Riverside July 4 Celebrations

Community Celebration, Wednesday July 3, 5 p.m., Guthrie Park

Experience an evening of music and festivities at Guthrie Park. The park opens at 5 p.m. and the opening ceremonies kick off at 5 p.m. The celebration features the national anthem by Jennifer Pollock. From 7 to 10 p.m, groove with Libido Funk Circus, who will take the stage.


Riverside Parade, Thursday, July 4, 8:45 a.m.

The Independence Day Parade kicks off early at Big Ball Park and proceeds south down Longcommon Road, concluding at Guthrie Park. It’s a can’t miss! 28 Bloomingbank Rd.


Uncle Sam on stilts was a crowd favorite during the Brookfield Fourth of July parade in 2022. | File

Brookfield 4th of July Parade and Celebration

Thursday, July 4, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Kiwanis Park

Brookfield’s 4th of July celebration will be at Kiwanis Park next Thursday. The parade will start at 10 a.m. sharp followed by Party in the Park with live music from Redmonds at 12:30 p.m. and Whiskeyfist at 3:30 p.m. Bring your chairs, friends, and family out to the park to watch these two amazing bands. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Come one, come all! 8820 Brookfield Ave.


Music on the Grand

Last Saturday of the month, June through September Grand Boulevard

The concert series of the season kicks off June 29 with Maggie Speaks. Join in on the last Saturday of the month and enjoy free music in the open air. Have fun (but expect street closures)! Downtown Brookfield on Grand Boulevard


Meditation for Dealing with the Stress of Modern Life

Monday, July 1, 6:30 p.m., LSF Brookfield Library

Learn a simple, time-tested meditative technique for reducing stress during this engaging workshop with long-time meditator Umesh Bhatia. As always, register for classes and events online at www.lsfbrookfieldlibrary.org, by phone at 708-485-6917, or in person at the library. Walk-ins welcome, where applicable. All events held at the library unless otherwise specified. 3541 Park Ave.


Outdoor Concert Series: Alloy Horn Quartet 

Thursday, June 27, 7 – 8:30 p.m., River Forest Library

The library is pleased to present a series of outdoor concerts in our garden on the fourth Thursday evening of June, July and August. This month, the sound of brass horns will fill the garden courtesy of the Alloy Horn Quartet, who will play a set of classical music. Alloy is a Chicago-based group whose members have played with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera, Chicago Philharmonic and other prestigious orchestras. Limited chairs will be provided, but attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. In the event of rain, the concert will be held indoors on the second floor of the library. Brought to you in partnership with the River Forest


Author Event: Echoes Across the Tracks

Saturday, June 29, 1-3 p.m., LSF Brookfield Library

Western suburbs native and local author, Dave Moravec, shares highlights from his novel Echoes Across the Tracks: Life Lessons Through Unexpected Connections. Featuring a cast of unforgettable characters, this heart-warming read explores the joys of human connection on an Amtrak journey from Chicago to New Orleans. The discussion will be followed by an author signing, with copies available for personalization and purchase at the event. Experience Moravec’s unexpected connections by expecting yourself and your loved ones to support. 3541 Park Ave. Township. 735 Lathrop Ave.


Green Thumb Club

Thursday, June 27, 4:30 p.m., LSF Brookfield Library

Do you want to be a part of the Green Thumb Club? Do not get it confused, you won’t be leaving with an actual green thumb, unless you want to! Explore the Library’s Pollinator Garden and learn all about its insects and host plants. Participants can take home a native plant to grow in their own garden. Native plants are perfect for spicing up any garden. This event is for Grades K-5. Register online by calling 708-485-6917 or visiting the front desk. 3541 Park Ave.


Fairytale Tea Party

Wednesday, June 26, 2 – 3 p.m., North Riverside Public Library 

Calling all mystical children of Brookfield and Riverside: Do you believe in magic? Better yet, do you believe in fairytales? If so, head over to the library for a fairytale tea party for a designated story time with music and snacks! Children younger than 2nd grade must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required for this event so make sure to sign up online while spots are still available www.nrpl.info. 2400 Desplaines Ave.