Special Events

Skokie's canine event of the year offers dogs and their owners a chance to experience contests, food and treats, ‘60s tunes and other free doggie fun. Pooch Park is located at 3220 Oakton St. and can also be accessed east of McCormick Boulevard from Main Street to the north of the park. For more event information call (847) 674-1500, ext. 3520.

The Skokie Park District is the new home of the 34th Annual World WiffleBall Championship, an open tournament held at Channelside Park the last weekend in June. Five-person teams from around the world will vie for the title. For entry information call (847) 929-7171. Deadline to register: June 7. (Recommended for ages 10 through adult.)

Skokie's Fourth of July parade kicks off at noon and features marching bands, tumblers, live animals, drill teams, clowns, vintage automobiles, and more. The parade is held in downtown Skokie. At 5 p.m. the fun moves to Niles West High School (Oakton Street just west of the Edens Expressway) featuring food, drinks and live bands until dusk. Finally, the spectacular 3-D Fireworks Fest begins, with the first 10,000 patrons receiving a free pair of 3-D glasses. (The fireworks rain date is July 5.) For more event information call (847) 674-1500.

Pack up the kids or a date, grab a blanket or chairs and head to Lorel Park for an evening of free family fun! Movies on the big screen will begin at dusk the second Thursday of June, July and August.

The Skokie Park District annually offers a summer filled with fantastic free musical entertainment at the Sunday Sundown Concert Series at Devonshire Park, Tuesday Family Festivals at various parks and Wednesdays on the green adjacent to the Skokie Library, the fourth Wednesday of June, July and August. All performances begin promptly at 7 p.m.

Emily Oaks Nature Center hosts an early July sunrise breakfast among the oak trees! The menu includes delicious pancakes served hot off the griddle with syrup or strawberries, turkey sausage, and beverages. You are welcome to complete your morning by taking a leisurely stroll along the Nature Center trails. Advanced tickets are recommended and can be purchased at Emily Oaks. In the event of heavy rain, the event will be held indoors. The Emily Oaks Nature Center is located at 4650 Brummel St. For ticket or more event information call (847) 674-1500, ext. 2500.

Skokie's annual downtown summer party features blocked off streets full of live bands, food, beverages, a carnival, classic auto show, and more! Headliners have included the Presidents of the United States of America, Cracker, The Fixx, The Romantics, Lonnie Brooks, the Bottle Rockets, and Tributosaurus. For more information regarding this three-day, late August event, call (847) 674-1500, ext. 2715 or go to www.backlotbash.com.

On Backlot Bash Saturday (see above), Chicagoland runners will compete in Skokie's Backlot Dash 5K Run and Walk, in and around the downtown Backlot Bash grounds. The event also includes a children's half mile run. For more information, call (847) 674-1500, ext. 3510.

The Skokie Park District annually offers one of the widest offerings of Halloween events in Chicagoland. Events include:

Scream Scene
Rated as one of Illinois' best haunted houses, Scream Scene features more than 20 unique rooms. From crazed butchers to insane clowns, the faint of heart will not want any part of this “scene.” (Not recommended for children under 10.) Skokie Water Playground, 4701 Oakton St. For info call (847) 674-1500, ext. 2700 or go to www.ScreamScene.org

Things That Go Bump In the Night
A non-frightening, educational look at our furry and feathered creatures of the night, your family’s visit will end with a campfire, snack and songs! Advance ticket purchase advised. The Emily Oaks Nature Center is located at 4650 Brummel St. For ticket and event information call (847) 674-1500, ext. 2500.

Scooter's Halloween Public Skate & Costume Contest
The Skatium has been haunting the whole family at Halloween for more than 39 years! This year, dress up in costume and hit the ice for our two hour free skate, where we will judge the best costumes. The Skatium Ice Arena is located at 9300 Weber Park Pl. For info call (847) 674-1500, ext. 2900.

Ex-SCARE-Itorium
A Halloween costume parade, treats, art projects and more, will entertain the entire family! Rated as "Chicagoland's best rainy day activity site" by Chicago Magazine, the Exploritorium is a place where children and adults explore together through interactive play. It features an arts area, a costume dress-up area; a water play area, computer stations and a massive, multicolored, two-and-a-half story tube and tunnel playground. The event is located at the Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St. For info call (847) 674-1500, ext. 2700.

Santa is coming to the Skokie Park District! Please join us for a delicious pancake breakfast, entertainment and a raffle. Take pictures with Santa at this all ages event on a date TBA at the Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St. Register online.

In two separate events, Santa will also call or write your child. Click here for a Santa Form and make sure to turn it in before the deadline. For additional information regarding any of our three Santa events, call (847) 674-1500, ext. 2700.

The Oakton Community Center and the Exploritorium are transformed into a miniature Times Square, complete with a DJ and a “countdown to noon” balloon drop. The perfect way to spend New Year’s Eve with the kids, the Skokie Park District’s “Itty Bitty New Year” kicks off at 10 a.m. and ends at noon, on the Thursday prior to the New Year, at 4701 Oakton St. For a list of activities, call (847) 674-1500, ext. 2700.

Emily Oaks Nature Center hosts two evenings of old-fashioned winter fun and food, one weekend in early February. Families enjoy ice skating on the pond (weather permitting), hay rides on the trail, snow and ice games, wildlife treat trees, and roasting marshmallows over a campfire. Delicious chili dinners are served indoors by a roaring fire, overlooking the Emily Oaks pond. The Emily Oaks Nature Center is located at 4650 Brummel St. For ticket or more event information call (847) 674-1500, ext. 2500

The beginning of spring means it is time for our ‘Breakfast with the Bunny', followed by our EGGstravaganza egg hunt; Breakfast with the Bunny is from 9:30-11 a.m. Pre-registration is required and fees are $10-15. EGGstravaganza is at Oakton Park and is free to the public. This event begins promptly at 11 a.m. The eggs go fast so please make sure to be on time. The event is held at the Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St. For times or to register for breakfast call (847) 674-1500, ext. 2700.

Skokie's celebration of the earth, Emily Oaks Nature Center annually commemorates Earth Day. The entire family will celebrate nature through annually changing themes. The event includes games, activities, music, food and a native plant sale. The Emily Oaks Nature Center is located at 4650 Brummel St. For ticket or event information call (847) 674-1500, ext. 2500.

The Skokie Park District and its public agency partners present "Skokie's Spring Greening," Skokie's annual communitywide green living event, featuring a trade show of green and sustainable products and services, workshops on green lifestyle choices, entertainment for all ages, and unique opportunities for recycling household items! Visit Niles North High School at 9800 N. Lawler. Check the event out at www.SkokieSpringGreening.org.

Since 1991, the Skokie Festival of Cultures has become one of the premier ethnic festivals in Illinois, attracting more than 300,000 visitors and dozens of cultures over its 21 years, all representing Skokie's tremendous diversity. Attendees will 'tour the world' with their stamped passport and enjoy two days of ethnic folk music and dance, a wide range of food, unique arts and crafts, international children's games, a merchandise bazaar, and dozens of cultural booths and displays. The Skokie Festival of Cultures is held the third weekend in May and is a free event. For more information, visit www.skokieculturefest.org.