Northbrook Park District Releases Outdoor Summer Events Schedule

NORTHBROOK, IL — It's time to start thinking about summer, according to the Northbrook Park District. A number of exciting outdoor activities and special events will be offered during the warmer months.

"Spending time outdoors, particularly in green spaces, has numerous health benefits, including
improving mood and reducing stress levels," Executive Director Chris Leiner said. "In fact, just 20 minutes a day spent outside can do that."

The park district’s summer lineup at Village Green Park will feature:

• Grapes on the Green on June 14, where adults ages 21 and up can gather for an enjoyable afternoon of music and wine tastings, light snacks, live music by The Flat Cats, art and games. Tasting tickets $49, non-tasting tickets $30.
• Tuesdays in the Park all-ages free concert series, featuring a children’s performer at 6:30 p.m. and a main band at 7:15 p.m. The series kicks off June 24 with Ben Tatar and Billy Elton, followed by Miss Jamie’s Farm and Generation Rock on July 1, Istvan and His Imaginary Band and Blue Rose Country on July 8, Nanny Nikki and No Turn On Red on July 15, Todd Downing Tall Tales & Silly Songs and Shout Out on July 22, Little Miss Ann and Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band on July 29, and Jeanie B! and One Night Band on Aug. 5.
• Bike the Green on July 24, starting with an event with bike-related activities at 4 p.m. followed by a Community Ride at 6:15 p.m., all in conjunction with the Northbrook Grand Prix bike event featuring professional races. Community Ride participants must fill out a USA Cycling Waiver at check in.
• Party on the Green on Aug. 15, an all-ages free event with live music by Second Hand Soul Band and Hello Weekend, bounce houses, arts and crafts, face painting and giveaways, followed by the movie “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” at dusk. This year, Paint Northbrook artwork will be on display and available for purchase throughout the event.

Techny Prairie Park and Fields will host:

• Skateboard Fest for ages 6-13 on May 31. This free event at the skate park will feature tricks and professional guidance by Asylum Skateboard’s expert instructors. Participants can enjoy free snacks, groove to a live DJ and win raffle prizes.
• Liberty Loop and Lap for all ages on July 4. This annual holiday tradition features a 5K Run/Walk on a scenic run through Techny Prairie Park and Fields and Meadowhill Park. Winners receive medals, and pre-registered participants receive a dry-fit T-shirt and gift bag. There will be post-race snacks for all participants. Children 5 and under can run/walk at no charge but need to be registered. This Fun Run Friday is for ages 4–10 with a one-mile modified course winding along the Trail Through Time. Young runners receive a T-shirt, gift bag and a miniature American flag at the finish line. Kids can enjoy snacks throughout the event.
• Cup-In-Hand Kickball Tournament for ages 21 and up on July 19. This co-ed tournament features teams of 6-12 players (one-third must be women). Each player is allowed two beverages per game. Beer and seltzer available for purchase (no outside alcohol allowed). Cash prizes for the first and second place teams.

Other outdoor events across Northbrook include:

• Kids’ Fishing Derby on May 17 at Woods Oaks Green Park. This free event will award prizes for the largest fish, smallest fish and most fish caught. Fishing poles and bait available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fishing license is not needed for participants under 16 years old.
• Kids’ Duathlon on July 25 at Meadowhill Park, featuring biking and running for ages 5- 14. Bring a bicycle (no training wheels), helmet and tennis shoes. All participants receive an event T-shirt. After the event, participants can enjoy pizza, drinks, snacks and admission to Meadowhill Aquatic Center.

For more information and to register for events, please visit nbparks.org.