Family-Friendly & Community Events 2026
FREE to the Public | Hemingway District, Oak Park
Hemingway's Birthday Fête
Join us for tons of fun celebrating Hemingway’s Birthday July 17-19, 2026! More details coming soon.
A Day in Our Village 2026
Each year on the first Sunday in June the Village sponsors A Day in Our Village, a community festival considered one of the premier community events.
Save the date for the next A Day in Our Village festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, 2026!
A Day in Our Village provides an opportunity for current and prospective residents to discover the diversity and variety of civic, cultural, social service, business, educational and religious organizations and groups in the Village.
More than 100 Oak Park entities set up activity and information booths in Scoville Park near Lake Street and Oak Park Avenue, and local restaurants sell food nearby. Live entertainment is featured on the Scoville Park Stage and the Park District of Oak Park also sponsors activities for kids.
A Day in Our Village is sponsored by the Village and made possible thanks to organizing support from the A Day in Our Village volunteer committee.
Volunteers are needed to assist during the day of the event, especially from around 3 to 4:30 p.m. Click here to sign up to volunteer.
For more information about A Day in Our Village, call 708.358.5405 or email community@oak-park.us.
The Good Life Race
The Hemingway District will be out at the Good Life Race this Sunday, April 26—welcoming runners, families, and visitors from across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Stop by our table to spin the prize wheel and win fun giveaways from your favorite local businesses. From gift cards and special offers to branded goodies, it’s a great way to discover what the district has to offer.
Hemingway District Block Party!
Saturday, April 11th · 11AM–3PM
Oak Park Ave from Lake St to Pleasant St
Celebrate the kickoff of construction for a renewed Oak Park Avenue with the Hemingway District. Join us, rain or shine, for a day full of music, food, shopping, and surprises.
Swing by the Block Party Welcome Tent at the Oak Park Township Parking Lot (105 S Oak Park Ave) to grab your event map, get the lay of the land, and plan your route.
Free Entry - Family Friendly - Open to the Public
Event & Activity Details
Touch-a-Truck & Mega Sand Pit (11a-3p)
Get hands-on with real trucks. Climb inside, explore, and experience the machines shaping Oak Park Avenue. A high-energy, kid-friendly highlight with plenty to see, touch, and try.
School of Rock Concert (11:30a-1p)
Catch a high-energy performance from School of Rock students as they take the stage and show off what they’ve been working on. Expect a mix of classic hits and modern favorites—played with confidence, personality, and just the right amount of edge. Concert near the welcome tent!
Golden Cone Scavenger Hunt (11a-3p)
Keep your eyes out for hidden golden cones throughout the district. Spot one, bring it to the welcome tent, and walk away with a reward. Visit the welcome tent in the Village of Oak Park Parking Lot to pick it up and get started. Participating businesses listed on event map.
Ask An Engineer! (every ½ hour on the 30s)
Have questions about the Renew the Avenue project? We’re here to answer! Talk to the project’s engineers every half hour from 11-3pm (11a; 11:30a; 12p; 12:30p; 1p; 1:30p; 2p; 2:30p).
Event Day Deals & Activities
Local businesses are rolling out special deals, pop-ups, and surprises all day long. Shop, snack, and explore while supporting the neighborhood.
The UPS Store 3385
Clean out that junk drawer—document shredding for $0.50/lb (April 11 only, just mention the Block Party).
Club Pilates Oak Park
Find the hidden cone for a chance to win an Oak Park Club Pilates tee and a free class.
Dr. Eileen Brann Speech Pathology Services
Stop by to connect with a speech therapist and learn more about your child’s speech and language development.
Billy Bricks
Spin the wheel for a chance to win prizes throughout the day.
Color Me Mine Oak Park
Free studio fee for event participants plus 10% off to-go kits.
Village & Vessel
Take part in a “blessing well” experience with Village & Vessel—stop by to choose a crystal for $3, then head over to the well and toss it in while sending a blessing—whether it’s for a loved one, the community, or even Oak Park Avenue itself. It’s a simple, meaningful way to share a little positivity and leave your mark on the day. 100% of proceeds from crystal purchases will go directly to the Oak Park Mutual Aid Fund, supporting local families in need.
Olive & Well
10% off all oils and balsamics that start with “C” (Cayenne, Cobrancosa, Coconut, Cinnamon Pear, and more).
Avenue Nail Spa
Gift card giveaway as part of event prizes.
Yoga Loft Studios
Stretch it out with 20% off classes and memberships.
Cafe Cubano
$3 empanadas all day.
Lively Athletics
Face paint for kids and adults (yes, adults too) + 20% off everything except shoes.
BHHS Chicago – Deborah Wess
Little builders welcome—kids can make their own mini houses (ages 3–7, while supplies last).
