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Father's Day Weekend Things To Do In Chicago: Plus, Honoring Juneteenth and More

Do you have an outdoorsman dad? Try the Take Me Fishing event courtesy of the Westmont Park District.
Do you have an outdoorsman dad? Try the Take Me Fishing event courtesy of the Westmont Park District.
6/14/23 - By Siobhan Adcock

Looking for the best things to do in Chicago this Father's Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

Get ready for a double header of holidays this weekend as both Father's Day (Sunday) and Juneteenth (Monday) bring lots of fun family events to Chicago. Give Dad what he wants with a Classic Car Show in Oak Brook, Music of the Grateful Dead for Kids in Pilsen, a mini-golf match in Highland Park, or a fishing derby in Busse Woods. Chicago's Juneteenth event lineup features a barbecue at the DuSable Museum, free skating at Fifth Third Arena, and Real Men Cook in South Shore.

Did we mention we’re running weekly giveaways all summer long? This week we’re giving away a Mommy Poppins beach tote, plus each entry also counts as an extra entry into our Ultimate Summer Giveaway, an all-included trip to Nick Resort Punta Cana! Find out how to enter on our Facebook page!

More Things To Do in Chicago this Week with Kids 

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The Juneteenth flag. Photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins
The Juneteenth flag. Photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins

Things to Do Fathers Day and Juneteenth Weekend

Grant Park Music Festival

Friday, June 16, 2023- Saturday, June 17, 2023—Downtown FREE
Chicagoans of all ages can enjoy the Grant Park Music Festival, a 10-week celebration featuring world-class classical music concerts and community engagement—a Chicago tradition for more than 80 years. READ MORE

Scottish Festival and Highland Games in Aye-Tasca

Friday, June 16, 2023- Saturday, June 17, 2023—Itasca
Illinois’ oldest non-profit is bringing back the beloved two-day Scottish extravaganza featuring cooking demonstrations by the National Chef of Scotland, North America’s largest and most prestigious pipe band competition, the crowd-pleasing heavy athletics, The Dogs of Scotland with a rescue dog agility show, and much more. READ MORE

St. Demetrios Taste of Greece Festival

Friday, June 16, 2023- Sunday, June 18, 2023—Elmhurst
Opa! Families can taste a little Greek culture at St. Demetrios Church's annual celebration. The event includes Greek food and beverages, live music, Greek dancing, a carnival, and tours of the Greek Orthodox Church. READ MORE

Taste of Randolph Street

Friday, June 16, 2023- Sunday, June 18, 2023—West Loop
Foodies of all ages can enjoy bites from over 16 local restaurants, as well as live music and a DJ at Taste of Randolph Street. Two stages of music will feature up-and-coming bands and DJs. READ MORE

Artists of the Wall Festival

Saturday, June 17, 2023—Rogers Park FREE
Watch as more than 150 artists paint sections of the 600-foot retaining wall along the lakefront from Farwell Avenue to Morse Avenue. Musical performances and food and drink vendors add to the family-friendly fun. In 2023 artists will paint works with the them of "Stories of the Wall." READ MORE

Busse Lake Outdoors Day and Fishing Derby

Saturday, June 17, 2023—Elk Grove Village FREE
Kids can bring their dads to explore Busse Woods and participate in a free fishing derby. Climb trees, play in nature, meet animals and more. Prizes will be awarded to fishing derby participants and local foods will be available for purchase. READ MORE

NNU Celebrates Juneteenth

Saturday, June 17, 2023—Naperville FREE
Naperville Neighbors United celebrates Juneteenth at Rotary Hill. Families are invited to hear guest speakers. performance from Harmony & Soul and the Divine Sound Gospel Choir, participate in activities, and enjoy Juneteenth foods. READ MORE

Woodridge Jubilee

Thursday, June 15, 2023- Sunday, June 18, 2023—Woodridge
The Village of Woodridge and the Woodridge Park District host their 37th annual Jubilee at the corner of Woodridge and Center Drives. The event includes live music, a carnival, bingo, a fishing derby, a magic show, inflatables, a gaming truck, face painting, air brush tattoos, food and drink vendors, and fireworks. Grown-ups can participate in the Beer & Donut Dash. READ MORE

Hinsdale Movies in the Park

Friday, June 16, 2023—Hinsdale
Bring your blanket and lawn chairs and enjoy a movie in Robbins Park! Shows include Encanto on June 16 and Despicable Me on August 11. A special movie in the pool, The Santa Clause, will be shown on July 21 at Hinsdale Community Pool. READ MORE

