10 Events to Help You Celebrate Summer in Darien
Get out and enjoy the sunny days and warm nights with these fun summer events in Darien.
Chan Summer Concert Series, Indian Prairie Public Library
Second Wednesdays, through September, 7:30 p.m., Free
Enjoy music under the stars with Indian Prairie’s new outdoor summer concert series. Concerts will move into the meeting room in the event of rain.
June 13 Andrew Salgado
July 11 Confetti
Aug. 8 The Neverly Brothers
Sept. 12 The K. Michaels Band
Teen Night, Darien Swim & Recreation Club
Second and fourth Thursdays, through August, 7-10 p.m., $5
Kids can kick off the summer right with music, pizza, pop and swimming at Darien’s favorite swim club. Both members and nonmembers welcome. The only rule? You have to be a teen to join in the fun. The club will host several Teen Nights throughout the summer, as well as events for adults, so check out its website for more info.
Buona Beef Cruise Nights
Second Thursdays, through September, 6-9 p.m., Free
Food tastings, giveaways, music by DJ Big Bopper and, of course, classic cars round out the fun at Buona Beef’s monthly cruise nights.
Darien Historical Society Ice Cream Social, Darien Community Park
Wednesday, June 20, 6 p.m.
Help support the Darien Historical Society by buying a sweet treat at its annual Ice Cream Social. Though you’ll have to pay for ice cream, other favorites such as cookies and lemonade will be served free of charge. Stick around for the Chi-Town Showstoppers, who will begin performing a concert at 6:30 p.m.
Concert in the Park, Darien Community Park
Wednesday, June 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Chi-Town Showstoppers
Wednesday, July 18, 7-8:30 p.m.
Andrew Salgado
Saturday, Aug. 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
K.O. Bossy
Make the most of the summer weather by packing a picnic and heading to Darien Community Park for an evening of music. Dance to the R&B and funk stylings of the Chi-Town Showstoppers; relax to the acoustic country-pop melodies of Darien’s own Andrew Salgado; and step back in time with the classic rock cover band K.O. Bossy. All concerts are free.
Battle of the Bands Auditions, Q Billiards
Saturday, June 30, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Free
Local musicians ages 15-20 will audition for the chance to compete in DarienFest’s first Battle of the Bands. Get a sneak peak at the performers during this afternoon of music. (Note: Registration for competing in Battle of the Bands closes Friday.)
Macabre Masquerade, Indian Prairie Public Library
Saturday, June 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Free
Indian Prairie presents a murder mystery for teens, by teens. Masks and costumes are encouraged for this interactive event coordinated by the library’s Teen Advisory Board. Registration starts June 15.
Darien Lions Club 4th of July Parade
Wednesday, July 4, 9:30 a.m., Free
The Darien Lions Club continues its tradition of bringing 4th of July fun to town with its annual parade. The festivities kick off on the north side of Hinsdale South High School and winds onto Plainfield before veering onto 75th Street and ending at Eisenhower Junior High. This year the Lions are holding a bike decorating contest before the parade. Judging will take place at 8 a.m.
Movie Under the Stars, Darien Park District Community Center Grounds
Saturday, Aug. 11, 8:15 p.m., Free
Head off in search of treasure during this free showing of The Adventures of Tintin on the Park District Community Center grounds. Before the movie, the Community Center will feature inflatables, face painting, hula hoop contests and more.
DarienFest, Darien Community Park
Fri., Sept. 7, Sat. Sept. 8 & Sun., Sept. 9, Free
The beloved Darien end-of-summer festival celebrates its 25th anniversary with some new events. Teens will get a chance to showcase their singing talent Sept. 8 during Darien Idol, the fest’s first signing competition. On Sunday, more teen musicians will take the stage during the fest’s inaugural Battle of the Bands. Per tradition there will also be plenty of food, carnival rides and other musical performances throughout the weekend.
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