Food Truck Thursdays

THURSDAYS, JUN. 4 - SEPT. 3 | 4:30 PM - DUSK
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.

Food Truck Thursdays are the spot to be in the Ravinia District this summer, June 4 through September 3, at Jens Jensen Park! Savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, select Highland Park vendors. Enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music every Thursday night, 4:30 PM to dusk.

We can’t imagine a better way to spend a summer evening than good friends, good food, and of course, great music.

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners, and are managed by Bensidoun USA. The music for Food Truck Thursdays is coordinated by City contractor, Life Rhythms, Inc., and is co-sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation.

Ravinia Farmers Market

WEDNESDAYS, JUN. 3 - OCT. 28 | 7 AM - 1 PM
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.

Head to the heart of Highland Park’s Ravinia District for your favorite local farmers market! Shop seasonal produce, meet local vendors, and enjoy live performances throughout the morning.

Downtown Concerts at Port Clinton: Slavic Savor

JUL. 17 | 6 PM - 8 PM
Port Clinton Square | 600 Central Ave.

Dine & dance your way across the globe this summer in the heart of Highland Park. No passport necessary.

The City of Highland Park's FREE Friday evening concert series returns in 2026 with a special, global twist. Grab your friends, neighbors, and family and head to Port Clinton Square. Over the course of 10 Friday evenings this summer, enjoy world cuisine from HP restaurants with accompanying music and cultural performances.

From Thailand to France to Mexico, Ukraine, Italy, America, India, and beyond, you're invited to experience the flavors that make Highland Park's culinary scene one of the most diverse on Chicago's North Shore.

JUL. 17 | SLAVIC SAVOR

We're headed to Eastern Europe this week with SLAVIC SAVOR. Cafe Dacha will be serving up all your Eastern European favorites and Steep Ravine Brewing Company will offer a selection of craft beers for those 21+. In addition to sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and bean bag tic tac toe for the kids, entertainment will include music from Paul Strolia and Volodymyr Okilko, Ukrainian dancers, and trivia from Wayfarer Theaters & J. Blanton Plumbing.

Food Truck Thursdays

THURSDAYS, JUN. 4 - SEPT. 3 | 4:30 PM - DUSK
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.

Food Truck Thursdays are the spot to be in the Ravinia District this summer, June 4 through September 3, at Jens Jensen Park! Savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, select Highland Park vendors. Enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music every Thursday night, 4:30 PM to dusk.

We can’t imagine a better way to spend a summer evening than good friends, good food, and of course, great music.

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners, and are managed by Bensidoun USA. The music for Food Truck Thursdays is coordinated by City contractor, Life Rhythms, Inc., and is co-sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation.

Ravinia Farmers Market

WEDNESDAYS, JUN. 3 - OCT. 28 | 7 AM - 1 PM
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.

Head to the heart of Highland Park’s Ravinia District for your favorite local farmers market! Shop seasonal produce, meet local vendors, and enjoy live performances throughout the morning.

Go Green Highland Park and the League of Women Voters of Highland Park-Highwood:

Native Plant Garden Tour

JUL. 11 | 12 PM - 4 PM | FREE

Go Green Highland Park and the League of Women Voters of Highland Park-Highwood are excited to present the fourth annual Native Plant Garden Tour on July 11.

Visit a number of Highland Park gardens featuring pollinator and native plants. Many Highland Park residents have worked to certify their pollinator-friendly gardens with the National Wildlife Federation. These efforts have earned NWF certification of Highland Park as a Community Wildlife Habitat, the second city in Illinois to earn this honor.

Pollinator- and wildlife-friendly gardens share these features: food, water, and protection for young are all present, and sustainable, chemical-free practices are followed. If adopted at a community-wide scale, wildlife-friendly gardening can boost biodiversity and help reverse the decline of some of our most important pollinator populations. Pollinator-friendly gardens can be large or small, developed in yards or on porches in pots, in sunny or shady locations.

Tour participants say that the tour is a fun way to connect with neighbors, exchange ideas about native plant gardening, and gain inspiration for starting or diversifying their gardens.

The tour is FREE, but registration is required to obtain a map of the gardens the day before the tour. Click the button below to register.

