Ever heard the saying “life happens?" One day you take your last final of the semester and you're excited for the freedom to start your summer bucket list with family and friends and the next thing you know, “life happens." Life happens, meaning you realize you actually have to work this summer to pay for the fun events and activities on your bucket list, you may have to take a summer class which always puts some metaphorical dark clouds in the sunny summer sky and other obligations pull you in many directions. With part of the summer already in the past, there is still time to plan activities, work around your “life happens” schedule, and finish up and/or add to your summer bucket list!

Here are a few events and ideas happening around our area to help complete your bucket list!

Cubs and White Sox games.

The Cubs and Sox play all summer long! You can easily Google the schedules and hop on a train to Wrigleyville or the South Side, not to mention the cross-town rival games start the end of July!

Lollapalooza.

Although the tickets left are quite expensive, ask around and see if anyone you know is looking to sell a ticket so you can experience the music festival downtown in Grant Park that everyone talks about!

Geneva Arts Fair.

Happening July 23 and 24, more than 140 artists show their artwork including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and jewelry and more which are all for sale.

5K River Run and 1K Color Run.

On July 31, the St. Charles River Corridor Foundation is presenting two events for all you runners or walkers who want to enjoy the outdoor and fit a nice workout into your day, you can now register for the Bob Leonard 5K River Run and 1K Color Run!

Cascade Drive-In.

Cascade is located in West Chicago, and plays one to two current movies a night. Bring your own snacks and bug spray and enjoy an outdoor movie with friends on a summer night!

Don’t forget about last minute bucket list items like mini-golf, going to fro-yo shops, $5 Tuesday movies at Marcus in Elgin, Six Flags and beach volleyball! I hope everyone like me who’s had “life happen” the first few weeks of summer can benefit from this bucket list ideas and start enjoying summer a little more!