explore. experience. enjoy. | | | | |  |
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Catch a movie, attend a concert, create beautiful sidewalk chalk murals, relive the music of the 90s, get cozy with cuddly cats, and so much more... Get all the details in this edition of the Weekender.
📸: Say bonjour to deliciously decadent cuisine from That Little French Guy during the August 14 Downtown Concert at Port Clinton: BON APPET-EAT. Lynfred Winery will also be onsite offering perfectly-paired wine selections for those 21+.
1791 St. Johns Ave. / 847.737.9680
Explore more delicious dining with our dining guide.
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ENJOY HIGHLAND PARK
Downtown Concerts at Port Clinton
SELECT FRIDAY EVENINGS THROUGH SEP. 25 | FREE
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Dine & dance your way across the globe this summer in the heart of downtown Highland Park. No passport necessary.
The City of Highland Park's FREE Friday evening concert series has returned for 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.
*Please note there will be no concert August 28. Stay tuned for information on reschedule dates for Slavic Savor and Treasures of Thailand.
Port Clinton Square - 600 Central Ave.
| BON APPET-EAT - AUG. 14 | 6 PM - 8 PM | This week will make you think that you’re enjoying a warm summer evening in Montmartre. Enjoy authentic French flavors from That Little French Guy and curated wines from Lynfred Winery during BON APPET-EAT on August 14. Jazz ensemble Lush Life will provide the perfect Parisian ambiance. Kids will enjoy chalk, bubbles, ring toss, a meet & greet with Belle from Beauty & the Beast, a French mime, and movie trivia presented by Wayfarer Theaters. | THANK YOU TO THIS YEAR'S SPONSORS! | | |
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THE ART CENTER
Draw Together
AUG. 15 | 10 AM
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The Art Center continues its commitment to children’s arts programming and education with a local favorite: Draw Together. This event celebrates creative expression and raises funds to support the The Art Center’s scholarships and educational programming with family-friendly entertainment and an opportunity to mix and mingle with the community. Draw Together will take place on August 15.
$35 - $55
1957 Sheridan Rd. / 847.432.1888
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DR. MARK & THE SUTURES
39th Annual FREE Community Concert
AUG. 15 | 7 PM
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A splendid time is guaranteed for all when Dr. Mark & the Sutures play their annual free all-Beatles show right in the heart of Downtown Highland Park. Mark your calendars now, then roll up, come together, and get back with the Fab Five on August 15 at Port Clinton Square.
Port Clinton Square - 600 Central Ave.
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RAVINIA DISTRICT
Food Truck Thursdays
THURSDAYS THROUGH SEPT. 3 | 4:30 PM - DUSK | FREE
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Take a trip back to the 90s next week during Food Truck Thursdays in the Ravinia District. Enjoy one last hurrah before school starts up again and relive moments from one of the most iconic decades with 90s Throwback Night on August 20.
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.
Jens Jensen Park - 540 Roger Williams Ave.
| AUGUST 20 | 90's THROWBACK THEME NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT | |
5 PM - 5:50 PM | Laura Glyda - 90s Folk
6 PM - 8:30 PM | Ren Patrick & the Players - 90s Pop & Rock
| Abigail's American Bistro, Michael's Grill & Salad Bar, Steep Ravine Brewing Company, Chicago Lunchbox, Hello Boba, Jesse's Gelato, Kona Ice, Limoni Belli Neapolitan Pizzeria, Royal Ice Cream, Smeauxk BBQ, Snowie Shaved Ice Delights, Taco Motora, Tievoli Pizza Truck, The Yellow Duck Truck, Tapioca Loca, Cluckers, & Little Louie's | | |
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PETS4LIFE
Meet Your
Purrfect Match
NOW OPEN
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Pets4Life is teaming up with Orphans of the Storm to bring adorable, adoptable cats straight to you! Stop in and check out the newly-opened cat adoption space to meet your purrfect match. These sweet kitties are looking for plenty of love, cuddles, and new homes and they can't wait to meet you!
661 Central Ave. / 847.434.2745
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SUSHI BADAYA
Lunch is Back!
