Arts & concerts in the park, a grant for Central Park +

July 15, 2022
'Arts in the Park' hits the road!
We are taking our art programs on the road, Skokie! These all-ages events will give you a sneak peak at some of the cultural and performing art opportunities coming up for fall at the Devonshire Cultural Center.

All are free!

Circus—Balance in the Out of Doors 
Juggling, plate spinning, the art of Poi, and Diablo
Saturday, July 16, 4-5 p.m. at Lorel Park 

Creative Writing 
A fun and intriguing hour of story writing, story telling and illustrating.
Saturday, July 23, 4-5 p.m. at Terminal Park 

Improv under the Trees 
Have a Second City experience in the out of doors! 
Saturday, July 30, 4-5 p.m. at Schack Park  

Homemade Instruments Workshop 
Create music by making a homemade instrument from everyday items.
Saturday, August 6, 4-5 p.m. at Oakton Park  
Flea Market Frenzy at the Oakton Center
Browse hidden treasures and find great prices on items such as antiques, holiday decor, dishes, clothing, tools, electronics, video games, jewelry, books, music, movies, art, vinyl, and other totally weird stuff! Flea Market Frenzy is held one Sunday a month through October.

Free admission!

Sunday, July 17, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
4701 Oakton St.
Sunday Sundown Concerts in July
Soul Sacrifice: Tribute to Santana
Featuring the music of rock and roll hall-of-fame band Santana, "Soul Sacrifice" plays hits from the band's Woodstock-era to some of their most recent hits.

Experience a passion and joy that engulfs the audience in the entire atmosphere of Carlos Santana's music.

Free!
Sunday, July 17 at 7 p.m.
Devonshire Park, 4400 Greenwood St.
Billy Elton: Tribute to Elton John & Billy Joel
Pianist and vocalist Reid Spears leads an 8-piece band, performing all of the legendary songs of Billy Joel and Elton John.

Free!
Sunday, July 24 at 7 p.m.
Devonshire Park, 4400 Greenwood St.
Neverly Brothers: Early Rock & Roll Tribute
The Neverly Brothers pay tribute to one of the most exciting chapters in music history: the birth, near death and resurrection of rock n’ roll. Their high-energy stage performance will take you on a musical guided tour of rock history –– from Elvis in 1955 to to the Beatles in 1965.

Free!
Sunday, July 31 at 7 p.m.
Devonshire Park, 4400 Greenwood St.
July Drive-In Movie
Black Widow at Sports Park East
Join us for the drive-in viewing of "Black Widow" at Sports Park East. Scarlett Johansen returns as Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow. In this installment of the Marvel Universe, she confronts the darker parts of herself when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy, and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger.

Thursday, July 21 at 8 p.m.
Sports Park East, 3459 Oakton St
State grant goes to Central Park redevelopment
Governor J.B. Pritzker announced last week that the Skokie Park District’s Central Park will receive $400,000 as one of 87 Illinois Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) matching grants, totaling $28.9 million.

Central Park redevelopment will include a new resurfaced “ground is lava” themed playground, a splash pad, a repaving of all pathways, outdoor fitness stations, improvements to basketball court surfaces, and new water fountains.

“Investments in our local parks are investments in our communities,” Pritzker said. “Park projects don’t just create jobs and boost local economic development — they open the gateway for a healthier, happier Illinois. Every family in our state deserves nearby access to outdoor public spaces where they can gather with their friends and neighbors — and enjoy some sunshine, too.”

Neighbors of the park gave valuable input at a public hearing in August 2021. Among the additional items district officials assured them would be part of the plan included improved landscaping, several ADA playground features, and additional benches.

According to Executive Director Michelle Tuft, construction will likely begin in the summer of 2023, taking roughly three months to complete. The district must spend at least $400,000 of its own money, matching the state grant. The budget for the renovation is $1.2 million.
'Joseph' comes to Devonshire!

Presented by EDGE of Orion youth theatre, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a musical comedy with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and is based on the character of Joseph from the Bible's Book of Genesis. The Broadway show was nominated for seven Tony Awards. Tickets are $15.

July 15 at 7 p.m.
July 16 & 17 at 3 p.m.
Skokie Story Stroll: Lorel Park
Bring the family to various Skokie parks this summer and read the children's stories on display!

Every three weeks, a designated park will feature a children’s book attached to kiosks along the park path. As you stroll along the trail, you will be directed to the next page in the story.

Enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time!

July 18–August 4
Lorel Park: Macca the Alpaca
Macca the alpaca dreams of exploring, so he packs his backpack and sets off on a mountain adventure. But when the going gets tough, how will Macca make it to the top?

Coming soon
August 8–25: Channelside Park
They All Saw a Cat
August 29–September 15: Timber Ridge Park
Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library
September 19–October 7: Laramie Park
Change Sings
See the July Happenings calendar!

If you are looking for new and unique ways to have fun in July, the Skokie Park District offers great one-day events, workshops, outings, special events and more.

Click on the calendar below to view it and access its links.
Summer Program Guide!
Register now!

The Skokie Park District's summer classes and events are now online and with them the district's Summer Program Guide. Registration is now open.

The Summer Program Guide offers you and your family an enormous variety of recreational, educational and fitness alternatives, including many summer special events.

Celebrate summer by finding a new passion at your Skokie Park District!

Click on the guide cover to join the fun!