SPECIAL SUMMER EVENTS & EXPERIENCES
TOUCH-A-TRUCK
For All Ages
Saturday, May 21
10 a.m. to Noon
Touch-a-Truck puts kids in the driver's seat! Join the Wilmette Park District, Village of Wilmette, US Coast Guard and more during this unique opportunity to explore trucks of all types, all in one place. Location: Centennial Recreation Complex, 2300 Old Glenview Road. Free
GILLSON CAMPOUTS
Ages 2 and up with adult
Saturday Overnights, June 11 or September 10
7:30 p.m.- 8 a.m.
Set up your own tent in a designated area on the beach, and then join us as the sun sets to roast marshmallows around the campfire and enjoy a little family-friendly entertainment. At sunrise, savor a small breakfast before your memorable stay ends. All children must be accompanied by a parent. Staff will be available throughout the entire event. Location: Gillson Swimming Beach
Fee is for the first two family members; each additional person is $35 for Wilmette Residents and $45 for non-residents.
| R-$81/NR-$106 | |||
| 514008-01 |
Sa-Sun |
7:30 pm-8 am |
6/11-6/12 |
| 514008-02 | Sa-Sun | 7:30 pm-8 am | 9/10-9/11 |
FULL MOON KAYAK TOUR
Age 9 & up
As the sun sets, we're rewarded with the brilliance of the moonrise as we paddle along the Lake Michigan shoreline. We provide all equipment. Please note: we may select alternate dates and locations for this tour, in the event of adverse weather or lake conditions. Group size is limited; register early! Location: Gillson Park, Picnic Area 3
| R-$100/NR-$123 | |||
| 514016-02 |
Tu |
7-9 pm |
6/14 |
| 514016-03 | W | 7-9 pm | 7/13 |
| 514016-04 | Th | 7-9 pm | 8/11 |
SUP YOGA
Age 14 & up
Saturdays, June 25, July 23 or August 27
NEW! Fridays, August 5, August 12 & August 19
8-9 a.m.
Gillson Beach
Start your morning with a peaceful yoga class on Lake Michigan, then enjoy a small beachside brunch. This yoga class takes place on a Stand-Up Paddleboard, in the water!
| R-$32/NR-$42 | |||
| 514017-01 |
Sa |
8-9 am |
6/25 |
| 514017-02 | Sa | 8-9 am | 7/23 |
| 514017-03 | Sa | 8-9 am | 8/27 |
| 514017-04 NEW - FRIDAY | F | 8-9 am | 8/5 |
| 514017-05 NEW - FRIDAY | F | 8-9 am | 8/12 |
| 514017-06 NEW - FRIDAY | F | 8-9 am | 8/19 |
*WEATHER UNCERTAIN? Call 847-853-7715 to check for cancellations the day of the event.
Saturday Night MOVIES AT WALLACE BOWL
June 4 & September 3
All Ages- Free
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy a FREE family-friendly movie at Wallace Bowl! All shows start at 7 p.m.; we'll announce movie titles on Facebook and our website as we get closer to the event dates. Free!
OUILMETTE FOUNDATION WOW (Wilmette Open Water) SWIM RACE
Saturday, June 18
7 a.m.
Gillson Beach
A timed, fully supported, swim race in Lake Michigan. Details and registration will be available this summer at ouilmettefoundation.org
SOUNDS OF SUMMER MUSIC SERIES
First concert on Thursday, June 23 @ Wallace Bowl
All concerts are free! Concerts are located at Wallace Bowl in Gillson Park or at the Mallinckrodt Gazebo in Mallinckrodt Park. See the full schedule HERE
FAT SHALLOT'S CRAWFISH BOIL ON THE BEACH
Saturday, June 25
Age 21 & up
7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Gillson Beach
All-you-can-eat crawfish boiled with andouille sausage, corn on the cob, artichokes, potatoes and garlic. Beer, wine and LIVE New Orleans-style music! Make your reservation here
YANKEE DOODLE DASH 5K
Sunday, July 3, 8 a.m., Gillson Park
Click here for more details and to register for the Dash!
JULY 3 FUN AND FIREWORKS!
Starts at 4 p.m. in Gillson Park. Details will be available online in June. Free event!
JULY 4 FIREWORKS KAYAK TOUR
Age 9 & up
Monday, July 4
8-10 p.m.
Ever wondered what it would be like to be enjoy the myriad fireworks shows along the North Shore from the seat of a kayak? Join us at Gillson Beach on July 4 and head out on the lake for an evening of kayaking and fireworks-show-viewing. Our group size is limited for this once-in-a-year event; register early! Note: this tour will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Location: Gillson Park, Picnic Area 3.
| R-$100/NR-$123 | |||
| 514014-01 |
M |
8-10 pm |
7/4 |
FAT SHALLOT BEEFSTEAK DINNER ON THE BEACH
Saturday, July 23
Age 21 & up
7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Gillson Beach
Modeled after club dinners made famous in New York City in 20's and 30's, enjoy as much steak as you can hold! We'll serve different cuts around standing tables with garlic bread, wedge salad and dipping sauces. Price includes beer and bourbon cocktails. White aprons will be provided and encouraged. SOLD OUT
FAT SHALLOT PIG ROAST
Saturday, August 6
Age 21 & up
7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Gillson Beach
The Fat Shallot and their friends at Antique Taco team up to roast a whole pig. Served with tortillas, a wide array of accompaniments, beer and margaritas. Make your reservation here
KEEP YOUR DAY JOB MUSIC FESTIVAL!
Saturday, August 13
All ages; FREE EVENT
5-8 p.m.
Centennial Recreation Complex Parking Lot, 2300 Glenview Road
ROCK THE LOT! Celebrate Centennial's 50th with hyperlocal bands, food trucks, adult beverages and merch. Bring chairs and your rock n' roll 'tude!
WILMETTE TENNIS CLUB 50th ANNIVERSARY ORIGINAL TENNIS TOURNEY
August 13-28
Gillson Tennis Courts
Look for details online this summer
OUILMETTE FOUNDATION BEACH BASH
Saturday, August 20
Gillson Beach
Food trucks, live music, bonfire and lots of fun!
Find details and reservation information at ouilmettefoundation.org