Record Roundup: Splash into summer with live music, good food, carnivals and more

School’s out and the weather is heating up in the North Shore. (though, the lake, of course, is still freezing cold.)

No matter. North Shore organizations are offering dozens of opportunities to get out and about. From farmers markets and art festivals to carnivals and beach fun, local summer events are the cure for any summer boredom. Mark your calendars for these events happening near you.

Let us know if we missed anything by emailing newsroom@therecordns.org. (Fourth of July and Memorial Day events not included)

Wilmette

French Market: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. every Saturday through Oct. 31, 722 Green Bay 

For fresh produce, baked goods, flowers and live music, head over to Wilmette’s French Market, located in the Metra parking lot. Find out more about the market here.

Sounds of Summer: June 4- Sept. 27, locations vary

More than 37 bands have planned performances at Wilmette’s Sounds of Summer series. From Wilmette Community Band to Ruben Jai to Dancing Queen: An Abba Salute, there is something for every family member to enjoy. Make sure to bring a lawn blanket. See the full line up here.

Multi-Chamber Golf Open: 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on June 15, Wilmette Golf Club, 3900 Fairway Drive

The Wilmette-Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce is again up with Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe and Edgebrook/Sauganash chambers for an afternoon of golfing and networking, followed by a cocktail reception and dinner. Tickets start at $85. Register here.

Sidewalk Sale: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on July 10-11, downtown Wilmette, Central and Wilmette avenues

Support local businesses at the annual Sidewalk Sale, hosted by the Wilmette-Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy live music and performances, and according to the website, a special mystery guest. 

Wilmette Art Fair: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Aug. 1-2, downtown Wilmette, 1141 Central Ave.

Find some flair to add to your home while attending the Wilmette Art Fair. Thousands of photographs, sculptures, paintings and jewelry pieces will line the streets of downtown Wilmette in August. More than 100 art vendors will be in attendance, as well as live musicians. A special Kid Art Zone has room for art bingo, spin art, sand sculpture and drawing. 

The Wilmette Block Party: Aug. 29, downtown Wilmette, Wilmette and Central avenues

Join the community fun for The Wilmette Block Party, hosted by the Wilmette Park District, Village of Wilmette and the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce. Last year, the event had local food, live music and 40 Kids Zone booths. Be on the lookout for event updates on the park district’s website.

Skokie

Farmers Market: 7:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. every Sunday through Nov. 1, Village Green, 5127 Oakton St.

Fresh fruit and vegetables, just-baked pastries, and artisanal cheeses are just a few of the goods that the Skokie Farmers’ Market has to offer every Sunday morning this summer and fall. The Skokie Farmers’ Market is a Producers Only Market, according to its website, meaning every product at the stands are grown or made directly by the people selling it. Live music and free kids’ activities will also accompany the market each weekend. And, for the first time, the village is hosting a Makers Market on Village Green to support local artists. 

Juneteenth Celebration: 12 p.m.-4 p.m. on June 13, Oakton Park, 4701 Oakton St. 

Join Skokie as the town hosts an early celebration for Juneteenth, also known as Black Independence Day or Emancipation Day for Black Americans. The events will include dance and music performances, a live DJ and various local vendors. Admission is free. Learn more about the event here.

Skokie Pride: 1 p.m.-4 p.m. on June 28, Oakton Park, 4701 Oakton St.

Skokie is hosting its annual family-friendly Pride Month party with games, crafts, food and music. In past years, drag performances, a puppy pride parade, and a color explosion dance party entertained guests during the free event. For updates regarding the celebration, visit this site.

Wednesdays on The Green: 7 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays starting June 17, Village Green, 5127 Oakton St.

Bring out your picnic blankets and lawn chairs for musical Wednesday nights on Village Green. Enjoy live, family-friendly performances from Sushi Roll (June 17), Antler Chandelier (June 24), Serendipity (July 8), Good Clean Fun (July 22), Kaleidoscope Dance Night & DJ (Aug. 5) and Chicken Bone (Aug. 12). Admission is free.

Movie in the Park: 8:15 p.m. on June 18, Aug. 6 and Aug. 20, location varies

To unwind after a long day, relax with a movie in the park. Catch “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie” (June 18, Devonshire Park), “How To Train Your Dragon” (2025) (Aug. 6, Central Park) and “The SpongeBob Movie: The Search for SquarePants” (Aug. 20, Lorel Park) all for free.

