What to do: July 4th Edition

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Check out some ideas from the Fandads of things to do this weekend throughout the city and a sneak preview of what’s to come next weekend. We will have a poll up next week on our Facebook page to vote on a name for these around town posts that we do.


For Families

If you want to catch a movie with the family, Despicable Me 3 just came out and you can read our review here.

Do you like to look at hot air balloons floating in the air? Check out the Lisle Eyes to the Skies Festival. Last year was our first year checking out this event and it was a lot of fun to hear all the different musical groups playing there. There were some cool circus performers on the scene and of course the hot air balloons and awesome fireworks show.

The Festival is located in Lisle Community Park located at 1825 Short Street in Lisle, IL 60532.  Free parking with shuttle service is provided.

For the gamers

Photo: Business Wire


The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Expansion Pass: The Master Trials (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch or Wii U) – More adventures await in the Master Trials pack, available June 30. By completing the Trial of the Sword challenge, Link will prove that he has grown worthy, and the Master Sword will be awakened to always be in its glowing, powered-up state while usable. Master Mode ups the challenge, Hero’s Path mode tracks 200 hours of footsteps on the map, the Travel Medallion creates a warp point, eight new armor items offer unique effects, and the Korok Mask helps locate Koroks. This content can only be obtained by purchasing the $19.99 Expansion Pass, which also includes The Champion’s Ballad, the second DLC Pack that will be available this holiday season. Full version of the game is required to use this DLC.

Coming up next weekend is the Nintendo Summer of Play Tour.

Graphic: Business Wire

For families looking to purchase Nintendo Switch or a new handheld in the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, the Summer of Play tour is the perfect opportunity to give these popular systems a try and each stop is filled with familiar Nintendo characters and camera-ready visuals. The tour is a great place to spend a summer afternoon, take photos, and create long-lasting memories with everyone in the family.

On top of all the fun and games, My Nintendo members who check in with their My Nintendo QR Code will also be able to receive a free gift item (while supplies last). For more information, visit https://my.nintendo.com/news.

The Summer of Play Tour will be at Navy Pier from July 7-9.

For the movie buffs

The 2017 Thursday Evening Family Movie Series begins July 6 with MGM’s Academy Award-winning musical comedy-drama fantasy film, “The Wizard of Oz,” starring Judy Garland (1939). Then, on July 13, it is time to climb aboard your hoverboard for “Back to the Future” (1985) starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. The film series wraps up July 20 with Walt Disney’s Academy Award-winning animated comedy-adventure film “Zootopia” (2016). As a special treat, there will be a 20-minute live performance of music from the movie performed by the COD Percussion Ensemble, conducted by Ben Wahlund, COD Director of Percussion.

Also note: There will also be a special screening of “Pride and Prejudice” (2005) on Wednesday, July 12. The screening will be preceded by the COD Women’s Study Committee’s announcement of the 2017 Adade Wheeler Woman of Distinction Award recipient.

The Lakeside Pavilion is adjacent to the McAninch Arts Center located at 425 Fawell Blvd. on the campus of College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn. All concert and movie events are free, as is parking. All events take place rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, concerts will be moved indoors to the Belushi Performance Hall and notice will be posted on the MAC’s website, AtTheMAC.org.

Oh yeah, For the Fireworks Fan

We can’t have a July 4th post and not tell you where to see some fireworks. The Chicago Dads group has written a great post about places to check out fireworks. Give it a read and share with us your ideas of fun things to do this weekend.