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
The Art Center's Spring Benefit
2025 Annual Spring Benefit
MAY 2 | 7 PM - 10 PM | $250
The Art Center | 1957 Sheridan Rd. | 847.432.1888
The 2025 annual Spring Benefit coincides with The Art Center's 65th anniversary. Enjoy an interactive evening of art, cocktails, light bites, demos, and a silent auction benefitting the galleries, art classes, scholarships, and community-building events produced all year round by The Art Center on May 2. DJ Tess and celebrity host Peter Sagal ensure this will be an evening to remember. Plus, get an exclusive viewing of featured exhibition Our Time. Our Time is a group showcase featuring artists represented by Chicago's famous Gallery VICTOR.
Arbor Day Celebration
Join the City of Highland Park on Saturday, May 3 for the 2025 Arbor Day Celebration. Head to the Ravinia West Lot (301 Ravinia Park Rd.) from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM for exhibits, demonstrations, and giveaways to brighten up your home and garden this Spring. Highlights at this year's pet-friendly event include:
· Plant & tree giveaways to green up your home and garden
· Tree planting demonstration and Q&A session
· Meet & greet with birds of prey hosted by Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education
· Hefty ReNew Recycling starter kit giveaway
· Confidential document shredding*
· Bicycle recycling** courtesy of Working Bikes
· Electric vehicle showcase
· And more!
*No businesses; limit four banker's boxes/bags per vehicle **Adult bikes accepted in repairable condition or gently-used kids bikes, bike parts, tools, and accessories
Ravinia West Lot (enter at Green Bay Rd.) - 301 Ravinia Park Rd.
The Golden Gala - Senior Prom
The Golden Gala - Senior Prom
Highland Park Senior Center | 1201 Park Ave. W | 847.432.4110
MAY 3 | 5 PM - 7:30 PM | $10 | REGISTER BY APR. 28
The Highland Park High School Class of 2027 invites you to join them for a night at the Prom!
Enjoy a fabulous evening of dinner, dancing, and entertainment. Guests will enjoy a buffet dinner and a sweet table with home-baked goodies. The HPHS DJ Club will provide music, and some of the high school’s most talented artists will perform throughout the evening. The student hosts are planning an enchanting evening of glitter and gold, and they will be dressed up... ready to serve, ready to dance, and ready to entertain! This amazing event is open to all community members, aged 50+.
Call 847.432.4110 to reserve your spot before April 28.
This event is sponsored by Arbor Terrace Highland Park.
Taste of Highland Park
Taste of Highland Park
JUNE 20 & 21 | 5 PM - 10 PM BOTH DAYS
PORT CLINTON SQUARE | 600 CENTRAL AVE.
The Taste of Highland Park is downtown Highland Park’s premiere dining and music festival. Mark your calendars for 2025’s event: Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21 from 5 PM - 10 PM both nights, at Port Clinton Square (600 Central Ave.). Check back for additional information regarding participating vendors and the music and entertainment lineup.
Vintage Car Show
Vintage Car Show
SEPT. 6 | 12 PM - 4 PM
525 CENTRAL AVE.
Step back in time and experience the elegance, craftsmanship, and the nostalgia of a bygone era. Relive the golden age of automobiles at the Vintage Car Show on Saturday, September 6. Head to the St. John’s lot (525 Central Ave.) and peruse a fabulous array of vintage vehicles, while enjoying a live radio broadcast, kid-friendly activities, delicious food, and ice cold beverages.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply curious, you will definitely enjoy this journey through automotive excellence. Expect to see a diverse line up of cars featuring vintage and antique models, unique classics, muscle cars, hot rods, and pop culture icons. Check back for additional details regarding the 2025 event, including vendors and entertainment lineup.
Stews & Brews
Stews & Brews
OCT. 11 | 5 PM - 9 PM
PORT CLINTON SQUARE | 600 CENTRAL AVE.
Midwestern fan-favorite festival, Stews & Brews, returns to Downtown Highland Park for a fourth year on October 11 at Port Clinton Square (600 Central Ave.). Cool weather means hearty comfort foods and hot beverages; Stews & Brews is the perfect event to warm your body and soul! Wrap up the City’s 2025 event season with savory stews and delicious brews, live music, and a cozy atmosphere.
Stews & Brews is not your ordinary chili cook-off or craft beer fest. This free, all-ages event offers attendees an array of cold weather comfort foods like chili, pozole, lamb stew, beef stroganoff, Hungarian goulash, potpies, and a variety of soups. Attendees can pair their dish of choice with dozens of unique brews including craft beers, spiced wine, hot toddies, mulled ciders and more! Check back for additional information regarding participating vendors and the music and entertainment lineup.