JULY 10 | KOSHER & KLEZMER

Kick off the series by exploring the Jewish diaspora with KOSHER & KLEZMER. Mizrahi Grill will be serving up kosher cuisine while the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band entertains. Steep Ravine Brewing Company will also be onsite offering libations for those 21+. PLUS, flex your knowledge with trivia during the intermission with Wayfarer Theaters. Kids and adults alike can also enjoy sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and bean bag tic tac toe throughout the evening.

Downtown Concerts at Port Clinton: Kosher & Klezmer

JUL. 10 | 5 PM - 7 PM
Port Clinton Square | 600 Central Ave.

Dine & dance your way across the globe this summer in the heart of Highland Park. No passport necessary.

The City of Highland Park's FREE Friday evening concert series returns in 2026 with a special, global twist. Grab your friends, neighbors, and family and head to Port Clinton Square. Over the course of 10 Friday evenings this summer, enjoy world cuisine from HP restaurants with accompanying music and cultural performances.

From Thailand to France to Mexico, Ukraine, Italy, America, India, and beyond, you're invited to experience the flavors that make Highland Park's culinary scene one of the most diverse on Chicago's North Shore.

Food Truck Thursdays: America250 Theme Night

THURSDAYS, JUN. 4 - SEPT. 3 | 4:30 PM - DUSK
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.

Food Truck Thursdays are the spot to be in the Ravinia District this summer, June 4 through September 3, at Jens Jensen Park! Savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, select Highland Park vendors. Enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music every Thursday night, 4:30 PM to dusk.

We can’t imagine a better way to spend a summer evening than good friends, good food, and of course, great music.

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners, and are managed by Bensidoun USA. The music for Food Truck Thursdays is coordinated by City contractor, Life Rhythms, Inc., and is co-sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation.

Join the Highland Park Historical Society as part of the national simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence! Enjoy music from the US Navy Band (pictured here at the City’s 2024 Independence Day parade), including selections by American composers Charles Ives and William Billings. The reading will begin at 5 PM.

Ravinia Farmers Market

WEDNESDAYS, JUN. 3 - OCT. 28 | 7 AM - 1 PM
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.

Head to the heart of Highland Park’s Ravinia District for your favorite local farmers market! Shop seasonal produce, meet local vendors, and enjoy live performances throughout the morning.

America250 Community Concert: JP and the Midnight Idols

JUL. 5 | 1PM | FREE
Port Clinton Square - 600 Central Ave.

JP and the Midnight Idols, featuring Dr. Mark, will play a special free concert honoring the 250th anniversary of our nation's independence!

Star-Spangled Pool Party

JUL. 4 | 11 AM - 4 PM
Hidden Creek Aquapark - 1220 Fredrickson Pl.

Keep the fun going post-parade with the Park District's brand new Star-Spangled Pool Party at Hidden Creek AquaPark! The party will feature a DJ and patriotic poolside games. Food specials will be available for purchase from the concessions stand.

Independence Day Parade

JUL. 4 | 10:30 AM
Downtown Highland Park

Celebrate your American story and love of history at the City's Independence Day Parade! Wear your Americana best to help bring the America250 theme to life. From patriotic floats to historical characters, incredible music from the Brass Animals to precision marching from the Elite Striders Drill Team & Drum Corps, to interactive bubble foam, can't-miss vintage vehicles, and so much more, this year's Independence Day Parade will bring our community together for a special celebration of our country and our values! Special this year, the City appreciates the participation of the U.S. Army in our Independence Day parade.

The parade will follow the same route as in 2025, stepping off at St. Johns & Laurel, turning onto Green Bay before heading west on Central, ending at Sunset Woods Park.

Highland Park Historical Society

Stupey Cabin Open House

JUL. 4 | 8 AM - 10:30 AM | FREE

The Highland Park Historical Society will host an open house at the Stupey Cabin!

The City of Highland Park & the Park District of Highland Park present

Rescheduled (Date TBD): Independence Day Fireworks Display

JUL. 3 | 9:30 PM
The Preserve of Highland Park - 1207 Park Ave. W.

For the safety of our community, performers, vendors, and staff, the City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park, in consultation with the fireworks contractor, have made the difficult decision to cancel Independence Fest and to reschedule the fireworks display to a later date. At this time, no changes are anticipated for the Independence Day parade, scheduled for 10:30 AM and the Star-Spangled Pool Party, scheduled for 11 AM, on Saturday, July 4. 

