explore. experience. enjoy. | | | | |  |
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Recognize local women-owned businesses, find Halloween festivities, sing along to KPop Demon Hunters, meet Chicago Bulls alumni Dennis Rodman and Horace Grant, and tons more dining, shopping, and events... You won't want to miss out on any of the fun featured in this edition of the Weekender.
📸: Don't miss out on the Halloween-themed signature assortment from Goodies. This delicious tray is jam-packed with all your favorites like cookies, pretzels, chocolates, marshmallows, and more!
625 Central Ave. / 847.432.0652
Explore more sweet treats with our
dining guide.
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ENJOY HIGHLAND PARK
Ravinia District Candy Stroll
OCT. 24 | 3:30 PM - 5 PM | JENS JENSEN PARK
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Start your Halloween haul early with the annual Ravinia District Candy Stroll on Friday, October 24 from 3:30 - 5 PM. Visit participating businesses for yummy candy and take part in fun, fall activities at Jens Jensen Park (540 Roger Williams Ave.).
Trick-or-treaters will collect candy from participating businesses while strolling the streets and enjoying the festive fall décor installed throughout the District. Participants can pick up a free trick-or-treat bag (courtesy of Gilbert Orthodontics) in Jens Jensen Park, where they will find goodies, a DJ spinning Halloween music, vendors, and more.
Candy strollers will also appreciate fun selfie opportunities with decorated pumpkins in front of Ravinia District businesses. Additionally, Jeff Cohen Photography will offer free Halloween photo shoots at his studio (485 Roger Williams Avenue) during stroll hours.
The Candy Stroll is presented by the City of Highland Park and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners.
| | PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES: | | BWB Shakes, The Chunky Scone, Field Violin Workshop, Fluffy Bunny, Furry Finesse, Griswold Care, Happi Sushi, IQBAR, Jeff Cohen Photography, Joe Palminteri State Farm Insurance, Mil Colibris Bakery + Cafe, Piero's Pizza, PT Squared, Ravinia Barber Shop, Ravinia Books, Antiques, Etc., Spool, Steep Ravine Brewing Company, Uncommon Fitness, Viaggio, Vintage Rescue, Yana's Barber Shop, Yana's Speakeasy, and Zolboo Skin Care | | THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: | | |
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BERGIE'S SPORTS CARD DUGOUT
Slam Dunk for Basketball Fans
OCT. 25 | 11 AM - 1 PM
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Attention basketball fans! Drop what you're doing and dribble over to Bergie's Sports Card Dugout on October 25. Not only can you enjoy the Topps Basketball release party with pack breaks, giveaways, and more, but you can ALSO meet Chicago Bulls alumni Dennis Rodman and Horace Grant! For just $100, pick up both iconic jerseys and get them autographed.
474 Central Ave., Ste. LL8 / 847.433.2250
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PETS4LIFE
Howl-O-Ween
OCT. 25
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There's still time to get your furry friends a Halloween costume! This Saturday, October 25, take 15% off of all pet costumes at Pets4Life. Once you pick out a costume, don't forget to submit photos of your pets in their costumes for Pets4Life's Howl-O-Ween Bash Pet Costume Contest! Submit photos to info@pets4.com or bring your pets in for a photo. Contest categories are: Most Creative, Scariest, and Cutest. We can't wait to see more adorable submissions!
661 Central Ave. / 847.434. 2745
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DOWNTOWN HIGHLAND PARK
Día de los Muertos Week
OCT. 25 - NOV. 2
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Día de los Muertos Week returns for a second year to Downtown Highland Park October 25 - November 2. Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday, held November 1 & 2, honoring the lives of deceased loved ones.
Día de los Muertos Week will kick off on October 25 with a free community celebration from 3 PM – 5 PM at the Memorial Park Gazebo (405 Prospect Ave.), where a large-scale Ofrenda (altar) will serve as the anchor of the festivities. This vibrant celebration of life will continue throughout the week with cultural experiences ranging from Latino food and drink tastings and cooking demos to craft workshops and performances.
