Party On The Green Adds Art Showcase To Family Event In Northbrook

NORTHBROOK, IL — Party on the Green has become known for live music and games, but the annual family-friendly event is adding something to the schedule this some. Attendees will also get a chance to check out an art show focusing on the beauty of Northbrook.

Party on the Green, a free all-ages celebration in downtown Northbrook, returns from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 16, at Village Green Park.

Organizers said there will be games, inflatables, crafts and face painting, along with performances from two Chicago-area bands, Second Hand Soul Band and Hello Weekend. Kona Ice will be available for purchase.

"We see so many families that we know throughout the whole year, and it's nice to see everyone before they go back to school," said Nancy Eschker, recreation manager for the park district, who organizes the event. "It's about a week before the students return to school, so it is sort of an end of summer send-off."

RELATED: 'Meet On The Green' Events Announced For This Summer In Northbrook

The new art show will take place under a tent and will feature paintings from artists participating in "Paint Northbrook," an initiative of the Village of Northbrook Arts Commission, taking place Aug. 8 through Aug. 16. The paintings will depict different scenes of Northbrook, and will be available for browsing and purchasing on Aug. 16.

According to the park district, the art show at Party on the Green will feature a variety of media, including oil, watercolor, pastel, gouache and acrylic. The paintings will be on display under a tent at Village Green Park from 4 p.m. to dusk. Judging will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. (just before Party in the Green kicks off) with prizes for first through third place, among others.

Artists can register for Paint Northbrook until Aug. 5 via the park district's website at nbparks.org. Registration is $45 per artist and will include one 3 foot by 6 foot panel to display paintings, along with art supplies and a map of points of interest and restaurants in Northbrook.

The evening concludes at dusk with a showing of "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids," the 1989 classic family science fiction comedy about an inventor dad who accidentally shrinks kids to a quarter-inch size. The movie will include free popcorn.

Families are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for seating at the movie, along with insect repellant. Food and beverages are also allowed, but dogs are not, per the park district's conduct ordinance.

Schedule of events:

• 4 p.m. to dusk — Games, inflatables, crafts, face painting, giveaways, artwork for sale, sponsor area with giveaways and free prize drawings
• 4:15 p.m. — Second Hand Soul Band (Motown, funk and soul)
• 5:45 p.m. — Hello Weekend (high energy covers)
• Dusk Outdoor Movie — “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” (family film, rated PG)