BEGINNING AUG. 17 | 11:30 AM
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Lunch is back at Sushi Badaya beginning August 17! In addition to Sushi Badaya's existing sushi and kitchen lunch specials, you can enjoy two NEW ramen dishes: K Spicy Ramen (Korean-style spicy beef broth served with egg, assorted vegetables, and green onions) and Japanese Miso Ramen (fish stock and miso-based ramen topped with green onions, bonito flakes, and a boiled egg). These ramen dishes are only available during lunch, don't miss out! PLUS, enjoy a complimentary lunch beverage on August 17 to celebrate.
600 Central Ave., Ste 101 / 847.266.7302
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ENJOY HIGHLAND PARK
Vintage Car Show
AUG. 22 | 12 PM - 4 PM | FREE
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Step back in time and experience the golden age of automobiles… and take a look at the future with a brand new EV showcase. Mark your calendars for 2026’s Vintage Car Show: Saturday, August 22.
Admire the elegance, craftsmanship, and the nostalgia of a bygone era. Relive the golden age of automobiles at the Vintage Car Show on Saturday, August 22 from 12 PM - 4 PM. Head to the St. John’s North Lot (525 Central Ave.) and peruse a fabulous array of vintage vehicles, all while enjoying DJ Big Cat spinning your favorite tunes, kid-friendly activities, plus delicious food and ice cold beverages from local Highland Park restaurants. Additionally, 87.7 MeTV-FM will be onsite with station reps giving out swag. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply curious, you will definitely enjoy this journey through automotive excellence. Expect to see a diverse lineup of cars featuring vintage and antique models, unique classics, muscle cars, hot rods, and motorcycles.
New for 2026: Enjoy even MORE cars with an expanded event footprint, extending onto St. Johns Avenue between Central Avenue and Park Avenue. Plus, take a look at how sustainable the future can be with a brand new electric vehicle showcase.
St. Johns North Lot (525 Central Ave.) & St. Johns Ave. between Central Ave. & Park Ave.
| THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SPONSORS | | |
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WAYFARER THEATERS
Sensory Screening: Paw Patrol
AUG. 15 | 10 AM
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Join Wayfarer Theaters on August 15 for a special sensory-friendly screening of Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie. This reduced stimulation screening features slightly lowered volume, open captions, and a relaxed environment where guests are welcome to move around and enjoy the film at their own pace.
$12 Kids & Seniors / $15 General Admission
1850 Second St. / 872.873.1030
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MATCHMAKER BOOKSHOP
Love Letters Book Club
AUG. 18 | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
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If you're a fan of romance novels, you're invited to join Matchmaker Bookshop for the monthly Love Letters Book Club on August 18. August's book for discussion is The Name Game by Beth O'Leary, conveniently available to purchase in-store.
FREE
1891 Second St. / 847.926.7554
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
New York Slices
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Craving a thin, foldable, cheesy slice of New York-style pizza? Get a taste of the Big Apple in downtown Highland Park at New York Slices! And in case you want a little something else to go with your pizza, New York Slices also offers calzones, pasta, Italian beef, salads, wings, subs, a variety of sides and desserts, gluten-free and veggie options, and pan style pizza just in case you’re feeling a little more Chicago than NYC. Offering both delivery and pick up, figuring out what’s for dinner is fast, convenient, and easy on your wallet.
1843 Second St. / 847.432.6979 / mynewyorkslices.com
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RAVINIA FESTIVAL
Mezzo-Soprano Frederica von Stade
AUG. 18 | 1:30 PM
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Join mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade at Ravinia Festival on August 18 for a master class. While best known for her contributions to opera, von Stade is also known as a recitalist and concert artist, and she has recorded hundreds of songs.
FREE
Bennett Gordon Hall - 201 St. Johns Ave.
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Join Soulshine Boutique & Healing Sanctuary on August 26 for a heart-opening evening of rhythm, connection, and community. Journey through rhythm, intention, and meditation while you release stress, reconnect with yourself, and experience the healing power of collective drumming. Leave feeling grounded, uplifted, energized, and deeply connected to yourself, the group, and the heartbeat of Mother Earth. No experience is needed; just an open heart. Drums and percussion instruments will be provided, but you can also bring your own.