A limited number of experience passes are available for $35 in advance ($45 at the kick-off event), offering access to wine and tequila tastings, pan de muerto baking, sugar skull decorating, papel picado workshops, cempasúchil flower arranging, VIP admission to the Catrina fashion show, and more.
Día de los Muertos Week will conclude with a Catrina fashion show and contest on November 2 from 2 PM - 4 PM. Community members are invited to share their own interpretations of “La Catrina” through elegant costumes, elaborate makeup, and floral headdresses.
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SECRET WORLD BOOKS
A Weekend of
Story Time
OCT. 25 & OCT. 26 | 2 PM
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Join Secret World Books for a weekend of family story time! First up on Saturday, October 25, bestselling author Natasha Anastasia Tarpley will share Keyana Loves Halloween, the latest in her delightful series featuring the imaginative and creative-problem-solving Keyana. Head back to Secret World Books on Sunday, October 26 when local acupuncturist and author, Dr. Dana Fine, will share Finding Balance, a story about twin dogs seeking their baby brother Balance, all while teaching kids about the power of breathwork and meditation.
FREE
1774 Second St. / 847.469.4875
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MADAME ZUZU'S
Live Comedy Night
OCT. 24 | 7:30 PM - 9 PM
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Comedians Vince Maranto and Lindsay Porter will headline the next live comedy night at Madame ZuZu's on October 24. Comedy nights are produced by Funnier by the Lake and shows are always PG-13. Get ready to laugh until it hurts!
$20+
1876 First St. / 847.926.7359
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ENJOY HIGHLAND PARK
Spooky Season in Highland Park
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Pumpkins, treats, gatherings, decor, and more… Let our guide to Spooky Season raise your spirits. Check back often, new entries are added weekly!
📸: Enjoy a family-friendly night with Arbor Terrace on October 30 from 5 PM - 7 PM. Bring a chair and a blanket while enjoying a special screening of Hotel Transylvania on the outdoor screen. Plus, enjoy tasty treats, face painting, and a pumpkin to take home.
This event is free, but please RSVP by calling 847.681.3636.
1000 Central Ave. / 847.320.0668
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TRUE STYLE JIU JITSU & FITNESS
Free Women's
Open Mat
OCT. 26 | 11 AM - 1 PM
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Hey ladies! Join True Style Jiu Jitsu & Fitness on Sunday, October 26 for a free open mat. This is an awesome opportunity to cross train with other local women. Bring your gi and no-gi gear and get some rolls. All affiliations and belt levels are welcome. See you on the mats!
FREE
1630 Old Deerfield Rd., Ste. 208 / 847.681.3930
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DOUBLE CUP COFFEE
Ribbon Cutting
OCT. 25 | 11:30 AM - 2 PM
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Join Double Cup Coffee and the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce on October 25 for a ribbon cutting ceremony. The first 100 guests will receive a free bag of Double Cup's award-winning coffee. Complimentary food from local businesses will be provided.
FREE
1929 Sheridan Rd. / 847.926.3030
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HIGHLAND PARK FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Department Open House
OCT. 25 | 9 AM - 12 PM
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Step behind the fire hose at the Fire Department Open House this Saturday, October 25! Head to Fire Station #33 (1130 Central Ave.) and get an inside look behind the scenes at Fire Department Headquarters and meet our dedicated Firefighter/EMTs, participate in fun activities, take a thrilling fire engine tour, and learn crucial fire safety tips. Plus, don’t miss the live vehicle extrication demonstration! Costumes are encouraged for an extra fun Halloween twist.
Station #33 - 1130 Central Ave. / 847.433.3110
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SHOP THE BLOCK
$1,000 Bag Challenge
THROUGH NOV. 29
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Shop the Block, a collection of locally owned boutiques along the 600 block of Central Avenue in Downtown Highland Park, is excited to announce the Shop The Block Bag Challenge. Shoppers are invited to showcase their creativity by sharing how and where they use their Shop the Block reusable shopping bags, with a chance to win a $1,000 gift card redeemable at all participating stores.
