Rosemont’s free Rockin’ in the Park concerts

Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district (5501 Park Place) is welcoming back the Rockin’ in the Park free summer concert series, running every Thursday and select weekend and holiday evenings through September 1 and featuring music by classic cover bands alongside food and beverage tents on the park’s great lawn. Thursday night concerts will culminate with a musical fireworks display.

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

Tribute bands include Hi Fidelity (‘80s classics), Led Zeppelin 2, Departure (Journey), Southern Accents (Tom Petty), Bruce in the USA (Springsteen), Heart to Heartbreaker (Heart and Pat Benatar), American English (Beatles) and many more.

For a full schedule of bands and more information, visit ParkwayBankPark.com

Save the date: The Taste of Park Ridge is July 14-16



Mark your calendars and get excited, because the dates have been set for the annual Taste of Park Ridge in Uptown, celebrating a great collection of local food, music and community. This year’s event will run Thursday-Saturday, July 14-16. For more information on live entertainment and vendors, visit TasteOfParkRidge.com

Local wine clubs

Daniel’s Charcuterie recently introduced a monthly wine and cheese club, where members can take home a chef’s selection of remarkable cheeses with a sommelier-selected bottle of wine. The talented staff enjoys choosing unique cheeses, many of which are produced in just one or two designated locations in the world, and now you can enjoy them home too. 15 S. Fairview in Park Ridge. 224-585-6100. DanielsCharcuterie.com

Speaking of wine, summer is the perfect time to get on board with The List Wine Club, a curated wine club launched by Park Ridge sisters in law Liz and Alex O’Malley that is, by design, perfect for novices and wine connoisseurs alike. For a $68 monthly subscription (with no long-term commitment), you choose three bottles of red, white or a mix each month, with the wines each usually centered around a particular theme.

In addition to having three new, unique wines delivered to your doorstep each month, the subscription also allows you to share experiences with fellow wine lovers and receive tasting notes from a sommelier, as well as recipes for suggested food pairings. Visit TheListWineClub.com for more information.

Rivers Casino opens new event center

There will be a new spot for concerts and entertainment in the area starting in June. Rivers Casino in Des Plaines is opening a beautiful 10,000 square-foot venue, with plans to host some of the nation’s largest musical and comedy acts in a stylish, intimate setting.

The Event Center — part of a larger $87 million expansion that also includes a 5,600-square-foot new poker room, dim sum restaurant and cocktail bar (AquaBar) — will also be available to rent for private events. 3000 S. River Road in Des Plaines. RiversCasino.com

Park Ridge pool passes and birthday parties

Park Ridge Park District pool passes can still be purchased online at PRParks.org or in person at one of the customer-service desks at the Park Ridge Park District.

Summer pool passes are valid for entry at all Park Ridge Park District outdoor aquatic facilities, including the Centennial Aquatic Center, Hinkley Pool, South Park Wading Pool and Prospect Park Splash Pad.

A private pool rental is also a great way to celebrate a special occasion this summer. All private rentals can be made online at PRParks.org. You can also celebrate with a birthday party at the Centennial Aquatic Center. Parties are available seven days a week; reserved between 1-7 p.m. during open-swim hours. The birthday party package includes the patio area reserved for your party for 1.5 hours and food choice provided by the Harp & Fiddle, the concessionaire at the Centennial Aquatic Center.

If you have any questions about private rentals or birthday parties at the outdoor aquatic facilities, contact Jenna Jezek at [email protected] or 847-292-8921.