Calendar

What’s Happening?

There’s always something to see or do in Highland Park! Check out our calendar to plan your next visit.

 

Featured Events

 

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.

Event Listings

Jun
6

Food Truck Thursdays

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc.

View Event →
Jun
13

Food Truck Thursdays

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc.

View Event →
Jun
20

Food Truck Thursdays - Special Theme Night

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc.

View Event →
Jun
21
to Jun 22

Taste of Highland Park

The City of Highland Park is bringing the ultimate lineup of entertainment and dining to The Lot (525 Central Ave.) with its opening festival, the Taste of Highland Park. Internationally-touring platinum artists Dishwalla and Spin Doctors headline, globally-recognized DJ Madrid returns as The Lot’s resident DJ, and 13 premier food vendors are ready to satisfy every palate!

An unbelievable lineup of nationally-recognized bands will take the stage over the course of two evenings, June 21 & 22, from 5 PM - 10 PM:

FRIDAY, JUNE 21

5 PM - 6:15 PM: The Taste of Highland Park commences with the Chicago-based Jaren Grey Band’s unique brand of heartland rock covers and original songs

• 7 PM - 8 PM: Up next is famed 90s rock band Nine Days, known for their memorable hit “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)”

• 8:30 PM -10 PM: Platinum-selling band Dishwalla, famously known for fan-favorite and Billboard Award “Best Rock Song” of 1996 “Counting Blue Cars,” will wrap up evening one of the Taste

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

• 5 PM - 5:30 PM: Highland Park’s very own Uptown Music Theater opens evening two of the Taste with a Broadway Favorites Concert. Get a sneak peek of their upcoming production of Les Misérables; opening July 2024 and benefitting the Highland Park Community Foundation

• 6 PM - 7:15 PM: Local favorites Serendipity will bring their high-energy, iconic playlist of hits from the 70s, 80s, and today to ignite the crowd

• 8 PM - 10 PM: The Taste of Highland Park will conclude with alternative rock band Spin Doctors, best known for chart-topping hits including “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” and the Grammy nominated song “Two Princes”

On-site vendors will bring a wide variety of food and drink including Mexican, Indian, American, Venezuelan, vegan/vegetarian, sweet treats, grilled items, pizza, wine, beer, cocktails, and more. Participating food vendors include Bella Ru Catering, BWB Shakes, Cafe Dacha, Curt’s Café, Indus Progressive Indian Dining, Judy’s Pizza, La Taquiza HP, Lynfred Winery, Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar, Pixca, Ravinia Brewing Company, Sugarcoated, and Tamales. Libations will be available for those 21 and older!

View Event →
Jun
27

Food Truck Thursdays

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc.

View Event →
Jun
29

Bitter Jester Music Festival Finale

Saturday, June 29, Times TBA

It’s more than a competition, it’s a destination event, complete with music, food, and beverages.12 bands showcase their virtuosity at The Lot, competing for the winner’s title. 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.

Get more info on the festival here.

*This event is a privately organized festival, hosted by the City of Highland Park

View Event →
Jul
11

Food Truck Thursdays

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc.

View Event →
Jul
18

Food Truck Thursdays - Special Theme Night

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc.

View Event →
Jul
25

Food Truck Thursdays

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc.

View Event →
Aug
1

Food Truck Thursdays

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc.

View Event →
Aug
8

Food Truck Thursdays

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc.

View Event →
Aug
15

Food Truck Thursdays - Special Theme Night

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc.

View Event →
Aug
22

Food Truck Thursdays

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc.

View Event →
Aug
29

Food Truck Thursdays

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc.

View Event →
Sep
5

Food Truck Thursdays

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc.

View Event →
Sep
12
to Sep 13

Food Truck Thursdays

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc.

View Event →
Sep
14

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” scavenger hunt through downtown Highland Park businesses will round out this event.

View Event →
Sep
19
to Sep 20

Food Truck Thursdays

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc.

View Event →
Sep
26

Food Truck Thursdays

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc.

