explore. experience. enjoy. | | |
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HIGHLAND PARK FIRE DEPARTMENT
Pancake Breakfast & Open House
OCT. 25 | 7:30 AM - 11 AM | $9 Adults / $5 Kids 12 & Under
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Let the Fire Department make you breakfast at the annual Pancake Breakfast on October 25. Go behind the scenes at Station 33, meet our dedicated Highland Park Firefighter/Paramedics, participate in fun activities, explore firefighting apparatus, and learn important fire safety tips. New this year, enjoy a special sensory-friendly space throughout the event. Proceeds from the Pancake Breakfast will benefit the IFSA Children’s Burn Camp.
Station 33 - 1130 Central Ave. / 847.433.3110
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STEEP RAVINE BREWING COMPANY
Karaoke at Steep Ravine
OCT. 23 | 8:30 PM
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Karaoke has arrived at Steep Ravine Brewing Company! Come out to show off your singing skills and dance the night away while enjoying craft beers and drink specials, plus the kitchen will be open late! The fun takes place at 8:30 PM on October 23.
582 Roger Williams Ave. / 847.780.8127
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MADAME ZUZU'S
Live Comedy Night
OCT. 23 | 7:30 PM - 9 PM
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Don't miss the October 23 live comedy night at Madame ZuZu's. Comedian Conor Cawley will headline. Comedy nights are produced by Funnier by the Lake and shows are always PG-13. Get ready to laugh until it hurts!
$23+
1876 First St. / 847.926.7359
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HIGHLAND PARK CULTURAL ARTS
Día de los Muertos Week
OCT. 24 - NOV. 1
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Día de los Muertos Week returns for a third year from October 24 - November 1. Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday, held November 1 & 2, honoring the lives of deceased loved ones. In 2026, Día de los Muertos week has expanded across Highland Park with events happening both in Downtown Highland Park and in the Ravinia District.
Día de los Muertos Week will kick off on October 24 with a free community celebration from 3 PM to 6 PM at Jens Jensen Park. Take part in a vibrant community celebration filled with art, culture, music, and color. Enjoy music, sugar skull face painting, family- friendly activities, and participate in the meaningful cempasuchil flower ceremony at the Fountain of Memories. Come dressed as a catrín or catrina for a chance to win prizes, or simply come as you are.
Día de los Muertos Week will conclude on November 1 with a special closing celebration and community ofrenda at Grant Memorial Park. From 3 PM to 5 PM, attendees can partake in cultural traditions with local businesses, enjoy traditional music, and explore kid-friendly crafts and activities. At the heart of the gathering will be a community ofrenda, where families can honor loved ones and share their memories.
There are 11 new and exciting experiences this year, from guided art experiences, fiestas, walking tours, food and beverage tastings, to family-friendly movie screenings, and more. Best of all, 7 of the 11 experiences are free!
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SECRET WORLD BOOKS
Author Workshop:
Suzanne Ross
OCT. 24 | 2 PM
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Local author and peacebuilder Suzanne Ross resisted seeing the musical Wicked, but when she finally did she was hooked! From the opening words, “Good News! She’s Dead,” Suzanne realized that everything she knew about peacebuilding was being dramatized on stage. With captivating characters, a fast-paced plot, and music by the incomparable Stephen Schwartz, Wicked shows us how we can change ourselves and our world for the better. Suzanne will join Secret World Books on October 24 for a special workshop based on her book, The Wicked Truth: When Good People Do Bad Things.
FREE
1774 Second St. / 847.469.4875
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LYNFRED WINERY
Halloween
Candy Pairing
THROUGH OCT. 25
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This Halloween season, indulge your inner child with a grown-up twist. Lynfred Winery is offering a Halloween Candy Pairing Flight through October 25. This wine flight brings together four handcrafted Lynfred wines with classic candies for a playful and surprisingly delicious tasting experience. Whether you’re seeking nostalgia or nuanced flavors, this flight is a festive and sweet way to celebrate the season.
$17 Wine Club Members / $22 Non-Members
1823 St. Johns Ave. / 847.780.3853
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RAVINIA DISTRICT
Ravinia District Candy Stroll
OCT. 30 | 3 PM - 7 PM
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Start your Halloween haul early with the annual Ravinia District Candy Stroll on Friday, October 30 from 3:30 PM – 5 PM. Visit participating businesses for yummy candy and take part in fun, fall activities at Jens Jensen Park (540 Roger Williams Ave.).
Exciting news for this year, we’re bringing several food trucks back to Jens Jensen Park! For the first time, you can enjoy delicious food from local trucks in the park until 7 PM.