If you pre-purchased an Independence Fest wristband and would like a refund, please reach out to the Park District's customer service office at registrations@pdhp.org. If you choose not to request a refund, your wristband purchase will be donated to the Parks Foundation of Highland Park Scholarship Fund.

The City will announce the rescheduled fireworks display once a new date has been confirmed. 

We apologize for the inconvenience, and we wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday weekend. We look forward to celebrating with you at the Independence Day Parade and the Star-Spangled Pool Party!

Community members will enjoy a spectacular fireworks display set to a patriotic soundtrack in celebration of America250.

The Park District of Highland Park presents

Canceled: Independence Fest

JUL. 3 | 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
The Preserve of Highland Park - 1207 Park Ave. W.

Update, July 3: For the safety of our community, performers, vendors, and staff, the City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park, in consultation with the fireworks contractor, have made the difficult decision to cancel Independence Fest and to reschedule the fireworks display to a later date. At this time, no changes are anticipated for the Independence Day parade, scheduled for 10:30 AM and the Star-Spangled Pool Party, scheduled for 11 AM, on Saturday, July 4. 

If you pre-purchased an Independence Fest wristband and would like a refund, please reach out to the Park District's customer service office at registrations@pdhp.org. If you choose not to request a refund, your wristband purchase will be donated to the Parks Foundation of Highland Park Scholarship Fund.

The City will announce the rescheduled fireworks display once a new date has been confirmed. 

We apologize for the inconvenience, and we wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday weekend. We look forward to celebrating with you at the Independence Day Parade and the Star-Spangled Pool Party!

The Park District of Highland Park invites you to enjoy an evening packed with live entertainment, thrilling rides, carnival games, great food, and exciting activities for all ages! This year’s celebration proudly aligns with America250 to commemorate 250 years of American independence.

Participate in a variety of attractions and games*, get a bite to eat from onsite food & beverage vendors, and dance along to live music from Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute.

*Wristbands are required for games & attractions. Avoid the lines and pre-purchase your wristbands for $10 from Monday, June 15-Friday, July 3 at 3pm at these locations:

• West Ridge Center - 636 Ridge Road

• Park Fitness - 1207 Park Ave. W.

• Highland Park Bank & Trust - 1949 St. Johns Ave.

Wristbands are available on site at The Preserve for $15.

Ravinia Farmers Market

WEDNESDAYS, JUN. 3 - OCT. 28 | 7 AM - 1 PM
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.

Head to the heart of Highland Park’s Ravinia District for your favorite local farmers market! Shop seasonal produce, meet local vendors, and enjoy live performances throughout the morning.

20th Anniversary

Bitter Jester Music Festival - Grand Finale

JUN. 27 | 2 PM - 10 PM | FREE
Downtown Highland Park | Second St.

Discover your next favorite band at Bitter Jester, Highland Park's other great music festival! Sponsored by the City of Highland Park, IL, This free, family-friendly concert series has been taking place in Downtown HP annually since 2006. What started as a small "battle of the bands" for local performers has evolved into the nation's largest live festival showcasing emerging artists under the age of 25. Hundreds of performers from all across the nation apply every winter/spring and the festival invites about 40 musical acts from over a dozen states to perform. A "battle of the bands" style event (featuring the top 20% of applicants) has the top acts vying for almost $15,000 in cash and other prizes. With food, craft beer, wine, great coffee, and free parking, the Bitter Jester Music Fest is a must-see event in Downtown Highland Park!

Multiple genres are featured each night with musicians receiving highly detailed feedback from industry professionals in the process. A winner is selected at each of four Preliminary Concerts with four additional "Wild Cards" selected by Festival Producers. Those eight acts then compete head to head at a Grand Finale Concert co-hosted by Nicolas DeGrazia (an Emmy-winning TV director and HP native - the festival's founder) and Peter Sagal (host of "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" on NPR). Come to the Finale for the music and stay to hear Peter interview performers after their sets!

As 101.9 The Mix put it: "It's an incredible concert with a bunch of future headliners!" So check out some of your next favorite bands and be able to say "I saw them when..."

