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
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 |
Saturday Night MOVIES ON THE BEACH
June 4, August 6, September 3
All Ages- Free
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy a FREE family-friendly movie on the beach! 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
50th ANNIVERSARY DISCO ON THE DECK cancelled
BEER, BRATS & BAGS
Sunday, June 19
Ages 2 & up
11 am-2 pm
Wallace Bowl
Let's say cheers to the special man in your life! Join us at Gillson park to celebrate Father's Day with brats, beer, and bags. There will be lots of food, refreshments and different kinds of lawn games to enjoy, as well as free beach day passes for each person registered. Once you fill up on food and activities, you can head down to Gillson Beach to further enjoy your Father's Day celebration.
*Fee is for the first two family members; each additional person is $13
| R-$32/NR-$38 | |||
| 414601-01 |
Su | 11 am-2 pm |
6/19 |
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
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. Details and reservation information will be available online soon!
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 |
WILMETTE GOLF CLUB 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY EVENT
Friday, July 15 at the Wilmette Golf Club, 3900 Fairway Drive
Details and reservation information will be available online soon!
FAT SHALLOT BEEFSTEAK DINNER ON THE BEACH
Saturday, July 23
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. Details and reservation information will be available online soon!
FAT SHALLOT PIG ROAST
Saturday, August 6
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. Details and reservation information will be available online soon!
KEEP YOUR DAY JOB BAND FESTIVAL
Saturday, August 13
Centennial Recreation Complex, 2300 Glenview Road
Look for details online this summer
WILMETTE TENNIS CLUB
50th ANNIVERSARY TOURNAMENT
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!
Details and reservation information will be available this summer at ouilmettefoundation.org
FAT SHALLOT TASTING MENU UNDER THE STARS
Saturday, August 27
7:30 to 9:30
Gillson Beach
Chef Sam from The Fat Shallot will provide a five-course summer menu, transforming Gillson Beach into a one-night-only fine dining experience. Includes wine parings and live music. Details and reservation information will be available online soon!
LUAU AT THE POOL
Monday, September 5
Centennial Family Aquatic Center
Details will post online this summer