MUST-ATTEND EVENTS
Norwood Park Fall Fest
The Northwest side is a hub for families, artists, musicians, and athletes. While we are known for our amazing summers, there is something to do all year long. Here is a highlight of some of our most popular events, so take a look, mark your calendars and join the fun!
SUMMER
Memorial Day Parade | May | Norwood Park | The 98th Annual Norwood Park Memorial Day Parade. The parade began in 1922 and has grown to become one of the community’s favorite events. The parade begins at Onahan School on W. Raven Street, then travels west toward Northwest Highway. After the Metra Station, the parade continues on Nina Ave then turns south on North East Circle Avenue and east on West Ardmore Avenue. The route continues south on Natoma Avenue then east on West Hurlbut Street and concludes at Taft High School for a tribute ceremony.11 a.m. parade, 12:15 p.m. ceremony.
Memorial Day Parade | May | Park Ridge | The parade begins at the corner of Cumberland & Talcott and moves north on Cumberland to Prairie where it turns northeast then southeast on Main to City Hall. 10 a.m.
Park Ridge Farmers Market | 15 Prairie Park Ridge | (847) 698-4940 www.parkridge.us/farmers_market | Saturdays May through October 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Taste of Des Plaines | June | Downtown Des Plaines on Ellinwood Street, Between River Road and Lee Street.
Park Ridge Wine Walk | June | Park Ridge Chamber | Sip your favorite glass of vino this Summer at the Park Ridge Wine Walk Wine Tasting in Uptown Park Ridge! Attendees will receive a wristband, commemorative wineglass and a Swag Bag. | Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce |
July 4th Parade | Des Plaines | www.desplaines.org/calender
July 4th Kiddie Parade | Hodges Park, Park Ridge (in front of city hall)| Steps off at 9 am | Noon Kiwanis Club Park Ridge | Children ages Preschool through 8th grade are invited to decorate themselves, bikes, wagons and pets.
Park Ridge July 3 Fireworks Celebration | Maine East High School | Park Ridge's annual patriotic, Independence Day fireworks display returns to Maine East High School July 3 from 6:30 pm until 10:30 pm ---- Bring a picnic and relax before the fireworks begin. Enjoy the evening with friends and family. Come early and get a great spot!!
Taste of Park Ridge | July | www.tasteofparkridge.com
For 20 years, The Taste of Park Ridge is held every July in Uptown Park Ridge (Summit Ave. between Touhy and Prospect Avenues). Celebrate the Summer with exceptional edibles and entertainment for a variety of ages and musical preferences.
Edison Park Salutes Those in Uniform | July | Edison Park is home to many first responders and military personnel. Edison Park Salutes Those in Uniform is an event to show our appreciation for them. Join us for live music, kids activities, and much more! 100% of the proceeds benefit three charities who support them.
Cruisin’ Park Ridge | Held on the first Friday evening of each month, June through September. Local shops and restaurants as well as the Park Ridge Library and other community attractions join in. First Fridays kick off your weekend right! Free to attend! Free to display your car! Live Entertainment! Activities for Kids and more!
Concerts In The Park | Park Ridge
Friday evenings, July through August, the Park Ridge Fine arts Symphony performs on the steps of City Hall while patrons assemble in Hodges Park for an evening of music, food, and friends. Sponsored by the Park Ridge Fine Arts Society.
National Night Out | August | Maine West High School | Park Ridge
Edison Park Fest | August
Edison Park Fest began in 1972 as a sidewalk sale on Northwest Highway. Since then, it has grown into one of the most popular neighborhood street festivals in Chicago. This annual Community fundraiser welcomes nearly 20,000 attendees throughout the weekend.
FALL
Oktoberfest | Saturday, September 28 | Noon to 9 p.m. | The Park Ridge Park District and some local restaurants is celebrating autumn! Enjoy great food, live music, beer, and lots of fun! Children’s Activities - Purchase a $5 wristband to enjoy: Balloon Twisting · Face Painting · Games · Bounce Houses.
Park Ridge Wine Walk | October 6, 2019 | Park Ridge Chamber | Sip your favorite glass of vino this Fall at the Park Ridge Wine Walk Wine Tasting in Uptown Park Ridge! Attendees will receive a wristband, commemorative wineglass and a Swag Bag.
