Northbrook Park District invites community to ‘Meet on the Green’ this summer

From free concerts and bike gatherings to wine tastings, live music, arts and crafts, and outdoor movies, the Northbrook Park District invites the community to meet up — and meet each other — at Village Green Park starting June 14.

Within 10 acres of lush greenery and centuries-old oak trees, Village Green Park has long been the living heart of downtown Northbrook. This summer, the park will host a variety of lively outdoor events for the whole family, courtesy of the Northbrook Park District.

“Summer is all about getting outside, having fun and connecting with the people around us,” Northbrook Park District Superintendent of Arts and Recreation Erin Sweet said. “Whether you're soaking in live music with family, checking out events just for adults or taking part in everything happening, we offer something for everyone.”

Here is the summer lineup at Village Green Park, 1810 Walters Ave., Northbrook:

• The third annual Grapes on the Green, presented in conjunction with the village of Northbrook, will be back on June 14. 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 are $49, non-tasting tickets $30.

• Grab a chair and picnic blanket and come to the ever-popular Tuesdays in the Park free concert series offered from late June through early August. Each concert features 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.

• After its successful debut last year, the second edition of Bike the Green takes place July 24. The afternoon starts 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.

• A community favorite for all ages, Party on the Green returns on Aug. 15. This free event features live music by Second Hand Soul Band and Hello Weekend, bounce houses, arts and crafts, face painting and giveaways. At dusk, there will be a showing of the movie “Honey I Shrunk the Kids.” This year, Paint Northbrook artwork will be on display and available for purchase throughout the event.

• Northbrook Brewfest, offered by the park district and the village of Northbrook, will be back Sept. 6. Adults ages 21 and up can sample a variety of brews, along with wine and nonalcoholic beverages, while enjoying live music and the last days of summer.

Village Green Park features a multitude of amenities: a playground, a gazebo, picnic areas, walking paths, a baseball diamond and a seasonal soccer field. Behind the baseball diamond, a pavilion houses vending machines and restrooms.

On the northwest end of the park, visitors can find Centennial Plaza, which commemorates Northbrook’s 100th birthday. Memorial Garden, on the park’s northwest corner, pays tribute to all the Northbrook men and women who have served in the Armed Forces.

Just beyond the park, visitors can enjoy the variety of delicious restaurants and vibrant businesses of downtown Northbrook. For more information and to register for Northbrook Park District events, visit nbparks.org.

Established in 1927, the mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship.