10 Fun Things To Do On The North Shore This Weekend: Bloody Mary Fest, North Shore Festival of Art, Lake Bluff Criterium

The last weekend of July offers a plethora of activities for North Shore residents wishing to have fun locally. Thanks to the contributors of Patch’s North Shore Calendar of Events, we have compiled ten of the most interesting events planned for the weekend.

• Gogh Green! Recycled (Pre-Owned) Art Sale will be open to the public July 24-August 14 at The Art Center 1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. Hours are Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• The fourth edition of Lake Bluff’s Criterium Bike Race and Block Party will take place on Saturday, July 25. Bike races will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on E. Center Ave., E. Scranton Ave. and Gurney Ave. The racecourse is about one mile long. The Block Party will be from 4-11 p.m. and include live music, local restaurants, refreshments and activities for kids.

• The Northfield Farmer’s Market, which is operated by the Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce, runs from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Saturday morning during the season at 6 Happ Road in Northfield.

• Venus de Miles, an all-women’s non-competitive athletic event, is back in Lake County for the 4th year at the Glen Rowan House at Lake Forest College from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m on Saturday, July 25. The event supports Greenhouse Scholars, a non-profit education organization that provides financial, professional, and personal support to high-achieving, low-income college students from Illinois.

• The park-like atmosphere and breezy walkways of Westfield Old Orchard provide the perfect summery setting for the 26th Annual North Shore Festival of Art. Produced by Amdur Productions, Westfield Old Orchard, and the Skokie Chamber of Commerce, the North Shore Festival of Artis an exciting addition to a day of shopping. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

• Jammin’ In Jens Jensen Park FREE concert series in the Ravinia District in Highland Park is the thing to do Saturdays through August! From 11am until 2pm every Saturday, the park features an eclectic mix of world, folk, and jazz musicians.

• Every Saturday in July, Evanston Subaru in Skokie, 3340 Oakton St. is hosting a USO fundraiser; “Barbecue for the Troops” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All are welcome!

• Be part of the Blue Oval Performance Car Club Show fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities. To be held Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1333 Park Avenue West in Highland Park.

• Highwood’s popular Bloody Mary Fest is coming back with a bang! In its sixth year, the festival will take place on Sunday, July 26 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. in Everts Park (130 Highwood Ave).

• Top local chefs show how to prepare delicious meals using the freshest fruits, herbs and vegetables at Chicago Botanic Gardens. Featuring chef Nicole Pederson from Found Kitchen and Social House on Saturday, July 25. The free events take place at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Photo: Lake Bluff Criterium