Best events in
Highland Park

With a packed summer calendar and a deep appreciation for the arts, Highland Park, IL offers a steady rhythm of events and things to do. The city's cultural life is anchored by major festivals and community gatherings in its distinct, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. From classical music in a park setting to bustling art fairs downtown, the local scene is both active and charming.

Start an evening in the Ravinia District, where the weekly Food Truck Thursdays and the legendary Ravinia festival create a perfect summer backdrop.
Explore the local arts scene through exhibitions at The Art Center Highland Park or attend the annual Port Clinton Art Festival downtown.
Experience community traditions like the summer-long Bitter Jester Music Festival and the annual Vintage Car Show.

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Popular in Highland Park

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The Art of Living Well - The Wellness Bathroom Edition -

Thursday • 4:00 PM

ABLAZE Design Group, 259 Waukegan Avenue, Highwood, IL, USA

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Bad Words - In Conversation with Rioghnach Robinson

Saturday • 6:00 PM

Matchmaker Bookshop

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Grazing & Gathering: Easy Hosting for Fall

Tue, Oct 13 • 6:00 PM

ABLAZE Design Group

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Madame ZuZu's Live Comedy Night

Fri, Oct 23 • 7:30 PM + 1 more

Madame Zuzu's

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Favorite Poem Community Reading with HP Poet Laureate

Thu, Oct 29 • 6:30 PM

Secret World Books

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Almas & Agave - a modern Día de los Muertos celebration

Thu, Oct 29 • 6:00 PM

Atelier by elliestyled

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The Chicago Red Line Presents Drunkula: From Dusk Til Last Call

Sun, Nov 8 • 3:00 PM

28 Mile Distilling Company

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Five Stories That Will Stick With You

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:30 PM

The Art Center Highland Park

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The Art of Living Well - The Wellness Bathroom Edition -

Thursday • 4:00 PM

ABLAZE Design Group, 259 Waukegan Avenue, Highwood, IL, USA

Check ticket price on event

Bad Words - In Conversation with Rioghnach Robinson

Saturday • 6:00 PM

Matchmaker Bookshop

Check ticket price on event

Grazing & Gathering: Easy Hosting for Fall

Tue, Oct 13 • 6:00 PM

ABLAZE Design Group

Check ticket price on event

Madame ZuZu's Live Comedy Night

Fri, Oct 23 • 7:30 PM + 1 more

Madame Zuzu's

Check ticket price on event

Favorite Poem Community Reading with HP Poet Laureate

Thu, Oct 29 • 6:30 PM

Secret World Books

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Almas & Agave - a modern Día de los Muertos celebration

Thu, Oct 29 • 6:00 PM

Atelier by elliestyled

Check ticket price on event

The Chicago Red Line Presents Drunkula: From Dusk Til Last Call

Sun, Nov 8 • 3:00 PM

28 Mile Distilling Company

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Five Stories That Will Stick With You

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:30 PM

The Art Center Highland Park

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Online Events

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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Tomorrow • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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AI Kids Music Video Studio: Produce Black Nursery Rhyme for YouTube

Thursday • 6:00 PM EDT

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Perfectionnement en programmation Python [en ligne, PYT102]

Thu, Oct 15 • 9:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Tomorrow • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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AI Kids Music Video Studio: Produce Black Nursery Rhyme for YouTube

Thursday • 6:00 PM EDT

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Perfectionnement en programmation Python [en ligne, PYT102]

Thu, Oct 15 • 9:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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This Weekend

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Love & Theft Duo

Friday • 7:00 PM

454 Sheridan Rd

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Bad Words - In Conversation with Rioghnach Robinson

Saturday • 6:00 PM

Matchmaker Bookshop

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Baby & Me Yoga

Saturday • 10:00 AM

Pulling Down the Moon - Highland Park

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Love & Theft Duo

Friday • 7:00 PM

454 Sheridan Rd

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Bad Words - In Conversation with Rioghnach Robinson

Saturday • 6:00 PM

Matchmaker Bookshop

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Baby & Me Yoga

Saturday • 10:00 AM

Pulling Down the Moon - Highland Park

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Performing & Visual Arts events

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Madame ZuZu's Live Comedy Night

Fri, Oct 23 • 7:30 PM + 1 more

Madame Zuzu's

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The Chicago Red Line Presents Drunkula: From Dusk Til Last Call

Sun, Nov 8 • 3:00 PM

28 Mile Distilling Company

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Five Stories That Will Stick With You

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:30 PM

The Art Center Highland Park

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Mary Longe Talk: Art Legacy Guidance

Thu, Nov 19 • 7:00 PM

The Art Center Highland Park

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Madame ZuZu's Live Comedy Night

Fri, Oct 23 • 7:30 PM + 1 more

Madame Zuzu's

Check ticket price on event

The Chicago Red Line Presents Drunkula: From Dusk Til Last Call

Sun, Nov 8 • 3:00 PM

28 Mile Distilling Company

Check ticket price on event

Five Stories That Will Stick With You

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:30 PM

The Art Center Highland Park

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Mary Longe Talk: Art Legacy Guidance

Thu, Nov 19 • 7:00 PM

The Art Center Highland Park

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Frequently asked questions about Highland Park

Where is the best place for live music events in Highland Park?

Ravinia is the premier destination for live music, hosting a summer-long festival in a beautiful park setting. For other live music events, Downtown Highland Park hosts Friday Night Concerts, and 28 Mile Distilling Co. in nearby Highwood also features performances.

What are some family-friendly things to do in Highland Park?

The community offers many family-friendly activities, especially during the summer. Families can enjoy the weekly Ravinia Farmers Market, browse the annual Vintage Car Show, or enjoy picnicking on the lawn before a concert at Ravinia.

Are there many art events in Highland Park?

Yes, the city has a lively arts scene centered around key locations and annual events. The Art Center Highland Park hosts regular exhibitions, while the Port Clinton Art Festival is a major annual event that draws artists and crowds to Downtown.

What is the food and drink event scene like?

Highland Park's food scene comes alive with seasonal outdoor gatherings and local producers. Food Truck Thursdays in the Ravinia District is a popular weekly event, and the Ravinia Farmers Market offers goods from local artisans. The annual Oktoberfest is another local favorite.

What kind of events happen in Downtown Highland Park?

Downtown Highland Park is the hub for many of the community's signature annual events and festivals. It hosts the Port Clinton Art Festival, the Vintage Car Show, and regular Friday Night Concerts during the summer at Port Clinton Square.

Any ideas for a date night in Highland Park?

A classic Highland Park date night often involves a concert at the iconic Ravinia festival. Alternatively, couples can enjoy live music and craft cocktails at 28 Mile Distilling Co. or attend an art opening at The Art Center Highland Park.

How can I find free events to attend?

Many community gatherings in Highland Park are free to attend, offering fun without a ticket. Enjoy the atmosphere at the weekly Food Truck Thursdays, listen to live music at the Friday Night Concerts, or browse the annual Vintage Car Show.

What's special about the Ravinia District?

The Ravinia District is famous for hosting North America's oldest outdoor music festival, Ravinia. Beyond the festival grounds, the neighborhood has its own charm with weekly events like the Ravinia Farmers Market and Food Truck Thursdays creating a lively atmosphere.