Hi friends! I’m Melissa, the (very excited!) Director of Programming at the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce, and I’m thrilled to introduce you to one of our newest community events: First Fridays!

First Fridays is our fresh, fun summer street festival series, created to spotlight local businesses and turn our neighborhood corridors into buzzing hubs of joy and connection. From July through October, we’ll be popping up in a different business district each month with music, vendors, food, and all the good vibes you’d expect from a Chamber that knows how to throw a great party.

This is a brand-new program — built from scratch — and we’re looking for amazing businesses, artists, entrepreneurs, and community partners to help bring it to life. Whether you want to table, perform, sponsor, or just learn more, there’s a place for you at First Fridays.

We’re also excited to be launching The Business Bash in River Forest this year — and as a proud River Forest resident, I can’t wait to see our local business community shine in such a big way.



Info sessions for First Fridays are just around the corner, and all the details are in this week’s newsletter. Give it a look, and let’s make this summer unforgettable!

Melissa Mallinson

Director of Programming and Membership

Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce

GET THE INSIDE SCOOP ON FIRST FRIDAYS

A new summer series is coming to Oak Park — and your business can be a part of it.

Join us at a Business Gathering & Info Session to learn how First Fridays will bring food, music, and community energy to local business districts. We’ll walk through what to expect, how to participate, and answer all your questions. No pressure — just the details (and maybe a snack).



Pick your district and join us:

Tuesday, May 20

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Oak–Leyden

411 W Chicago Avenue

Thursday, May 22

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Whirlwind Coffee Co.

513 Madison Street

Thursday, May 29

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Kettlestrings Tavern

800 S Oak Park Avenue

Wednesday, June 4

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Anfora Wine Merchants

128 S Marion

Click the buttons above to learn more about your shopping district, or email

programming@oprfchamber.org with questions!

PUT YOUR BRAND ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF PRIDE

Out in the Burbs isn’t just a celebration — it’s a statement. As one of the region’s most LGBTQ+ inclusive communities, Oak Park invites you to align your brand with a movement rooted in visibility, belonging, and community care. Sponsoring means connecting with values-driven consumers who support businesses that stand for equality.

Let’s make Out in the Burbs 2025 bold, joyful, and deeply meaningful — together. Click the graphic below to learn more!

Click on any graphic to get more information about the event and to sign up.

Explore what's in store, including fun and educational activities happening throughout.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the excitement!

COMING UP THIS WEEK

PLAN FOR YOUR MONTH

JOIN US AT A DAY IN OUR VILLAGE ON JUNE 1

Celebrate community and promote your business at one of Oak Park’s most beloved events! The Chamber will host a shared tent at A Day in Our Village, and Chamber members can sign up for a one-hour slot to engage with residents, pass out materials, and connect with neighbors.

This is a great chance to raise your visibility—bring branded gear, giveaways, and your best pitch for why local business matters.



Spots are limited—one per member.

BE SEEN IN THE 2025 ANSWER BOOK

The 2025 Answer Book is Oak Park and River Forest’s go-to print guide for everything local — and your business could be in it. With a circulation of 9,000 and year-round reach, this is your chance to build visibility where it matters most.

The deadline to reserve your spot is May 19.



Curious what it looks like? Check out last year’s edition to see how local businesses were featured.

SHARE YOUR EXPERTISE WITH BLEND

BLEND — Oak Park’s Black & Latine Business Support Network — is more than a program. It’s a platform for building power, connection, and community among local entrepreneurs.

Through peer collaboration and expert-led conversations, BLEND supports both emerging and established business owners with the tools, insights, and relationships needed to thrive. We’re here to celebrate brilliance, amplify voices, and grow a more inclusive local economy—together.

Are you a business leader with knowledge to share?

Click the button below to learn how you can get involved as a speaker and help shape the future of entrepreneurship in Oak Park.

Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce

1101 Lake St., Suite 307, Oak Park, IL 60301

708.613.0550 | info@oprfchamber.org | www.oprfchamber.org