I know more than a few city folk who are always like, “What’s there to do in Northbrook?” They’ll say, “It’s so sleepy there.” They’ll say, “You’re out in the middle of nowhere.” And I get it, I get it — the Chicagoland ‘burbs have earned a reputation for being the place to go to do … absolutely nothing.
But since moving to Northbrook three years ago from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco, I’ve learned there’s something quite contented about entertainment offered in smaller towns. It’s quieter, sure. But it’s still full of life, full of family and what I’ve noticed most — full of community.
The best time of year to experience that vibe is undoubtedly summer, when Tuesdays in the Park are in full swing. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Northbrook gets together to have a good time at Village Green Park, at the corner of Shermer and Meadow roads. Here’s a little preview of what’s to come — so pack up the kids, drive all the way to Northbrook (insert smirking emoji here), and hope to see you there!
Entertainment
June 19: Miss Jamie and her traveling show of children’s songs will take the stage, bringing all the charm of farm life with her. Keep the country theme going strong with a follow-up performance by Wild Daisy, an upbeat, female-fronted country band known for energetic live shows.
June 26: The Park Larks (otherwise known as “two men singing”) and the Northbrook Park District Senior Choir will show us what they’ve got. Stick around for Soda, Chicago’s premier event band that plays a varied mix of classic and current rock and pop.
July 3: I love a good cover band, so I’m excited to check out Greenview. I also can’t say I’m not pretty psyched to see what follows: Four C Notes, a tribute band for Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
July 10: Hard work and lots of practice will come to fruition as members of the Northbrook Theatre Summer Workshop take the stage. And you can’t miss the Rubber Ducky Race afterward, sponsored by the Northbrook Rotary. But wait, there’s more — Billy Elton will be on hand to pay tribute to the music of, you guessed it, Billy Joel and Elton John.
July 17: Rock out to the tunes of the Saturday June Band, then get your groove on with vintage rhythm and blues from the late 1940’s and ‘50s, courtesy of the Rhythm Rockets.
July 24: Little ones will love getting the wiggles out to the beat of Scribble Monster, a children’s band that incorporates movement and play into their act. Following that, I know exactly where I’ll be: shaking my tail feathers to Breakfast Club, a high-energy rock/dance band covering the ‘80s (woot!).
Eats
Get your grub on during Tuesdays in the Park with deals from several downtown Northbrook mainstays:
Baskin-Robbins: Soft serve is just 99 cents. Take $1 off regular shakes, cappuccino blasts or smoothies. Buy a two-scoop sundae, get the second for 99 cents.
Jar Bar: Save 15 percent on your order.
Little Louie’s: Enjoy free fries with the purchase of any sandwich.
Lucky Fish: Po’ boys are just $10, lobster rolls are $15 and oysters are $2.
Sarpino’s: Get a personal 8-inch pizza with up to three toppings and one drink for $5.99. Or, order a large or extra-large pizza and get one free.
Viccino’s: Save 15 percent on your order.