Select Bitter Jester Finalists are chosen to open for national headliners on Ravinia's Carousel Stage and also perform a "Best Of" show at Navy Pier's Beer Garden on Labor Day each year.

Grand Finale Lineup

IN COMPETITION:
WINNERS: Exit 122, Taranis, Threegon, Tripsitter‍‍
WILDCARDS: Mistrophia, Cabin Fever, Hammerhead, Belle Vista

FEATURED SHOWCASE:
Billy Schaumann, Izzy Savides, Mystik, The Strolls

GUEST ARTIST:
Claire McKenna

Food Truck Thursdays

THURSDAYS, JUN. 4 - SEPT. 3 | 4:30 PM - DUSK
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.

Food Truck Thursdays are the spot to be in the Ravinia District this summer, June 4 through September 3, at Jens Jensen Park! Savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, select Highland Park vendors. Enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music every Thursday night, 4:30 PM to dusk.

We can’t imagine a better way to spend a summer evening than good friends, good food, and of course, great music.

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners, and are managed by Bensidoun USA. The music for Food Truck Thursdays is coordinated by City contractor, Life Rhythms, Inc., and is co-sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation.

Ravinia Farmers Market

WEDNESDAYS, JUN. 3 - OCT. 28 | 7 AM - 1 PM
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.

Head to the heart of Highland Park’s Ravinia District for your favorite local farmers market! Shop seasonal produce, meet local vendors, and enjoy live performances throughout the morning.

Highland Park Chamber of Commerce presents

Highland Park Wine Stroll

JUN. 18 | 5 PM - 7:30 PM | $34+
Downtown Highland Park

Sip, stroll, shop, and savor! Enjoy wine tastings and special in-store discounts as you explore Downtown Highland Park. The Highland Park Chamber of Commerce's annual Wine Stroll will take place on June 18. Whether you're looking to discover a new favorite wine, find a one-of-a-kind gift, or simply enjoy a festive night out, this event is for you!

Food Truck Thursdays

THURSDAYS, JUN. 4 - SEPT. 3 | 4:30 PM - DUSK
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.

Food Truck Thursdays are the spot to be in the Ravinia District this summer, June 4 through September 3, at Jens Jensen Park! Savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, select Highland Park vendors. Enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music every Thursday night, 4:30 PM to dusk.

We can’t imagine a better way to spend a summer evening than good friends, good food, and of course, great music.

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners, and are managed by Bensidoun USA. The music for Food Truck Thursdays is coordinated by City contractor, Life Rhythms, Inc., and is co-sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation.

Ravinia Farmers Market

WEDNESDAYS, JUN. 3 - OCT. 28 | 7 AM - 1 PM
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.

Head to the heart of Highland Park’s Ravinia District for your favorite local farmers market! Shop seasonal produce, meet local vendors, and enjoy live performances throughout the morning.

IN COMPETITION:

Cam Martin & the Lost Hearts, Intrepid Cat, Izzy Savides, Mistrophia, The Strolls, Tripsitter

FEATURED SHOWCASE:

Brady Lorince, Resting in Headlights, Sofia Devitt

GUEST ARTISTS:

Vincent Casal, Violet Clare

20th Anniversary

Bitter Jester Music Festival Preliminary Concert - Night Four

JUN. 13 | 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM | FREE
Port Clinton Square | 600 Central Ave.

Discover your next favorite band at Bitter Jester, Highland Park's other great music festival! Sponsored by the City of Highland Park, IL, This free, family-friendly concert series has been taking place in Downtown HP annually since 2006. What started as a small "battle of the bands" for local performers has evolved into the nation's largest live festival showcasing emerging artists under the age of 25. Hundreds of performers from all across the nation apply every winter/spring and the festival invites about 40 musical acts from over a dozen states to perform. A "battle of the bands" style event (featuring the top 20% of applicants) has the top acts vying for almost $15,000 in cash and other prizes. With food, craft beer, wine, great coffee, and free parking, the Bitter Jester Music Fest is a must-see event in Downtown Highland Park!

