WELCOME TO THE

Weekender

Get a head start on Thanksgiving catering and holiday shopping, attend a Hollywood premiere, spend an evening with Peter Sagal, visit a health & wellness expo, enjoy a live jazz performance, take part in a casting call, and learn more about one of Highland Park's veteran-owned businesses... We've got all the details (and more!) in this edition of the Weekender.

📸: Pecan pie from That Little French Guy

1791 St. Johns Ave. / 847.737.9680

Find more amazing restaurants with our dining guide.

ENJOY HIGHLAND PARK

Annual Holiday Lighting

NOV. 23 | 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Join the City of Highland Park and officially kick off the most wonderful time of the year on Saturday, November 23 at Port Clinton Square (600 Central Ave.). Mayor Nancy Rotering will light the holiday tree and menorah at 4:45 PM. Meet Santa and Hanukkah Harry, listen to your favorite seasonal tunes from the Frozen Robin Carolers, and enjoy sweet candy canes under the dazzling holiday lights. A limited number of Highland Park-branded reusable shopping bags filled with coupons and special offers from local businesses will be handed out to help you with your holiday shopping as well!

Port Clinton Square - 600 Central Ave.

MADAME ZUZU'S

Jazz Jam Session

NOV. 15 | 5:30 PM

Local jazz educator and musician, Bryan Kyrouac, will host a jazz jam session at Madame ZuZu's on November 15. Guest musicians from jazz students to seasoned pros are welcome to join the ZuZu's house band for this musical collaboration and celebration of America’s greatest musical art form. Individuals interested in playing are encouraged to arrive early to ensure stage time.

FREE

1876 First St. / 847.926.7359

KALEIDOSCOPE HEART MARKET

Hello Holidays

Pop Up Market

NOV. 16 | 12 PM - 4 PM

Ring in the holiday season with Kaleidoscope heART Market's Hello Holidays Pop Up Market on November 16! Enjoy warm drinks as you peruse 75 resident artists and makers PLUS nine more new artists in Kaleidoscope heART Market's community space. Support small businesses and find unique holiday gifts at the same time!

599 Central Ave. / 847.521.6782

WAYFARER THEATERS

Midwest Premiere: DARUMA

NOV. 15 | 7 PM - 9 PM

Hollywood is coming to Highland Park! Join Wayfarer Theaters on November 15 for a celebratory midwest premiere of DARUMA. The premiere will include a talkback discussion with the film's director, Alexander Yellen, as well as Kelli McNeil of the creative team. DARUMA is a triumph and is the epitome of why cinema matters. The film follows Patrick, a wheelchair user who is bitter about his circumstances. When tasked with transporting his four year old daughter across the country to her maternal grandparents, Patrick must enlist the help of his cantankerous neighbor Robert, a double-amputee veteran.

$25

1850 Second St. / 872.873.1030

ENJOY HIGHLAND PARK

Thanksgiving Dining

Are you looking for a Thanksgiving meal that's truly gobble-worthy? Let's talk turkey... and sweet potatoes, and stuffing, and pie - Highland Park restaurants are here to make your Thanksgiving spread delicious and stress-free. We've put together a list of local restaurants offering Thanksgiving catering and carry out so you can skip the dishes! Whether you're looking for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner to feed the whole family or tasty sides and desserts to bring to your gathering, we've got you covered!

📸: Thanksgiving quiche from Mil Colibris Bakery + Cafe.

481 Roger Williams Ave. / 847.780.4961

SECRET WORLD BOOKS

An Evening with Peter Sagal

NOV. 19 | 7 PM - 9 PM

Secret World Books is thrilled to welcome playwright, author, screenwriter, journalist, columnist, podcast host, and Highland Park local Peter Sagal on November 19. Spend the evening discovering out what makes Sagal tick. Each event ticket includes a signed copy of either The Book of Vice or The Incomplete Book of Running, both authored by Sagal.

$20

1774 Second St. / 847.469.4875

RAZNY JEWELERS

Etho Maria

Trunk Show

NOV. 15 & NOV. 16

Razny Jewelers invites you to an exclusive Etho Maria Trunk Show in Highland Park on November 15 and 16. Etho Maria is a red carpet favorite, known for fine jewelry crafted from high-quality precious metals, natural diamonds, and vividly colored gems. Razny Jewelers will display an expanded collection of the brand's bold, innovative jewelry for two days only. For more info, visit Razny Jewelers in Highland Park or Razny.com.

1700 Green Bay Rd. / 847.432.5300

STYLE SHACK

Street Casting

NOV. 19 | 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Shop Style Shack and get your big break! Top Chicago talent agency, 10 Management, will host a live street casting on November 19 at Style Shack. All ages and ethnicities are encouraged to stop by, no previous experience in acting or modeling is necessary.

1839 Second St. / 847.579.4525

In honor of Veterans Day, we'll be highlighting some of Highland Park's veteran-owned businesses throughout November. Find more veteran-owned businesses plus discover businesses that offer military discounts with our latest guide.

La Taquiza Highland Park has been serving up delicioso tacos, nachos, tortas, flautas, tostadas, chilaquiles, birria, and more since January 2024! Upon setting foot into La Taquiza's bright and colorful downtown Highland Park location, you are immediately surrounded by savory smells and a friendly atmosphere. There is something for everyone on La Taquiza's menu. In addition to the fresh, made-from-scratch traditional Mexican and family recipes, you will also find vegetarian offerings and healthy options such as the new PoKeto Bowl. La Taquiza also offers catering for meetings, events, and parties, ensuring a stress-free and scrumptious meal that will get two thumbs up from everyone.