View Event →

Arbor Day
Apr
27

Arbor Day

  • Ravinia Festival: West Parking Lot (entrance off of Green Bay Rd.) (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Part of what makes Highland Park so special is its thriving and robust urban canopy of approximately 30,000 street and public trees. 2024 will be the City's 44th year as a designated Tree City USA, and will mark the 6th annual Arbor Day Celebration in the Ravinia neighborhood. “Arbor Day has become a milestone event in the community, marking the end of winter and the blossoming of the new growing season” says City of Highland Park Forester, Ben Miller.

In 2024, the City of Highland Park, led by the Forestry Division, hosted by Ravinia Festival, and with the support of community partners has put together a lineup of fun, educational, and unique activities, stations, and giveaways:

Support from LRS has made the Arbor Day Celebration possible.

Speaking of the impact the City’s Arbor Day Celebration will have, Miller says, “the City’s goal is to remind residents of the importance and value of trees in the Highland Park community. Furthermore, as stewards of the Highland Park ecosystem, we are all tasked with ensuring the urban forest endures the challenges of climate change. In particular, the community’s heritage as an Oak-Hickory forest.”

Celebrate Highland Park's deep-rooted commitment to the environment on Arbor Day, Saturday, April 27, at the Ravinia West Lot (301 Ravinia Park Road). This event is going to be so fun, you'll never want to leaf!

View Event →
Dec
30

Live Music - Tony Ocean

Live Music - Tony Ocean

DEC. 30 | 8:30 PM

Norton’s Restaurant | 1905 Sheridan Rd. | 847.432.3287


End 2023 on a high note! Head over to Norton's Restaurant on New Year's Eve-Eve for drinks, dancing, delicious food, and a dazzling live performance by Tony Ocean. Enjoy a night of upbeat tunes in the style of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Tony Bennett. Tom Jones, and the Rat Pack; all designed to get you up and dancing.

View Event →
Vegan Santa & Soul Food
Dec
23

Vegan Santa & Soul Food

Vegan Santa & Soul Food

DEC. 23 | 10 AM - 4 PM

The Chunky Scone | 733 St. Johns Ave. | 84.780.3838


Feeling chilly? Warm up at The Chunky Scone's Vegan Soul Food pop-up event. Enjoy hearty vegan soul food like cheezy potatoes, mac & cheeze, BBQ tofu, corn bread, biscuits, collard greens, jerk chickun, and more from vegan outfit, Libby's Corner. Need another reason to stop by? Vegan Santa will be in-store for photos.


View Event →
Dec
22

Double Feature: The Grinch & Elf

Double Feature: The Grinch & Elf

DEC. 22 | 4:30 PM (The Grinch) & 6 PM (Elf)

Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar | 1879 Second St. | 847.432.3338


Did your plans to make gingerbread houses, and eat cookie dough, and go ice skating, and - maybe even hold hands fall through? Don't turn into an angry elf, head over to Michael's for a double feature and scrumptious eats instead! Michael's will be showing Dr. Seuss' The Grinch at 4:30 PM, followed by Elf at 6 PM.

View Event →
Stews & Brews
Oct
13

Stews & Brews

This cool weather event will get attendees warmed up with a variety of hardy stick—to-the-ribs stews including chili, jambalaya, Hungarian goulash, chicken pot pie and more. All kinds of brews will be available too, from craft beer, spiced ciders and wines, to hot toddies, hot chocolate and kombucha! A stellar line-up of blues artists will grace the stage as well.

View Event →
Sep
28

Food Truck Thursdays

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc. and co-sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation. Additional sponsors include Arbor Terrace, Banner Kitchen & Bath Showroom, Gearhead Outfitters, and Irina Makkai Classical Ballet and Dance School.

View Event →
Sep
24

Artisan Market

Sip and shop as you explore the ever-changing lineup of vendors at the new Artisan Market at The Lot! Shop crafts, fresh baked goods, fruit, and vegetables, dog treats and more, with live music every Sunday through Sept. 24, 10 AM - 3 PM at The Lot (525 Central / enter at St. Johns and Park.)

