The Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer and, with it, comes a packed schedule of festivals and events in the Village of Skokie.
Memorial Day
The Village’s annual Memorial Day observance will be held Monday, May 29 at 11 a.m. on the Village Green (5155 Oakton Street, Skokie). The observance is coordinated by the Skokie Fire Department with participation of local Veterans Posts, Scouts, and the Skokie Fire and Police Honor Guards, and will include remarks from Mayor George Van Dusen, a performance of the National Anthem, Taps and a rifle salute.
Wednesdays on the Green
The Wednesdays on the Green summer outdoor concert series offers free, outdoor family-friendly musical entertainment on the Village Green (5155 Oakton Street, Skokie), every Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. from June 14 through August 16, 2023. This fun community tradition draws residents and families of all ages who bring lawn chairs or blankets, picnic dinners and desserts and, often, their dancing shoes! Sponsored by the Village of Skokie, Skokie Chamber of Commerce, Skokie Public Library and other community partners.
Skokie Farmers’ Market
Every Sunday morning beginning June 4 and running through the end of August, the Skokie Farmers’ Market offers visitors the season’s finest fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, baked goods, meat and poultry, honey, desserts, cheeses and more! Held in the shared parking lot of the Skokie Public Library and Skokie’s Village Hall (5127 Oakton Street), the Skokie Farmers’ Market is a beloved community gathering place where you’re sure to meet your neighbors and friends. See when your favorite vendor will be at the market.
Independence Day
Downtown Skokie is the heart of the Village’s Fourth of July celebration, with the annual Fourth of July parade kicking off at noon from Oakton College (7701 North Lincoln Avenue, Skokie). The colorful parade celebrates Independence Day with a variety of local performance groups, marching bands, clowns, youth groups and many other entries that add up to a much-anticipated, cherished annual event. This year, Skokie is proud to honor residents MSG Hank Gould as the 2023 Military Grand Marshal and six-year-old Fionnuala Climer as the 2023 Make A Wish Honorary Grand Marshal. In addition, Wayne Messmer, “Chicago’s Voice of the National Anthem,” will sing the National Anthem.
Later that evening, the celebration moves to Niles West High School (5701 Oakton Street) for the annual Skokie Fireworks Festival. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., families can enjoy food, drinks, games and live music from The Empty Pockets and 7th Heaven. At dusk, the skies will light up with the spectacular fireworks show. Parking is free.
Backlot Bash
Skokie’s Backlot Bash is a three-day party in Downtown Skokie! Started in 2008, this year’s festival runs August 25 through 27 and features live music with exciting headliners, including Blessid Union of Souls, Eve 6, and Tributosaurus becomes The Doobie Brothers. In addition to live music, attendees can enjoy food, a beer tent, carnival rides, bingo tent, 5K run, a classic car show and activities for all generations. Entry to the Bash is free.
Block Parties
Block parties have long been a tradition in Skokie. They foster positive relationships among neighbors and build community spirit. In addition, every year the Human Relations Commission recognizes several lucky winners as “Block Party of the Year”.
Interested in hosting a block party? The Skokie Human Relations Commission will host its annual Block Party Forum and Networking Event at the Skokie Public Library on Monday, June 12, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This forum is intended for both first-time block party hosts and those who've hosted block parties previously.