Backlot preview, pro wrestling & Little Women outdoors +
August 20, 2021

In seven days – Skokie's Backlot Bash!
Skokie's Backlot Bash features three nights of national and local music acts, a carnival, a 5K and more, August 27-29.

This week, we take a look at the music headliners at the Bash.

On Friday night, ‘70s funk superstars Ohio Players hit the stage, busting out their hits “Fire" and “Love Rollercoaster." The band formed in Dayton, Ohio in 1959 and are still bringing the groove more than 60 years later.

Saturday features a quadruple bill of rock 'n roll kicking off with Chicago power-pop legends Material Issue at 4:30 p.m., revisiting songs like "Valerie Loves Me," from their 1991 hit album "International Pop Overthrow." The Handcuffs, fronted by Chloe Orwell and featuring The Romantics drummer, Brad Elvis, will roll out hits like “Can't Get the Girl Without the Good Stuff, Baby” and “Dirty Glitter,” at 5:45 p.m.
 
Chicago’s Smoking Popes will take the stage at 7 p.m., playing new songs and ‘90s hits, including tunes like “Need You Around,” “I Know You Love Me” and “Megan.” Finally, The Verve Pipe will finish the night with their '90s hits “The Freshmen, “Photograph” and “Hero.”

On Sunday, Tributosaurus becomes The Allman Brothers Band, featuring a collection of some of Chicago’s finest studio musicians playing the music of the famed '70s blues rock band.

So bring the kids, hit the carnival, then check out this year's great lineup of free music! Also don't forget the Classic Car Show, Sunday's Rotary Pancake Breakfast, beer and food tents, Bingo and much more.

Downtown Skokie
Corner of Lincoln & Oakton Streets
Friday–Sunday, August 27-29
Skokie's Backlot Dash 5K
& Kid's Half Mile Color Fun Run

Before you rock out at Skokie’s Backlot Bash, you and the entire family can start your Saturday with a run through beautiful and historic downtown Skokie.

In addition, right before the Backlot Dash 5K, kids will run the Half Mile Youth Color Run, an out-and-back course with white t-shirts provided for runners who will then run through powdered colors thrown along the course.

Village Green, east of the Skokie Public Library
5200 Oakton St.
Saturday, August 28, 8 a.m.

Thanks to our 5K sponsors: Tenneco, Starbucks, GoGo Squeez, Edward Jones, Panera Bread and True Rest Float Spa.
Be a SPACE program leader or site director!

Make a difference in a child's life!

We have part-time openings for program leaders and site directors for our SPACE program at local Skokie schools.
Skuffle in Skokie Three

Check out live pro wrestling for free on the streets of downtown Skokie!

The show will feature WWE hall-of-famer Rikishi, who will sign autographs for a fee.

Corner of Brown & Lincoln
8050 N. Lincoln Ave.
Sunday, August 22, 2 p.m.
Story Stroll at Emerson Park

Note: The original Story Stroll schedule below has been changed.

Bring the family to various Skokie parks this summer and read the stories on display!

Every two weeks, a designated park will feature a children’s book laminated and attached to kiosks along our 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! Book titles will be announced the week prior to each scheduled park date.

Emerson Park
9350 Lawler Ave.
through August 22

Book: "Just Right: Searching for the Goldilocks Planet" by Curtis Manley

Are there are other habitable planets out there besides Earth? And if there are...are they home to other beings like us? How would we interact with them. Follow a young girl as she explores these questions in this gorgeous book about the wondrous search for another Goldilocks planet.
Upcoming Summer Story Stroll Locations

August 10–22
Just Right: Searching for the Goldilocks Planet
August 24–September 6
Hamlin Park: Diary of a Worm
September 8–19
Gross Point Park: You Know How to Love
September 21–October 3
Peccia Park: Where the Butterflies Grow
Outdoors: Little Women

Bring your lawn chair and head to the Skokie Heritage Museum for a performance of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women.

The musical focuses on the four March sisters at their home in Concord, Massachusetts, while their father is away serving as a Union Army Chaplain during the Civil War. 

Skokie Heritage Museum
8031 Floral Ave.
Saturday, August 21 at 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 22 at 5 p.m.

Tickets – $15, on sale now.
Find your fall programs today!

The Skokie Park District's fall programs are now online and with them the district's Fall Program Guide, readying our residents for fall registration on August 15.*

The Fall Program Guide offers you and your family an enormous variety of recreational, educational and fitness alternatives, including a huge number of fall special events.

Click on the guide cover to fall into fall.
August Happenings!

Looking for fun next month? This is the place for ideas! The Skokie Park District offers great one-day events, workshops, outings, special events and more.

Click on the calendar below to view.