Grand Opening - Freestyle Ceramics & Tufting
Your new favorite ceramics and tufting spot just arrived in Downtown Highland Park!
Introducing Freestyle Ceramics & Tufting. Inside you’ll find an open, bright workspace where your creativity can run free. Whether you’d like to create your ow rug (“tufting”), choose a piece of pre-fired pottery to paint, or design and craft a colorful piece of fuse glass, you can do it all and more at Freestyle Ceramics & Tufting. Planning a birthday party, corporate event, or get-together? Celebrate the moments that matter most to you with a group event or private party. Start a new hobby or take your skills to the next level - you’re going to love Freestyle Ceramics & Tufting!
Take part in Freestyle Ceramics & Tufting’s grand opening on April 27, at 1 PM and try your hand at tufting, painting, claywork, fuse glass, and more!
The Chunky Scone Three-Year Anniversary Celebration
The Chunky Scone’s Three-Year Anniversary & All-Vegan Celebration
APR. 26 | 12 PM - 4 PM
The Pelican Room | 47 Central Ave.. Ste. 201
Join The Chunky Scone at The Pelican Room on April 26 to celebrate 3 years in the Ravinia District (and 10 years in business overall)! This all-vegan fiesta will feature delicious food, drinks, and desserts.
Drawn to the Dress
Drawn to the Dress
APR. 26 | 12 PM - 4 PM (by appointment)
Ravinia Bridal | 729 St. Johns Ave. | 847.204.4093
"Drawn to the dress" takes on a new meaning this Saturday, April 26, at Ravinia Bridal. Experience a unique hour-long wedding gown appointment in which Artist Karen Raidy will capture your radiance in a hand painted portrait that's yours to keep!
Independent Bookstore Day
Independent Bookstore Day & First Anniversary
APR. 26 | 10 AM - 6 PM
Secret World Books | 1774 Second St. | 847.469.4875
Celebrate Independent Bookstore Day AND Secret World Books’ one year anniversary on Saturday, April 26. Independent Bookstore Day is a nationwide celebration of local bookshops. As part of the fun, you can even join a bus tour of 53 Chicagoland bookstores, including Secret World Books, organized by ChiLoveBooks! If you visit 10 participating bookstores, you’ll get 10% off of books all year long, and if you visit 15 bookstores, you’ll get a year of 15% off! Secret World Books has even more special surprises on hand that day, including a couple of Independent Bookstore Day offerings, and amazing art by Lucy Knisley celebrating Chicago area bookstores.
Winter Farmers Market
Ravinia Farmers Market and Wayfarer Theaters have teamed up to present Highland Park's first-ever indoor Winter Farmers Market! Discover dozens of vendors offering fresh, local foods and artisan products in the lobby of Wayfarer Theaters. This family-friendly event offers a welcoming space to connect with local vendors, shop quality foods, enjoy a matinee, and celebrate the vibrant downtown Highland Park district. Weekly markets will take place on Saturdays from January 11 to April 26.
Spring Fashion + Fare Show at ENAZ
ENAZ is turning 33 and celebrating with an unforgettable evening of fashion, fun, and philanthropy.
The Fashion + Fare Fundraiser kicks off at 5 PM with a free Glam Session at ENAZ—guests can enjoy complimentary makeup and nail art before the runway show begins at 6 PM upstairs at Upside Events.
Curated spring looks will hit the runway, styled by Peach Carr and Ray Martinez of Done by Design, with post-show styling tips from ENAZ owner and buyer Samantha Shapiro.
After the show, guests are invited back to ENAZ from 7–9 PM to enjoy Sips + Sweets and shop their favorite looks, with wine from Lynfred Winery and chocolates from Goodies.
This is more than a fashion show—it’s a celebration of strong women, iconic style, and giving back to an amazing cause.
Celebrate National Poetry Month with Rachel DeWoskin
The City of Highland Park and the Highland Park Poet Laureate, Laura Joyce Hubbard invite you to
Celebrate National Poetry Month with Rachel DeWoskin
Wayfarer Theaters | 1850 Second St.
APR. 21 | 6 PM - 7:30 PM | FREE
In honor of National Poetry Month, please join the City of Highland Park, Rachel DeWoskin, an award-winning Chicago author of eight books, and Laura Joyce-Hubbard, Highland Park’s Poet Laureate, for an evening at Wayfarer Theaters in Downtown Highland Park (1850 Second St.).
