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June 19, 2026 to August 30, 2026, 9:30 to 4:00pm Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago announces the addition of an all-new “WhirlWind” exhibit designed to provide young visitors with the opportunity to explore the power of wind and air. Created by the team at Kohl’s Children Museum, each component of “WhirlWind” promotes collaborative play […]
June 4, 2026 to September 3, 2026 486 Roger Williams Avenue, Highland Park, Illinois 60035, United States Enjoy a summer evening of food, live music, and community fun at Food Truck Thursdays in Highland Park's Ravinia District. Featuring rotating food trucks, local restaurants, family-friendly entertainment, and weekly live performances, this outdoor event runs every Thursday […]
Now in its third year, Downtown Summer Sounds is a free, outdoor concert series at Fountain Square in downtown Evanston. For nine weeks, from July 9 through September 3, an exciting mix of local and regional bands will perform on Thursday evenings from 6-8PM (see schedule below). In addition to great live music, the concert series is also an opportunity to […]
xperience the vibrant rhythm of summer at Downtown Evanston’s free outdoor concert series – Downtown Summer Sounds – kicking off on Thursday, July 9! Join us every Thursday evening (6-8PM) from July 9 to September 3 to gather under the open sky at Fountain Square to celebrate music, culture, and community spirit. Whether you're a seasoned music enthusiast or simply seeking to enjoy a summer evening with family and friends, get ready to groove, mingle, and make happy memories in downtown Evanston. By design, Downtown Summer Sounds will feature a wide range of musical genres and performers. In addition to great live music, the concert series is also an opportunity to showcase six local nonprofit organizations. Each nonprofit has one Thursday evening to set up a tent & table and share their story with the community. The nonprofits are also involved in selecting the band for their evening and assisting with general promotion of the concert series. On the three remaining dates of the 2026 concert series (July 9, August 6, and September 3), Downtown Evanston will concurrently host an outdoor Thursday Night Market, featuring artists, makers, and retailers from the regional community. New this year, there will be a free community salsa dance lesson provided by Trabuco Salsa Band on July 9. And returning this year, there will be free community swing dance lessons provided by Traffic Jam Swing on July 23 and August 27. The free salsa dance and swing dance lessons will all take place from 5:30-6PM, followed by more dancing with the live bands from 6-8PM! During the concerts, there will be beer for sale from Sketchbook Brewing Co., and wine, beer, canned cocktails, and other soft drinks for sale from Five & Dime. On each evening, there will also be several food trucks and food vendors on site (5411 Empanadas, C&W Ice Cream, Evanston Latinos, Firehouse Grill, La Cocinita, Soul & Smoke), as well as free children's art activities provided by the Ridgeville Park District. Composting during the concerts will be provided by The Urban Canopy. 2026 Downtown Summer Sounds concert schedule (subject to change): July 9 | Trabuco Salsa Band, presented in conjunction with Downtown Evanston's Thursday Night Market, and featuring a free salsa dance lesson from 5:30-6PM July 16 | Chicken Bone, presented in partnership with the James B. Moran Center July 23 | Joel Patterson Swing Quartet, presented in partnership with the Partners of the Evanston Public Library, and featuring a free swing dance lesson from 5:30-6PM provided by Traffic Jam Swing July 30 | Mixx Company Band, presented in partnership with Evanston Cradle to Career […]
Get Your Ice Cream Starting May 30! Visit your local, old-fashioned ice cream parlor, Sweets & Treats at Historic Wagner Farm Heritage Center, for rich, creamy Homer’s Ice Cream made with fresh ingredients. A sweet stop that makes summer even better! Choose from favorite flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookies & cream and refreshing lemon sorbet. […]
Starting May 1, Music with Mr. Dave will be at Braeside every Friday at 10:30am. Something new for your Friday morning routine. A fun, low-pressure class where kids can move, […]
June 19, 2026 to August 30, 2026, 9:30 to 4:00pm Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago announces the addition of an all-new “WhirlWind” exhibit designed to provide young visitors with the opportunity to explore the power of wind and air. Created by the team at Kohl’s Children Museum, each component of “WhirlWind” promotes collaborative play […]
Bring food, drinks, a blanket, chairs & a picnic basket to The Gloria Dei Center for an outdoor Mamma Mia Sing-Along! Friday 7/24 at 6:00pm Saturday 7/25 at 6:00pm Sunday 7/26 at 6:00pm Tickets are $25 and are available NOW for a brand new summer fundraiser you won’t want to miss! - my my, how can you resist this? This […]
Downtown Concerts at Port Clinton Fridays, July 10 - September 25 | 6 PM - 8 PM Port Clinton Square (600 Central Ave.) Spend your Friday evenings at Port Clinton with great food and great music. Enjoy 10 Friday evening concerts featuring performances from a variety of artists and genres (including special performances by Highland […]
The Performing Arts Center, Deerfield High School: 1959 Waukegan Road | Deerfield, IL Show Dates and Times: - 7/18 (2PM-4:30PM) - 7/19 (2PM-4:30PM) - 7/24 (7:30PM-10:00PM) - 7/25 (2PM-4:30PM) - […]