Calendar
What’s Happening?
There’s always something to see or do in Highland Park! Check out our calendar to plan your next visit.
Note: The sponsoring organization for each event is included in the event listing. The City does not sponsor or endorse events listed on the calendar except those attributed to the City of Highland Park. Please direct any questions to the sponsoring organization.
To have your Highland Park event featured, please email Marketing Coordinator Diane Larson.
Individual Event Listings
Scarecrow Trail
Scarecrow Trail
SEPT. 25 - OCT. 10
Downtown Highland Park
The third annual Scarecrow trail throughout Downtown Highland Park features over THIRTY uniquely decorated scarecrows! Explore the scarecrow displays before casting a vote for “Best in Show Scarecrow.” The Scarecrow Trail will run from September 25 - October 10; the winner will be announced during the 5th-annual Stews & Brews, taking place at Port Clinton Square.
Ravinia Farmers Market
Ravinia Farmers Market
WEDNESDAYS, JUN. 3 - OCT. 28 | 7 AM - 1 PM
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.
Head to the heart of Highland Park’s Ravinia District for your favorite local farmers market! Shop seasonal produce, meet local vendors, and enjoy live performances throughout the morning.
Witches Brine Workshop
Park District of Highland Park
Witches Brine Workshop
OCT. 8 | 5:30 PM - 6:45 PM | $25
Rosewood Beach Interpretive Center - 883 Sheridan Rd.
Get into the Halloween spirit while learning the art of pickling! Discover the science behind brining, create your own delicious pickled vegetables, and take home a jar of spooky-season flavor.
Pre-registration required. All participants, children and adults, must register for the program. Children must be accompanied by a paid registered adult. Program is indoors.
Ages 8+
Stews & Brews
Stews & Brews
OCT. 10 | 4 PM - 9 PM
Port Clinton Square | 600 Central Ave.
More info coming soon!
Ravinia Farmers Market
Ravinia Farmers Market
WEDNESDAYS, JUN. 3 - OCT. 28 | 7 AM - 1 PM
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.
Head to the heart of Highland Park’s Ravinia District for your favorite local farmers market! Shop seasonal produce, meet local vendors, and enjoy live performances throughout the morning.
Heat Pump and Electrification 101
Heat Pump and Electrification 101
OCT. 14 | 6 PM | FREE
City Hall - 1707 St. Johns Ave.
Electrifying Your Home: Heat Pumps & More!
Curious about heat pumps, induction stovetops, and general electrification of the home? Then join us for an intro to the transformative world of heat pumps and electrification presented by Aaron Stash from the Electric Homes Company. Learn about heat pumps and the benefits they can provide in savings, comfort, safety, and reducing your greenhouse gas emissions. Join us in person on Oct. 14, 6 PM at City Hall or via live Zoom option. Register for the event by filling out this form.
Boo Bash
Park District of Highland Park
Boo Bash
OCT. 17 | 3 PM - 5 PM | $10 resident / $12 non-resident
West Ridge Center - 636 Ridge Rd.
Put on your costume and head over to meet live spooky animals, make an edible candy potion, test your skills on a spooky gymnastics course, and visit our enrichment rooms for Halloween fun!
Registration is per child and all children must be accompanied by a non-registered adult.
Ages 2-13
Kids Night Out: The Great Pumpkin
Park District of Highland Park
Kids Night Out: The Great Pumpkin
OCT. 17 | 6 PM - 8 PM | $28
Heller Nature Center - 2821 Ridge Rd.
Drop the kids off at Heller Nature Center to explore science and nature with our naturalists, while you enjoy a nice dinner or anything else you might have planned for Sweetest Day. Kids will scoop, squish, and explore pumpkins—digging into the guts and seeds while creating sticky, messy, and even exploding science experiments! We’ll even feed them pizza!
Ages 5-12
Ravinia Farmers Market
Ravinia Farmers Market
WEDNESDAYS, JUN. 3 - OCT. 28 | 7 AM - 1 PM
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.