Backlot Bash: August 28-30, 5127 Oakton St.

For three days of nonstop end-of-summer fun, look no further than Skokie’s Backlot Bash. Held in the village’s downtown area, expect carnival rides, face painting, plenty of food vendors and live music. Participants can also register for the Backlot Dash 5K Run or Kids’ Half Mile Color Fun Run, taking place the morning of August 29. Register for the race here. For a more detailed schedule of the weekend’s events, see here.

Winnetka

Wednesdays in the Woods: Wednesdays June 17-Aug. 5, Hubbard Woods Park, 939 Green Bay Road

Have a picnic in the woods with a summer series of family concerts. At 11 a.m. every Wednesday, join Hubbard Woods for a children’s concert. Bring a bathing suit to enjoy the park’s splash pad. See the children’s performing acts here. At 7 p.m. every Wednesday, bring the whole family to enjoy another concert. See the family concert lineup here. Admission is free.

Winnetka Music Festival: 4:30 p.m.- 10:30 p.m. June 19-20, Downtown Winnetka

Join Winnetka once again for its annual Winnetka Music Festival. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and Father John Misty are headlining the festival this year, with an additional 24 musical acts performing. On Saturday, there will be a kids stage with family-friendly music. The festival’s site says two-day passes are sold out, but one-day tickets are still available for $94.

Lloyd Beach Bash: 6-10 p.m. on June 27, Lloyd Beach, 799 Sheridan Road

Kick off summer and unwind with this kids-free event. Festivities include lawn games, a bonfire and a taco truck. Tickets are $25 and are available to those 21+.

Free Family Yoga: 10 a.m. on June 27 and July 25, Station Park, 754 Elm St.

Bring your yoga mat and your zen to free family yoga for a relaxing Saturday morning. Practice beginner-level yoga poses, breathing exercises and stretches with an experienced, certified yoga instructor. Register for free here.

Unplug Day at the Beach: Noon-2 p.m. on July 11 at Tower Road Beach, 899 Sheridan Road

Kids can enjoy an afternoon at the beach with a 25 ft inflatable water slide, foam pit, crafts, carnival games and prizes at Unplug Day at Tower Road Beach. Tickets are $20, but accompanying adults do not have to buy a ticket for themselves.

Family Camp Out: July 24-25, Lloyd Beach, 799 Sheridan Road

Families will have the chance to spend the whole night at the beach for the annual family camp out. Set up a campsite, and enjoy a screening of “Moana 2” with popcorn and s’mores. Tickets are $20 per person.

End of Summer Luau + Concert: 5-8:30 p.m. on Aug. 19, Lloyd Beach, 799 Sheridan Road

Say goodbye to summer with a pig roast dinner, luau show and GooRoos concert. The pig roast dinner is $10 per person but attending the event is free. See more here.

Highland Park

Arts on Sheridan: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on June 13-14, downtown Highland Park

Browse a curated selection of art during Highland Park’s annual art fair. More than 110 artists of different mediums will have tables at the event. Expect food, live music, a Kids Art Zone and drinks as you explore.

Taste of Highland Park: 5 -10 p.m. on June 19 and 3-10 p.m. on June 20, Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave.

Get a taste of more than a dozen Highland Park local restaurants at Taste of Highland Park. Help yourself to tacos from Las Torres Mexican Restaurant, pasta from DeNucci’s or a pizza from Judy’s Pizza, just to name a few. Air-conditioned outdoor seating will elevate the dining experience, in addition to a brand new photography exhibit. Highland Park’s Bitter Jester Music Festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Saturday at 5 p.m. See the full list of restaurants here.

Ravinia Farmers’ Market: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. every Wednesday until Oct. 28, Jens Jensen Park, 540 Roger Williams Ave.

Shop local at this weekly farmers market. More than 35 vendors will line the park, offering fresh produce, specialty foods and wellness products. Enjoy the park on a summer morning with live music and raffle drawings. 

Food Truck Thursdays: 4:30 p.m. to dusk every Thursday until Sept. 3, Jens Jensen Park, 540 Roger Williams Ave.

