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....

Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Mindsee.it

Featured in the Telepathy Tapes podcast.  Mindsee.It is a quick and mind-blowing tutoring program for children that teaches them to see through a blindfold - really!    

New York County

Miranda Levingston

New York City Metropolitan Area

Upper East Side

New York

Featured in the Telepathy Tapes podcast. Mindsee.It is a quick and mind-blowing tutoring program for children that teaches them to see through a...

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...

Oak Park police responded to reports of shots fired around 9 p.m. Nov. 4 in the 700 block of Humphrey Avenue.One person was critically injured in the incident, which began in Chicago, <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/oak-park/crime/ct-oak-park-humphrey-shooting-tl-1112-20151105-story.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">according to the Chicago Tribune</a>, and police believe it was gang related.The investigation is ongoing.<a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/oak-park/crime/ct-oak-park-humphrey-shooting-tl-1112-20151105-story.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Read more on this story from the Chicago Tribune</a>.

Oak Park police responded to reports of shots fired around 9 p.m. Nov. 4 in the 700 block of Humphrey Avenue.

One person was critically injured in the incident, which began in Chicago, <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/oak-park/crime/ct-oak-park-humphrey-shooting-tl-1112-20151105-story.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">according to the Chicago Tribune</a>, and police believe it was gang related.The investigation is ongoing.<a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/oak-park/crime/ct-oak-park-humphrey-shooting-tl-1112-20151105-story.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Read more on this story from the Chicago Tribune</a>.

One person was critically injured, reports say.

Oak Park Shooting Wednesday Started in Chicago

Crime & Safety

Forest Park

West Side

Bucktown-Wicker Park

North Center-Roscoe Village

DuPage County

David Giuliani

Elmhurst

La Grange

Western Springs

Lincoln Park

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

Lunch & Learn

Chicago real estate brokerage <a href="https://www.bhhschicago.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago</a>, and its philanthropic arm, the Kindness Foundation, hosted The Sunshine Kids annual Teen Getaway to Chicago, Illinois this fall. The mission of the Sunshine Kids Foundation is to provide exciting, positive group activities so the kids can have fun and celebrate life. During the Teen Getaway, kids from all over the country visited Chicago to see the sights and make friends with other kids who are undergoing cancer treatment. 
<a href="https://dianeglass.bhhschicago.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Diane Glass,</a> CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago, said, &ldquo;We were delighted to have The Sunshine Kids visit us here in Chicago. It was a great opportunity to help kids make lasting friendships with other kids who understand what they&rsquo;re going through, and Chicago is a fantastic backdrop for wonder and new experiences. Our agents and staff greeted the kids at the airport and helped them get settled. They attend fun activities including going to the Shedd Aquarium, the Bean and Navy Pier. They also experienced Lake Michigan and the Chicago River by boat, made their own pizza at Lou Malnati&rsquo;s and had many great meals together. Our agents enjoyed the visit as much as the kids did.&rdquo;
ABOUT BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES CHICAGO AND THE KINDNESS FOUNDATION
The Kindness Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to support meaningful local initiatives that improve the communities the company serves and enhance the quality of life for fellow citizens. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago is a full-service real estate firm with more than 1,300 real estate professionals and staff in 22 offices serving customers throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, the North Shore, West Suburban 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.

Chicago

BHHS Chicago Hosted The Sunshine Kids for...

Chicago real estate brokerage Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago, and its philanthropic arm, the Kindness Foundation, hosted The Sunshine Kids...

BHHS Chicago Hosted The Sunshine Kids for Annual Teen Getaway to Chicago

🌱 Patch AM: Why were federal agents detaining...

Coming up on the Oak Park Patch calendar: Lunch & Learn

🌱 Patch AM: Why were federal agents detaining an Oak Park attorney near a school?

Community Corner

Across Illinois

Charlie Kirk Killing, School Superintendent...

A look back at the events, controversies and people that defined 2025 in Illinois.

Charlie Kirk Killing, School Superintendent Pays For Porn, Fugitive Groom Caught: Biggest IL Stories Of 2025

🌱 Patch AM: Come to Tre Sorelle for a Jazzy New...

🌱 Patch AM: Come to Tre Sorelle for a Jazzy New Year's Eve with Roger and Doug and 14 more events

🌱 Patch AM: Community remembers nurse educated...

You won’t want to miss Lunch & Learn on the Oak Park Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Community remembers nurse educated in Oak Park and devoted church musician.

‘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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Crime & Safety

Oak Park Shooting Wednesday Started in Chicago

One person was critically injured, reports say.

Morgan Searles, Patch Staff

Find out what's happening in Oak Park-River Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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Lunch & Learn

BHHS Chicago Hosted The Sunshine Kids for Annual Teen Getaway to Chicago

Mindsee.it

Oak Park Conservatory

Doug Lalli - Jazz Musician, Composer and Teacher

Doug Lalli - Pianist/Composer/Teacher

Art Studio 928 - Oak Park, IL

Laurie Christofano, Realtor | RE/MAX In The Village

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Oak Park Shooting Wednesday Started in Chicago

One person was critically injured, reports say.

Morgan Searles, Patch Staff<img alt="Verified Patch Staff Badge" class="styles_Badge__np_hU" src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-patch-staff.svg"/>

Find out what's happening in Oak Park-River Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Morgan Searles, Patch Staff