Head to the heart of Highland Park’s Ravinia District for your favorite local farmers market! Shop seasonal produce, meet local vendors, and enjoy live performances throughout the morning.
Not-So-Spooky Spider Party
Park District of Highland Park
Not-So-Spooky Spider Party
OCT. 21 | 10 AM - 11 AM | $10 resident / $12 non-resident
West Ridge Center - 636 Ridge Rd.
Join the Park District for a not-so-spooky spider adventure as you read The Very Busy Spider, discover how spiders build their amazing webs, and move like spiders through interactive activities. Children will then create a fun spider-themed craft while strengthening fine motor skills, creativity, and imagination.
Registration is per child and all children must be accompanied by a non-registered adult.
Ages 2+
Paws & Candy Adoption Event
Pets4Life
Paws & Candy Adoption Event
OCT. 23 | 3 PM - 4:30 PM | FREE
Pets4Life - 661 Central Ave.
Double the treats, double the fun! Stop by Pets4Life on October 23 for an extra-special Halloween adoption event with Orphans of the Storm. Grab some candy for the kids and meet your new best fur-iend. No tricks, just pure love!
Halloween Open Play Pickleball
Park District of Highland Park
Halloween Open Play Pickleball
OCT. 23 | 5 PM - 9 PM | $10 Premier / $15 Standard / $20 Non-Member
Club Pickle & Padel - 2205 Skokie Valley Rd.
Dress up in your favorite costume — it’s encouraged but never required! Enjoy festive open play with friends, and show off your look for a chance to win our Best Dressed contest. The winner gets to pick any item from the pro shop, on us!
Stop by check-in for some candy, and every registered participant receives a complimentary drink ticket to keep the fun going.
Ages 21+
Scary Skate
Park District of Highland Park
Scary Skate
OCT. 23 | 7 PM - 8:30 PM | $10
Centennial Ice Arena - 3100 Trail Way
Join the Park District of Highland Park for a frightfully fun evening at Scary Skate, our community ice skating event celebrating Halloween! Come in costume and enjoy spooky music, festive decorations, and a ghoulishly good time on the ice.
All ages and skill levels are welcome—just bring your skates (or borrow a pair) and get ready for a chillingly cool night!
Food available for purchase.
Bubbleween
Bubbles Academy
Bubbleween
OCT. 24 | 10 AM - 12 PM | $25
Bubbles Academy - 1736 First St., Ste. 102B (rear)
Children ages 0 months - 6 years are invited to join Bubbles Academy for the annual Bubbleween costume party! Enjoy a special live concert by Miss Anna at 10:45 AM, spooky crafts, open play, a monster mash dance party, a costume parade, and light refreshments.
$25 per child, up to two adults allowed per child.
Pumpkin Pool Splash
Park District of Highland Park
Pumpkin Pool Splash
OCT. 24 | 1 PM - 2:30 PM | $15 resident / $18 non-resident
Park Fitness - 1207 Park Ave. W
Dive into a world of whimsy and wonder at the Pumpkin Pool Splash! Experience an exhilarating splashdown as colossal pumpkins take the plunge into a sparkling pool, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of color and excitement. Get ready to make a splash of your own amidst the vibrant autumn atmosphere, where fun knows no bounds and laughter echoes through the air. Join us for a day of pumpkin-themed delight that will leave you thrilled and soaked in unforgettable memories!
Ages 3-12
Ravinia Farmers Market
Ravinia Farmers Market
WEDNESDAYS, JUN. 3 - OCT. 28 | 7 AM - 1 PM
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.
Head to the heart of Highland Park’s Ravinia District for your favorite local farmers market! Shop seasonal produce, meet local vendors, and enjoy live performances throughout the morning.
Candy Stroll at Port Clinton
Port Clinton Square
Candy Stroll at Port Clinton
OCT. 29 | 3 PM - 6 PM | FREE
Port Clinton Square
Have fun exploring fall decor, selfie stations, and live music at Port Clinton Square on October 29. Plus, trick-or-treat at participating Port Clinton businesses!
