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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
*This Sunday’s event will run concurrent with the Vintage Car Show taking place along St. Johns Avenue, parallel to The Lot.
Vintage Auto Show
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Candy Stroll
· Welcome Fall with the annual Ravinia District Candy Stroll on Friday, October 5 from 3:30 to 5 PM.
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)
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!
Cookie & Cocoa Crawl
Kick-off the Holiday season with the annual Ravinia District Cookie & Cocoa Crawl on Saturday, December 7 from 11:30 AM to 1 PM.
Arbor Day
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:
Oak seedlings and coloring books, presented by the City of Highland Park
Milkweed plants, presented by the Park District of Highland Park
Seed packets and e-tool demonstrations, presented by Bartlett Tree Care
Kids’ hardhats and Touch-A-Truck experience, presented by Advanced Tree Care
Tree seedlings, tree planting demonstrations, and another Touch-A-Truck experience, presented by Davey Tree Care Experts
Kitchen compost pails and confidential document shredding, presented by SWALCO
Meet & greet with birds of prey, presented by Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education
Electric vehicle showcase, presented by Go Green Highland Park
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!
Live Music - Tony Ocean
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.
Songwriters Circle in the Round
Songwriters Circle in the Round
DEC. 28 | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM | FREE | RSVP
Madame ZuZu’s | 1876 First St. | 847.926.7359
Gather round Madame Zuzu's for a discussion with four talented songwriters. Noah Plotkin hosts "Songwriters Circle in the Round" featuring Albie Powers, Jared Rabin, Laura Glyda, and Wallace Tallman.
Gingerbread House Making
Gingerbread House Making
DEC. 23 | 11 AM & 5 PM | $50
Ravinia Brewing Company | 582 Roger Williams Ave. | 847.780.8127
Beer, hot cocoa, chips and guacamole, and a gingerbread house to decorate - Ravinia Brewing Company is the place to be. Show off your architectural skills and make sweet, edible, holiday memories!
Gingerbread House Making
Gingerbread House Making
DEC. 23 | 11 AM & 5 PM | $50
Ravinia Brewing Company | 582 Roger Williams Ave. | 847.780.8127
Beer, hot cocoa, chips and guacamole, and a gingerbread house to decorate - Ravinia Brewing Company is the place to be. Show off your architectural skills and make sweet, edible, holiday memories!
Vegan Santa & Soul Food
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.
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.
Stews & Brews
Combining two Midwestern comfort foods and beverages, this event will warm the hearts of all that attend!
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.
Vintage Market
Antique and vintage vendors with unique items for sale, along with seasonal bites and beverages.
Oktoberfest
Beer garden with great music and delicious, traditional bites to bring the community together! Prost!
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.
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.)
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.
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.)
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.
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.)
Vintage Car Show
Vintage cars with light bites and background music. Check out the cars, then head to your favorite Highland Park restaurant for dinner.
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.
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.)
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.
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.)
Port Clinton Art Festival
See paintings, sculpture, mixed media work and more at the Port Clinton Art Festival, celebrating its 40th anniversary! Look for Kids Art Stop & Live Art Demo stations, tasty treats, libations, and live music.
600 Central Ave.
Port Clinton Art Festival
See paintings, sculpture, mixed media work and more at the Port Clinton Art Festival, celebrating its 40th anniversary! Look for Kids Art Stop & Live Art Demo stations, tasty treats, libations, and live music.
600 Central Ave.
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.
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.)
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.
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.)
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.