3rd Annual Food Truck Thursdays Dates Announced

RAVINIA DISTRICT, HIGHLAND PARK, IL (JUNE 6 –SEPT 12) – Food Truck Thursdays returns to the Ravinia District in the City of Highland Park June 6 through September 12 from 4:30 PM to dusk. Alfresco diners are invited to come and enjoy a variety of food and drinks from a rotating series of more than a dozen food trucks every week, along with adult beverages from local restaurants including Abigail’s American Bistro and Ravinia Brewing Company. Food Truck Thursdays, with music in the park, will be held on Dean Avenue between Roger Williams and St. Johns Avenues, and in Jens Jensen Park, across from the Ravinia Metra Station.

In addition to dining with family and friends while enjoying a wide range of music, a new Bags League (cornhole) will take place during Food Truck Thursdays from June 20 through September 5 from 6-8 PM. Teams of two will have the opportunity sign up for one of two five week competitions.

The winning team will receive a cash prize that will be determined by the number of registrations, as well as two $500 Razny Jewelers’ gift cards. The season will culminate with a celebration at Ravinia Brewing Co.

“In its third year, Food Truck Thursdays has become a summer staple in the Ravinia District bringing out crowds to enjoy the live music, great food, and family friendly atmosphere,” said Katie Wiswald, Chair of the Ravinia Business District Association and Vice President at Highland Park Bank & Trust. “This year we’re ‘tossing out’ even more fun with our inaugural Bags League that will bring residents and visitors out to play and watch, making this year bigger and better than ever.”

Each Thursday will feature more than a dozen food trucks along Dean Avenue, offering mouthwatering options including everything from freshly made Da Pizza Dude pizza to made to order lobster rolls from The Happy Lobster, and heavenly Beavers Coffee + Donuts made on site. Other food truck favorites include Chicago Lunchbox, The Fat Shallot, La Cocinita, Loop Juice, Louie B Fresh Mobile Kitchen, Popcorn Jester, Swirl Café, Yum Dum, and more! Family-friendly crafts and activities in Jens Jensen Park will add to the fun.

While dining with family and friends, attendees can enjoy live music in Jens Jensen Park from 5:30-8:30 PM, sponsored by Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners and Highland Park Community Foundation.

“This 2019 Summer Food Truck Thursday’s music series will be the most dynamic family friendly musical experience this festival has produced over the past three years,” said Noah Plotkin, Founder, CEO, and Music Director of Life Rhythms, who is managing the music in the park. “We have booked an eclectic musical lineup for the 14-week program ranging from Rock’n Roll, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae, Salsa, Western Swing & Gypsy Jazz. Both new and festival favorites from past years. This event is the perfect musical experience to share with your family and friends in Ravinia, the “Heart of Highland Park!”

The live music in the park will run from 5:30 PM to Dusk (weather permitting). The 2019 music lineup includes:

June 6: The Ravinia Ramblers, https://www.facebook.com/raviniaramblers/

June 13: The Frontburners, https://www.facebook.com/Front-Burner-308446369582724/

June 20: The Rolling Clones, https://www.facebook.com/TheRollingClones/

June 27: The Don Stiernberg Trio, https://donstiernberg.com/

July 11: WACO (Fantastic Bluegrass band, no website)

July 18: The Jaren Rabin Band, https://www.jaredrabin.com/

July 25: Railheart, Featuring Dinamita Pereda, https://www.railheart.com/

August 1: Radio Free Honduras, http://radiofreehonduras.com/

August 8: La Tosca, https://www.facebook.com/latosca.chicago/

August 15: Tom Holland & The Shuffle Kings, http://tomhollandshufflekings.com/

August 22: The Al Rose Band, http://www.alrosemusic.com/index.html

August 29: Bowmanville, http://bowmanvilleswing.com/

September 5: The Bassment Band (Ravinia Resident Band, no facebook, no website)

September 12: The Hoyle Brothers, http://www.hoylebrothers.com/

The public is encouraged to walk, or bike along the enhanced Green Bay Trail - Robert McLory Bike Trail that leads into the charming Ravinia District, ride the Metra north or south to Ravinia Station at Roger Williams in the Ravinia Business District, or take a Pace Bus. If traveling by car, Highland Park is easily accessible via north Lake Shore Drive to Sheridan Road, US 41 and 294. Exit Clavey Road east to Green Bay Road and east on Roger Williams Avenue. Free parking is available.

For sneak peaks of weekly food trucks, music, Bags League and event updates, be sure to like and follow RaviniaDistrict.HighlandPark on Facebook, or visit cityhpil.com/thingstodo.

Food Truck Thursdays, music in the park and the Bags League is sponsored by the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners.

Bensidoun USA operates Food Truck Thursdays in cooperation with the City of Highland Park and Ravinia District Special Service Area 17. To be a Food Truck Vendor, please contact bensidounmarkets@gmail.com. Music in the park is managed by Life Rhythms. Bags League is managed by Ripple Public Relations. For information about participating in the Bags League contact info@ripplepublicrelations.com or call 847.432.6000.

ABOUT THE RAVINIA DISTRICT OF HIGHLAND PARK

The Ravinia District is comprised of an eclectic mix of small-scale businesses, popular restaurants and food specialty shops, and high-end personal and professional services. All located within a few walkable blocks, this creative, quaint, friendly and historic neighborhood offers nearly anything a person might be looking for. A lovely location to dine before of after visiting the Ravinia Festival or the Chicago Botanic Garden, Ravinia District is just east of Green Bay Road in Highland Park on Roger Williams Avenue and hosts the Ravinia stop on the Metra train service.

Ravinia District’s historic roots as a getaway from Chicago for artists and other creative people led to its establishment as an artists’ colony. Ravinia District remains separated from Downtown and other more commercial business areas.