Fall Fest | September | www.fallfestdesplaines.com | Des Plaines Family Festival | (847)824-4200 | A weekend of Fun, Food & Music presented by the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, Des Plaines History Center and the Des Plaines Park District.
Norwood Park Fall Festival | September 20 & 21, 2019 | www.npfallfest.org
Join in to celebrate the season of Fall, with drinks, local business vendors, children activities, food, live music & entertainment for all ages!
Edison Park Restaurant Week | September 23-29, 2019 | Edison Park Restaurant Week is a fantastic opportunity to get a taste of Edison Park dining without breaking the bank, as 10 restaurants throughout the area offer a 3-course pre-fixed meal. All participating restaurants will be offering a 3-course prix-fixe meal.
Monster Mash Family Night | Edison Park Chamber | October 18, 2019
Join us for this FREE family-friendly Halloween event! There will be popcorn and cotton candy. All children who wear their Halloween costumes will receive a goody bag!
Monster Smashed Pub Crawl | October 25, 2019 | Edison Park Chamber
Norwood Park Trick or Treating 2019 | October 26, 2019 | Noon start!
Join us for a spooky afternoon of trick or treating at Norwood Businesses!
Halloween Hoopla Parade & Trick-or-Treating | October 26, 2019 | Des Plaines Public Library | The annual Safe Saturday Trick or Treat event! Halloween Hoopla has something for families and kids of all ages.
WINTER
Winterfest | November 29, 2019 | Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce | Annual Holiday Open House in Uptown and South Park, with the arrival of Santa, the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Winterfest Wonderland | Edison Park | Nov. 24, 2019
Winter Wonderland Holiday Festival | Des Plaines Park District and Chamber of Commerce | Prairie Lakes Community Center | 515 E. Thacker St.| DPParks.org | A Des Plaines favorite! Family Entertainment Music, Dancing, Story Time Magic Show, Balloon Animals Hay Rides, Crafts, Games Face Painting, Inflatables Walk-around Characters, Model Train Displays, Food & Beverages.
Edison Park Santa Express | December 7, 2019 | Edison Park Chamber of Commerce
Join us for this FREE community event! Santa arrives on the 9:54am train at the Edison Park Train Station. Then follow Santa to the annual Edison Park Tree Lighting at Oshkosh and Northwest Highway. After our tree lighting, join us at the Edison Park Fieldhouse for visits and photos with Santa, cookies and milk, crafts, face painting, storytelling, the Grinch will be joining us again this year, and trolley rides throughout the business district. There will also be inflatables with weather permitting.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Pub Crawl | December 21, 2019 | Edison Park Chamber
'Tis the season to wear really ugly sweaters! Join us on our Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Pub Crawl! $20 ticket includes exclusive drink specials and food for crawlers only!
SPRING
Irishfest | Des Plaines | www.dppdirishfest.com |The area's earliest St. Patrick’s Day celebration: the Des Plaines Police Department’s Irish Fest 2020! The Des Plaines Police Department and the law enforcement community in Illinois join together each year to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois.
Spring Community Fun Fair | Mountain View Adventure Center, Des Plaines Park District| 510 E. Algonquin Road. | The 13th Annual Spring Fun Fair is a Family-Friendly Festival of Fun! Pooch, Pet & Pedal Parade, 50-yard Dash, Touch-A-Truck, and much more!
Northwest side Irish Parade | Norwood Park | March 2020
The NorthWest Irish Parade is a celebration of faith, family, and heritage on the NorthWest side of Chicago. Now in its 17th year, the NorthWest Side St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee has grown. The Committee was founded with the goal of bringing the Chicago’s Northwest side area a celebration of Irish involvement in the American experience. Parade steps off Neola & Northwest Highway to Harlem
Irish Sunday Funday | Edison Park | March 2020
Edison Park Sip & Stroll Wine Walk | April 2020
Local Tip: "Whether you're a runner, walker or just sociable, there is no better way to kick start Thanksgiving than with the annual Turkey Trot for charity in Edison Park. The local 5k careening through the neighborhood, where neighbors with fire pits, breakfast buffets & cocktails cheer on the participants. Food, family, friends & fun!" - Mary Jo Lundin