Kiss Summer Goodbye With These 11 Area Labor Day Festivals

Nothing typifies summer in the Chicago and the Midwest like the neighborhood festival.

With the Labor Day weekend being the unofficial end point for the season, Patch gives you a look at 11 fairs and festivals around Chicago and the suburbs that you can attend for one last hurrah.

* = The event is FREE

MUSIC

*37th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival

What: Local jazz musicians will play along with musical talents from around the country and the world at this traditional Labor Day weekend event.
When: Thursday, Sept. 3, from Sunday, Sept. 6
Where: Millennium Park
Tickets: Free
More Info: Go to the festival’s website for a complete lineup of performers

North Coast Music Festival

What: Name acts representing a mix of pop music genres play out the summer in style.
When: Friday, Sept. 4, from Sunday, Sept. 6
Where: Union Park
Tickets: $69 to $109
More Info: Go to the festival’s website for a complete lineup and to buy tickets.

CHICAGO

African Festival of the Arts

What: A simulated African village is just one of the many elements of this festival, which celebrates the art, culture and history of the continent.
When: Friday, Sept. 4, to Monday, Sept. 7
Where: Washington Park
Tickets: $15 to $40
More Info: Go to the festival’s website to buy tickets.

Taste of Polonia

What: Celebrate Polish culture at this annual festival, which benefits the Copernicus Foundation.
When: Friday, Sept. 4, to Monday, Sept. 7
Where: Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave.
Tickets: $7 for adults; kids 12 and younger are free.
More Info: Go to the festival’s website to buy tickets.

Motor Row Craft Beer and Wine Festival

What: Sample microbrews, wine and mixed drinks on Chicago’s near south side.
When: Saturday, Sept. 5, to Sunday, Sept. 6
Where: Wabash Avenue and 16th Street
Tickets: $35
More Info: Go to Eventbrite to buy tickets.

Summer WingFest

What: Enjoy chicken wings while helping Variety the Childrens Charity of Illinois.
When: 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5
Where: Bailey Auditorium, 1340 W. Washington Blvd.
Tickets: $40 to $100
More Info: Go to Eventbrite to buy tickets.

SUBURBS

Last Fling (Naperville)

What: This fundraiser for the Naperville Jaycees caps off the summer with a parade, a carnival and live music, including Lita Ford and Daughtry.
When: Friday, Sept. 3, to Monday, Sept. 7
Where: Near Naperville Central High School, 440 W. Aurora Ave. (set your GPS to that address if you’re coming from out of town)
Tickets: $10 to $270
More Info: Go to the event’s website for a concert times and to buy tickets.

*Fall Festival (Frankfort)

What: More than 300 artisans will be on hand to showcase their wares for the more than 300,000 people who attend this arts and crafts event annually.
When: Friday, Sept. 5, to Monday, Sept. 7
Where: Historic downtown Frankfort
Tickets: Free
More Info: Go to the festival’s website.

*Lebanese Food Festival (Lombard)

What: Celebrate Lebanese culture with food and live entertainment.
When: Friday, Sept. 4, to Sunday, Sept. 6
Where: Our Lady of Lebanon Church, 950 N. Grace St., Lombard
Tickets: Free
More Info: Go to the event’s Facebook page.

*Art Fair at the Dole (Crystal Lake)

What: The Lakeside Legacy Arts Park presents a variety of art during this annual event.
When: Saturday, Sept. 5, to Sunday, Sept. 6
Where: Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake
Tickets: Free
More Info: Go to the event’s website.

*Art Fair on the Square (Lake Forest)

What: Deer Path Art League’s 61st annual event has about 500 artists participating in the fair and juried art show.
When: Sunday, Sept. 6, to Monday, Sept. 7
Where: Market Square, Lake Forest
Tickets: Free
More Info: Go to the fair’s website.