Glenbard-area families looking for one more free outing before school starts can head to the College of DuPage campus on Sunday, Aug. 23, when the McAninch Arts Center throws a free all-day festival to mark its 40th anniversary.

The festival runs noon to 5 p.m. at 425 Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn, with Chicago-area '80s cover band Sixteen Candles headlining at 2 p.m. The band, which has been performing since 2003, plays more than 100 shows a year across the country.

The lineup also features a jazz set by Good After V, a group of COD students and alumni; '80s dance classes led by COD dance students; a trombone trio led by Tom Stark, New Philharmonic principal trombonist and COD faculty member; and musical numbers from the College Theater cast of "Footloose."

Kids and families can try DIY art activities, face painting and mural painting. Food vendors will be available.

Organizers are asking attendees to bring a nonperishable food item to benefit the Glen House Food Pantry and the College of DuPage Student Fuel Pantry.

The MAC opened in October 1986 and has since welcomed more than two million visitors, according to the center's website. It was originally called "The Arts Center" before being renamed for Harold D. McAninch, COD's second president. A $35 million renovation followed in 2013.

Executive director Diana Martinez said the milestone "is a celebration of the MAC's enduring mission to serve as a cultural hub and the countless individuals who have helped bring it to life."

When the MAC announced its full 2026–2027 season in June, Martinez told Shaw Local the center was keeping its promise in a big way, bringing world-class artists to the community's doorstep.

In case of extreme heat or bad weather, the event moves indoors to the MAC lobby and Belushi Performance Hall. Former MAC employees and alumni can call 630-942-3008 to reserve complimentary VIP seating for the headline concert. General information is available at AtTheMAC.org or by calling 630-942-4000.

Festivalgoers can also check out "Walking With Giants," a free outdoor sculpture exhibition featuring 10 larger-than-life painted silhouettes by contemporary artists installed along a walkable route on the COD campus, on view through Oct. 18.

The MAC's ticketed 40th Anniversary Gala follows on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Belushi Performance Hall. Tickets are $300 and benefit the Belushi Scholarship for Performing Arts Endowment and the McAninch Endowment for the Arts.