On April 21, Rachel will discuss the writing life, including inspiration, research and imagination, art and activism, and writing across genres including fiction, non-fiction, dramatic writing, and poetry.
DeWoskin’s novels include Someday We Will Fly, Banshee, Blind, Big Girl Small, and Repeat After Me; two poetry collections absolute animal and Two Menus; and the memoir Foreign Babes in Beijing. She has won awards including a National Jewish Book Award, a Sydney Taylor Book Award, an American Library Association Alex Award, and an Academy of American Poets Award. Foreign Babes in Beijing, Someday We Will Fly, and Banshee are being developed for film or TV, and DeWoskin’s poems and essays have appeared in The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Ploughshares, The Baffler, and New Voices from the Academy of American Poets. She serves on the national steering committee of Writers for Democratic Action (WDA).
A book signing will follow this free event.
The City of Highland Park is a proud member of ArtsLink North. Find more great arts events by clicking the image below.
Winter Farmers Market
Ravinia Farmers Market and Wayfarer Theaters have teamed up to present Highland Park's first-ever indoor Winter Farmers Market! Discover dozens of vendors offering fresh, local foods and artisan products in the lobby of Wayfarer Theaters. This family-friendly event offers a welcoming space to connect with local vendors, shop quality foods, enjoy a matinee, and celebrate the vibrant downtown Highland Park district. Weekly markets will take place on Saturdays from January 11 to April 26.
Favorite Poem Readings
The City of Highland Park and the Highland Park Poet Laureate, Laura Joyce Hubbard invite you to
Celebrate National Poetry Month with Your Favorite Poems
Trinity Episcopal Church | 425 Laurel Ave.
APR. 15 | 6 PM - 7:30 PM | FREE
In honor of National Poetry Month, please join the City of Highland Park and Laura Joyce-Hubbard, Highland Park’s Poet Laureate, for an evening reading your favorite poems at Trinity Episcopal Church (425 Laurel Ave.).
In 1997, US Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky launched The Favorite Poem Project as a way to celebrate, document, and encourage a public appreciation of poetry as well as acknowledge the role of poetry in the everyday lives of Americans. The project calls for Americans to share their favorite poems with the nation. To participate, bring your Favorite Poem to read and share why it’s your favorite.
*Please note: Pinsky’s rules ask that the poem not be written by a friend or family member. If over 5 minutes, please read an excerpt.
The City of Highland Park is a proud member of ArtsLink North. Find more great arts events by clicking the image below.
Winter Farmers Market
Ravinia Farmers Market and Wayfarer Theaters have teamed up to present Highland Park's first-ever indoor Winter Farmers Market! Discover dozens of vendors offering fresh, local foods and artisan products in the lobby of Wayfarer Theaters. This family-friendly event offers a welcoming space to connect with local vendors, shop quality foods, enjoy a matinee, and celebrate the vibrant downtown Highland Park district. Weekly markets will take place on Saturdays from January 11 to April 26.
Rock & Dodge
Calling all middle and high school students -- the Police Department's dodgeball tournament returns in 2025! Grab your friends and choose your team name for Rock & Dodge on April 11 at the Recreation Center of Highland Park.
Registration, while free, is required, and each team member must register individually as parents will need to acknowledge a waiver as part of the process. When you arrive at the Rec Center for the event, you'll be asked for your team name at check-in. Each team may have six participants.
The Police Department's Rock & Dodge Tournament is presented by the City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park.
Highland Park Awards
Highland Park Awards
Highland Park High School | 433 Vine Ave.
The City of Highland Park is pleased to announce the 2025 Highland Park Awards recipients. Presented annually, the awards recognize those who have made positive, sustained, and impactful contributions to the community in their respective category. The Arts Award, Environmental Award, Humanitarian Award, Character Counts Pillar Awards, photography contest awards and Highland Park business anniversary recognition will be presented by the City of Highland Park, the Park District of Highland Park, North Shore School District 112, and Highland Park High School at a ceremony on April 9 at 6:30 PM at Highland Park High School.
Arts Award
This award recognizes outstanding achievements in, or contributions to, the arts in Highland Park. For the award, arts can include visual arts, such as drawing, painting, printmaking, or sculpture; performance, such as dance, theater, or music; architecture; literature, including poetry, fiction or script writing; and web production and graphic design.
Environmental Award
This award recognizes individuals and businesses who have made substantial contributions to improve the environment.
Humanitarian Award
The Highland Park Humanitarian Award is presented to an outstanding Highland Park individual who has rendered significant personal service to the Highland Park community. Selection is based on personal and community service.
