There’s a special kind of magic on the North Shore in August, with the warm breeze, outdoor concerts, and that classic end-of-summer nostalgia. From Skokie’s Backlot Bash to evening concerts and outdoor movies, this month is packed with local favorites. Grab a cold drink, mark your calendar, and let’s make the most of every sunny evening left! | | |
Northbrook Days Festival
Wednesday - Sunday, August 5 - 9
West Metra Commuter Lot - Northbrook Train Station | 1401 Shermer Rd., Northbrook
Every year, volunteers come together for five days and put on an exciting festival for residents of Northbrook and surrounding towns. The fest includes rides, games, live music, food, beer & wine, and much more! It's been a summer tradition in downtown Northbrook for decades. Come join the fun!
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Evanston History Center Walking Tours
Prairie School Lake Shore Historic District - Saturday, August 8
Evanston Alleys - Saturday, August 15
Starting from various locations, Evanston
The architectural tour highlighting the Prairie School (late 19th to early 20th century) includes the iconic Carter House by Walter Burley Griffin, the Linthicum House by Tallmadge & Watson, and the Ballard House by John Van Bergen. On the Evanston Alleys tour, you’ll discover how Chicago became the alley capital of the country as you walk the alleyways of Evanston!
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Tuesday Night Market
Tuesday, August 11 and 25
Wheeling Town Center | 375 W. Dundee Rd., Wheeling
The outdoor plaza of Wheeling Town Center comes alive with a variety of local vendors offering food, drinks, sweet treats, crafts, candles, jewelry, bath and beauty products, home goods and more! Come stroll the plaza while shopping and enjoying live music. 4:30 to 8:30 pm – two dates in August - rain or shine.
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Award Winning Theater on Chicago’s North Shore
New Shows Opening This Month
Various Locations
This month, there are three new shows you won’t want to miss including Leopoldstadt (through August 16 at Writers Theatre), West Side Story (August 13-30 presented by Music Theater Works at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie). Sisters (August 13–November 8 at Writers Theatre), and I Love You Because (August 14–September 13 at Oil Lamp Theater). Get your Tickets today!
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Live Music Under the Stars
Throughout August
Ravinia Festival | 201 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park
Ravinia, the country’s oldest music festival, has an outstanding lineup of concerts this month! Highlights include Chance the Rapper (8/8), Ricky Martin (8/20), Alabama Shakes (8/21), Bonnie Raitt (8/22), Grease Sing-Along (8/23), Brandi Carlile (8/26) and Kool & The Gang (8/27). Come see the newly redesigned Hunter Pavillion!
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Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival
Saturday - Sunday, August 22 - 23
Downtown Evanston | Church & Sherman Ave., Evanston
A community favorite, the fest features thousands of original pieces from an impressive 150 juried artists showcasing their paintings, sculpture, jewelry, mixed media, photography and so much more. Live music, great food, drinks, and tasty treats, artist demonstrations, kids’ activities and on-site painting classes make it fun for the whole family!
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Starlight Movie Series - Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure
Saturday, August 29
Leider Park | 600 Asbury Ave., Evanston
Travel back in time with Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure at the Evanston Starlight Movie Series! Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, snacks, and friends for a free outdoor movie under the stars. This family-friendly favorite (PG) begins at 7 p.m. Don't miss an excellent evening of summertime fun under the stars!
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Skokie’s Backlot Bash
Friday - Sunday, August 28-30
Downtown Skokie | Corner of Floral Ave., and Oakton St., Skokie
The three-day street festival features fun for everyone including a carnival midway, a large beer tent, the Backlot Dash 5K Run and Half Mile Youth Color Fun Run, a farmer’s market, an art fair, a pancake breakfast, food vendors, and loads of live music (18 bands on two stages)! You won’t want to miss it!
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Leopoldstadt
THROUGH AUGUST 16, 2026
Writers Theatre, Glencoe
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Garden Chef Series
THROUGH AUGUST 23, 2026
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
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WhirlWind
THROUGH AUGUST 30, 2026
Kohl Children's Museum, Glenview
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