Halloween Boo Bash
Renaissance Place
Halloween Boo Bash
OCT. 29 | 3 PM - 6:30 PM | FREE
Renaissance Place - 1850 Green Bay Rd.
Enjoy a DJ, face painting, a balloonist, candy, and tons more Halloween fun
Halloween Bash
Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar
Halloween Bash
OCT. 29 | 3 PM - 8 PM | FREE ENTRY
Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar - 1879 Second St.
Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar is set to host the annual Halloween Bash on October 29. This open-house event is complete with games and activities for kids, a costume contest, an all-you-can-eat buffet, and a delicious s’mores bar.
There is no entry fee for this event, and tickets / RSVPs are not required.
Ravinia District Candy Stroll
Ravinia District
Candy Stroll
OCT. 30 | 3:30 PM - 5 PM
Jens Jensen Park
Start your Halloween haul early with the annual Ravinia District Candy Stroll on Friday, October 30 from 3:30 - 5 PM. Visit participating businesses for yummy candy and take part in fun, fall activities at Jens Jensen Park (540 Roger Williams Ave.).
Stay tuned for more information!
Veteran's Day Observance
Veteran’s Day Observance
NOV. 11 | 11 AM
The City of Highland Park will hosts its annual Veterans Day Observance on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 11AM. Details on location and program TBA
Holiday Lighting
Holiday Lighting
NOV. 21 | 4 PM - 6 PM
Port Clinton Square | 600 Central Ave.
More info coming soon!
Ravinia District Cookie & Cocoa Crawl
Ravinia District
Cookie & Cocoa Crawl
DEC. 5 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Jens Jensen Park
Kick-off the Holiday season with the annual Ravinia District Cookie & Cocoa Crawl on Saturday, December 5. Visit participating businesses for warm cocoa and festive cookies and tons of fun The festivities will take place along Roger Williams from 11:30 AM - 1 PM.
Stay tuned for all of the exciting details!
The Cookie and Cocoa Crawl is presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners
Ravinia Farmers Market
Ravinia Farmers Market
WEDNESDAYS, JUN. 3 - OCT. 28 | 7 AM - 1 PM
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.
Head to the heart of Highland Park’s Ravinia District for your favorite local farmers market! Shop seasonal produce, meet local vendors, and enjoy live performances throughout the morning.
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest
SEPT. 26 | 4 PM - 8 PM
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.
More info coming soon!
Downtown Concert at Port Clinton: Finale
Downtown Concerts at Port Clinton: Finale & Scarecrow Trail
SEPT. 25 | 4 PM - 8 PM
Port Clinton Square | 600 Central Ave.
Commemorate fall with scarecrows, pumpkins, great food, live music, and family fun! The Downtown Concerts Season Finale features a line-up of family-friendly music and activities, seasonal decor, and a Scarecrow Trail through town to see over two dozen festive scarecrows, each uniquely decorated by local businesses, to cast a vote for “Best in Show.” Close out this year’s season of Friday night concerts with world cuisine from Las Torres Mexican Restaurant, Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar, and Indus Progressive Indian. Take part in facepainting, airbrush tattoos, and pumpkin crafts, interact with larger-than-life scarecrow puppets, and jam out to Miss Jamie’s Farm, Istvan & His Imaginary Band, Ben Tatar & the Tatar Tots, and Taylor & Mane.
Ravinia Farmers Market
Ravinia Farmers Market
WEDNESDAYS, JUN. 3 - OCT. 28 | 7 AM - 1 PM
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.
Head to the heart of Highland Park’s Ravinia District for your favorite local farmers market! Shop seasonal produce, meet local vendors, and enjoy live performances throughout the morning.
Downtown Concert at Port Clinton: Sabor de Libertad
SEPTEMBER 18 | SABOR DE LIBERTAD
Tamales is turning up the heat in all the best ways with their beloved Mexican cuisine. Grab a drink from Lynfred Winery to toast Mexican Independence Day while grooving to tunes from Jose Valdes & the Mambo All Stars. PLUS enjoy a special salsa dance instruction for all, as well as bubbles, chalk, and floor games for kids. This is one fiesta you won’t want to miss.
