River Forest may be surrounded by Oak Park and Chicago, but River Forest, IL 60305 is its own zip code with a unique, welcoming appeal. Come see what makes River Forest so special! Check out some of the village’s annual upcoming events, as you may be surprised and delighted what you’ll find. More activities can be found by visiting the Village of River Forest’s one-stop community calendar.
Also check what’s happening at the River Forest Public Library, River Forest Park District, River Forest Township, the River Forest Community Center, and the Trailside Museum of Natural History in Thatcher Woods. From summer camps to nature wellness events to activities at village hall, there’s always some fun to be had!
Here are a few classic annual events to help you plan!
For nearly a century, the River Forest Memorial Day Parade has been a signature annual event, a touch of Americana, and a wonderful show of support for our troops. Come out with the family, invite your friends, bring a picnic, and take your seat along the parade route. Then just enjoy yourself as you listen to the local school bands, view fun parade floats, and enjoy some flag-waving moments. It’s the village decked out in all its glory bringing family, friends and community together!
Don’t miss the annual Spring House Walk in late April/early May each year. Visitors get to walk through some of River Forest’s most iconic structures. You’ll learn about the architects, the people who commissioned them, and behind-the-scenes stories of the difficulties and successes behind each residential undertaking. In addition to exploring lovely homes, you dive deeper into the people, places and history of those involved.
The Rotary Food Truck Rally is held in August adjacent to Keystone Park in the parking lot near the train depot. Rain or shine, nearly a dozen food trucks offer up flavors of all kinds. The list changes yearly, so you’ll want to check out the calendar and its vendor list as the event approaches. In past years event-goers have been able to enjoy Mexican food, pizzas, sandwiches, cupcakes, fried dough, ice cream, locally crafted beer, and plenty of music and vendors to shop. There’s also face painting for the kids and many other sponsored activities every year, so bring your appetite and stay for so much more.
River Forest comes together around good causes at the annual fundraiser 9/11 LemonAid event. that helps support local nonprofits. Residents of the 700 block of Bonnie Brae host the event, first held in 2002 on the anniversary of September 11th. Organizations are asked to make a presentation at a board meeting that includes many River Forest youth. Each year that board selects two deserving charities/non-profits, who then split donations raised during the outdoor, block-party style event. Meet neighbors, take photos at the LemonAid Pitcher Booth where you can take a photo, and savor some cotton candy, and of course lemonade. It’s a great way to support good causes while enjoying good times.
In addition to these events, River Forest has long been the ‘RF’ part of the well-known local acronym, OPRF! That means there are even more RF events to join in thanks to its “big brother” suburb of Oak Park. It all starts with the OPRF High School district where Oak Park and River Forest public school children attend. There’s also the Oak Park River Forest Museum, and even the Garden Club of Oak Park and River Forest, one of Illinois’ first, which sponsors an annual summer Garden Walk through the two villages.
We look forward to welcoming you in the River Forest neighborhood!