View Event →
Sep
21

Food Truck Thursdays

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc. and co-sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation. Additional sponsors include Arbor Terrace, Banner Kitchen & Bath Showroom, Gearhead Outfitters, and Irina Makkai Classical Ballet and Dance School.

View Event →
Sep
17

Artisan Market

Sip and shop as you explore the ever-changing lineup of vendors at the new Artisan Market at The Lot! Shop crafts, fresh baked goods, fruit, and vegetables, dog treats and more, with live music every Sunday through Sept. 24, 10 AM - 3 PM at The Lot (525 Central / enter at St. Johns and Park.)

View Event →
Sep
14

Food Truck Thursdays

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc. and co-sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation. Additional sponsors include Arbor Terrace, Banner Kitchen & Bath Showroom, Gearhead Outfitters, and Irina Makkai Classical Ballet and Dance School.

View Event →
Sep
10

Artisan Market

Sip and shop as you explore the ever-changing lineup of vendors at the new Artisan Market at The Lot! Shop crafts, fresh baked goods, fruit, and vegetables, dog treats and more, with live music every Sunday through Sept. 24, 10 AM - 3 PM at The Lot (525 Central / enter at St. Johns and Park.)

View Event →
Sep
7

Food Truck Thursdays

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc. and co-sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation. Additional sponsors include Arbor Terrace, Banner Kitchen & Bath Showroom, Gearhead Outfitters, and Irina Makkai Classical Ballet and Dance School.

View Event →
Sep
3

Artisan Market

Sip and shop as you explore the ever-changing lineup of vendors at the new Artisan Market at The Lot! Shop crafts, fresh baked goods, fruit, and vegetables, dog treats and more, with live music every Sunday through Sept. 24, 10 AM - 3 PM at The Lot (525 Central / enter at St. Johns and Park.)

View Event →
Aug
31

Food Truck Thursdays

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc. and co-sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation. Additional sponsors include Arbor Terrace, Banner Kitchen & Bath Showroom, Gearhead Outfitters, and Irina Makkai Classical Ballet and Dance School.

View Event →
Aug
27

Artisan Market

Sip and shop as you explore the ever-changing lineup of vendors at the new Artisan Market at The Lot! Shop crafts, fresh baked goods, fruit, and vegetables, dog treats and more, with live music every Sunday through Sept. 24, 10 AM - 3 PM at The Lot (525 Central / enter at St. Johns and Park.)

View Event →
Aug
24

Food Truck Thursdays

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc. and co-sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation. Additional sponsors include Arbor Terrace, Banner Kitchen & Bath Showroom, Gearhead Outfitters, and Irina Makkai Classical Ballet and Dance School.

View Event →
Aug
20

Artisan Market

Sip and shop as you explore the ever-changing lineup of vendors at the new Artisan Market at The Lot! Shop crafts, fresh baked goods, fruit, and vegetables, dog treats and more, with live music every Sunday through Sept. 24, 10 AM - 3 PM at The Lot (525 Central / enter at St. Johns and Park.)

View Event →
Aug
17

Food Truck Thursdays

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc. and co-sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation. Additional sponsors include Arbor Terrace, Banner Kitchen & Bath Showroom, Gearhead Outfitters, and Irina Makkai Classical Ballet and Dance School.

View Event →
Aug
13

Artisan Market

Sip and shop as you explore the ever-changing lineup of vendors at the new Artisan Market at The Lot! Shop crafts, fresh baked goods, fruit, and vegetables, dog treats and more, with live music every Sunday through Sept. 24, 10 AM - 3 PM at The Lot (525 Central / enter at St. Johns and Park.)

View Event →
Aug
10

Food Truck Thursdays

Join us in the Ravinia District for Food Truck Thursdays from 4:30 PM to dusk. Get ready to savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music!

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA manages the events with music coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc. and co-sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation. Additional sponsors include Arbor Terrace, Banner Kitchen & Bath Showroom, Gearhead Outfitters, and Irina Makkai Classical Ballet and Dance School.

View Event →