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MAY
2025

Goodbye April showers and hello May Flowers! The weather is warm and inviting, just like the suburbs due west of Chicago, where there is so much fun is waiting for you. Get exploring!

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Now - June 20
RIVERSIDE photo contest

Riverside Sesquicentennial Time Capsule Photo Contest

All ages are welcome to submit photos focused on eco-friendly actions in Riverside in honor of the village's 150th anniversary! Submit your snapshot by June 20.

 

Location: Riverside

April 30 - May 5
cinco de maya

Cinco de Maya

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo the Maya Del Sol way with Cinco de Maya, a six-day event with different specials everyday! Come 

 

Location: Oak Park 

May 1
May Day

May Day at Haymarket Martyr's Monument

Join the Historical Society of Forest Park in commemorating May Day at the Haymarket Martyrs Monument with stories about the radical figures displayed at individual graves along the Radical Row in Forest Home Cemetery. Explore the history of the Haymarket Affair and its lasting impact through this exhibit.

 

Location: Forest Park

May 3
Makers market

Makers' Market at Robert's Westside

Check out fine, handmade works of local artists and artisans at the Forest Park Arts Alliance's Makers’ Market at Robert's Westside and celebrate the creativity and skill of the area’s best makers. Whether you are a collector or gift seeker or just enjoy a stroll through the displays, this is a not-to-be-miss occasion.

 

Location: Forest Park 

May 4
Housewalk

Spring Housewalk

Spring is here and that means it’s time for The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest’s annual spring house walk, “Tales Our Houses Tell.” This year, six beautiful homes in southwest Oak Park will be open for interior tours from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 4.

 

Location: Oak Park

May 4
spring festival

Spring Festival

Enjoy a FREE interactive nature programs and activities, kids’ tree climb, guided wildflower spring-time walks, bird banding, kid’s nature crafts, archery, gardening and composting info, fishing activities and much more in Thatcher Woods. Fun for individuals, families and Scout groups. Free parking and free admission!

 

Location: River Forest 

May 10
Zoo uncorked

Zoo Uncorked: Flocktails & Feathers

Experience an exclusive 21+ event at Brookfield Zoo Chicago featuring signature cocktails, mocktails and bird-themed activities. Enjoy after-hours access, animal chats and live entertainment in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.

 

Location: Brookfield

May 15
the elm

All That Good Stuff Comedy Show

Chicago-based comedy troupe All That Good Stuff is a bringing live stand up comedy to The Elm for a hilarious 90 minute showcase. This show sells out quickly, so get your tickets today!

 

Location: La Grange

May 16
Pet and Paint a sloth

Pet and Paint with a Live Sloth

Join Bottle & Bottega as they paint and pet a REAL SLOTH! Ticket price includes all the painting supplies, instruction from a trained B&B artist, aprons to wear, your take-home creation and personal time with the sloth!

 

Location: La Grange

May 16-18
Spring Ice Show

Spring Ice Show

The Franklin Park Ice Arena presents a near professional production for your enjoyment. The costumes are colorful, the music is energetic and the lighting effects are vibrant. Enjoy this amazing spectacle!

 

Location: Franklin Park

May 17
Bike repair workshop

Bike Repair Workshop

Ride your bike to the Forest Park Public Library for an outdoor event with Dan’s Bike Shop, a local business dedicated to bicycles. Learn how to keep your bike tuned, how to repair a flat and other tricks to keep you riding around town. Then get your bike inspected, so you’re ready to go for summer!

 

Location: Forest Park

May 18
Eat the Neighborhood

Eat the Neighborhood: Ramp Foraging Walk and Lunch at Carnivore Oak Park

Join Dave Odd, full time professional forager, on a two-hour journey through the neighborhood to discover edible wild plants and mushrooms growing right in our backyards, then dig into a delicious lunch made from some of the foraged ingredients and prepared by the professional chefs at Carnivore in Oak Park!

 

Location: Oak Park

May 22
robert e coulter jr (1)

Learn About Local Hero Robert E. Coulter Jr.

Members of the American Legion Post 1941 tell the story of local war hero, Robert E. Coulter Jr., for whom the Post is named.  You’ve seen his name on the front of the building; now you can learn more about his exceptional service to our country.  Ticket proceeds will be donated to Post 1941 for their veteran and community support. 

 

Location: La Grange

May 25
riverside walking tour

Frederick Law Olmsted Society of Riverside Walking Tour

Explore Riverside's flowing landscape, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, America’s first and most famous Landscape Architect; its more than 150 years of rich architectural history, with homes by famous architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, William LeBaron Jenney and Howard Van Doren Shaw; and its fascinating, sometimes notorious, residents down through the years on this walking tour!

 

Location: Riverside 

May 31
la grange pet parade

La Grange Pet Parade

The famous annual La Grange Pet Parade returns May 31 for its 79th year! This special event celebrates pets, children and the local community. You won't want to miss out on this Chicagoland favorite parade!

 

Location: La Grange

May 31
Whats blooming on harrison

What's Blooming on Harrison

Head to the Oak Park Arts District for What's Blooming on Harrison, a favorite street festival with a vendor fair, a full lineup of bands and performances, delicious food, a beer garden and a kiddie carnival!

 

Location: Oak Park 

May 31
Bike Safety Carnival

Bike Safety Carnival

Have fun and learn bicycle safety at Forest Park's Bike Safety Carnival, a fun-filled event is perfect for all ages and free to attend. Register to receive a free bike helmet and enjoy exciting activities, including bike decorating and a bike parade through the park. Registration is not required but is necessary to receive a helmet. 

 

Location: Forest Park