September 2025: Your Downtown Skokie Insider

Welcome to the September Edition of the Downtown Skokie Insider!


This newsletter keeps you updated on local events, business highlights, and community happenings. Whether you have joined us at a DSMC event, signed up for updates, or simply love supporting Skokie’s small businesses, we are glad you are here. Back-to-school season is here and the weather is starting to cool down. While summer may be behind us, Downtown Skokie is still full of excitement and community spirit.


Thursday Nights in Downtown Skokie were a huge success this summer. Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy live music, local flavors, and warm summer evenings with us. Our team is already working on new ideas to keep the fun going as we head into the fall season.

In the meantime, stay connected with us on social media for the latest updates, events, and promotions. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep the Downtown Skokie spirit going year-round.


Thank you for being part of the Downtown Skokie community. The best is yet to come.

Warmly,

The Downtown Skokie Merchants Collaborative (DSMC) Team

Tours Available: Thursday, September 25th

Start times: 5:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Tickets: $41.75 (includes all fees)

Ages 21+ with valid photo ID

Step back in time while savoring the flavors of today with this one-of-a-kind walking tour through Downtown Skokie. Led by local historians, the tour explores beloved landmarks of the past, including former sites like Alberti’s (now Village Inn), Paroubek’s Bakery then Vittello’s (now Kneads and Wants), and the area around Duffy’s Tavern (now Take Flight).

Along the way, enjoy curated bites and sips such as a slice of pizza, a housemade baked good, and a specialty mocktail or cocktail. Each tour lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and ends at Take Flight Spirits.

This special Heritage Day experience is presented in partnership by the Downtown Skokie Merchants Collaborative and the Skokie Park District, with tickets sold exclusively through the DSMC.

More than half the tickets have already been sold, and we are looking for ways to add additional time slots.

Saturday, November 29th


The holiday shopping season is right around the corner and there is no better time to show your support for local businesses than Small Business Saturday.


Mark your calendars and head to Downtown Skokie. Our merchants are preparing special offerings, unique finds, and holiday cheer that you will not want to miss.


Shopping local not only helps you discover one of a kind gifts but it also strengthens our community. Keep an eye out for more details coming soon and get ready to shop stroll and celebrate with us in Downtown Skokie.

Artwork created by the talented CG. Ink.

We’re collecting recipes for Rising Together: A Community Cookbook from Skokie, a beautiful hardcover book that celebrates the flavors and stories of our village with a special spotlight on baked goods. Sweet or savory, if it’s made in an oven, we want it: cookies, casseroles, breads, lasagnas, cakes, quiches, and more.

Whether it’s a treasured family recipe or a go-to weeknight favorite, now is the perfect time to share your dish and the story behind it.

Submissions are open to Skokie residents, businesses, teachers, and anyone connected to our community. We have already received multiple entries from local elected officials, and your recipe could be right alongside theirs. If it’s baked, we want to feature it.

Artwork created by the talented CG Ink.

Spotlight: Downtown Skokie Merchant Events!

Wings Night at

Kneads and Wants Bakery

Thursday, September 11th at 5:30 p.m.

Wings Night is back at Kneads and Wants Bakery on Thursday, September 11 from 5:30 to 8 PM! Enjoy crispy gluten-free wings tossed in your favorite sauces, live music by DJ Brian Williams, and a special cheesecake dessert to finish the night.

This is the first Wings Night of the season and it’s going to be delicious!

Location: Kneads & Wants, 8042 Lincoln Ave.

Drinks & Dry Manis at

Take Flight

Sunday, September 14 at 4:00 p.m.

Celebrate self-care Sunday at Take Flight Spirits! On September 14 from 4:00–6:00 PM, unwind with Drinks & Dry Manis. KathyB and Raz will guide you through a fun and easy Color Street nail experience while you sip on your favorite cocktail. A perfect way to recharge and connect with friends.

Cost: Free to attend

Location: Take Flight Spirits, 8038 Lincoln Ave.

Thursday, September 18th at 6:30 p.m.

Find your balance with Breathletics at FLX MOVE: a 75-minute conscious-connected breathwork class. Guided by music and intentional rhythms, this experience helps you release stress, sharpen focus, and build inner resilience.

Walk away feeling lighter, clearer, and deeply empowered.

Cost: $25.00

Location: FLX MOVE – 5177 Brown St.

Wednesday, September 17th at 5:30 p.m.

Join us at See Jane Sparkle Boutique for a night of fashion, fun, and fair trade! On Wednesday, September 17th from 5:30–8 PM, enjoy a sip n shop experience featuring unique styles, exclusive savings, and a Trends & Tips session at 6 PM. Shop consciously, connect with community, and leave inspired.

Tickets: Free to attend.

Location: See Jane Sparkle, 5115 Brown St.

Monday, September 29th at 5:00 p.m.

Celebrate the beauty and cultural significance of Black hair at this special interactive storytime. Designed for families with children in PreK–grade 5, the program will feature stories, songs, and hands-on activities that honor the creativity and traditions surrounding Black hair.

Families can also bring their own hair care supplies for a chance to try out hairstyles and share experiences together.

Registration is required and closes on September 29 at 5:00 pm. A library card is needed to register.

Location: Skokie Public Library Radmacher Room – 5215 Oakton St.

Downtown Skokie Business Spotlight ✨