Three-Day Festival Celebrates Ernest Hemingway's Birthday with Literature, Music, Family Fun, and Local Businesses
OAK PARK, IL — Ernest Hemingway may have written The Sun Also Rises, but this July the Fun Also Rises in Oak Park.
The Hemingway District invites residents and visitors to celebrate Ernest Hemingway's birthday during a three-day festival, The Fun Also Rises, taking place Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 19, 2026. Inspired by the 100th anniversary of Hemingway's iconic novel, the weekend combines literature, live music, family activities, outdoor dining, and local shopping into a community-wide celebration of Oak Park's literary heritage.
Throughout the weekend, businesses throughout the Hemingway District will feature special promotions, outdoor dining, live entertainment, and interactive activities that encourage visitors to explore one of Oak Park's most unique commercial districts.
Weekend Highlights
Friday, July 17 | 7:00–8:30 p.m.A Night of Hemingway Readings Dandelion Bookshop (139 S Oak Park Ave., Oak Park) in partnership with the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park kicks off the weekend with an evening of Hemingway readings, refreshments, and discussion. Guests are encouraged to RSVP in advance.
Saturday, July 18 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.Running of the Bulls Scoville Park (800 W Lake St., Oak Park)
One of the weekend's most popular family events returns as children decorate bull-horn headbands and superhero-style capes before participating in a series of playful "Running of the Bulls" fun runs around Scoville Park. Multiple fun runs will take place throughout the morning, ensuring every child has a chance to participate. This event is sponsored by the Collaboration for Early Childhood. More information can be found HERE.
Saturday, July 18 | 1:30–2:30 p.m.Candycopia Guinness World Record Attempt Ridgeland Common (415 Lake St., Oak Park)
Join Candycopia as participants attempt to set a Guinness World Record for sour candy tasting. Registration is required through Candycopia's website. Complete information and the registration link can be found HERE.
Saturday, July 18 | 7:00–9:00 p.m.Hemingway's Porch Concert with Rachel Swain Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum (339 N Oak Park Ave., Oak Park)
Enjoy an evening of live music with Rachel Swain on the historic porch of Hemingway's birthplace. They will also acknowledge their student scholarship recipients while celebrating Hemingway’s 127th birthday and the centennial publication of The Sun Also Rises in 1926. General lawn seating will be available and feel free to bring your own lawn chair. Refreshments will also be available. The concert will be held rain or shine. Complete information can be found HERE.
Sunday, July 19 | Noon–3:00 p.m.Hemingway Plaza Celebration Oak Park Township Lot (105 S Oak Park Ave., Oak Park)
Bring lunch from your favorite Hemingway District restaurant and enjoy live music, community seating, and an afternoon celebrating local businesses. Visitors are encouraged to shop, dine, and explore special promotions offered throughout the district.
The Sun Also Hides Scavenger Hunt
Running throughout the entire weekend, families can participate in The Sun Also Hides Scavenger Hunt. Using a map available on the Hemingway District website and available at participating businesses, participants search for hidden sun cutouts displayed within the businesses.
Completed maps may be returned to Dandelion Bookshop by 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, to be entered into a drawing for a prize basket featuring gifts from Hemingway District merchants. One entry per person; winners need not be present.
A Celebration of Community
"The Fun Also Rises celebrates everything that makes the Hemingway District special," said Wendy Giardina, Hemingway District Board Member. "It's a weekend where literature, local businesses, families, music, and great food all come together. Whether you're a lifelong Hemingway reader or simply looking for a fun summer weekend, there's something here for everyone."
Visitors are encouraged to spend the weekend strolling Oak Park Avenue, supporting locally owned businesses, enjoying outdoor dining, discovering hidden treasures through the scavenger hunt, and participating in the many free family-friendly activities.
For a complete schedule of events, participating businesses, registration links, and additional information, visit www.hemingwaydistrictoakpark.com.
Event at a Glance
The Fun Also Rises
Friday, July 17 – Sunday, July 19, 2026
Featured Events
Hemingway Readings at Dandelion Bookshop
Running of the Bulls Family Fun Run
Candycopia Guinness World Record Attempt
Hemingway Birthplace Porch Concert
Hemingway Plaza Community Gathering
The Sun Also Hides Scavenger Hunt
Live Music
Al Fresco Dining
Shopping & Merchant Specials
Admission is free unless otherwise noted for participating events.
About the Hemingway District
The Hemingway District is Oak Park's historic business district, stretching along Oak Park Avenue from Lake Street to Pleasant Street. Home to locally owned shops, restaurants, arts organizations, and the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum, the district celebrates Oak Park's rich cultural history while fostering a vibrant destination for shopping, dining, and community events throughout the year.