Downtown Concerts at Port Clinton: Sabor de Libertad
SEPT. 18 | 6 PM - 8 PM
Port Clinton Square | 600 Central Ave.
Dine & dance your way across the globe this summer in the heart of Highland Park. No passport necessary.
The City of Highland Park's FREE Friday evening concert series returns in 2026 with a special, global twist. Grab your friends, neighbors, and family and head to Port Clinton Square. Over the course of 10 Friday evenings this summer, enjoy world cuisine from HP restaurants with accompanying music and cultural performances.
From Thailand to France to Mexico, Ukraine, Italy, America, India, and beyond, you're invited to experience the flavors that make Highland Park's culinary scene one of the most diverse on Chicago's North Shore.
Ravinia Farmers Market
Ravinia Farmers Market
WEDNESDAYS, JUN. 3 - OCT. 28 | 7 AM - 1 PM
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.
Head to the heart of Highland Park’s Ravinia District for your favorite local farmers market! Shop seasonal produce, meet local vendors, and enjoy live performances throughout the morning.
Downtown Concert at Port Clinton: Notte Italiana
Downtown Concerts at Port Clinton: Notte Italiana
SEPT. 11 | 6 PM - 8 PM
Port Clinton Square | 600 Central Ave.
One of Highland Park’s newest restaurants, Nico Trattoria & Pizzeria will share your favorite Italian cuisine and cocktails while Steep Ravine Brewing Company serves craft beer. Rat Pack-inspired entertainment from the Diva Montell & Jeorge Holmes Duo will provide the perfect romantic atmosphere for the evening.
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9/11 Observance
9/11 Observance
SEP. 11 | 9 AM - 10 AM
Ravinia Festival Bennett Gordon Hall - 201 St. Johns Ave.
More info coming soon
Ravinia Farmers Market
Ravinia Farmers Market
WEDNESDAYS, JUN. 3 - OCT. 28 | 7 AM - 1 PM
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.
Head to the heart of Highland Park’s Ravinia District for your favorite local farmers market! Shop seasonal produce, meet local vendors, and enjoy live performances throughout the morning.
Downtown Concert at Port Clinton: Nashville Nosh
SEPTEMBER 4 | NASHVILLE NOSH
Nothing makes you feel like family quite like Southern hospitality! Enjoy a family-friendly Nashville-inspired evening with The Barn Steakhouse, County Line String Band (featuring a Dolly Parton frontwoman), Line Dancing with Heather, and a “Fearless”-Era Taylor Swift impersonator. Kids will enjoy chalk, bubbles, ring toss, and tic-tac-toe in the plaza.
Downtown Concerts at Port Clinton: Nashville Nosh
SEPT. 4 | 6 PM - 8 PM
Port Clinton Square | 600 Central Ave.
Dine & dance your way across the globe this summer in the heart of Highland Park. No passport necessary.
The City of Highland Park's FREE Friday evening concert series returns in 2026 with a special, global twist. Grab your friends, neighbors, and family and head to Port Clinton Square. Over the course of 10 Friday evenings this summer, enjoy world cuisine from HP restaurants with accompanying music and cultural performances.
From Thailand to France to Mexico, Ukraine, Italy, America, India, and beyond, you're invited to experience the flavors that make Highland Park's culinary scene one of the most diverse on Chicago's North Shore.
Food Truck Thursdays
Food Truck Thursdays
THURSDAYS, JUN. 4 - SEPT. 3 | 4:30 PM - DUSK
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.
Food Truck Thursdays are the spot to be in the Ravinia District this summer, June 4 through September 3, at Jens Jensen Park! Savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, select Highland Park vendors. Enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music every Thursday night, 4:30 PM to dusk.
We can’t imagine a better way to spend a summer evening than good friends, good food, and of course, great music.