Try something new for dinner every Thursday this summer at Jens Jensen Park. A variety of food trucks will also be accompanied by different live musical guests each week. Food vendors include Indus Progressive Indian, Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar, Shaevitz Kosher Market & BBQ, and Steep Ravine Brewing Company. Find a full list of the vendors here.

Highwood

Highwood Evening Gourmet Market: 4:30-9 p.m. on Wednesdays until Aug. 26, Everts Park, 111 North Ave.

Settle down after a long day at work with food and plenty of live music. From jazz to rock, music-lovers of any kind can enjoy this weekly event. See the full summer line up here.

Pride in the Park: 4:30-9 p.m. on June 17, Everts Park, 111 North Ave.

Celebrate Pride Month with a live DJ, friendship bracelets, temporary tattoos and giant yard games at this free, family-friendly event. Hosted at Highwood Evening Gourmet Market, food will be provided. 

Inferno Fest: 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. on June 24, Everts Park, 111 North Ave.

If you can handle the heat, make your way over to Inferno Fest to eat the hottest and spiciest food in town. Indulge in spicy food from American, Italian and Mexican cuisines. Brave participants can even try the Inferno Fest Eating Contest at 7:15 p.m.: Whoever can eat the most La Casa de Issac bolas infernales (“great balls of fire”) without calling for water or milk wins a $100 gift card. Learn more here.

Highwood Days with Taste of Highwood: July 17-19, downtown Highwood Metra Station parking lot, 317 Green Bay Road

Soak in the summer heat with Highwood’s annual carnival and food fest. Sample some of Highwood’s best eats while kids enjoy carnival rides and games. Get some early morning exercise during the Highwood 5K Family Fun Run, Walk & Stroll on Saturday at 9 a.m.

Glencoe

Glencoe Al Fresco: 5-7 p.m. on June 26, July 24 and Aug. 28, Writers Theatre and Women’s Library Club Park, 325 Tudor Court

Take a night off from cooking at home and head over to Glencoe Al Fresco for a variety of food trucks and happy hour specials. While you’re eating, listen to live music and enjoy fun and games with the family. Make sure to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets.

Glencoe Festival of Art: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on July 18-19, 700 Vernon Ave.

Explore the works of 110 different artists at Glencoe’s art festival in July. While you explore the creations of photographers, painters and ceramists, indulge in local food vendors and try out the various selfie-stations around the festival. A Kids Art Zone will also be available for young ones to practice creating art themselves. Learn more here.

Green Bay Trail Day: 9 a.m. on July 25, Green Bay Trail

Get some steps in with the family during Glencoe’s Green Bay Trail day. While on the trail, participants can take a look at the butterfly hatchery and learn about the trail’s history. Admission is free, and snacks will be provided.

Movies in the Park: 8 p.m. on Aug. 21, Lakefront Park

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the classic film “Jaws” with an outdoor screening at Lakefront Park. Bring a picnic blanket and relax as the family watches the movie at this free event. 

Northfield

Market & Music: 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday until Aug. 5, Clarkson Park, 1950 Willow Road

Kids entertainment, concerts, farmers market, food and drink– Northfield’s weekly market has it all, at the same time. Browse food from Taco Nano and Stormy’s Tavern and Grille while listening to music from The B-Side Band, Bopology and Radio Free Honduras. See all the restaurants and performers here.

Northfield Centennial Celebration: 2 p.m.-10 p.m. on Aug. 22

Help Northfield celebrate its 100th birthday with a communitywide party. The day’s events include a balloon artist, face painting, a magic show, a history display and bingo. End the day with a fireworks show at 8:45 p.m. Visit the town’s centennial website for more information.

Kenilworth

Multi-Chamber Golf Open 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on June 15, Wilmette Golf Club, 3900 Fairway Dr.

The Wilmette-Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce is once again teaming up with Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe and Edgebrook/Sauganash chambers for an afternoon of golfing and networking, followed by a cocktail reception and dinner. Tickets start at $85. Register here.

Sidewalk Sale 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on July 10-11

Support local businesses at the annual Sidewalk Sale, hosted by the Wilmette-Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy live music and performances, and according to the website, a special mystery guest. 

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