We all know the City of Chicago is a hotbed for summer festivals. But did you know that there is a lot happening in the suburbs? And not just on thee 4th of July.

North suburban Highland Park–a little over 20 miles north of the city–has just added a special events space called THE LOT,

The new space located in downtown Highland Park–convenient to the Highland Park Metra station and also has many parking options.

THE LOT has just announced their inaugural series of events and festivals for June through December 2022.

The season kicks off the weekend of June 24 and 25th with a very special Taste of Highland Park.

There will be musical performances on Friday night and all day Saturday along with numerous restaurants serving a variety of foods and drinks.

Here’s a look:

THE FOOD

The Taste of Highland Park that will bring a celebration of flavor and culinary creativity to this food and music fest. 

Attendees will savor a variety of American, Asian, Barbecue, Cajun, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Vegan/Vegetarian, sweet treats and more from the following:

BWB Shakes,
Judy’s Pizza,
Madame Zuzu’s,
Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar,
Pixca,
Poke Burrito,
Ravinia Brewing Company,
Sally’s Nuts,
Tamales,

PLUS Bella Ru Catering and Uncle Tannous.
Libations will be available for those 21 and older

THE MUSIC

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 5-10 PM LIVE MUSIC LINE UP 

5-6 PM Singer-Songwriter Dan Whitaker kicks off the night with his sounds of Country Western meets Hillbilly Jazz.

6:30-8 PM Chicagoland favorite high-energy country and rock band Davidson County Band will cover the best of today’s music as well as the classics everyone loves.

8:30-10 PM For more than three decades, Freddy Jones Band has been one of America’s most noteworthy and revered roots rock acts.  In 2022/23, the band marks the 30th Anniversary of their biggest hit, “In a Daydream,” which topped the AAA charts at #1 in the mid-90’s. In addition to “In a Daydream,” Freddy Jones Band is known for other popular singles including “Take the Time,” “One World,” and many others. 

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 12-10 PM LIVE MUSIC LINE-UP

12-1:30 PM Highland Park’s own Jeff Libman and the Jujus will get the crowd singing and dancing with their infectious up-tempo new folk, pop and Americana.

2-3:30 PM Playing an eclectic mix of originals and covers, Saturday June Band has been rocking for over 20 years and is well-known in Chicagoland.

4-5:30 PM One of the top guitarists in the world, Mike Danger and the Tropics performs a variety of genres with The Tropics, with over 500 popular songs in their repertoire along with many originals!

6-7:30 PM Recognized as the Midwest’s only Franki Valli and the Four Seasons premiere tribute band, The Four C Notes will feature all the hits including: “Sherry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” and more.

8-10 PM The nation’s #1 yacht rock band, The Yachtley Crew will be playing all the soft rock hits from the 70s and 80s, guaranteed to get the crowd moving and grooving.

ABOUT THE LOT

In summer 2022, the City of Highland Park will transform the south portion of the St. Johns North parking lot at the northwest corner of Central and St. Johns in downtown Highland Park into The Lot, a dynamic, flexible multipurpose event space. With an eclectic line-up of events from June to November, The Lot will host concerts, fairs, and food festivals during its first season – with more to come! 

UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE LOT:

Take-Out-Tuesdays:  July 12-August 30, 5-8 PMWorld Music Fest:  July 16, 11 AM-6 PMVintage Car Show:  August 6, 12-4 PMVeg Fest (Vegetarian & Vegan): August 20, 11 AM-7 PMLiterary Fest:  September 10, 12-6 PMOktoberfest:  September 16, 5-10 PM + September 17, 12-10 PMVintage Market:  October 23, 11 AM-4 PMStews & Brews:  November 4, 5-9 PMHeart of the Holidays: November 19 and 26, December 3 and 10, 2-4 PM

NOTE: Heart of the Holidays will take place in Port Clinton Square.