5 PM - 5:30 PM | Mr. Dave
Children’s Entertainment
5:45 PM - 8 PM | WHKW (feat. members of Family Groove Company & 56 Hope Road)
Covering Classics by CSNY & Other Laurel Canyon Favorites
Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners, and are managed by Bensidoun USA. The music for Food Truck Thursdays is coordinated by City contractor, Life Rhythms, Inc., and is co-sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation.
Ravinia Farmers Market
Ravinia Farmers Market
WEDNESDAYS, JUN. 3 - OCT. 28 | 7 AM - 1 PM
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.
Head to the heart of Highland Park’s Ravinia District for your favorite local farmers market! Shop seasonal produce, meet local vendors, and enjoy live performances throughout the morning.
Port Clinton Art Festival
Amdur Productions presents
Port Clinton Art Festival
AUG. 29 & AUG. 30 | 10 AM - 5 PM | FREE
Downtown Highland Park
The Port Clinton Art Festival returns to Downtown Highland Park for its 43rd year on August 29 & 30. Discover paintings, sculpture, mixed media work, and more. Get your steps in while browsing thousands of art pieces from over 200 of the best artists in the country. Have kids? Get creative at the Kids Art Zone with art projects, face painting and more. Look for the Kid Friendly Art Tent & Live Art Demo stations and interact with artists. Take a break with a cold beer, specialty coffee, tasty treats, and live music.
Food Truck Thursdays
Food Truck Thursdays
THURSDAYS, JUN. 4 - SEPT. 3 | 4:30 PM - DUSK
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.
Food Truck Thursdays are the spot to be in the Ravinia District this summer, June 4 through September 3, at Jens Jensen Park! Savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, select Highland Park vendors. Enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music every Thursday night, 4:30 PM to dusk.
We can’t imagine a better way to spend a summer evening than good friends, good food, and of course, great music.
5 PM - 5:50 PM | Petra van Nuis Duo
Jazz Duo
6 PM - 8:30 PM | Bumpus
9-Piece Funk Band
Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners, and are managed by Bensidoun USA. The music for Food Truck Thursdays is coordinated by City contractor, Life Rhythms, Inc., and is co-sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation.
Shops on Elm End of Summer Party
The Shops on Elm Place present
End of Summer Party
AUG. 26 | 3 PM - 5:30 PM | FREE
The Shops on Elm Place | 585 - 601 Elm Pl.
End summer in style with The Shops at Elm Place on August 26! Enjoy an afternoon jam-packed with free family fun, giveaways, exclusive experiences, and more. Plus, at 4 PM, the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce will host a very special ribbon cutting celebrating a combined 277 years of milestone anniversaries.
Participating Businesses:
Love’s Yogurt – 585 Elm Pl. | over 40 years"
Take part in “spread the love” sidewalk chalkingJoan Barry Hair Designers – 587 Elm Pl. | 25 years
Add a pop of color with fun temporary hair color sprayThe BBQ Pit – 589 Elm Pl. | 48 years
Dig into popular barbecue favorites including sliders and mac n cheese, compliments of Gilbert OrthodonticsStudio Lagree – 593 Elm Pl. | 12 years
Group class giveawaysTREVI Longevity & Aesthetics Institute – 595 Elm Pl., Ste. 208 | 15 years
Free B-12 shots, IV bags, and hydrating snacksMy Sister’s Circus – 599 Elm Pl. | 29 years
Take part in circus games and explore the discounted shopping rackGilbert Orthodontics – 601 Elm Pl. | 10 years
Complimentary digital scans, prize giveaways, discounts off orthodontic treatment, and host of the eveningABC Design Jewelers – 603 Elm Pl. | 5 years
Ear piercing, complimentary jewelry cleaning, diamond stud special on new purchases, and a children’s jewelry trunk show, followed by an adult-only after party and lounge sponsored by Summer Classics HomeEye Magic by Michael Scott – 605 Elm Pl. | 38 years in business, 2 years owned by Michael Scott
Test your vision with the Magnificent Eye Chart Magnification StationThe Custom Framer – 607 Elm Pl. | 30 years in business, 6 years owned by Josh Gordon
Capture the moment at the SMILEstones selfie stationSummer Classics Home – 1850 Second St., Ste. 162 | 10 years
Enjoy the outdoor lounge and dining areas covered from the sun by their beautiful outdoor furniture
Ravinia Farmers Market
Ravinia Farmers Market
WEDNESDAYS, JUN. 3 - OCT. 28 | 7 AM - 1 PM
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.
