Discover Oak Park’s Hidden Gem – A living world of beauty

Oak Park Conservatory

Located in historic Oak Park, Illinois, the Oak Park Conservatory is a treasured landmark and one of the community’s top three historical sites. Free and open to the public, the Conservatory offers visitors a lush escape into nature with three distinct indoor showrooms — the Mediterranean Room, Tropical Room, and Desert Room — each showcasing a diverse collection of plants from around the world. Outside, the urban gardens continue the experience with native Illinois landscapes featured in the Elsie Jacobsen Discovery Garden and Rubinstein Garden. Sweeps of prairie grasses and native blooms welcome you at the entrance, inviting you to slow down and explore this hidden oasis in the heart of the village. Owned and operated by the Park District of Oak Park, the Conservatory provides year-round opportunities to connect with nature through programs, events, and community initiatives. Highlights include: • Seasonal Events: Enjoy festive gatherings throughout the year such as the Candlelight Walk, Shamrock Scavenger Hunt, and Halloween Fright at Night. • Plant &amp; Garden Markets: Shop a variety of seasonal plant sales, including the Winter Seed Sale, Valentine’s Market, Spring Plant Sale, Perennial Pollinator Sale, Succulent &amp; Cacti Sale, Fall Mum &amp; Bulb Sale, and Winter Greens Market. • Private Event Rentals: Celebrate life’s milestones surrounded by natural beauty. The Conservatory is available for weddings, showers, graduations, birthday parties, memorial services, and other special occasions. • Educational Programs: Participate in a variety of hands-on programs for all ages — from adult gardening workshops to free early childhood nature programs that inspire young explorers. Whether you’re a lifelong plant lover or simply seeking a moment of calm, the Oak Park Conservatory offers a space to reconnect with nature, beauty, and community — right in your own backyard.

Cook County

IL Patch Team

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Oak Park-River Forest

Illinois

Located in historic Oak Park, Illinois, the Oak Park Conservatory is a treasured landmark and one of the community’s top three historical sites....

Call 708-228-7150 to arrange for your first FREE lesson!

Doug Lalli - Jazz Musician, Composer and Teacher

Doug Lalli has performed as a jazz musician and bandleader in clubs, hotels and restaurants around the country for over 30 years. He now plays with the jazz trio at Tre Sorelle Restaurant, 1111 Lake Street in Oak Park every Sunday as well as various venues in Chicagoland. Doug's experience as a composer, arranger, band leader and teacher make him an ideal musical mentor. Whether students are elementary school students or experienced players, Doug prepares lessons and practice pieces to make the most of their experience and ability. An expert in all styles - classical, pop and jazz - he teaches students in his Oak Park studio, their homes or via Zoom. For more information, please visit his website https://douglallijazz.net, then call 1-708-228-7150 to set up a FREE first lesson!

Doug Lalli has performed as a jazz musician and bandleader in clubs, hotels and restaurants around the country for over 30 years. He now plays with...

Doug Lalli - Pianist/Composer/Teacher

Doug Lalli has performed in clubs, hotels and restaurants around the country for over 30 years. Settling in Oak Park, he now plays with the jazz trio at Tre Sorelle Restaurant, 1111 Lake Street every Sunday. He also uses his own musicianship as a performer and composer to teach others. So his students enjoy the benefit of one-on-one lessons especially designed for them based on their own experience and expertise. Doug’s 20-plus years of experience teaching, as well as his work as a performer, arranger and band leader, make him an ideal musical mentor for students of all ages, whether they’re beginners or advanced pupils. He teaches students in his Oak Park studio or via Zoom if they prefer. And he’s an expert in teaching all styles: classical, pop and jazz piano. For more information about lessons, please visit his website https://douglallijazz.net.

 Doug Lalli has performed in clubs, hotels and restaurants around the country for over 30 years. Settling in Oak Park, he now plays with the jazz...

From Team Off-Sites to Parties – Host It at Studio 928!

Art Studio 928 - Oak Park, IL

🎨 Studio 928 – Event Space in Oak Park, IL Looking for a creative, flexible, and light-filled space for your next gathering? Welcome to Studio 928, located at 451 South Boulevard in Oak Park – just steps from the train and surrounded by local art and culture. ✨ What We Offer 2,600 sq. ft. of open studio/event space Flexible layouts for workshops, meetings, celebrations, or team-building Floor-to-ceiling windows with amazing natural light Custom décor available for seasonal vibes or special themes On-site JBL sound system + multi-camera tech for hybrid events Tables, chairs, and linens included (up to 9 six-foot tables &amp; 40 chairs) Bassett-certified bartender service available (required if serving alcohol) Budget-friendly weekday and weekend rental packages Private Paint and Sips available - 10 person minimum 🌟 Perfect For Corporate off-sites &amp; team workshops Birthday parties &amp; bridal celebrations Community events &amp; pop-ups Creative classes &amp; private art experiences 🖼️ At Studio 928, we believe in the power of art to bring people together. Whether you’re hosting a board meeting, a paint-and-sip, or a fashion show, we’ll make sure your event feels inspired and effortless. 📍 Location: 451 South Boulevard, Oak Park, IL 🚇 Easy CTA &amp; Metra access | Downtown Oak Park dining + shops nearby 👉 For details, rates, and booking info, visit www.studio928.net or contact us directly at cheryl@studio928.net .

🎨 Studio 928 – Event Space in Oak Park, IL Looking for a creative, flexible, and light-filled space for your next gathering? Welcome to Studio 928,...

Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming…

Laurie Christofano, Realtor | RE/MAX In The Village

Your next chapter, made simple. Buying or selling a home isn’t just about real estate, it’s about your life. Maybe your house feels too big now that the kids are grown. Maybe you’re craving less yardwork and more freedom. Or maybe you need more room for your busy, growing family. Whatever your “why,” I’m here to make the move easier, less stressful, and more rewarding. Since 2007, I’ve guided hundreds of Chicago-area buyers and sellers through one of life’s biggest transitions. My clients count on me for: ✨ Clear guidance at every step so you’re never left guessing. ✨ Smart strategies that get results, from creating buzz before your listing goes live to negotiating the strongest offers. ✨ Local know-how, with deep roots in Oak Park, Elmwood Park, River Forest, and across the near west suburbs. ✨ Options that fit your lifestyle, whether that’s a condo with zero maintenance, a ranch with no stairs, or the perfect family home in a welcoming neighborhood. When we work together, my focus is simple: your goals, your peace of mind, and your next chapter. 📞 630-248-1976 📧 laurie@OPRFhomesforsale.com 🌐 OPRFhomesforsale.com 🏡 RE/MAX In The Village | Chicago + Suburbs

Laurie Christofano, Realtor | RE/MAX In The...

Your next chapter, made simple. Buying or selling a home isn’t just about real estate, it’s about your life. Maybe your house feels too big now...

Handyman 888-654-9045. Get if fixed Right.

Handyman 888-654-9045.

Local Voices

Forest Park

West Side

Bucktown-Wicker Park

North Center-Roscoe Village

DuPage County

David Giuliani

Elmhurst

La Grange

Western Springs

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Square

Lakeview

Chicago

Selected as one of the top 20 best holiday recordings in the New York Times for 2013, saxophonist Tim Warfield's Jazzy...

Saxophonist Tim Warfield's Brings Holiday Cheer to the Famed Jazz Showcase.

This Christmas Eve treat the family to a delicious Italian dinner while enjoying a seasonal concert performed by jazz pianist...

Enjoy a Jazzy Xmas Eve Dinner with Doug Lalli 

Join us every 1st Saturday thru June.  Each Lunch & Learn will provide an opportunity to discover the "Steps to Christ" through...

Lunch & Learn

<a href="https://dianeglass.bhhschicago.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Diane Glass</a>, CEO of Chicago real estate brokerage <a href="https://www.bhhschicago.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago</a>, is pleased to share that the company collected close to 1,000 toys for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots Foundation this year thanks to generous donations from agents, their clients and members of our communities. Toys For Tots accepts new, unwrapped toys for less fortunate children throughout Chicago and its suburbs. 
Glass said, &ldquo;We want to thank everyone who donated toys during this year&rsquo;s Toys For Tots drive. It is inspiring to see the outpouring of donations from our communities. What a wonderful example of how each person&rsquo;s contributions can combine with others to meet a larger goal &ndash; making children&rsquo;s holidays brighter. We&rsquo;ve been working with Toys For Tots for decades and I can&rsquo;t think of a better activity to make children feel special and loved. Happy Holidays.&rdquo;
ABOUT BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES CHICAGO
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago is a full-service real estate firm with more than 1,000 real estate professionals and staff in 21 offices serving customers throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, the North Shore, West and Southwest communities, Southern Wisconsin, Northwest Indiana and Harbor Country, Michigan. Recognized as a Top Workplace in Chicago, their local roots are complemented by the extensive global reach of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, one of the nation&rsquo;s leading real estate brands. Clients can experience all-inclusive homeownership services from their affiliated companies: Prosperity Home Mortgage, Fort Dearborn Title, and HomeServices Insurance. Visit BHHSChicago.com.

BHHS Chicago Collects Close to 1,000 During...

Diane Glass, CEO of Chicago real estate brokerage Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago, is pleased to share that the company collected close to...

BHHS Chicago Collects Close to 1,000 During 2025 Toys For Toys Drive

Across Illinois

Polar Vortex Is Strengthening: What It Means...

Christmas Day's weather could offer a hint as to what is in store for Illinois in the new year.

Polar Vortex Is Strengthening: What It Means For IL Winter Temps, Snow

Weather

🌱 Patch AM: Which Oak Park story drew the most...

And check out Saxophonist Tim Warfield's Brings Holiday Cheer to the Famed Jazz Showcase. on the Oak Park Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Which Oak Park story drew the most clicks in 2025?

Community Corner

Trump Suing IL Over Failure To Produce Voter...

The Department of Justice has also filed federal lawsuits against Wisconsin, Georgia and the District of Columbia.

Trump Suing IL Over Failure To Produce Voter Registration Data 

Politics & Government

Lake County

Grayslake

U.S. Inflation Slows Unexpectedly: Here’s What...

Overall, U.S. inflation was 2.7 percent higher than it was in November 2024, strongly influenced by energy costs. 

U.S. Inflation Slows Unexpectedly: Here’s What It Means For IL Grocery Prices

Business

Take The 2025 Patch Tour O' Holiday Lights

Patch has rounded up the best and most twinkly residential holiday light displays in Chicagoland for 2025.

Take The 2025 IL Patch Tour O' Holiday Lights

Seasonal & Holidays

‘Living In A Work Of Art’: Oak Park Woman...

Samantha Lotti admired Frank Lloyd Wright homes but expected to buy one. Three steps in, ‘I fell in love with this house,” she said.

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Handyman 888-654-9045.

Art Cohen, Neighbor

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