27th annual Art in Wilder Park. The free two-day event offers over 130 booths of artists selling one-of-a-kind jewelry, paintings, sculptures, ceramics, prints, fiber arts, and mouth watering treats from local food vendors.
May 4-19
Join the Village of Lombard for this two week celebration of everything Liliacs. Including events like the Little Lady Lilac Ball, lilac and perennial sale, Art and craft fair, Storytime in the park, Mutt Strut, wine tasting, concerts and more. And culminating with the Lilac Parade on the 19th you’ll find activities and events fun for the whole family.
May 11
Enjoy shopping from 100+ handcrafted vendors! Music will be flowing through the heated indoor Firefly Market as shoppers look for one-of-a-kind items, handmade jewelry, home decor, handcrafted pottery, soy candles, garden items, farmhouse finds, delicious food, warm and cold drinks, beautiful body care, bath bombs, pillows, leather goods, wooden artisan goods, mobile boutiques and so much more!
May 11
2024 marks a rare event in Illinois: the simultaneous emergence of 13-year and 17-year cicadas, an event that won’t be seen again until 2245. Billions of these insects will surface, creating an extraordinary spectacle. Discover their fascinating biology, ecological influence, and even their symbolism in Chinese culture during a captivating lecture at the museum
May 11
Join others at Morton Arboretum Mother’s Day Weekend for an exhibit featuring over 125 beautiful framed photographs showcase nature’s bounty. They include images captured at the Arboretum as well as at local, national, and international locations. All showcase the wonder of trees, plants, animals, rocks, skies, and more. Cards, coasters, books, and matted prints, and original artwork are available for purchase.
May 17 & 18
Dupage Forest Preserve District presents it's annual native plant sale at the Mayslake Peabody Estate. This two day event features more than 159 species of native flowers, plants, and shrubs, and trees for sale and plant experts to answer questions and offer suggestions. Ticketed presale on May 16th.
May 17, 18, 19
Prosek’s Greenhouse offers an assortment of local plants and flowers such as, hanging baskets, flats, canna, herbs, vegetables and more with proceeds used to raise funds for Friends of the DuPage County Fair to help enhance and improve the grounds.
May 18
Blooming Fest is the official welcoming committee of spring, and is held outdoors in the downtown area of West Chicago. Gardening enthusiasts, and everyone else, are welcome to come explore the history downtown area while viewing a variety of plants, artwork, and other goods from our event vendors. The festival also features a large selection of food vendors, live music and activities the whole family can enjoy.
May 18
Celebrate the season with Spring Fest at Cantigny! Enjoy the park and top by McCormick House as we host our first-ever marketplace inside the historic home. This market features talented artisans showcasing their creations — a curated shopping experience with local vendors offering jewelry, pottery, art, and more! A craft coffee and pastry bar will be set up on the South Porch to enhance your visit
May 21 - Aug 13
Downers Grove Park District presents their Tuesday night summer concert series for 2024. Featuring performances in rock, country, blues and oldies you can listen to the music while you enjoy food and beverages at Veterans Memorial Pavilion in Fishel Park. Doors open at 6.
May 24 - Sept 2
The Morton Arboretum is teeing up a new summertime attraction in 2024, Wonder Woods Mini Golf. The one-of-a-kind nine-hole course is being designed by the Arboretum and will incorporate whimsical features at each hole to illustrate different scientific concepts, including how sound is used by researchers to detect tree decay or what tree rings can tell scientists about the life of a tree and its environment.
May 29 - Sept 2
A 3/5 scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., the traveling wall stands 6 feet tall at the center and covers almost 300 feet from end to end. The exhibit serves as a reminder of the great sacrifices made during the Vietnam War and was created to help heal and rekindle friendships. It also provides access for people across the suburbs who otherwise may not be able to make the trip to Washington
May 30 - June 2
Enjoy four days of summer fun in downtown Wheaton and Memorial Park including: live entertainment, carnival, beer garden, food vendors, Arts & Craft Fair, Business Expo and kids activities!
June 8
The 2nd Annual Fox Valley at the Fairgrounds Antique Show is presented by the Chicago Suburban Antique Dealers Association presents the best of antiques and Americana all under one roof.
June 13 & 14
Same great games, awesome new location. The Chicago Scots present a memorable celebration of Scottish tradition, skill and athleticism at the Dupage County Fairgrounds. With activities and attractions for everyone – from the Caber Toss to Highland Dancing to the Dogs of Scotland this family-friendly outdoor event is a chance to explore Scottish culture. Proceeds benefit Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care.
June 29
Whether you’re a longtime collector or new to the hobby, the vendors at Premier Card Shows have you covered. Our events are known for providing a wide array of trading cards and other related collectibles. From sports to non-sports, vintage to modern, and high-end to bargain boxes, there’s something for everyone at Premier Card shows.