$44
459 Central Ave., 2nd Floor / 224.805.1390
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AMDUR PRODUCTIONS
Port Clinton Art Festival
AUG. 29 & 30 | 10 AM - 5 PM | FREE
| The Port Clinton Art Festival returns to Downtown Highland Park for its 43rd year on August 29 & 30. Discover paintings, sculpture, mixed media work, and more. Get your steps in while browsing thousands of art pieces from over 200 of the best artists in the country. Have kids? Get creative at the Kids Art Zone with art projects, face painting and more. Look for the Kid Friendly Art Tent & Live Art Demo stations and interact with artists. Take a break with a cold beer, specialty coffee, tasty treats, and live music. | | |
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LYNFRED WINERY
Tuesday Takeout Takeover
AUG.18 & 25 | 3 PM - 7:15 PM
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Have you ever wished you had the perfect wine to pair with a delicious takeout meal from your favorite Highland Park restaurant? Check out Tuesday Takeout Takeover at Lynfred Winery! Each Tuesday in August, stop by Lynfred with your same-day receipt from a Highland Park restaurant. Lynfred will provide pairing suggestions and take $2 off the purchase price of your wine.
1823 St. Johns Ave. / 847.780.3853
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BRAESIDE MARKET
Farmers Market
SUNDAYS THRU OCT. 25 | 9 AM - 1 PM
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Join Braeside Market every Sunday through October 25 for a community-focused outdoor market. Held outdoors in Braeside Market's green space, this weekly market features local growers, bakeries, and artisans. Bring your own bag!
55 St. Johns Ave. / 773.705.3302
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RAVINIA FARMERS MARKET
48th Annual Ravinia Farmers Market
WEDNESDAYS THROUGH OCT. 28 | 7 AM - 1 PM | FREE
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The Ravinia Farmers Market is well into its 48th season, bringing fresh local foods, live music, and community fun to Jens Jensen Park every Wednesday through October 28.
Featuring more than 35 vendors throughout the season, the market offers a wide variety of seasonal produce, artisan food products, specialty prepared foods, flowers and plants, local health and wellness products, handmade goods, community organizations and more. Weekly live music and rotating pop-up activities add to the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that has made the Ravinia Farmers Market a longtime Highland Park tradition.
Set beneath the trees in Jens Jensen Park, the market has become a weekly gathering place where families, friends and neighbors can shop, support local farmers and businesses, enjoy ready-made foods, listen to live music and linger in the park on a summer morning.
Returning this season is free Yoga in the Park with Lori Fink of YogaSix Highland Park each week at 11 AM. New this year, David Derdiger of Open Flow Acupuncture will offer free weekly Qigong classes at 9:30 AM throughout June, July and August. This class will introduce participants to fluid movement, standing meditation and wellness practices designed to support balance and well-being. All wellness activities take place on the lawn beneath the trees in Jens Jensen Park.
Additional complimentary family-friendly activities throughout the season will include balloon art as well as select face painting dates and other entertainment TBA, all presented by Chicago-based entertainment company Share Happiness. Market visitors can also enter weekly free prize drawings featuring Ravinia Festival concert tickets on select weeks, along with giveaways and prizes from local businesses and community partners.
Weekly music at the market is provided by Life Rhythms, and sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation. Additional market sponsors and supporters include the City of Highland Park, the Park District of Highland Park, the Ravinia Neighbors Association, Presence, Wayfarer Theaters, and Keyth Security.
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PARK DISTRICT OF HIGHLAND PARK
Sip, Stroll, &
Spill the Tea
AUG. 15 | 11 AM - 12:30 PM
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Sip your way through the flavors and stories of botanical beverages made from wild edibles like dandelion, elderflower, and mint on a leisurely hike at Heller Nature Center with the Park District on August 15. Pause to taste along the trail, then unwind at the end with charcuterie, conversation, and tea-spilling on this relaxing “sip and stroll” adventure.
$25
Heller Nature Center - 2821 Ridge Rd.
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