Summer Staple In Food & Entertainment Returns To Ravinia

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — As the weather warms up in Highland Park, many may be wondering when the city's summer tradition, Food Truck Thursdays, will start back up.

Starting at 4:30 p.m. on June 5, the weekly food and entertainment gathering is returning and will run all the way until Sept. 18. Festivities will take place along Dean Avenue between Roger Williams and St. Johns Avenues and at Jensen Park across from the Ravinia Metra Station.

“Everyone looks forward to Food Truck Thursdays, a summer staple in the Ravinia District,” said Mayor Nancy Rotering. “It’s such fun to watch the neighborhood come alive with great music, delicious food, themed nights, and a family-friendly atmosphere that truly illustrates how special Highland Park is.”

More than a dozen rotating food trucks will offer attendees a varied selection of food and drink offers. Organizers recommended that people bring blankets and chairs so they're able to enjoy live music while enjoying their food.

The schedule of events is as follows:

June 5

• 4:30 PM - 5:45 PM: Ben Tatar & the Tatar Tots, Children’s entertainer
• 6 PM - 8:30 PM: Radio Free Honduras, Latin rock

June 12: Taylor Swift Theme Night

• 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM Attention Swifties! Get ready for all your favorite Taylor Swift tunes with a live DJ and Taylor Swift impersonator, Shake It Off. Rep your favorite “era” and take part in tons of family fun.

June 19

• 4:30 PM - 5:45 PM: Cary Cohen’s Grateful Jazz Band, Instrumental jazz for kids
• 6 PM - 8:30 PM: Saturday June Band, Jazz

June 26

• 4:30 PM - 5:45 PM: Angry Ankles, Free spirit jazz for kids
• 6 PM - 8:30 PM: Nasty Snacks, 8-piece funk band with horns

JUL. 3

• No Event

July 10: Broadway Theme Night

• 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Highland Park Players, Children’s Theatre Co., and Uptown Music Theater
• 8 PM: Movie in the park showing of “Hairspray,” sponsored by the Park District of Highland
• Park

July 17

• 4:30 PM - 5:45 PM: Jeanie B!, Children’s entertainer
• 6 PM - 8:30 PM: The Ravinia Ramblers, Local family-friendly rock’n’roll

July 24

• 4:30 PM - 5:45 PM: Despina Pafralides, Bluegrass folk
• 6 PM - 8:30 PM: Jared Rabin Band, Local Americana rock ‘n roll

July 31

• 4:30 PM - 5:45 PM: Pierce Crask & Ellis Clark, Delta blues folk
• 6 PM - 8:30 PM: Basement Band, Local classic rock band covering the Beatles, Elvis, the
• Eagles, and more

August 7

• 4:30 PM - 5:45 PM: James Conway Duo, Irish folk
• 6 PM - 8:30 PM: Extra Crispy Brass Band, 8-piece New Orleans-inspired brass band

August 14: Elton John and Billy Joel Theme Night

• 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM: Sing along to all the hits from Elton John and Billy Joel with tribute artist and impersonator, Simply Elton

August 21

• 4:30 PM - 5:45 PM: Wincanton, Local jam band duo
• 6 PM - 8:30 PM: Sara Jean Stevens & the Swamp Angels, Country soul

August 28

• 4:30 PM - 5:45 PM: Noah’s Jam Jam Bourrée, Children’s entertainer
• 6 PM - 8:30 PM: K-Nein, 10-piece Americana rock ’n roll band with horns

The final three events on Sept. 4, 11 and 18 will be announced at a later date.