Head to the heart of Highland Park’s Ravinia District for your favorite local farmers market! Shop seasonal produce, meet local vendors, and enjoy live performances throughout the morning.
Vintage Car Show
Vintage Car Show
AUG. 22 | 12 PM - 4 PM
St. Johns North Parking Lot | 525 Central Ave.
Step back in time and experience the golden age of automobiles… and take a look at the future with a brand new EV showcase. Mark your calendars for 2026’s Vintage Car Show: Saturday, August 22.
Admire the elegance, craftsmanship, and the nostalgia of a bygone era. Relive the golden age of automobiles at the Vintage Car Show on Saturday, August 22 from 12 PM - 4 PM. Head to the St. John’s North Lot (525 Central Ave.) and peruse a fabulous array of vintage vehicles, all while enjoying DJ Big Cat spinning your favorite tunes, kid-friendly activities, plus delicious food and ice cold beverages from local Highland Park restaurants. Additionally, 87.7 MeTV-FM will be onsite with station reps giving out swag. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply curious, you will definitely enjoy this journey through automotive excellence. Expect to see a diverse lineup of cars featuring vintage and antique models, unique classics, muscle cars, hot rods, motorcycles, and more.
Get ready for more cars, more food, and more fun in 2026!
New for 2026: Enjoy even MORE cars with an expanded event footprint, extending onto St. Johns Avenue between Central Avenue and Park Avenue. Plus, take a look at how sustainable the future can be with a brand new electric vehicle showcase.
Downtown Concert at Port Clinton: Bollywood Beats & Eats
AUGUST 21 | BOLLYWOOD BEATS & EATS
Eat to the Bollywood Beat with elevated Indian cuisine from the award-winning Indus Progressive Indian. Bollywood dancers and music from Manmeet Kaur will be the evening’s entertainment. Kids will enjoy chalk, ring toss, and tic-tac-toe, plus bubbles courtesy of Civil Tech.
Downtown Concerts at Port Clinton: Bollywood Beats & Eats
AUG. 21 | 6 PM - 8 PM
Port Clinton Square | 600 Central Ave.
Dine & dance your way across the globe this summer in the heart of Highland Park. No passport necessary.
The City of Highland Park's FREE Friday evening concert series returns in 2026 with a special, global twist. Grab your friends, neighbors, and family and head to Port Clinton Square. Over the course of 10 Friday evenings this summer, enjoy world cuisine from HP restaurants with accompanying music and cultural performances.
From Thailand to France to Mexico, Ukraine, Italy, America, India, and beyond, you're invited to experience the flavors that make Highland Park's culinary scene one of the most diverse on Chicago's North Shore.
Food Truck Thursdays - 90s Theme Night
Food Truck Thursdays - 90s Theme Night
THURSDAYS, JUN. 4 - SEPT. 3 | 4:30 PM - DUSK
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.
Food Truck Thursdays are the spot to be in the Ravinia District this summer, June 4 through September 3, at Jens Jensen Park! Savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, select Highland Park vendors. Enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music every Thursday night, 4:30 PM to dusk.
We can’t imagine a better way to spend a summer evening than good friends, good food, and of course, great music.
5 PM - 5:50 PM | Laura Glyda
90s Folk
6 PM - 8:30 PM | Ren Patrick & the Players
90s Pop & Rock
Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners, and are managed by Bensidoun USA. The music for Food Truck Thursdays is coordinated by City contractor, Life Rhythms, Inc., and is co-sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation.
Ravinia Farmers Market
Ravinia Farmers Market
WEDNESDAYS, JUN. 3 - OCT. 28 | 7 AM - 1 PM
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.
