Following the Independence Day parade and 5k two weekends ago and Riverside Arts Weekend in June, there are still plenty of things to do in the area this summer. Free concerts, the Family Camp Out, and the annual Antique & Classic Car Show are a few of the events coming to Riverside and North Riverside this season.
Music
Thursdays: Through the end of July, North Riverside is hosting Summer Concerts in the Park at the Village Commons, 2401 S. Des Plaines Ave., on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. Upcoming artists include country-blues band The Simple Remedy and pop-rock act Serendipity Band.
July 23: Summer Concerts in the Park will combine with the North Riverside Antique & Classic Car Show on Thursday, July 23.
Aug. 7: Chicago-based folk rock group Fletcher Rockwell is performing a free concert at Riverside’s Big Ball Park on Friday, Aug. 7 at 7 p.m.
Markets
Wednesdays: The Riverside Farmers Market runs Wednesdays from 2:30 to 7 p.m. at Centennial Plaza. In addition to a host of local vendors, the Farmers Market features weekly programming in collaboration with the Riverside Public Library.
Other events
July 11: For Unplug Illinois Day, North Riverside is hosting an evening of activities at Commons Park from 5 to 8 p.m. The free event includes games, a performance from Mr. Dave Music, and a screening of “Zootopia 2.”
July 20: The North Riverside public library is hosting “Geek Week” for teens and adults, featuring Lego activities, trivia, a screening of “Back to the Future,” fandom bingo, and more.
July 31: The North Riverside public library is hosting a “Summerween” event from 4 to 5:30 p.m., offering spooky activities and trick- or- treat for children 8 and under.
Aug. 7-8: North Riverside is hosting a Family Camp Out from Friday, Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m. to Saturday, Aug. 8 at 9 a.m. at Veterans Park. It will include games, a movie, snacks, and breakfast. Registration is $30 per campsite.
Aug. 15: The annual Cori’s Kids Triathlon features modified triathlons for ages 7 and up. The triathlon starts at the Riverside Swim Club at 100 Bloomingbank Rd. A $40 registration fee is required. The Cori Sikich Foundation supports the event, which is held in honor of Cori Sikich. Sikich grew up in Riverside and died in 2002 after she developed an eating disorder.
Aug. 15: North Riverside will be screening “Singin’ in the Rain” at the rear parking lot of the Village Commons. The screening will start at dusk, around 7:50 p.m.
Aug. 22: From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Commons Park in North Riverside will host Art in the Park. Local artists and crafters will feature their pieces for sale and display. Attending the event is free, but, if interested, creatives can register a space to feature or sell their art for $30.
There’s still more to do in Riverside and North Riverside this summer. The Riverside library runs regular events for all ages, including story times for young kids and activity meet–ups. The North Riverside public library is also hosting Take and Make crafting events every Tuesday for children in 5th grade and under, and coffee chats with the library director select Tuesdays at 10 a.m.