Market After Dark events continue July 25 and Aug. 22; Park Ridge Farmers Market runs through October

The fun-filled recent addition to our community events calendar is back — and even better — for its third year. Market After Dark, located in the same area as the Park Ridge Farmer’s Market (15 Prairie Ave.), was a huge success in the first two years of existence, as well as the earlier May 30 event this year.

Featuring a variety of food and art vendors, mixed with small-business pop-ups, live entertainment and a large, handpicked rotation of local guest breweries, wineries and distilleries, this is the type of summer street party everyone can enjoy.

This summer’s remaining two Market After Dark events will take place from 4:30-9:30 p.m. July 25 and Aug. 22 — and tasting tickets will be available for the various distilleries, breweries and wineries. For more information and updates, visit MarketAfterDark.com

The Park Ridge Farmers’ Market, meanwhile, remains the ideal way to casually kickstart your summer and fall weekends here in town. Take time to peruse a wonderful selection of fruits, vegetables and an array of other products from more than 40 vendors from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. rain or shine every Saturday through the end of October. Located at 15 Prairie Avenue between Main and Garden. ParkRidgeFarmersMarket.com

Taste of Park Ridge returns July 9-11

Save the date for the Taste of Park Ridge, which will run from July 9-11 this year and include the regular collection of local food options, live music, kids activities, business networking and much more — all in the heart of Uptown Park Ridge along Summit Avenue between the Metra train station and library.

Thursday’s hours are 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday the festival will run 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Food vendors include Easy Street Pizza, Shemroon Kabab House, Triple Scoop’d and many more. Additional Saturday activities include the Canopies on Cortland small-business expo, running from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and the kids’ activities (bounce houses, musicians, face painting, games, etc.) will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.
For more information, including updated band schedules and food vendors, visit TasteOfParkRidge.com

Rockin’ in the Park free concerts return to Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park on Thursdays this summer

Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district kicks off its summer season with the return of the “Rockin’ in the Park” free summer concert series, and The Real Park Ridge crew, along with a good chunk of our neighborhood, are regulars. Free concerts run every Thursday and select Friday evenings (July 3, July 31 and Aug. 28) through Sept. 3, featuring music by classic cover bands (think the Eagles, Van Halen, Rod Stewart, Journey, Neil Diamond, Rush, Tom Petty, ELO, the Beatles, boy bands and more) alongside food and beverage tents on the park’s lawn.

Bonus: These Thursday night concerts are not only free, but they culminate with a large musical fireworks display. A great place to grab dinner and a spot on the patio is Crust Brewing.

All “Rockin’ in the Park” concerts run from 7-10 p.m. Outside food and and drink are prohibited. Parking is available at the Parkway Bank Park parking garage and is free with validation from any of the park’s venues.

For a full schedule, visit ParkwayBankPark.com

Serve it Forward, a charity pickleball event benefiting Have Dreams, is June 13

Join local pickleballers for a charity doubles tournament benefiting Have Dreams, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with autism.
Each team is guaranteed four pool-play games, with the top two teams per division advancing to a championship match. Division winners receive medals, and two grand-prize raffles will be held on-site with raffle tickets available the day of.

Divisions are organized by skill level. Check-in begins at 8:15 a.m., play starts at 8:30 a.m., and the tournament concludes by 2:30 p.m. All net proceeds go directly to Have Dreams (HaveDreams.org), and the tournament will be held at Woodland Pickleball Courts, 1200 N. Western Ave. in Park Ridge. To register, visit here

Ace Hardware’s Dad’s Dash 5K benefiting the Ronald McDonald House June 20


Get ready to kick off Father’s Day weekend with a burst of energy at Dad’s Dash — Olson’s Ace Hardware’s 5K Fun Run/Walk celebrating the awesome dads, father figures and families who keep life exciting. The 5k run on Saturday, June 20 begins at 9 a.m., and the 1-mile run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m., with both kicking off Washington Elementary, running through Centennial Park and finishing back at the school for a tailgate party.

Hit the scenic Park Ridge route and enjoy upbeat music, great energy and a crowd full of smiles and community spirit. The goal: To make this Father’s Day unforgettable — one joyful step at a time.

Proceeds from Olson’s Ace Hardware Dad’s Dash 5K will benefit the Ronald McDonald House, dedicated to providing comfort, care and housing for families with children receiving medical treatment. Visit here to register.

Park Ridge Garden Club annual Garden Walk June 28

Six inspiring gardens will be featured at the 31st annual Park Ridge Garden Walk on Sunday, June 28 from noon-5 p.m. Five local artists will be at each garden, and one house will have raffle baskets. Tickets are sold online or at Tea Lula and Devon Avenue Meats for $15 in advance ($20 the day of the walk). Children under 10 are free. Proceeds are donated back to the community for beautification, grammar school horticultural education and various philanthropic projects. Learn more about the Park Ridge Garden Club at ParkRidgeGardenClub.org or visit their Facebook page.

Free Friday Concerts in the Park at Hodges Park

It’s time to pack a picnic and enjoy a variety of music in Hodges Park (101 S. Courtland Ave.) again this summer, as one of the area’s best seasonal traditions returns to the steps of City Hall in Park Ridge.

The concert lineup kicks off with the Trabuco Salsa Band June 19 and Run Forrest Run playing hits from the ‘90s on June 26, both presented by the Park Ridge Park District. Come early for free dance fitness sessions led by the Centennial Fitness Center staff at 7 p.m. (followed by 7:30 salsa lessons with Trabuco on June 19).

The remaining six concerts are presented by the Park Ridge Fine Arts Society, featuring the Park Ridge Fine Arts Symphony Orchestra July 10, 17, 24 and 31 followed by Chicago Big Band Aug. 7 and the Brian Patti Big Band Aug. 14.

Performances run from 8-9:30 p.m., and donations are accepted.