Head to the heart of Highland Park’s Ravinia District for your favorite local farmers market! Shop seasonal produce, meet local vendors, and enjoy live performances throughout the morning.
Dr. Mark & the Sutures FREE Community Concert
39th Annual Dr. Mark & the Sutures FREE Community Concert
AUG. 15 | 7 PM | FREE
Port Clinton Square - 600 Central Ave.
A splendid time is guaranteed for all when Dr. Mark and the Sutures play their annual free all-Beatles show right in the heart of Downtown Highland Park. "Dr. Mark" your calendars now, then roll up, come together, and get back with the Fab Five on August 15 at Port Clinton Square.
Downtown Concert at Port Clinton: Bon AppétEAT
Downtown Concerts at Port Clinton: Bon AppétEAT
AUG. 14 | 6 PM - 8 PM
Port Clinton Square | 600 Central Ave.
Dine & dance your way across the globe this summer in the heart of Highland Park. No passport necessary.
The City of Highland Park's FREE Friday evening concert series returns in 2026 with a special, global twist. Grab your friends, neighbors, and family and head to Port Clinton Square. Over the course of 10 Friday evenings this summer, enjoy world cuisine from HP restaurants with accompanying music and cultural performances.
From Thailand to France to Mexico, Ukraine, Italy, America, India, and beyond, you're invited to experience the flavors that make Highland Park's culinary scene one of the most diverse on Chicago's North Shore.
AUGUST 14 | BON APPÉT-EAT
This week will make you think that you’re enjoying a warm summer evening in Montmartre. Enjoy authentic French flavors from That Little French Guy and curated wines from Lynfred Winery. Jazz ensemble Lush Life will provide the perfect Parisian ambiance. Kids will enjoy chalk, bubbles, ring toss, a meet & greet with Belle from Beauty & the Beast, a French mime, and movie trivia presented by Wayfarer Theaters.
Food Truck Thursdays
Food Truck Thursdays
THURSDAYS, JUN. 4 - SEPT. 3 | 4:30 PM - DUSK
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.
Food Truck Thursdays are the spot to be in the Ravinia District this summer, June 4 through September 3, at Jens Jensen Park! Savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, select Highland Park vendors. Enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music every Thursday night, 4:30 PM to dusk.
We can’t imagine a better way to spend a summer evening than good friends, good food, and of course, great music.
Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners, and are managed by Bensidoun USA. The music for Food Truck Thursdays is coordinated by City contractor, Life Rhythms, Inc., and is co-sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation.
Ravinia Farmers Market
Ravinia Farmers Market
WEDNESDAYS, JUN. 3 - OCT. 28 | 7 AM - 1 PM
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.
Head to the heart of Highland Park’s Ravinia District for your favorite local farmers market! Shop seasonal produce, meet local vendors, and enjoy live performances throughout the morning.
Frozen with a Firefighter
Frozen with a Firefighter
AUG. 10 | 9 AM - 1 PM | FREE
McDonald’s - 1988 First St.
Join McDonald’s and the Highland Park Fire Department on August 10 for Frozen with a Firefighter! Meet Highland Park Firefighters and the Hamburglar, take photos in a real firetruck, enjoy a FREE small frozen drink, and get your car seat safety-checked to ensure proper fit and install.
America250 at Ravinia Festival - America the Elusive
America250 at Ravinia Festival - This Land: America in Song
AUG. 8 | 1:30 PM
Ravinia Festival | Bennett Gordon Hall
America250 at Ravinia Festival
Ravinia Festival has been an American institution since 1904; an unofficial summer home of the Midwest where artists come to share and celebrate the joy of live music. For the 250th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence this summer, a wide range of artists, genres, and reflections in American music—from hip-hop and pop to classical and country—will be celebrated across Ravinia Festival concerts, including compositions focused on American themes that honor the history of the nation.
