Carnivals and Fairs to Catch This August: South & Southwest Suburbs

August is peak carnival-and-fair season in the south and southwest suburbs - rides, fair food, live music, and one last dose of summer before school takes over the calendar. Here's what's on the calendar this month. As always, confirm exact times and any admission details with the event organizers before you head out, since schedules can shift.

Taste of Orland Park

When: July 31 – August 2, 2026

Where: Orland Park

A multi-day community festival with food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities - a good option if you want fair food without driving far.

Barro Fest

When: August 2, 2026

Where: Settlers' Park, Plainfield

Live music, a beer tent, and food vendors in a relaxed park setting - worth the short drive if you're on the southwest side of the suburbs.

RomeoFest

When: August 6 – 9, 2026

Where: Deer Crossing Park / Village Park, Romeoville

A four-day celebration with a full carnival, live music, food, a car show, fireworks, and a laser show. New this year: Romeoville's first color run, so this is a good one if you've got older kids or a family that likes to be active as part of the fun.

National Night Out

When: August 4, 2026

Where: Tinley Park

A community-building event where families can meet local police, fire, and emergency services in a relaxed, family-friendly setting - food, activities, and a good look at the vehicles and equipment your kids may have only seen from a distance.

Will County Fair

When: August 26 – 30, 2026

Where: Will County Fairgrounds, Peotone

The big one if you want a full old-fashioned county fair experience - demolition derby, tractor and truck pulls, a baby show, a chili cookoff, and all the classic fair midway rides and food. Worth the slightly longer drive for families who want the full county-fair feel rather than a smaller town festival.

Worth a Slightly Longer Drive: Shorewood Crossroads Fest

When: July 31 – August 2, 2026

Where: Cene's Four Seasons Park, Shorewood

Just west of the core south/southwest suburbs, but close enough for a day trip - carnival rides, live music, a craft show, a car show, and a bags tournament.

Know of a south or southwest suburb carnival, fair, or festival we should add? We're always updating this list as new event details are announced - send us a note.