Top 10 Things to Do in DuPage County This Summer
1. "Hokusai & Ukiyo-E: The Floating World"
Now through September 21, 2025 at the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage
The Hokusai and Ukiyo-E: The Floating World exhibition showcases over 60 works and artifacts by the masters of Japan's Edo Period (1603-1868). Acclaimed artists such as Hokusai and Hiroshige provide a window into life during this time, when the city of Edo (now Tokyo) thrived as Japan's cultural and economic center. These intricate works exemplify Ukiyo-e, or "floating world images", a celebrated Japanese art form that captures an idealized world of grandeur, style, and pleasure. The multi-faceted experience centers around the world-class presentation of a 70-piece collection making its U.S. debut, featured as “Museum Galleries – Chiossone Collection” in the exhibition.
2. Venture throughout The Morton Arboretum
You have two great things to see at The Morton Arboretum this summer! Vivid Creatures is the new outdoor art exhibition at The Morton Arboretum. Be inspired by the many connections of the natural world. Amid towering trees and sweeping green vistas, five giant, colorful animal sculptures can be found. Guests of all ages will delight in colorful sculptures modeled after a white-tailed deer, a brittle button snail, a fox squirrel, a blue dasher dragonfly, and a sandhill crane—all animals native to northern Illinois. Each creature is depicted in vibrantly painted, larger-than-life sculptures up to 22 feet tall!
Another fun thing to do this summer at The Morton Arboretum is Wonder Woods Mini Golf. You’ll enjoy an imaginative, tree-themed adventure with friends and family on this one-of-a-kind mini golf course specially designed for the Arboretum with the help of their research scientists.
3. Veggie Fest Chicago
August 9-10, 2025 in Lisle
Veggie Fest Chicago is one of the largest vegetarian food and wellness festivals in North America. This festival is a family fun festival celebrating the joy, science, food, and compassion behind the vegetarian lifestyle, bringing more than 50,000+ participants in the recent years. Come enjoy great food at the international food court; listen to world-renowned health professionals speaking on diet, lifestyle, and environmental issues; enjoy food demos from acclaimed restaurant owners, chefs, and authors; visit our amazing children's tent with face painting, clowns, and crafts; sit back and relax to music from some of Chicago's best bands; and explore over 100 vendor booths.
4. DuPage Triple Crown, as part of Chicago Grit
July 19, 20 & 22
Chicago Grit, a cycling competition with more than 900 amateur and professional cyclists, will feature three race days in DuPage forming the DuPage Triple Crown. The full series begins on Saturday, July 19 with the first DuPage race being the Ray Whalen Builders Tour of Lake Ellyn (Glen Ellyn), followed by the Winfield Criterium and Summerfest on July 20 and completing the DuPage Triple Crown with the Lombard Cycling Classic on July 22. Spectators are welcome and encouraged to cheer on cyclists and be part of this high energy cycling culture. Race days will feature exciting opportunities for community involvement.
5. Summer Concerts Throughout DuPage
Warm summer nights, music in the air, and the glory of gathering! So many of our DuPage communities celebrate summer with concerts in the park which offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy friends and family and an easy night out with little planning. Be sure to check our Calendar of Events for other summer fun, as new events are added weekly.
6. France Fun at Cantigny
July 19-20, 2025 at Cantigny
Travel to France without getting on an airplane! At Rendezvous: Splendor of Versailles, this 21+ event will feature all of the opulence of Versailles in Cantigny’s gardens. Enjoy entertainment including string music, aerialists, burlesque, a live band, and roaming performers. Dress to impress in your best lavish, gold ensemble that would earn Marie Antoinette’s approval!
The next day, return to Cantigny for Voyage en France! Immerse yourself in the charm of France with partners including Alliance Français, the French Chamber of Commerce, and the French Consulate. Throughout the park, enjoy photo stations and iconic sights including an Eiffel Tower replica. Indulge in the vibrant atmosphere of Moulin Rouge at the South Grove Beer Garden, featuring Can-Can dancers and Cabaret performances. Engage in community art projects and savor French cuisine throughout the day amid street performers including accordion players and mimes.
7. Umbrella Sky Elmhurst
Now through September 2025
Umbrella Sky Elmhurst is back for the third year in a row! Three Umbrella Sky exhibits are located throughout Elmhurst. Get your picture-perfect moment this summer!
Locations are:
Schiller Court at Schiller and York Streets
110 South Cottage Hill Avenue
254 North York Street
Looking for an adventure this summer? The Explore Elmhurst Express Trolley offers visitors and residents a FREE 30-minute ride around the lively city of Elmhurst. Making six stops across the city, this fun and easy trip runs every Friday and Saturday. It's a great activity for a warm evening that you can spend with friends and family.
8. Reach New Heights at The Forge: Lemont Quarries
As an innovative leader in outdoor recreation, The Forge: Lemont Quarries is a state-of-the-art adventure park designed to deliver unique year-round activities for adventurers of all ages and abilities. Featuring a versatile and wide-ranging mix of recreational activities set among a reclaimed natural landscape, the park offers an escape to tranquil and interactive green space where guests can test their personal boundaries while engaging with a passionate community of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. In addition, The Forge also offers a variety of summer events, such as the Lemont Food Truck Festival and Forge Fest.
9. Slide Into Summer Fun
Summer isn’t complete without a trip to the water park. Luckily, DuPage is home to splash-worthy spots that are perfect for cooling off and turning up the fun. Whether you’re racing down towering slides or watching little ones laugh in splash zones, there’s no shortage of ways to soak in the sunshine. Plan your visit and discover why DuPage waterparks are a must-stop for summer fun just outside Chicago.
10. Shop at One of Several DuPage Farmers Markets
Embark on a journey through DuPage's local markets, where a vibrant tapestry of flavors meets community spirit. Discover the stories behind the products and the heart of DuPage's local community.
For a complete list of events and other fun summer activities, make sure you look at our Calendar of Events, as new events are added weekly.