Ravinia Festival’s Steans Institute performance-study fellowship program for emerging professional classical singers presents an afternoon concert featuring a kaleidoscope of musical impressions of America from diverse times, places, and viewpoints, including music by Ives, Weill, Puccini, Britten, Montsalvatge, Dvořák, and Rameau.
Downtown Concert at Port Clinton: American Melting Pot
AUGUST 7 | AMERICAN MELTING POT
America is truly a melting pot, a delicious melting pot! Savor the flavors and fusions that have shaped American cuisine with BWB Shakes during AMERICAN MELTING POT night on August 7. Steep Ravine Brewing Company will also offer a selection of craft beers for those 21+. In addition to sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and bean bag tic tac toe for the kids, entertainment will include music from Uptown Shakedown and trivia from Wayfarer Theaters.
Downtown Concerts at Port Clinton: American Melting Pot
AUG. 7 | 6 PM - 8 PM
Port Clinton Square | 600 Central Ave.
Dine & dance your way across the globe this summer in the heart of Highland Park. No passport necessary.
The City of Highland Park's FREE Friday evening concert series returns in 2026 with a special, global twist. Grab your friends, neighbors, and family and head to Port Clinton Square. Over the course of 10 Friday evenings this summer, enjoy world cuisine from HP restaurants with accompanying music and cultural performances.
From Thailand to France to Mexico, Ukraine, Italy, America, India, and beyond, you're invited to experience the flavors that make Highland Park's culinary scene one of the most diverse on Chicago's North Shore.
Food Truck Thursdays
Food Truck Thursdays
THURSDAYS, JUN. 4 - SEPT. 3 | 4:30 PM - DUSK
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.
Food Truck Thursdays are the spot to be in the Ravinia District this summer, June 4 through September 3, at Jens Jensen Park! Savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, select Highland Park vendors. Enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music every Thursday night, 4:30 PM to dusk.
We can’t imagine a better way to spend a summer evening than good friends, good food, and of course, great music.
5 PM - 5:50 PM | Lucky Pickers
Folk
6 PM - 8:30 PM | Big Sadie
Western Swing
Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners, and are managed by Bensidoun USA. The music for Food Truck Thursdays is coordinated by City contractor, Life Rhythms, Inc., and is co-sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation.
Ravinia Farmers Market
Ravinia Farmers Market
WEDNESDAYS, JUN. 3 - OCT. 28 | 7 AM - 1 PM
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.
Head to the heart of Highland Park’s Ravinia District for your favorite local farmers market! Shop seasonal produce, meet local vendors, and enjoy live performances throughout the morning.
National Night Out & Fireworks
National Night Out & Fireworks
AUG. 4 | 6 PM - 9:30 PM | FREE
Hidden Creek AquaPark - 1220 Fredrickson Pl.
Sunset Valley Golf Club - 1390 Sunset Rd. (additional fireworks viewing)
The City of Highland Park is excited to announce that this year's National Night Out is getting a very special show! Enjoy a lively and FREE fireworks display beginning at 9:15 PM. View the fireworks directly from Hidden Creek AquaPark. Additional fireworks viewing areas will be located at Sunset Valley Golf Club*.
Before the fireworks, meet the men and women of the Highland Park Police Department and enjoy tons of activities, games, and fun for the whole family at National Night Out. This year’s festivities will take place on August 4 at Hidden Creek AquaPark (1220 Fredrickson Pl.). The fun includes free swimming, a bounce house, a live DJ, snacks, a petting zoo, a touch-a-truck exhibit, community partner booths, and more! PLUS the Bulgarian American Police Association and Relish Catering Kitchen are teaming up to provide free pizza. We can’t wait to see you there!
*Please no outside food or drinks. There will be a limited menu available at Sunset Valley Golf Club. Arrival for fireworks viewing at Sunset Valley Golf Club begins at 6 PM.
National Night Out is proudly sponsored and supported by:
The City of Highland Park, Park District of Highland Park, Target, Sunset Foods, Costco, Jewel-Osco, Highland Pop, Mutual Ace Hardware, McDonald’s, Bulgarian American Police Association, Relish Catering Kitchen