What's Happening
Downers Grove Downtown Management Corporation hosts events all year long! Whether we are working solely with our downtown merchants or in partnership with other Community Organizations, we are home to an array of unique events.
Upcoming 2013 Events
Downtown Market sponsored by the Indian Boundary YMCA
May 11-October 19 (Saturday)
On Saturday morning, from mid-May to mid-October, Downers Grove is the place to be! Last year more than 3,000 shoppers visited the market during peak weeks, helping the market earn the title from West Suburban Living as the third best in the West Farmers Market. A mix of more than 70 vendors, both old and familiar, as well as new and different vendors (children’s books, whimsical art, pretzels, pizza, spices, condiments and more) will welcome shoppers each week.
Summer Nights Classic Car Show
May 17-August 30 (Friday)
The 21st Annual Summer Nights Classic Car Show kicks off on May 17, 6 - 9 p.m., Downtown Downers Grove. An array of Classic Cars will line the streets with hundreds of families enjoying the display. Grab the family and don’t miss out on this wonderful free event. All Classic Cars are welcome on Main Street from Maple to Franklin and the Featured Cars will be on Curtiss Street. Featured Cars must be pre-1980. A trophy will be awarded to the “Best” featured car each week. Live entertainment will be held at the Main Street Train Station.
Memorial Day Parade presented by the American Legions
May 27 (Monday)
Family Concert Series presented by the Downers Grove Park District
May 21-August 13 (Tuesday) 6:30 - 8:30 pm Fishel Park (Grove Street - located west of Main Street)
Each week the crowds will be entertained by a different live band. Rain location is Lincoln Center (935 Maple Avenue) Presented by the Downers Grove Park District. For more information, visit Downers Grove Park District website.
Music on Main
Main Street Downtown Downers Grove will come alive Sunday afternoons from 1-3pm. Starting June 9th and running through July 28th, Sunday afternoons will now feature live music downtown Downers Grove, with our new event, Music on Main. This event is sponsored by Downers Grove Downtown Management Corporation. While enjoying your Sunday afternoon shopping, dining and relaxing downtown, take in the sounds of talented local musicians. The live entertainment will be located in Pocket Park which is located directly south of The Cellar Door (5150 Main Street). Each Sunday we will highlight a different local musician and a variety of genres. From jazz, to classic rock, to reggae, there is something for everyone!
Rotary Grove Fest Sponsored by the Downers Grove Rotary Club
June 20-June 23 (Thursday- Sunday)
More information at Rotary Grove Fest website.
Independence Day Parade sponsored by the Village of Downers Grove
July 4 (Thursday) - 12:45 pm
The parade will begin at Downers Grove North and continue south down Main Street, ending at Warren Avenue. The fun won’t end there...follow the last float across the tracks and join the party at the park, hosted by the Downers Grove Junior Women’s Club. For more information, visit Village of Downers Grove website.
Downtown Sidewalk Sale
July 18-21 (Thursday - Sunday)
Join the participating downtown merchants for a not-to-be missed SALE!
Hours of Operation
Thursday and Friday: 9 am - 9 pm
Saturday: 9 am-5 pm
Sunday: 12-4 pm
Fine Arts Festival
September 7-8 (Saturday and Sunday)
The Downtown Downers Grove Art Festival features the work of 130 juried artists exhibiting original art. Work will be available for sale at the festival. Visit Amdur Productions for more information on the event.
Girls' Night Out
October 3 (Thursday)
Grab your girl friends for a night of shopping, dining and fun at the downtown merchants.
Helping Girls Navigate Adolescence Pancake Breakfast.
October 26 (Saturday) 8-11 am at Ballydoyle Restaurant and Bar
Cost: Adults $6, Children $3 and Children under 2 years of age are FREE!
Halloween Window Painting sponsored by Downtown Management and Downers Grove Rotary Club.
October 26 (Saturday) 9 am-1 pm
We supply the paints, you bring your paintbrush and a food donation for F.I.S.H. Pantry. No registration is required, so just pick up your paint at 933A Curtiss Street. This event is sponsored by Downers Grove Rotary Club and Downers Grove Downtown Management. More information at Downers Grove Rotary website.
Halloween Costume Parade Sponsored by the Noon Lions Club
October 27 (Sunday) 12:30-1:30 pm
Meet at the parking lost west of the Main Street Train Station (across from Caribou Coffee) in costume at 12:30 pm. The Downers Grove Noon Lions Club costume parade proceeds down Main Street to Fishel Park.
Safe Trick-or-Treating
October 27 (Sunday)
After the parade, trick-or-treat at the participating downtown merchants. While trick-or-treating keep your eye out for the Herrick Middle School Drama Club miming in the windows of your favorite business!
Bonfield Express 5K Race
November 29 (Thursday)
The 5K Express is an annual event held Thanksgiving morning to raise money and awareness to help build character and community commitment.
Something for Everyone
- USTFA Certified Course
- Food & Beverages
Tech Shirts:New this year, TECH SHIRTS for the first 4500 participants. More information at Bonfield Express 5K Race website.
5th Annual Gingerbread House Contest
Voting will take place November 29th-December 1st. Houses will remain on display through the season.
Show off your Holiday spirit and creativity in downtown Downers Grove.
Holiday Tree Lighting sponsored by the Village of Downers Grove
November 29 (Friday) 4:45 pm
Breakfast with Santa
Meet and Greet with Santa on December 1st or December 8th at the following restaurants!
Visits with Santa
November 30, December 7, 14, 21 (Saturday)
December 1, 8, 15, 22 (Sunday)
Past 2013 Events
Indoor Sidewalk Sale
January 10-13 (Thursday - Sunday)
We Have The Cure for Cabin Fever! Join our retailers for the SALE of the year!
Participating businesses and their great deals!
Ice Sculpture Festival: “Love Is In the Air”
February 8-10 (Friday - Sunday)
Enjoy the unique ice sculptures that will line the streets of downtown, while you enjoy the array of events happening all weekend. This year we have added a live carving demonstration on Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. As always, there will be live ice carving demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Passport to Fine Dining
Presented by The Grove Foundation
February 28
Spring Open House
March 14-16
The Spring Girls Night Out Downtown Downers Grove has been renamed and revamped! The downtown boutiques and restaurants will host a Spring Open House! Grab your girl friends and join the downtown Downers Grove merchants for three days full of fun.
Downers Grove Wedding Walk
April 7 (Sunday)
Join us for an afternoon of wedding inspiration and bridal bliss on Sunday, April 7, 2013. The Downers Grove Wedding Walk has all that you will need to plan your perfect day. Grab your swag bag & you're off to meet with nearly 50 talented wedding professionals. Visit Downers Grove Wedding Walk website for more information and all of your wedding planning needs.
Downers Grove Public Library Foundation Mini Golf Event
April 14 (Sunday)
Putt through the book stacks in support of the Library Foundation at the annual mini golf event. All ages are invited to play the 18-hole miniature golf course set up throughout the library. Local businesses, organizations, and individuals are invited to sponsor this fun event. Sponsors will receive publicity opportunities through library and local media and be seen by thousands of library patrons now through the April event.