Chicago Park District Movies in the Park

Friday, June 16, 2023- Sunday, June 18, 2023—Montclare, Lakeview, Ravenswood, and Lincoln Park
Hollywood comes to Chicago this summer with hundreds of movies throughout city parks! Bring your own blanket or chairs for retro favorites, kids' classics, and recent box office hits. READ MORE

Juneteenth Festival at Fifth Third Arena

Sunday, June 18, 2023—West Loop
Celebrate Juneteenth at Fifth Third Arena with free ice skating and music. A game lounge and on-ice entertainment round out fun. Black-owned businesses will be selling food and goods on site. READ MORE

Father's Day Mini Golf Tournament

Sunday, June 18, 2023—Highland Park
Challenge Dad to a round of mini golf at Rivers Edge Mini Golf in Highland Park. Reservations are required and can be made up to a week in advance. READ MORE

Father's Day Family Nature Walk

Sunday, June 18, 2023—River Forest
A naturalist leads families on a walk through the woods around the Trailside Museum of Natural History. Registration is required. READ MORE

Juneteenth BBQ at DuSable Museum

Monday, June 19, 2023—Bronzeville
Bring your own grill to the DuSable Museum of African American History to celebrate Juneteenth with a barbecue. The event will include food, vendors, live entertainment, a bouncy house, table games, and horseback riding. This year's celebration also celebrates the 50th anniversary of hip hop with music from Kool Mo Dee. READ MORE

Father's Day Classic Car Show at Oakbrook Center

Sunday, June 18, 2023—Oak Brook
More than 80 antique, vintage, and unique cars will be on display in this 53rd annual show at Oakbrook Center for Father's Day. Cars date back from the early 1900s and come from all over the world. READ MORE

Oak Park Concerts in the Park

Sunday, June 18, 2023—Oak Park
The Park District of Oak Park hosts free summer concerts in Scoville Park from June 11- August 20. Guests are asked to remember to carry out anything they brought in and use appropriate trash and recycling cans. READ MORE

Music of The Grateful Dead for Kids Father's Day and Juneteenth Celebration

Sunday, June 18, 2023—Pilsen
Dads and kids alike can enjoy the music of Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia as performed by The Rock and Roll Playhouse at Thalia Hall The Rock and Roll Playhouse combines games, movement, stories, and rock and roll to create a fun family experience. They know that little ears can be sensitive so they keep the volume down at their shows. Some children still feel more comfortable with ear protection so use your best judgement. READ MORE

Take Me Fishing!

Saturday, June 17, 2023—Westmont
Teach a kid to fish at Bernas Park in Westmont for a special Father's Day weekend outing. Prizes and giveaways available while supplies last. READ MORE

Real Men Cook- Chicago

Sunday, June 19, 2023—South Shore
Celebrate the bond between fathers and their families as men cook delicious dishes and enjoy music together with their families. This event is meant to promote a positive images of men in relationship to their families and communities. READ MORE

Bike Camping in the City: Family Campout 2023

Friday, June 16, 2023- Sunday, June 18, 2023—North Park and Skokie
Kids can experience bike camping in Chicago and the suburbs. Families meet at North Park Village Nature Center on Friday afternoon or evening and camp overnight. before explore beautiful trails, including the Sauganash Bike Path, North Branch Trail Extension, North Channel path, and the McCormick Sculpture Path. The second night of camping is at Emily Oaks Nature Center in Skokie. Bike back to the starting point on Sunday. READ MORE
Check out 70+ Kid-Friendly Summer Festivals Near Chicago! Photo courtesy of Great American Lobster Fest, Facebook
Check out 70+ Kid-Friendly Summer Festivals Near Chicago! Photo courtesy of Great American Lobster Fest, Facebook

Other Family Friendly Fun in June

Chicago's Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families This Summer

Pull up a lawn chair and a picnic for a free summer concert. READ MORE

What is Juneteenth? Celebrating Juneteenth 2023 with Kids

Learn, reflect, and celebrate on this important holiday. READ MORE

101 Summer Festivals and Fairs in Chicago for Families

Chicago Loop — FREE
Discover which summer fairs and fests are best for kids. READ MORE

50 Free Things To Do in Chicago This Summer With Kids

Keep kids entertained with fun activities that are totally free all summer long. READ MORE

39 Free Outdoor Movies in Chicago this Summer for Kids

Pull up a chair or blanket and take in a movie this summer. READ MORE

Best Splash Pads, Splash Parks, and Water Playgrounds in Chicago

The fun is as wet as it gets at these nearby sprinkler parks. READ MORE

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