Multiple genres are featured each night with musicians receiving highly detailed feedback from industry professionals in the process. A winner is selected at each of four Preliminary Concerts with four additional "Wild Cards" selected by Festival Producers. Those eight acts then compete head to head at a Grand Finale Concert co-hosted by Nicolas DeGrazia (an Emmy-winning TV director and HP native - the festival's founder) and Peter Sagal (host of "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" on NPR). Come to the Finale for the music and stay to hear Peter interview performers after their sets!

As 101.9 The Mix put it: "It's an incredible concert with a bunch of future headliners!" So check out some of your next favorite bands and be able to say "I saw them when..."

Select Bitter Jester Finalists are chosen to open for national headliners on Ravinia's Carousel Stage and also perform a "Best Of" show at Navy Pier's Beer Garden on Labor Day each year.

Cone with a Cop

JUN. 13 | 11 AM - 1 PM | FREE
McDonald’s Highland Park - 1988 First St.

McDonald's is partnering with the Highland Park Police Department to ensure every kid's summer gets a sweet start! Head to McDonald's on June 1 and meet the men and women of the Highland Park Police Department, take photos in a real police vehicle, and best of all, enjoy a sweet, FREE, vanilla cone!

IN COMPETITION:

Billy Schaumann, Hammerhead, Mystik, Threegon, Zion Ari, Zoloft

FEATURED SHOWCASES:

Fank!, Palm of Your Hand, Party Hat Club

GUEST ARTISTS:

Briley Music, Willa Zatzenbloom

20th Anniversary

Bitter Jester Music Festival Preliminary Concert - Night Three

JUN. 12 | 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM | FREE
Port Clinton Square | 600 Central Ave.

Discover your next favorite band at Bitter Jester, Highland Park's other great music festival! Sponsored by the City of Highland Park, IL, This free, family-friendly concert series has been taking place in Downtown HP annually since 2006. What started as a small "battle of the bands" for local performers has evolved into the nation's largest live festival showcasing emerging artists under the age of 25. Hundreds of performers from all across the nation apply every winter/spring and the festival invites about 40 musical acts from over a dozen states to perform. A "battle of the bands" style event (featuring the top 20% of applicants) has the top acts vying for almost $15,000 in cash and other prizes. With food, craft beer, wine, great coffee, and free parking, the Bitter Jester Music Fest is a must-see event in Downtown Highland Park!

Multiple genres are featured each night with musicians receiving highly detailed feedback from industry professionals in the process. A winner is selected at each of four Preliminary Concerts with four additional "Wild Cards" selected by Festival Producers. Those eight acts then compete head to head at a Grand Finale Concert co-hosted by Nicolas DeGrazia (an Emmy-winning TV director and HP native - the festival's founder) and Peter Sagal (host of "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" on NPR). Come to the Finale for the music and stay to hear Peter interview performers after their sets!

As 101.9 The Mix put it: "It's an incredible concert with a bunch of future headliners!" So check out some of your next favorite bands and be able to say "I saw them when..."

Select Bitter Jester Finalists are chosen to open for national headliners on Ravinia's Carousel Stage and also perform a "Best Of" show at Navy Pier's Beer Garden on Labor Day each year.

Food Truck Thursdays

THURSDAYS, JUN. 4 - SEPT. 3 | 4:30 PM - DUSK
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.

Food Truck Thursdays are the spot to be in the Ravinia District this summer, June 4 through September 3, at Jens Jensen Park! Savor fresh flavors from a variety of food trucks, select Highland Park vendors. Enjoy warm summer evenings and dance to great music every Thursday night, 4:30 PM to dusk.

We can’t imagine a better way to spend a summer evening than good friends, good food, and of course, great music.

5 PM - 5:50 PM | Ravinia Festival’s Jazz Scholars
Student Jazz Band

6 PM - 8:30 PM | Nasty Snacks
Nine-Piece Funk & Soul

Food Truck Thursdays are presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners, and are managed by Bensidoun USA. The music for Food Truck Thursdays is coordinated by Life Rhythms, Inc., and is co-sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation.

Ravinia Farmers Market

WEDNESDAYS, JUN. 3 - OCT. 28 | 7 AM - 1 PM
Jens Jensen Park | 540 Roger Williams Ave.

Head to the heart of Highland Park’s Ravinia District for your favorite local farmers market! Shop seasonal produce, meet local vendors, and enjoy live performances throughout the morning.