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.