Labor Day Weekend 2018: Fun Things To Do In Illinois

CHICAGO, IL — Summer doesn't officially end for a few more weeks, but for many, Labor Day weekend is the unofficial farewell to the days of fun in the sun and summer break. With a three-day weekend getting started, there are plenty of local fairs and fests to keep you busy.

Related: Labor Day Weekend 2018: Worst Times To Travel, Routes To Avoid

Here's a look at some great events happening over Labor Day weekend in Chicago and the suburbs.

* = The event is FREE

MUSIC

*40th 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. This year will feature the final live hometown performance for jazz legend Ramsey Lewis.
• When: Through Sept. 2
• Where: Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St.
• Tickets: Free
• More info: Go to the festival's website for a complete lineup of performers

*Live On The Lake!

• What: Free live music in the Miller Lite Beer Garden at Navy Pier; shows include Bollywood ft. DJ Jeet, Rod Tuffcurls & the Bench Press, Nick Lynch Band, Indika Reggae Band, and Best of the 2018 Bitter Jester Music Festival.
• When: Aug. 30 to Sept. 3
• Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.
• Tickets: Free
• More info: Schedule of shows available on the website

North Coast Music Festival

• What: Acts representing a mix of pop music genres play out the summer in style.
• When: Aug. 31 to Sept. 2
• Where: Union Park
• Tickets: $70 to $125
• More info: Go to the festival's website for a complete lineup and to buy tickets

Ravinia Festival

• What: Labor Day weekend shows include Culture Club/Boy George with the B-52s; the Thompson Twins; O.A.R. and Matt Nathanson; and Jethro Tull.
• When: Through Sept. 3
• Where: Ravinia Festival Pavilion, 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park
• Tickets: Depending on the show, lawn seats range from $20 to $33; tickets $75 to $115
• More info: Schedule and ticket info are on the Ravinia website

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CHICAGO

*Fireworks at Navy Pier

• What: It's your last chance this summer to catch Navy Pier's amazing fireworks show.
• When: 10:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1
• Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.
• Tickets: Free
• More info: Navy Pier website

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: Aug. 31 to Sept. 3
• Where: Washington Park, 5531 S. King Drive
• Tickets: $15-$20 general admission for adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for kids (free for ages 5 and younger); $40 family passes/weekend passes
• 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: Aug. 31 to Sept. 3
• Where: Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave.
• Tickets: $5 to $10; kids age 12 and younger get in free
• More info: Go to the festival's website to buy tickets.

Great American Lobster Fest

• What: The Midwest's largest lobster and seafood festival, with live music, family friendly activities and cold beverages.
• When: Aug. 31 to Sept. 2
• Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.
• Tickets: $44 to $119
• More info: Go to the festival's website 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 Cheap Trick, Lance Bass of Lance Bass of *NSYNC, Aaron Carter, Lucky Boys Confusion, local bands including ARRA and more.
• When: Aug. 31 to Sept. 3
• 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: $15 to $250 for concerts, depending on the show and seating; admission to the fest itself is free
• More info: Find concert times and ticket links here.

*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, plus live music, food, a carnival, parade and more.
• When: Sept. 1 to Sept. 3 (although the carnival started Aug. 29)
• Where: Historic downtown Frankfort
• Tickets: Free
• More info: Go to the festival's website.

Yorkville Hometown Days (Yorkville)

• What: Food, live entertainment, carnival rides, live band karaoke, a baby contest, a bean bags competition, touch-a-truck and the "Ultimate Air Dogs" competition.
• When: Aug. 30 to Sept. 2
• Where: Beecher Community Park, Game Farm Road
• Tickets: Admission is free on Thursday and Friday, $2 after 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
• More info: Find a full schedule of events here.

*Fireworks (New Lenox)

• What: This is a rescheduled event after this year's 4th of July fireworks got rained out, featuring food trucks, live music and, of course, fireworks.
• When: 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31 after the regularly scheduled Fridays After Five event (fireworks around 8:30 p.m.)
• Where: New Lenox Village Commons, 1 Veterans Pkwy, New Lenox
• Tickets: Free
• More info: Find more info on the village website

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