Festival listings: August

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August 20–26

* FREE Chicago Dancing Festival Mon 20–Fri 24; Sat 25 at 7:30pm. Locations including Millennium Park, Pritzker Pavilion, 205 E Randolph St (773-609-2335, chicagodancingfestival.com). Steal some moves that’ll put Kevin Bacon to shame at this free weeklong fest that features some of the world’s best dance companies presenting styles ranging from ballet and modern to ethnic dance forms. Indoor TBA performances require free advance tickets. The grand finale, Sat 25 at 7pm in Pritzker Pavilion, always draws a huge lawn crowd and is free and open to all.

FREE Chicago Navy Week Mon 20. Various locations (901-874-7049, navyweek.org). Chicago is one of 15 cities to greet sailors and host a weeklong celebration of naval servicewomen and men. Ship visits, the Navy Band, vehicle demos, tours and a navy simulator commemorate the War of 1812 and show visitors what it means to be in the Navy. All those adorable ladies and gents in white uniforms will be walking around, too.  Locations and times TBA.

* FREE Movies in the Park Mon 20–Sun 26. Various Chicago Park District locations; see website (312-742-7529, chicagoparkdistrict.com). Grant Park movies are long gone, but the Chicago Park District has since picked up the slack by beefing up its neighborhood outdoor movie series. More than 100 local parks get their own big screen for a night or two. All movies begin at dusk.

FREE Chicago SummerDance Thu 23–Sat 25, 6–9:30pm; Sun 26, 4–7pm. Grant Park, Spirit of Music Garden, 601 S Michigan Ave (312-742-4007, chicagosummerdance.org). Cut a rug, or at least learn how to at this annual series of couples dances Thursday through Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. A professional instructor conducts dance lessons for the first hour before you bust a move on the Grant Park pavement.

Clark After Dark Block Party Thu 23, 4–10pm. 420 N Clark St (312-923-7070, uso.org/illinois). $10. Camo not required at this military-themed bash hosted by the United Service Organization of Illinois. Honor troops and their families with a live auction, live music, food and a raffle.

The Boulevard Fri 24, 5–10pm; Sat 25, noon–10pm; Sun 26, noon–9pm. Logan Blvd at Milwaukee Ave (773-665-4682, starevents.com). $5. This Logan Square (which is actually in a circle) bash features live music, art, food and craft beers.

Naperville Wine Festival Fri 24, 4–10pm; Sat 25, 3–9pm. CityGate Centre, 2135 City Gate Ln, Naperville (847-382-3270, napervillewinefestival.com). $35, advance $27, designated drivers $10, under 21 free. Bring a DD and don’t be afraid to get a little tipsy as you sip more than 270 wines at this annual wine party featuring live music and cooking demos.

FREE Taste of Latin America Fri 24, 5–10pm; Sat 25, Sun 26, 11am–10pm. Armitage and Central Park Aves (773-868-3010, chicagoevents.com). This inaugural food and wine fest hopes to transport you South of the Border to the food and culture of Central and South America.

Bash on Wabash Sat 25, Sun 26, noon–10pm. Wabash Ave between 13th St and 14th Pl (greatersouthloop.org). $5, kids $3. The South Loop’s ninth annual bash will feature neighborhood food, live music, games and an expanded kids’ area with inflatables, a craft area, story time, face painters, a balloon person and kids’ fitness sessions.

Bristol Renaissance Faire Sat 25, Sun 26, 10am–7pm. 12550 120th Ave, Kenosha, WI (847-395-7773, renfair.com/bristol). $19.95, advance $17.95, kids $9.50, advance kids $7.50. Have a jolly olde time and butcher your favorite European accent as you engage in live-action fantasy play, enjoy interactive riddles, cheer on your favorite jousting knight or revel in period performances from 1574. The festival takes place Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day in July, August and early September.

FREE Bucktown Arts Fest Sat 25, Sun 26, 11am–7pm. Senior Citizens Park, 2300 N Oakley Ave (312-409-8305, bucktownartsfest.com). What began as four neighborhood artists cobbling together an art fair has turned into this 26th annual festival offering art, music, poetry, theater and dance.

* Food Truck Social Sat 25, Sun 26, noon–10pm. West Town location TBA (foodtrucksocialchicago.com). $5. If you came to this super-popular TOC-sponsored festival last year and were turned off by the long lines, don’t fear: This year’s fete accommodates even more trucks, meaning, yes, more yummy food. Empty Bottle Presents books the bands.

Randolph Street Market Festival Sat 25, 10am–6pm; Sun 26, 10am–5pm. 1350 block of W Randolph St (312-666-1200, chicagoantiquemarket.com). $10, online $8, kids under 12 free. Holding both the Chicago Antique Market and Indie Designer Market, this fest is on the last weekend of every month through September. Stop in for vintage clothes and jewelry, a vinyl swap meet, a fancy food market and a global goods bazaar. Peruse antiques or bring your own for appraisal.

FREE Taste of Greece Sat 25, Sun 26, noon–11pm. 100–400 S Halsted St (847-509-8050, greektownchicago.org). While Taste of Grease may describe most summer festivals, this celebration of Greek food, music and dancing will still sate your appetite.

Ukrainian Days Festival Sat 25, Sun 26, noon–10pm. Smith Park, 2526 W Grand Ave (773-366-4025, uccaillinois.org). $5, kids under 13 free. Slurp some borscht at this annual celebration of Ukrainian independence that features traditional crafts, music and food.