Photo entries can be submitted by tagging @SproutsKidsHP on Instagram or by emailing entries to sproutkidshp@gmail.com. The $1,000 Bag Challenge will run through Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2025, with the winner being announced that same day. Shoppers who do not already have a reusable bag can obtain* one by visiting any participating Shop the Block store: Beanstalk Toys, Central for Men, Central for Women, Elevate, Harper + Ash, Sprout Kids, and Wild Willow.
*Purchase required
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LYNFRED WINERY
Mystery Wine Flights
THROUGH OCT. 26
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Can you guess what’s in your glass? Join Lynfred Winery through October 26 for a special Mystery Wine Flight featuring four red wines, each wrapped in intrigue. Explore, sip, and savor while putting your palate to the test. Those who participate will receive 10% off bottle purchases from the featured flight wines (Wine Club Members may stack their discount).
$10 Wine Club Members / $15 Nonmembers
1823 St. Johns Ave. / 847.780.3853
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ONCE UPON A BAGEL
Fall Treats
AVAILABLE NOW
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Fall treats have arrived at Once Upon A Bagel! Check out jack o'lantern cookies (pictured), pumpkin pecan loaves, pumpkin spice scones and English muffins, and cranberry orange scones. Yum!
1888 First St. / 847.433.1411
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VISIT LAKE COUNTY
Spooks & Spirits Libation Trail
& Check-In Challenge
THROUGH OCT. 31
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We’ve found something that will raise your spirits! Visit Lake County’s Spooks & Spirits Check-In Challenge has returned for 2025.
Participants aged 21 and older are encouraged to visit various locations along the Lake County Libation Trail during the month of October. Using a mobile pass, attendees check in at land of lakes breweries, wineries and distilleries. Those who visit five or more participating locations are entered into a sweepstakes to win a bus tour for up to ten friends to visit favorite libation spots.
Be sure to stop by the two participating Highland Park businesses on your trail tour. Cheers and happy haunting!
📸: Steep Ravine's seasonal Bad Apple drink featuring Bulleit 95 rye, sour apple schnapps, Amaro Averna, and lemon.
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TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Artemis Chamber Orchestra Fall Concert
OCT. 26 | 3 PM
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Enjoy a free fall concert at Trinity Episcopal Church on October 26 featuring the Artemis Chamber Orchestra. Concert highlights are set to include:
Born - Dance Suite for String Orchestra
Haydn - Piano Concerto No. 11 in D major
Mozart - Fantasia in F minor, K. 608
Mendelssohn - String Symphony No. 7
in D minor
FREE
425 Laurel Ave. / 847.432.6635
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WAYFARER THEATERS
KPop Demon Hunters Sing Along
OCT. 31 - NOV. 2
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Join Wayfarer Theaters October 31 through November 2 and sing along to the world-wide phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters!
Synopsis: When K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey aren't selling out stadiums, they're using their secret powers to protect their fans from supernatural threats.
$15 - General Admission / $13 - Children and Seniors
1850 Second St. / 872.873.1030
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WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Spool
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October is National Women-Owned Small Business Month. In recognition of the economic impact women have, we’ve compiled a directory of women-owned Highland Park businesses and we'll be spotlighting a number of women-owned businesses in the Weekender throughout the month of October.
If you're looking for trendy vintage fashion, decor, and accessories, you'll love one of Highland Park's newest boutiques, Spool! Now open in the Ravinia District, Spool offers a unique collection of vintage and modern pieces, upcycled fashion, and home goods. Discover one-of-a-kind clothing and beautifully crafted items from local artisans, including pottery and other everyday objects. There's something special waiting for you in every corner of the shop.
