With summer in full swing, you'll find all kinds of events for everyone in and around Oak Park and the Western Suburbs. Pack up the family for fun and outdoor adventure, and enjoy browsing this month's top picks for things to do in the Oak Park area.
Twilight Tunes at Brookfield Zoo
Fridays and Saturdays in July, 2022
On Fridays and Saturdays in July, Brookfield Zoo hosts 10 evenings of live music surrounded by wildlife and nature. Bring your appetites, blankets, lawn chairs, family, and friends!
Location: Brookfield Zoo's East Mall
Event Website
Fitzgerald's 39th Annual American Music Festival
July 1 - 4, 2022
A critically acclaimed four-day music festival drawing thousands of music enthusiasts each year.
Location: Fitzgerald's Nightclub, Berwyn
Rocket Camp
July 5-8, 2022
It Really Is Rocket Science for Grades 6-8 in this fun-filled and educational adventure where participants build and launch model rockets. Space is limited. Registration required.
Location: Cernan Earth & Space Center, River Grove
129th Annual Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
July 8-17, 2022
(See event website for time and location details)
The procession begins at 1:30pm. including the beloved statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. As it has for 128 years, the procession winds its way through the streets of Melrose Park, Illinois.
Location: Melrose Park, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
Summer Cemetery Walking Tour
July 10, 2022
10 - 11:30am
Have you ever wondered what's across the bridge at Forest Home Cemetery? If so, join Oak Park River Forest Museum docents for a walking tour to learn more about the people, organizations and stories found west of the Des Plaines River.
Location: Forest Home Cemetery at the First Avenue entrance, Forest Park
Shakespeare’s Winter’s Tale at Oak Park Festival Theatre
July 13 - August 20, 2022
Thursdays - Saturdays: 8pm; Sunday: 7pm
The Oak Park Festival Theatre presents this live performance of the classic Shakespeare romance under the stars, on the outdoor stage in beautiful Austin Gardens.
Location: Austin Gardens, Oak Park
Concert on the Porch at Pleasant Home
July 14, 2022
7pm
Make the most of outdoor this summer and see singer songwriter Lauren Duffy's live performance on the front porch of historic Pleasant Home!
Location: Pleasant Home, Oak Park
Shop Outdoor Sale
July 14-17, 2022
Satisfy your shopping appetite at select businesses, as the Downtown Oak Park & Hemingway Districts join forces for an end-of-season special sales extravaganza!
Location: Oak Park
Forest Park Garden Walk
July 16, 2022
10am - 3pm
Join the Historical Society of Forest Park for a showcase of the beautiful outdoor spaces and gardens of Forest Park.
Location: Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore, Forest Park
Bubble Works at Wonder Works Children's Museum
July 16-17, 2022
Float on over to Wonder Works Children’s Museum for this outdoor festival that celebrates the magic and science of bubbles. Children and their families will be able to enjoy a variety of activities involving bubbles in all shapes and sizes.
Location: Wonder Works Children's Museum, Oak Park
Summer Nights in Hillside
(Concerts/Cruise Nights/Market Place)
July 19 - August 16, 2022
Hillside Commons is the place to be on Tuesday nights this summer! Each night begins with a car show (Cruise Night) and The Market Place followed by a great concert under the stars. Before and during the show you can purchase great food and beverages from local vendors. All concerts, park entrance and parking is free.
Location: Hillside Commons, Hillside
Riverside Vintage Baseball Game
July 21, 2022
1 - 3pm
Hear the crack of an old time wooden bat against a “lemon peal” baseball in Riverside’s Big Ball Park. This vintage baseball game, free to the public, will feature the Chicago Salmon versus the Deep River Grinders of Lake County, Indiana. Both teams will play by baseball rules prevalent in the 1860s.
Location: Big Ball Park, Riverside
West Side Stories Walking Tour
July 23, 2022
10 - 11:30pm
Take a stroll through scenic, historic River Forest with West Side Stories: People and Architecture That Shaped River Forest! The Oak Park River Forest Historical Society leads the annual outdoor housewalk featuring fascinating stories or the people who lived there, and the renowned architects who created the remarkable homes.
Location: River Forest
Birds, Bees & Butterflies: A Native Garden Tour
July 23, 2022
1 - 5pm
Discover the beauty, versatility and dependability of native plants on this colorful tour of ten life-filled gardens in Oak Park and River Forest.
Location: Oak Park & River Forest