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 in Jens Jensen Park, where they will find goodies, a DJ spinning Halloween music, a guessing game, vendors, and more. Candy strollers will also appreciate fun selfie opportunities with decorated pumpkins in front of Ravinia District businesses.
| BWB Shakes, Casa Colibris, The Chunky Scone, Field Violin Workshop, Fluffy Bunny, Furry Finesse, Griswold Care, Happi Sushi, IQBAR, Jeff Cohen Photography, Joe Palminteri State Farm, Kameo Vintage, Nico Trattoria Pizzeria, Piero's Pizza, PT Squared, Ravinia Barber Shop, Steep Ravine Brewing Company, Uncommon Fitness, Vintage Rescue, Yana's Barber Shop, Yana's Speakeasy, Zolboo Skincare | THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS | | |
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WAYFARER THEATERS
Psychology of the Soul with Kellee White
OCT. 24 | 7:30 PM - 9:45 PM
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Join Wayfarer Theaters, Kellee White, LMFT, Dr. Shirley Impellizzeri, PhD, and special guest Jen Weigel on October 24 for an unforgettable evening exploring the powerful intersection of psychology, spirituality, healing, and human connection. The evening will include live interactive conversation and audience Q&A, a powerful gallery reading with Kellee White,
meaningful discussions on psychology, spirituality, healing, and connection, as well as a book signing and meet-and-greet with the presenters.
$55
1850 Second St. / 872.873.1030
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ROTARY CLUB OF HIGHLAND PARK / HIGHWOOD
World's Largest
Polio Walk
OCT. 24 | 10 AM
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Join the Rotary Club of Highland Park / Highwood on World Polio Day, October 24, for the World’s Largest Polio Walk, a coordinated effort to raise awareness and support the global fight to end polio. As part of this initiative, 36,620 Rotarians and 964 Rotaractors across 11 states and 2 countries are expected to participate by organizing and joining walks in their local communities. The Rotary Club of Highland Park's local walk will begin at 10 AM at Port Clinton Square and will continue to McGovern Ave. Special giveaway items will be available as a token of appreciation for donors while supplies last.
FREE
Port Clinton Square - 600 Central Ave.
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NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Central Brick Society
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Central Brick Society is a LEGO®-inspired creative studio, social club & skill-building lab for kids, families, and lifelong builders. Inside you'll find a creative community where kids and families can build, connect, and belong. Across five creative zones builders can build, tinker, film, design, and connect. These zones include the Open Build Studio for unstructured building, Gears & Gadgets for STEM and engineering, the Pixel Palette for mosaics & brick art, the Character Workshop where builder can design their own minifig and trading card, and Behind the Lens for photography and stop-motion animation. Plus, a curated retail shelf complete with LEGO® sets, games, and more means that builders can continue the creativity at home. Whether you're looking for a fun weekend activity or a place to create and dream, Central Brick Society offers a unique experience for all ages. Don't miss the grand opening on October 24 from 10 AM - 7 PM!
461 Central Ave. / centralbricksociety.com
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SOULSHINE BOUTIQUE & HEALING SANCTUARY
Full Moon Gathering:
Hunter Moon
OCT. 26 | 7 PM - 8 PM
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Celebrate October's full moon, the hunter moon, with Soulshine Boutique & Healing Sanctuary on October 26. Learn about the hunter moon's significance as well as the associated indigenous and shamanic traditions. Create sacred space with smudging, meditate with a sound bath, and take part in ceremony and rituals while connecting to the powerful and healing energy of the hunter moon. Plus, create sacred intention arrows as you contemplate what you're seeking in this season of life.
$35
459 Central Ave., 2nd Floor / 224.805.1390
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ENJOY HIGHLAND PARK
Halloween Happenings
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Pumpkins, treats, gatherings, decor, and more… Let our guide to Spooky Season raise your spirits. We've put together a guide on where to find the best Halloween fun this year without ever leaving Highland Park. New entries are added to the guide weekly, so check back often!
📸: Downtown Highland Park has a slew of spooktakular fun for the whole family on October 29, from trick-or-treating, to costume contests, and beyond.
