A free, family-friendly festival will kick off the McAninch Arts Center's 40th season on Sunday, Aug. 23, at the Lakeside Pavilion on the College of DuPage campus in Glen Ellyn.
The afternoon celebration runs from noon to 5 p.m. at 425 Fawell Blvd. and features Chicago-area '80s cover band Sixteen Candles as the headliner, along with art activities, '80s dance lessons, and excerpts from College Theater's upcoming production of "Footloose." Admission is free.
"Forty years ago, the MAC made a promise to this community to bring the world's best artists right to their doorstep. This season, we are keeping that promise in a big way and bringing in the best national and international acts," MAC Director Diana Martinez said in the college's announcement.
The MAC's 2026-27 season opens Saturday, Sept. 12, with COD alumnus Jim Belushi and The Sacred Hearts Band, according to the college. The full lineup includes comedies, musicals, tribute acts, plays, and holiday-themed events. Ticket information is available at atthemac.org.
Sixteen Candles, a five-member band based in the Chicago area, has been performing synth-pop, rock, and new wave hits since 2003.
Upcoming community events
- Thursday, July 24: Downtown Wheaton Day kicks off the Summer Sidewalk Sales weekend in downtown Wheaton, with sales continuing Friday, July 25, and Saturday, July 26.
- Friday, July 25: Blooze Brothers at Cantigny Park's Sounds of Summer Concert Series, 7–9 p.m. at Tank Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton.
- Saturday, Aug. 1: Wheaton French Market, pavilion near Liberty Drive and Main Street, downtown Wheaton.
