Fun and Games – Page 3

Riders aboard the Raging Bull roller coaster scream as they head into a dip on May 26, 2016, at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee. (Anthony Souffle/baiduhai)

Six Flags roller coasters getting seat belts in wake of fatal accident: ‘Trust is earned through actions’

By Joseph States

October 27, 2026 at 2:19 p.m.

All Six Flags parks and rides will also undergo a review of safety procedures, the...

An Aztec dance group will be among the highlights of the Dia de los Muertos Festival on Nov. 1 in Oak Park. “I think the community is ready to celebrate again," said organizer Alma Martinez. "The community is asking to get together to honor our ancestors.” (Daveed Holmes, Aperture Photography)

Oak Park Dia de los Muertos Festival returns a year after being canceled by immigration enforcement fears

By Myrna Petlicki

October 26, 2026 at 2:07 p.m.

Public ofrendas are returning to Oak Park for a Dia de los Muertos Festival that...

Geisen team members push their coffin with the YMCA Ghostbusters close behind in the final round of the inaugural Crown Point Coffin Cup on Saturday, October 24, 2026. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune)

Geisen Funeral Home team captures Crown Point’s inaugural Coffin Cup

By Jim Masters

October 25, 2026 at 3:29 p.m.

Geisen Funeral Home evidently knows something about coffins, which came in handy at Saturday’s inaugural...

Members of the Hinsdale Mahjong Society gather to play at the group's new studio in Westmont. The society was started earlier this year by Hinsdale resident Angel Leveston and includes players from around the Chicago area. (Angel Leveston)

Hinsdale Mahjong Society opens Westmont studio for friendship, ‘spending time together around a table’

By Chuck Fieldman

July 28, 2026 at 11:47 a.m.

The Hinsdale Mahjong Society, started earlier this year, has grown into a community and opened...

The DuPage County Fair, which runs this year from Thursday through Sunday, offers a deal through which patrons can get access to unlimited carnival rides in addition to admission for $35. (DuPage County Fair Association)

Lots of changes at the DuPage County Fair this year to accommodate new construction

By Annie Alleman

July 21, 2026 at 12:38 p.m.

The DuPage County Fair returns this week with all the trappings — farm animals, funnel...

Becky Cavanagh, of Clarendon Hills, rings the bell to open the markets at the Chicago Board of Trade while gathered with fellow Special Olympics Illinois participants and officials earlier this month. Cavanagh is this year's ambassador for the Chicago Ducky Derby, which raises money for Special Olympics Illinois. (Joe Cavanagh)

Lucky duck: Clarendon Hills athlete Becky Cavanagh to pick winners at Chicago Ducky Derby

By Melinda Moore

July 21, 2026 at 11:32 a.m.

Becky Cavanagh who has competed in Special Olympics Illinois for 13 years, is this year's...

Avery Sebastian plays Invert at The Cube on July 16, 2026, in Chicago. The ticketed venue features 21 clear cubes with challenges inspired by the TV game show. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)

The Cube brings a glitzy game show experience to Michigan Avenue

By Ryan P. C. Trimble

July 19, 2026 at 4:39 p.m.

A new entertainment venue off the Magnificent Mile duplicates the challenges from a popular British...

Children interact with bug puppets from The Puppet Zoo during Insect Fest on Thursday, July 16, at Cummings Square in River Forest. The event ended an hour early because of air quality concerns. (Cam'ron Hardy/Pioneer Press)

Not bugged by air quality, hundreds show up for Insect Fest in River Forest

By Cam'ron Hardy

July 17, 2026 at 12:27 p.m.

The Forest Preserves of Cook County annual Insect Fest in River Forest ended an hour...

Oak Forest resident Lizzie Jorgensen won two Silver Medals in bowling at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. (Janice Neumann/Daily Southtown)

Oak Forest’s Lizzie Jorgensen takes Silver twice at Special Olympics USA Games

By Janice Neumann

July 11, 2026 at 10:41 a.m.

Oak Forest resident Lizzie Jorgensen won two Silver Medals in bowling at the Special Olympics...

Frankfort’s Lucy Lindgren, 8, gets some climbing in at Fort Frankfort at Commissioners Park. (Jeff Vorva/for the Daily Southtown)

New Fort Frankfort brings smiles to children and adults

By Jeff Vorva

July 9, 2026 at 5:10 a.m.

Commissioners Park new Fort Frankfort has new structures, areas for smaller children, two shelters and...

The city of Aurora has announced the schedule for the fireworks show planned for Friday, July 10, at RiverEdge Park in Aurora. (City of Aurora)

Aurora announces schedule for Friday fireworks show, rescheduled from July 3

By Addison Wright

July 8, 2026 at 4:38 p.m.

Aurora officials have announced details of the city's rescheduled July 3 fireworks show, which will...

Members of the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association celebrate the organization’s 50th anniversary June 26 during a Sneaker Ball at Gaelic Park in Oak Forest. (LWSRA)

Lincolnway Special Recreation Association marks 50th birthday as athletes bring home medals from USA Games

By Jeff Vorva

July 8, 2026 at 5:01 p.m.

Lincolnway Special Recreation Association in New Lenox marks 50th year as its athletes bring home...

Faith McPheeters and her brother, Noah, of Worth take a slide on Saturday, July 4, at Tinley Park's inaugural Country Fest. (Jeff Vorva/Daily Southtown)

Despite storms, Tinley Park’s inaugural Country Fest packs in the fun

By Jeff Vorva

July 5, 2026 at 2:08 p.m.

Thousands showed up despite storms at TInley Park's Country Fest for music and food including...