This month comes to an end Sunday. Let’s take a look back at the past four weeks before deciding on what to do over the weekend to make sure we’re saying “good-bye” to July in the best way possible.
Police arrested a man who admitted to stealing loose cash from cars with the sole intent to buy pizza. I promise you this is the first time we’ve heard about something like that at Around Oak Park.
Traces of the West Nile Virus were found in the village, but don’t let that deter you from enjoying the summer weather. Officials are ahead of the issue and there will be scheduled sprayings for mosquitoes if necessary, but we aren’t there yet. Threat level: Greenish-Blue.
An OPRF High School teacher organized a protest near the Forest Park Music Fest, which reminds me…
The Forest Park Music Fest happened.
Police Chief Rick Tanksley announced his retirement from the OPPD.
We made some progress on the I-290 reconstruction project and it appears that the Village and IDOT are close to signing an agreement.
I can go on but if you’re an avid reader of Around Oak Park, I’d like to say ‘thank you,’ but more importantly there’s no sense in providing you with the information you already know. So, if you’re looking for ideas on how to spend the weekend, consult the list of events below the three dotted lines. We hope you find something that grabs your attention.
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The Natural World Art Exhibit
Oak Park artist Marion Sirefman will be showing her artwork with an exhibit titled “The Natural World” at the Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield Street. Marion has painted four pieces of public art in Oak Park: three different wall murals on South Boulevard along the Green Line, and a painted stained-glass bench on Harrison Street. The Oak Park Conservatory is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Forest Park’s “No Glove Invitational Softball Tournament”
The Park District of Forest Park will host a 16-inch softball tournament over the course of the weekend. “Come out and see the most prestigious and competitive 16-inch Softball Tournament in the Chicagoland Area. There will be softball, food, beer, pop, and fun for the entire family,” according to the Park District website. Games will be taking place at 7501 Harrison Street, Forest Park. For more information, visit pdofp.org.
Halla-palooza at Val’s halla Records
Saturday and Sunday
Val’s halla Records, 239 Harrison Street, is celebrating its 44th anniversary with Halla-palooza on Saturday and Sunday. There will be live music, refreshments and a storewide sale including 20% off all used records and 10% off new records. For more information, check out the Facebook event page.
Date Night Idea – NOVO
We suggest trying NOVO Restaurant and Wine Bar this weekend for an intimate date night. NOVO is an American bistro with a chef-driven menu and extensive wine list. From a pricing perspective, appetizers and wine average $8-$12, entrees will be $15-$30 (with more upscale choices), and cocktails will be $10-$12. NOVO is located at 734 Lake Street so you will be close to everything in downtown Oak Park once you’ve finished dining.
Summer Fridays on Madison in Forest Park
The Forest Park Chamber of Commerce is hosting the “Summer Fridays on Madison” shopping promotion once again this week. According to the FP Chamber website, participants can enjoy exclusive discounts at participating shops such as American Artworks Gallery, Bliss Fashion Lounge, Camille et Famille, deedee & edee, Girlicious, Jayne, Madison Street Shoes, Team Blonde, Todd & Holland and Yearbook.
Free Summer Concert Series at Scoville Park
Sunday from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Enjoy free concerts on Sundays throughout the summer at Scoville Park, 800 W. Lake Street. This week, Saturday June Band will be rocking the stage. The five-piece rock group has received praise from JBTV, the event staff at Navy Pier, as well as the Chicago White Sox from past performances.
Dance Recital at Dominican University: Anjali Das
Sunday from 4-7 p.m.
The Natya Dance Theatre Company presents “Anjali Das,” a celebration of arangetram, which is the debut on-stage performance of a former student of Indian classical dance and music. This performance will be taking place at Dominican University, 7900 W. Division Street, River Forest.
5th Annual Sculpture Walk
The 5th Annual Oak Park Sculpture Walk features 12 sculptures from various local artists. The sculptures can be viewed as a part of the outdoor exhibit in Mills Park near Pleasant and Home Avenues. The walking tour will be open for public viewing until Sept. 5.
The Taming of the Shrew at Austin Gardens
Check out Oak Park Festival Theatre’s production of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew: a comedy about a drunk named Christopher Sly who believes himself to be a nobleman. The play will be shown at Austin Gardens, 167 Forest Avenue, Oak Park. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $29 for general admission, $26 for seniors, $15 for students, children under 12 and dogs are free. To purchase, visit oakparkfestivaltheatre.com.
Oak Park Farmers Market
Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Oak Park Farmers Market is now in its 41st annual year. Items for sale include locally grown produce, flowers, bedding plants, honey, cheese, frozen meat, bread, and doughnuts. Cash is the preferred method of payment but credit and debit are available depending on the vendor. The Farmers Market is located in the Pilgrim Congregational Church parking lot, 460 Lake Street.