Crumbcrusher Cupcakes
Special offer coming soon—check back day-of for details.
Spilt Milk
Sweet Wheel
Stop by our booth and give the Sweet Wheel a spin for a chance to win a little something extra. Prizes include discounts, free mini treats, and other sweet surprises.
Guess the Number
Take your best guess at how many goodies are inside our mystery jar. Each guest gets one guess, and at the end of the event, the closest guess will win a pastry or gift card.
Dandelion Bookshop
Construction-themed story time at 11:30 AM, plus a curated selection of themed books, puzzles, and toys.
R Titus Designs
Coloring station for kids, plus coffee and snacks while you shop.
Wednesday Journal
Play a construction-themed Plinko game, enter to win a free subscription, and take advantage of discounted subscriptions.
Rustico
Half off appetizers starting at 12 PM, plus a gift certificate featured in the golden cone giveaway.
Trade Oak Park
Pop-a-shot competition + 10% off. Bring your A-game.
Collaboration for Early Childhood
Construction Viewing – Interactive construction-themed window experience for kids, plus snacks, drinks, and the launch of a new Early Childhood Resource Directory.
Shop Small + Tree Lighting
Come join the Hemingway District for holiday family fun at the Shop Small + Tree Lighting Celebration on
Saturday, November 29!
Pick up your map and antlers at the Collaboration for Early Childhood at 171 S Oak Park Ave. and follow the Reindeer Trail from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM to find Deals, Activities, and Giveaways.
The Hemingway District Holiday Tree Lighting will take place next to Il Vicolo at 4:30 PM.
Sunday Night Summer Concert Series at Scoville Park
Bring the family and enjoy FREE, live music every Sunday evening this summer at Scoville Park, in Oak Park’s historic Hemingway District!
Relax on the lawn, dance to great tunes, and soak in the summer vibes with family-friendly entertainment in a beautiful outdoor setting. Arrive early to grab a spot and enjoy the fun!
Don’t miss this perfect way to end the weekend with music, community, and summer fun for all ages!
Tri-District Sidewalk Sale
Downtown Oak Park and Hemingway District sidewalk sale runs for four exciting days from Saturyday July 19 to Sunday July 20, starting at 11 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m. each day.
This collaborative event between the Downtown Oak Park Business Alliance and Hemingway District businesses offers a wide variety of items, from apparel and accessories to home goods and art. Shoppers can enjoy browsing through unique finds while soaking in the charming atmosphere of Oak Park.
Kids’ Running of the Bulls at Scoville Park
Running of the Bulls is a FREE kids event at Scoville Park hosted by the Hemingway Foundation in collaboration with the Hemingway Business District and the Collaboration for Early Childhood (CEC). Children (3+) will decorate their own bull and parade it around Scoville Park.
Please meet at the War Memorial in Scoville Park at 10:00am.
A business district scavenger hunt (at your own pace) sponsored by Visit Oak Park will also take place on Saturday and Sunday.
Hemingway Birthday Féte
Join the Hemingway District for a weekend of live music, games, music, and history!
Enjoy literary performances, a scavenger hunt, the Running of the Bulls Kids Fun Run, and a Concert on the Porch. Wrap up with a birthday party in Scoville Park, featuring a prize wheel, games, and live music. Plus, great sales at local shops!
Don’t miss this fun-filled celebration of Hemingway’s legacy!
A Day in Our Village 2025
Each year on the first Sunday in June the Village sponsors A Day in Our Village, a community festival considered one of the premier community events.
Save the date for the next A Day in Our Village festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 1!
A Day in Our Village provides an opportunity for current and prospective residents to discover the diversity and variety of civic, cultural, social service, business, educational and religious organizations and groups in the Village.
More than 100 Oak Park entities set up activity and information booths in Scoville Park near Lake Street and Oak Park Avenue, and local restaurants sell food nearby. Live entertainment is featured on the Scoville Park Stage and the Park District of Oak Park also sponsors activities for kids.
A Day in Our Village is sponsored by the Village and made possible thanks to organizing support from the A Day in Our Village volunteer committee.
Volunteers are needed to assist during the day of the event, especially from around 3 to 4:30 p.m. Click here to sign up to volunteer.
For more information about A Day in Our Village, call 708.358.5405 or email community@oak-park.us.
Spring Bunny Hop & Scavenger Hunt
Hop into spring with a fun-filled Bunny Hop & Scavenger Hunt in the Hemingway District! Families are invited to explore local businesses while kids enjoy games, collect prizes, and take part in an exciting scavenger hunt.
Hop to each location, with festive activities at each stop. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the season and support the community. Don’t forget to bring your basket and keep an eye out for special surprises along the way!