2024 SEASON

The Lot

Alfresco dining & entertainment in the heart of Highland Park
525 Central (Enter at St. Johns & Park)

An exciting third season of special events and festivals is returning to The Lot in Downtown Highland Park! Featuring old favorites and exciting new themes, there are plenty of unique dining, family friendly entertainment, weekend concerts and food fests for everyone this season at The Lot. Check back soon for event details, music lineup and more!

For more information on how to be a part of the 2024 event season at The Lot as a participating or sponsoring business, please contact the City’s event management team, Ripple Public Relations, info@ripplepublicrelations.com, or call 847.432.6000.

2024 Season Lineup

Details on each specific event, including vendor and entertainment lineups, coming soon!

Taste of Highland Park
Friday, June 21 & Saturday, June 22, 5 PM - 10 PM both days
Highland Park’s premier food and music festival returns with more music, more food, and more fun! Savor the taste of summer with special dishes and select beverages curated from Highland Park restaurants, all while jamming out to exceptional live music.


Vintage Car Show
Sunday, August 11, 12 PM – 4 PM
Peruse a fabulous array of vintage vehicles, right on St. Johns Avenue while enjoying live music, food, and beverages. Then, head inside The Lot to check out The French Market, happening simultaneously!


NEW - Decades
Saturday, September 14, 10 AM – 10 PM, The Lot opens at Noon
Fantastic headlining music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s brings together decades of music fans. Travel back in time to experience the sounds, tastes, and trends from these three decades through a selection of live performances and food and beverage vendors. A “Decades of Music” interactive trail through downtown Highland Park businesses will round out this event.


Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 28, 12 PM – 10 PM
Start the day with traditional Oktoberfest fun: music, food, beverages, and family-focused activities. At 5 PM, we switch up the vibe with a headline band.


NEW - Scarecrow Fest & Walk
Saturday, October 19, 12 - 5 PM
Celebrate Fall with scarecrow-themed family fun, kids’ actives, and seasonal decor at The Lot. Take a stroll through downtown Highland Park’s “Scarecrow Walk” to see festive scarecrows decorated by local businesses. Head back to The Lot to vote for best in show.


Stews & Brews (& Booze & Blues)

Saturday, November 2, 5 - 9 PM
Combining two Midwestern favorites: comfort foods and beverages. Stay cozy with fire pits, heaters, hearty food, and great live music. The evening culminates with a People's Choice competition for the favorite Stew and Brew. This event is sure to warm the hearts and souls of all who attend!



Also happening at The Lot in 2024…

French Market
Sundays, June 9 - September 29, 10 AM - 3 PM
Browse an array of artisan and specialty food vendors from around Chicagoland, showcasing a unique tableau of products and wares.



Bitter Jester Music Festival Grand Finale*
Saturday, June 29, 2 PM - 10 PM
It’s more than a competition, it’s a destination event, complete with music, food, and beverages. A dozen musical acts showcase their virtuosity at The Lot, competing for the title of Grand Champion. Many BJMF alumni have gone on to perform on Late Night with Seth Myers, Saturday Night Live, and American Jukebox, as well as at Lollapalooza, Riot Fest, South by Southwest, and Ravinia Festival. Discover your next favorite band at the 18th Annual Bitter Jester Music Fest and be able to say "I saw them when..."

*This event is produced by a nonprofit charity and hosted by the City of Highland Park

2023 Season Sponsors

Information on 2024’s sponsors coming soon

Gearhead Outfitters Baird & Warner Mariani Landscape

Stage provided by the Bitter Jester Foundation for the Arts.

Stay in the know! Subscribe to The Weekender newsletter to be the first to know the bands, vendors, and other activities coming to The Lot!

We can’t wait to welcome you back to The Lot!

Questions? Please reach out to the City Manager’s Office at 847.926.1000 / cityhp@cityhpil.com.