Oak Brook Magazine

07/27/2026

When a major crisis strikes in DuPage County, your local police department doesn't have to face it alone. The Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigative Team (MERIT) is a specialized, one-of-a-kind task force that pulls the absolute best officers from 37 local agencies to protect our neighborhoods. From complex criminal investigations to major crisis responses, this unique pooling of resources ensures that top-tier law enforcement is always ready to keep your community safe. Discover how this collaborative effort works behind the scenes to protect your hometown in our latest issue.

https://oakbrookmagazine.com/joining-forces/

BY ANNA HUGHES

07/25/2026

A Walk in the
Park Wine Tour
July 30, 4:30–7:00 PM
Central Park
obparks.org

Enjoy a summer evening wine walk during a casual guided tour of Central Park (about a 1.5-mile walk). During the tour, guests will experience a selection of wines with light food pairings from favorites like Antico Posto and Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse. The event starts at the park’s Ginger Creek Pavilion and will end with a summer concert at the Oaks Amphitheater. Anyone interested (21+) can register online, where tickets and time slots are available.

07/22/2026

Fins up! The Chicago Parrot Head Club turns a shared love of Jimmy Buffett’s music into incredible friendship and philanthropy. Read all about this amazing local group in our latest issue: https://hinsdalemag.com/fins-up/

Then, keep the island spirit alive at this upcoming show:
Coral Re**er Band
Tuesday, July 28 | 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Ravinia, Highland Park, IL

**erBand

07/20/2026

Downers Grove
Sidewalk Sale
July 23–25 (hours pending)
Downtown Downers Grove Management Group
downtowndg.org

Downtown Downers Grove’s annual Sidewalk Sale will return in July, offering shoppers the chance to explore special promotions and discounts from local retailers. Visitors will stroll the downtown district while discovering unique merchandise, seasonal finds, and exclusive deals. The event will showcase the vibrant small businesses that make downtown a popular destination.

07/19/2026

Family Bike Night
July 23, 5:30–7:30 PM
Heritage Park
obtpd.org

Decorate your bikes, scooters, and strollers for an evening of family, fun, and movement! Family Bike Night is a chance for kids to cruise around the park at their own pace, while the whole family enjoys a relaxing summer night outdoors. A bike decorating station will be available, along with music and light snacks. This event is free, and no registration is required.

07/16/2026

Voyage en France
July 19, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Cantigny
cantigny.org

Cantigny will celebrate French culture during its annual French Festival, transforming the park into a vibrant showcase of art, music, and family fun. Guests will enjoy live performances, ballet and can-can dancers, a makers market, and plein air artists. Interactive activities, French-inspired games, photo opportunities, and an Eiffel Tower replica will offer entertainment for visitors of all ages.

07/15/2026

Forge Fest
July 18, 4:00 PM-11:00PM
The Forge Lemont Quarries
forgeparks.com

Forge Fest will return to The Forge: Lemont Quarries on July 18 with two exciting celebrations. Kids Fest, from 4 to 7 p.m., will feature family-friendly activities and entertainment for younger guests. Forge Fest will follow from 5 to 11 p.m., with live music, food vendors, outdoor fun, and a spectacular fireworks display to close out the evening.

Discover The Forge in Lemont — an adventure park with ziplines, climbing, water and land activities, and camping. Plan your visit to this premier outdoor destination near Chicago.

07/14/2026

Bags, Brew and BBQ
July 18, 4:00 PM
Wilder Park
epd.org

No kids allowed at this game night! Adults are invited to Wilder Park for a night of friendly competition, good food, and delicious drinks. Whether you’re there to win it all or just relax and enjoy some music with friends, this event is great for anyone 21+. Attendance is free, and food and drinks will be available to purchase.

On Saturday, July 4 - Courts Plus is closed. East End Pool and Smalley Pool hours are Noon-6pm and The Hub's hours are 10am-4pm. Sugar Creek Golf Course is open for the holiday and Wilder Park Conservatory has normal hours, 8am-6pm.

07/13/2026

Sidewalk Sale
July 17–18, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Downtown Hinsdale
hinsdalechamber.com

Hinsdale’s favorite shopping event is back for the summer. During this two-day event, stroll through the streets of downtown Hinsdale to find the newest additions to your summer wardrobe at great prices. Sales aren’t limited to the sidewalk, so be sure to stop by your favorite boutiques and see all they have to offer.

07/09/2026

If you are heading out to the fantastic farmers' markets in neighboring Elmhurst or Hinsdale this week, you know fresh, local produce deserves the best cooking techniques!

We are featuring world-renowned writer Harold McGee, who helped create the discipline of kitchen science. If you want to know how to perfectly braise meats or keep your greens crisp, his books like "Keys to Good Cooking" apply culinary chemistry to everyday situations. Learn how he went from teaching James Joyce at Yale to pioneering the science of what happens when food is cooked: https://oakbrookmagazine.com/whats-cooking/

By Maureen Callahan | Photos courtesy of Harold McGee