La Taquiza co-owner, Kris Benitez, is a United States veteran who proudly served her country in the Air Force.

1960 First St. / 847.780.3300 / lataquiza.us/highland-park

YOGASIX

Yoga Nidra

NOV. 17 | 1:30 PM - 3 PM

Don't let pre-holiday stress get you down! Refresh your mind, body and spirit with a yoga nidra class at YogaSix on November 17. This empowering, energizing, and relaxing class will help you clarify your purpose and center your passions. Call or text the studio to reserve your spot.

$40

610 Central Ave., Ste. 173 / 847.868.1396

HP CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Health & Wellness Expo

NOV. 20 | 9:30 AM - 4 PM

Join the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce for an exciting and enriching experience at their Health & Wellness Expo on November 20 at StudioOne. Dive into engaging panel discussions, participate in intentional movement activities, and explore the incredible health and wellness resources available right here in Highland Park and beyond. Hear from local experts, try out various workouts, and discover a wide range of wellness offerings. With breakfast, lunch, and exciting raffle prizes throughout the day, this is a can't-miss event that will inspire you to take your health and wellness to the next level!

$10

StudioOne - 1799 Green Bay Rd.

RAVINIA FESTIVAL

Letters to Jackie

NOV. 16 | 3 PM

In the wake of the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy received over a million letters of condolence from across generations, regions, race, political leanings, and religion, all singularly honoring what John F. Kennedy meant to the country. In 2021, American Prize-winning tenor, Ryan Townsend Strand, developed the classical art song cycle Letters to Jackie, setting 14 of these missives representing the power of community in a time of great tragedy. A storyteller first and foremost, Strand uses his voice to bring people together over stories that both connect and inspire. Experience this moving performance at Ravinia Festival on November 16.

$25

Bennett Gordon Hall - 201 St. Johns Ave. / 847.266.5100

INDUS PROGRESSIVE INDIAN

Biryani Brunch

SUNDAYS | 10 AM - 2:30 PM

It's Biryani Brunch at Indus Progressive Indian every Sunday from 10 AM - 2:30 PM. Start your Sunday with a delectable slow-cooked and fragrant Indian rice and meat dish with decadent fresh saffron. Indus was recently named one of the hottest new restaurants by Eater.com. Stop and and see what the buzz is all about !

617 Central Ave. / 847.208.4691

ENJOY HIGHLAND PARK

Support Veteran-Owned Businesses & Discover Military Discounts

Veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and their families make major sacrifices for our country and community. To thank them for their service, dozens of Highland Park businesses offer discounts and promotions for veterans and active military. We've put together a guide of Highland Park restaurants, retail locations, salons, health & fitness businesses, professional services, and more that offer these special discounts.

📸: Veterans and active service members can enjoy free first-time jewelry repair and free jewelry cleaning at ABC Design Jewelers. Making sure your bling sparkles as much as the holiday lights this season has never been easier!

603 Elm Pl. / 847.416.1840

LYNFRED WINERY

Turkey Lovers

Wine Flight

NOV. 18 - NOV. 24

Head to Lynfred Winery between November 18 and November 24 for a turkey-tastic wine flight! Sample glasses of chardonnay 2019 reserve, carignan 2019, and sparkling cranberry wine. Find your favorite and pair it with your upcoming Thanksgiving dinner!

$10 Members / $15 Non-Members

1823 St. Johns Ave. / 847.780.3853

RAVINIA BREWING COMPANY

Taproom Harvest Ale

AVAILABLE NOW

With fall and chilly weather upon us, it's the perfect time to head to Ravinia Brewing Company's comfy and cozy taproom. While you're there, make sure to grab a 4-pack of RBC's taproom exclusive harvest ale; it's the perfect complement to any fall menu!

582 Roger Williams Ave. / 847.780.8127

THE ART CENTER

Figure Drawing Drop In

NOV. 19 | 6:30 PM - 9 PM

Drop into The Art Center on November 19 for a figure drawing class. Bring your own drawing materials, then set up in the Cortesi Gallery on one of the provided easels or drawing boards and let your creativity flow!

$20 Members / $25 Non-Members

1957 Sheridan Rd. / 847.432.1888

PARK DISTRICT

Public Skate

NOV. 18 - NOV. 23

Channel your inner Kristi Yamaguchi with the Park District during public skate hours at the Centennial Ice Area. Public skate hours are as follows:

Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays

11 AM - 1 PM

Fridays

11 AM - 1 PM & 3:50 PM - 4:50 PM

Saturdays

11:25 AM - 12:10 PM

$7 Adults & Youth / $4 Skate Rental

Centennial Ice Area - 3100 Trail Way / 847.831.3810

HIGHLAND PARK PUBLIC LIBRARY

Charcuterie 101

NOV. 18 | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Build a board like a pro! Discover the secrets behind crafting the perfect charcuterie board just in time for the holidays. Juli Jacobs, owner/creator of For the Love of Food, shares her tips and tricks on how to arrange a board like a pro, creating an artfully designed and delicious charcuterie appetizer. Head to the Library on November 18 to get the scoop, then put your newfound knowledge to use at your next gathering!

FREE

494 Laurel Ave. / 847.432.0216