Character Counts! Pillar Awards
These awards are designed to recognize community members who have demonstrated the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. The Character Counts Steering Committee is made up of representatives from the City of Highland Park, the Park District of Highland Park, North Shore School District 112, and Highland Park High School.
Business Recognition
The City will recognize the following businesses celebrating their 50th anniversary:
Ablaze Group
Music Gallery
Go Promotions
Keyth Security
Photography Contest
The City’s annual photography contest attracted over 140 photographs submitted by nearly 40 photographers! Winners in the Arts & Architecture, Daily Life, and Environmental categories are chosen by the Cultural Arts Advisory Group. All entries are judged without photographer identification (titles only). The community at large chooses the Community Favorite. Winning photographs will be on display at the awards ceremony.
HP Chamber Young Professionals Group
Highland Park Chamber of Commerce
Young Professionals Group
Pixca | 455 Central Ave.
$10 for HPCC Members / $20 Nonmembers
The Highland Park Chamber of Commerce's Young Professionals Group will next meet April 9 at Pixca. This networking group is designed for 40-and-under professionals looking to connect, grow, and thrive in our business community. This casual mingle is the perfect opportunity to network with fellow young professionals, exchange ideas, enjoy complimentary small bites and a beverage, all while having fun!
Winter Farmers Market
Ravinia Farmers Market and Wayfarer Theaters have teamed up to present Highland Park's first-ever indoor Winter Farmers Market! Discover dozens of vendors offering fresh, local foods and artisan products in the lobby of Wayfarer Theaters. This family-friendly event offers a welcoming space to connect with local vendors, shop quality foods, enjoy a matinee, and celebrate the vibrant downtown Highland Park district. Weekly markets will take place on Saturdays from January 11 to April 26.
Steep Ravine Brewing: Grand Rebranding
Grand Re-Branding
Steep Ravine Brewing Company | 482 Roger Williams Ave. | 847.780.8127
APR. 4 - APR. 6
Save the date for the official “Grand Re-Branding” weekend with Steep Ravine Brewing Company!
Happy Hour kicks off on Friday, April 4 at 2 PM and culminates with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5 PM. Stick around for live vintage western swing music from The Westerlees at 7 PM.
The Willow Band will perform live on Saturday, April 5 from 2 PM - 4 PM, plus more great live music beginning at 7 PM.
Take part in family-friendly fun events on Sunday, April 6 from 12 PM - 3 PM.
The Frequent Floaters
Wayfarer Theaters Presents
The Frequent Floaters
Wayfarer Theaters | 1850 Second St. | 872.873.1030 | $25
Wayfarer Theaters presents The Frequent Floaters on March 30. This lively cabaret tells the tale of Frank and Franny, two avid cruisers who have been riding the high seas for over 40 years. After one too many bad checks landed them on the FBI’s Barely Wanted list, they fled civilian life and have been living on the SS Slippery Pearl ever since. Highland Park native Laura Schein (formerly Scheinbaum) stars in this hit musical comedy.
Author Reading
Author Reading:
A Season of Light by Julie Iromuanya
Secret World Books | 1774 Second St. | 847.469.4875
MAR. 30 | 2 PM | FREE
University of Chicago professor Julie Iromuanya will read from and discuss her new novel, A Season of Light, at Secret World Books on March 30. A Season of Light follows a tightly-bound Nigerian family living in Florida. Explore the wounds that get passed down from parents to children as well as the chanced we are given to shake free of generational trauma.
Musical Brunch
Musical Brunch: Gerald Dowd Duo
Madame ZuZu's | 1876 First St. | 847.926.7359
MAR. 30 | 11 AM - 2 PM | FREE
Life Rhythms presents Musical Brunch at Madame ZuZu's. Enjoy a delicious, plant-based brunch while listening to Americana folk tunes by the Gerald Dowd Duo from 11 AM - 2 PM.
Admission is free.
Musical Brunch
Musical Brunch: Diamondback
Madame ZuZu's | 1876 First St. | 847.926.7359
MAR. 29 | 11 AM - 2 PM | FREE
Life Rhythms presents Musical Brunch at Madame ZuZu's. Enjoy a delicious, plant-based brunch while listening to country tunes by Diamondback from 11 AM - 2 PM.
Admission is free.
Winter Farmers Market
Ravinia Farmers Market and Wayfarer Theaters have teamed up to present Highland Park's first-ever indoor Winter Farmers Market! Discover dozens of vendors offering fresh, local foods and artisan products in the lobby of Wayfarer Theaters. This family-friendly event offers a welcoming space to connect with local vendors, shop quality foods, enjoy a matinee, and celebrate the vibrant downtown Highland Park district. Weekly markets will take place on Saturdays from January 11 to April 26.
