By Margaret Holler

Marketing and Public Relations Director
Park Ridge Park District

There are so many special events at the Park Ridge Park District this summer. I love how summer events brings out families and friends and enhances the wonderful community feel of Park Ridge. The following are some of my favorite events this summer:

Concerts in the Park — If it’s a Friday night, Hodges Park is the place to be. The Park Ridge Fine Arts Society is hosting six concerts this summer on July 8, 15, 22, 29 and August 5 and 12. The Park District is once again bookending their concerts with Ginger Road on June 17, Fagan and Friends and The Chancers on June 24 (sponsored by S&T), and Rosie and the Rivets on August 19. All concerts are 8-9:30 p.m., but check our website for other activities being held before the concerts. Plus, if you have little ones, family concerts are held at Prospect Park on Tuesday evenings from 6-7 p.m. July 12 is Jodi Koplin & the Jigglejam Band, and July 26 is Little Miss Ann.

Sunday Yoga in the Park — Bring your workout outdoors on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. at Hodges Park. Ages 5 and older are invited, but we ask that children ages 5-12 are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Yoga in the Park is held every Sunday from July 10 through August 14. Oh, and did I mention these workouts are free?

Movies in the Park — This great family event is held at Prospect Park. Arrive early for face painting and fun activities before the movie starts once it’s dark. Thursday, July 21 is Encanto and Thursday, August 18 is Sing 2. In the event of inclement weather, movies will be shown indoors at the O’Connor Community Building at Prospect Park.

July 3 fireworks celebration — This event seems to bring the entire city out to Maine East High School. The Park District provides a DJ and an interactive dance party for the kids from 6:30-8 p.m., live music by New Standard at 8 p.m., and then the huge fireworks show once it’s dark. You are encouraged to pack a picnic and get there early to claim a great spot. If you are worried about parking, you can purchase a preferred parking pass in advance from the Park District.

Country Farm Fair — Did you know you could enjoy a day down on the farm, right here in Park Ridge? Head over to the Wildwood Nature Center on Saturday, July 30 from noon-3 p.m. There’s a petting zoo featuring more than 20 animals, pony rides and hayrides, along with family events like a pie-eating contest and tug of war.

Kite Fest — All eyes are to the sky for this event! On Saturday, August 6, join us from 9 a.m.-noon at Hinkley Park for a day of good old-fashioned fun. Not only can you fly a kite, but Chicago Kite Company performs fantastic kite-flying demonstrations. Kites are also available for purchase at the event.

For more happenings this summer, please visit PRParks.org