453 Roger Williams Ave. / 773.220.0081 / @spool.storeravinia
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BRAESIDE MARKET
Maizy Daisy Flower Pop-Up Event
OCT. 26 | 11 AM - 1 PM
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On October 24, Braeside Market will host a pop-up event featuring Maizy Daisy, a local florist. Bouquets and arrangements will be available for sale. This is the perfect opportunity to pick up beautiful floral arrangements to brighten your home or office, or to surprise a loved one. This pop-up is one day only, don't miss out!
55 St. Johns Ave. / 216.346.6584
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DINX SOCIAL CLUB
Grand Opening Celebration
OCT. 29 | 5 PM - 6 PM
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Discover the North Shore's only indoor pickleball and golf social club, complete with a lounge and 30-tap self-pour wall. Whether you're a seasoned pro or looking to start a new hobby, DINX Social Club will quickly become one of your favorite hangouts. Check out everything DINX has to offer during the grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration on October 29 alongside the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce.
FREE
1931 Skokie Valley Rd. / 847.826.7191
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RAVINIA FARMERS MARKET
47th Annual Farmers Market
WEDNESDAYS THROUGH OCT. 29 | 7 AM - 1 PM | JENS JENSEN PARK
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The Ravinia Farmers Market brings the best of the Midwest to Jens Jensen Park (540 Roger Williams Ave.). Don't miss the last market of the season on Wednesday, October 29. Shoppers can explore a wide selection of farm-fresh produce, organic goods and artisan foods while enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere.
Market vendors offer a variety of local and organic seasonal fruits and vegetables, artisan baked goods, plants and cut flowers, specialty foods, and regionally produced items, all sourced from small farms and makers committed to sustainable practices. Grab-and-go food selections, local nonprofits and community organizations round out the event with booths, community yoga and so much more.
Marketgoers can also enjoy weekly live musical performances from area musicians. This year’s market features three accomplished artists in residency–Mark Dvorak, Pierce Crask and Jeff “Jazzman” Justman–along with an eclectic weekly selection of jazz, folk, roots, Americana and more. Live market music is sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation and Life Rhythms, Inc.
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THE ART CENTER
Chunkymania 2025
NOV. 1 | 10 AM - 3 PM
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The Art Center and The Chunky Scone are coming together on November 1 for the first ever Chunkymania - Day of the Dead Edition. Celebrate veganism and everything "chunky & delicious" with art, food, and craft vendors including Mindful Baking, Libby's Corner, Maiztify, Aztec Vegan Kitchen, 606 Coffee Roasters, Evil Eye Mercantile, Tiny Hooves Sanctuary, Envision Positive, Off the Table Farm Sanctuary, Viva la Horchata, and more! You can also pay your respects to loved ones who are no longer with us at a special altar de muertos.
1957 Sheridan Rd. / 847.432.1888
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PARK DISTRICT OF HIGHLAND PARK
Trunk or Treat
OCT. 30 | 3:30 PM - 5 PM
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Join the Park District in celebrating the season with a free, family-friendly Trunk or Treat event at Hidden Creek Aqua Park on October 30! Kids are invited to trick-or-treat from car to car, collecting treats from creatively decorated trunks hosted by Park District staff and local community groups. Costumes are encouraged!
FREE
Hidden Creek Aqua Park - 1220 Fredrickson Plaza
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HIGHLAND PARK PUBLIC LIBRARY
Film Discussion Group: Dracula in Cinema
OCT. 25 | 1 PM - 3 PM
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It’s spooky season, so it's the perfect time to discuss one of the most feared and adored monsters and his eternal legacy in cinema: Dracula. From classic portrayals such as Schreck, Lugosi, and Lee, to more contemporary performances like Oldman, Cage, and Skarsgård. Movies for this program are selected from titles the library has available either in the physical collection or available digitally via Hoopla or Kanopy beforehand. Watch, then join the Library on October 25 at Curt's Cafe to discuss.
FREE
Curt's Cafe - 1766 Second St.
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