Live Comedy Night
Live Comedy Night: Magician Bill Cook
Madame ZuZu's | 1876 First St. | 847.926.7359
MAR. 28 | 8 PM - 9:30 PM | $20 - $25
Comedian Sarah Perry will headline the next live comedy night at Madame ZuZu's on March 28. Comedy nights are produced by Funnier by the Lake and shows are always PG-13. Get ready to laugh until it hurts!
Musical Brunch
Musical Brunch: Aimont Moon Duo
Madame ZuZu's | 1876 First St. | 847.926.7359
MAR. 23 | 11 AM - 2 PM | FREE
Life Rhythms presents Musical Brunch at Madame ZuZu's. Enjoy a delicious, plant-based brunch while listening to pop folk tunes by the Aimont Moon Duo from 11 AM - 2 PM.
Admission is free.
JCC: Jewish Film Festival
JCC Jewish Film Festival
Wayfarer Theaters | 1850 Second St. | 872.873.1030
MAR. 1 - MAR. 23 | $15 online / $18 at the door. Film passes are available.
Wayfarer Theaters is set to host the 2025 JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival from March 1 - March 23. 19 culturally diverse, Jewish-inspired films will captivate audiences across generations and backgrounds. Catch the following films this weekend:
Musical Brunch
Life Rhythms presents Musical Brunch at Madame ZuZu's. Enjoy a delicious, plant-based brunch while listening to Italian and French gypsy jazz tunes by La Tosca from 11 AM - 2 PM.
Admission is free.
Winter Farmers Market
Ravinia Farmers Market and Wayfarer Theaters have teamed up to present Highland Park's first-ever indoor Winter Farmers Market! Discover dozens of vendors offering fresh, local foods and artisan products in the lobby of Wayfarer Theaters. This family-friendly event offers a welcoming space to connect with local vendors, shop quality foods, enjoy a matinee, and celebrate the vibrant downtown Highland Park district. Weekly markets will take place on Saturdays from January 11 to April 26.
Magician Bill Cook
Family Event Series: Magician Bill Cook
Madame ZuZu's | 1876 First St. | 847.926.7359
MAR. 22 | 10 AM - 11 AM | $5 per child / accompanying adult is free
The Family Event Series at Madame ZuZu's continues March 22 with magician Bill Cook. Combining music with mind-blowing magic, Bill Cook’s high-energy show features comedy, drama, and interactive audience participation. His ability to entertain both young and old alike, make him one of the most versatile performers working today!
A Very Billy Afternoon Tea for Two
St. Patrick’s Day: A Very Billy Afternoon Tea for Two
Madame ZuZu's | 1876 First St. | 847.926.7359
MAR. 16 | 2 PM - 3 PM & 3:15 PM - 4 PM | $80 for two tickets
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and Billy Corgan’s birthday at Madame ZuZu's on March 16 with an exclusive afternoon tea for two. Your reservation for two includes:
A themed high tea tower filled with seasonal plant-based pastries and scones
Two pots of Zuzu's signature tea
Live Irish Music by Brandon Reisdorf
Enhance your experience with mimosas or hot toddies featuring the exclusive Smashing Pumpkins x Few Spirits Bourbon
Musical Brunch
Musical Brunch: Duelin Teles
Madame ZuZu's | 1876 First St. | 847.926.7359
MAR. 16 | 11 AM - 2 PM | FREE
Life Rhythms presents Musical Brunch at Madame ZuZu's. Enjoy a delicious, plant-based brunch while listening to western swing tunes by Duelin Teles from 11 AM - 2 PM.
Admission is free.
JCC: Jewish Film Festival
JCC Jewish Film Festival
Wayfarer Theaters | 1850 Second St. | 872.873.1030
MAR. 1 - MAR. 23 | $15 online / $18 at the door. Film passes are available.
Wayfarer Theaters is set to host the 2025 JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival from March 1 - March 23. 19 culturally diverse, Jewish-inspired films will captivate audiences across generations and backgrounds. Catch the following films this weekend:
Musical Brunch
Musical Brunch: The Hogmires
Madame ZuZu's | 1876 First St. | 847.926.7359
MAR. 15 | 11 AM - 2 PM | FREE
Life Rhythms presents Musical Brunch at Madame ZuZu's. Enjoy a delicious, plant-based brunch while listening to bluegrass tunes by The Hogmires from 11 AM - 2 PM.
Admission is free.