Events and Entertainment in Downtown Skokie
Gorilla Tango Skokie Theatre
7924 N. Lincoln Avenue
847/677-7761
In March 2012, Gorilla Tango Theatre (GTT) purchased the Skokie Theatre. Programming will begin in April 2012. Over the last year GTT began pursuing expanding its successful for-profit business model locally, regionally and nationally. The theatre company began in Albuquerque, New Mexico nearly 10 years ago and currently has an extremely accomplished for-profit theatre in the Bucktown area of Chicago.
New owners Dan Abbate and Kelly Williams indicate they will focus on their successful "By Kids For Kids" shows (where young artists work with directors to produce original performances which they co-write and stage) and a new original film series that GTT is producing. Interested organizations or individuals wanting to produce at GTT's Skokie Theatre should please contact Kelly Williams, kelly@gorillatango.com or visit www.skokietheatre.org.
Skokie Farmers' Market
Meet me at the Village Green, you'll be delighted you did!
5127 Oakton Street
Skokie, Illinois 60077
Phone: 847/673-0500
Fax: 847/933-8230
Skokie's famous, fabulous, fantastic Farmers' Market, celebrating more than a quarter century of operation, presents farmers and vendors from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. Farmers' Market continues to proudly boast of this community-spirited event and the freshness of its vegetables, fruits, cheeses and flowers, often picked just hours before being made available to customers.
Hours/Dates:
7:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. the Sunday, June 16 to Sunday, October 27, 2013.
Downtown Skokie's "Backlot Bash"
Every year since its smash debut in 2007, Skokie's Backlot Bash offers area residents an action-packed downtown summer street festival! The Backlot Bash features more than 15 hours of free live music on a main stage located on Oakton Street near the Village Hall, including regional and national acts. The event also features an amusement park/carnival, a 5k run, silent movies at the historic Skokie Theatre, a classic auto show, a business expo and sidewalk sale, fun teen activities, bingo, food and beer, the Rotary Club pancake breakfast and more! (The name "Backlot" pays tribute to downtown Skokie's heritage as a major silent film industry back lot set between 1907 and 1915.)
The event is a collaboration between the Independent Merchants of Downtown Skokie (IMODS), the Skokie Park District, The Village of Skokie and the Skokie Chamber of Commerce.
Wednesdays on the Green
Wednesdays on the Green is held every Wednesday night during the summer in Downtown Skokie. For more information about this free, fun, family friendly event and a future line up of summer 2013 events, please visit www.wednesdaysonthegreen.com.
Skokie Heritage Museum
The Skokie Historical Society is a resident of the Skokie Heritage Museum located at 8031 Floral Avenue. The Heritage Museum and Historic Log Cabin are maintained and staffed by the Skokie Park District. The Skokie Historical Society have the rights to the artifacts and maintains and preserves the artifacts. The Historic Engine House is a beautifully restored two-story building. The first floor has a reference library for public use and a permanent Fire Department exhibit space. The Fire Department exhibits includes a reconstructed 1800's Ladder Truck, a newly refurbished 1860's Rumsley Hand Pumper, 1800's Hose Cart, 1920's Chemical Tank, an original 1880's dress hat, numerous nozzles and much more. The second floor is an open space appropriate for school group programs, private rentals, meetings, and traveling exhibits. Skokie Park District staff conduct programs recreating the nineteenth century life of Niles Center, Skokie's former name. For further details on these programs, please see the Skokie Park District seasonal brochures. A fee is charged for all programs. To register for these programs, or for questions on room rental, please call the Skokie Heritage Museum at 847.674.1500 x 3000.
Festival of Cultures
Since 1990 the Village, Park District and Chamber of Commerce host the Skokie Festival of Cultures. Held annually in mid-May at Oakton Park, the two-day event features ethnic displays, entertainment, cuisine and children's activities and offers fun and cultural enrichment for all ages.
Check back for more information about the 22nd Annual Skokie Festival of Cultures set for May 19 and 20, 2012.