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CANDY STROLL AT PORT CLINTON | OCT. 29 | 3 PM - 6 PM | FREE
Port Clinton Square
| Have fun exploring fall decor, selfie stations, and live music at Port Clinton Square on October 29. Plus, trick-or-treat at participating Port Clinton businesses! | |
RENAISSANCE PLACE HALLOWEEN BOO BASH | OCT. 29 | 3 PM - 6:30 PM | FREE
Renaissance Place - 1850 Green Bay Rd.
| Enjoy a DJ, face painting, a balloonist, candy, and tons more Halloween fun. | |
MICHAEL'S BOO BASH | OCT. 29 | 3 PM - 8 PM | FREE ENTRY
Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar - 1879 Second St.
| Michael's Grill & Salad Bar is set to host the annual Halloween Bash on October 29. This open-house event is complete with games and activities for kids, a costume contest, an all-you-can-eat buffet, and a delicious s’mores bar. Tickets / RSVPs are not required. | | |
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MATCHMAKER BOOKSHOP
Love Letters Book Club
OCT. 27 | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
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Are you a fan of romance novels? Join Matchmaker Bookshop's monthly Love Letters Book Club to explore new titles and meet fellow readers. October's book for discussion is Bound and Unbound by Ali Hazelwood, conveniently available to purchase in-store.
FREE
1891 Second St. / 847.926.7554
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HIGHLAND PARK POET LAURATE
Favorite Poem Community Reading
OCT. 29 | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
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Join Highland Park Poet Laureate Laura Joyce-Hubbard on October 29 at Secret World Books to close out the month of October. Bring your favorite poem (written by someone other than you, under 5 minutes) to share. Or just come to listen and enjoy the magic of spoken word. Celebrate community with the beauty of poetry and the power of words. Then, tap into your own creativity on November 5 as Laura hosts a write-in at Rosewood Interpretive Center, 1 PM - 4 PM (learn more here).
FREE
Secret World Books - 1774 Second St.
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ENJOY HIGHLAND PARK
Women-Owned Small Business Month:
Rock N Rags
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October is National Women-Owned Small Business Month! Each week, we'll be highlighting one of Highland Park's amazing women-owned businesses. Find an extensive list of women-owned businesses throughout Highland Park here.
📸: Rock N Rags is a family-owned clothing boutique specializing in edgy on-trend clothing and accessories. At Rock N Rags you can count on fabulous customer service and a diverse selection of clothing from everyday essentials to unique special occasion outfits.
613 Central Ave. / 847.432.4344 / shoprocknrags.com
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SUSHI BADAYA
Winter Special Menu
NOW THROUGH FEB. 28
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Sushi Badaya has a new Winter Special Menu available now through the end of February. Check out what's on the menu:
Salmon Tadaki - Seared salmon served with avocado pico de gallo with chilly tobiko and citrus soy
Golden Shrimp Roll - Shrimp tempura avocado topped with tiger shrimp and egg yolk sauce with spicy mayo unagi sauce and tempura crunch
Salmon Go Around Roll - Deep fried spicy salmon cream cheese rolled with crab cucumber avocado topped with fresh salmon citrus mayo masago
600 Central Ave., Ste. 101 / 847.266.7302
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BRAESIDE MARKET
Farmers Market
OCT. 25 | 9 AM - 1 PM
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Join Braeside Market for the last outdoor market of the season on October 25. 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 concludes its 48th season with fresh local foods, live music, and community fun at Jens Jensen Park on 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 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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THE ART CENTER
Recycled Art Sale
THROUGH OCT. 24
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There's still time to find treasures for your home at The Art Center's Recycled Art Sale! The sale will run through October 24. This vibrant event showcases thousands of unique art pieces generously donated by private collectors, galleries, and institutions. Attendees will discover an eclectic array of high-quality items, including stunning paintings, ceramics, sculptures, jewelry, and more all at affordable prices. Proceeds will directly support The Art Center's educational programs and outreach initiatives. Celebrate art, sustainability, and community connection at this beloved annual event, where every purchase makes a difference!
FREE
1957 Sheridan Rd. / 847.432.1888
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PARK DISTRICT OF HIGHLAND PARK
Pumpkin Pool Splash
OCT. 24 | 1 PM - 2:30 PM
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Dive into a world of whimsy and wonder at the Pumpkin Pool Splash! Experience an exhilarating splashdown as colossal pumpkins take the plunge into a sparkling pool, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of color and excitement. Get ready to make a splash of your own amidst the vibrant autumn atmosphere, where fun knows no bounds and laughter echoes through the air. Join the Park District on October 24 at Park Fitness for a day of pumpkin-themed delight that will leave you thrilled and soaked in unforgettable memories!
$15 Resident / $18 Non-Resident
Park Fitness - 1207 Park Ave. W
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HIGHLAND PARK PUBLIC LIBRARY
Spooky Stories for Grown Ups
OCT. 28 | 7 PM
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Come listen to scary stories the same way humans have since time immemorial: aloud for the whole audience. Head to the Library on October 28 and enjoy a creepy story time for grown ups. Visitors are encouraged to share their own spooky stories after the reading.
*Please note that these stories are designed to disturb their listeners. Content may not be suitable for everyone.
FREE
494 Laurel Ave. / 847.432.0216
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