2023 Food Truck Thursdays
Food Truck Thursdays return to the Ravinia District in the City of Highland Park June 1 through September 21, 2023, from 4:30 PM to dusk on Dean Avenue between Roger Williams and St. Johns Avenues and Jens Jensen Park across from the Ravinia Metra Station.
"Food Truck Thursdays are a summer staple in the Ravinia District,” said Carolyn Hersch, Business Development Manager at the City of Highland Park. “There’s nothing better than the community enjoying the live music, great food, and a family-friendly atmosphere outside in the summertime!"
Alfresco diners are invited to come and experience various food offerings and drinks from more than a dozen rotating food trucks every week on Dean Avenue. Guests can also enjoy beer and wine selections from Ravinia District restaurants Abigail's American Bistro and Ravinia Brewing Company.
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs or dine at one of the many picnic benches in Jens Jensen Park while enjoying live music (weather permitting) from 4:30-8:30 PM (June-August) and 4:30-8 PM (September). The eclectic 2023 musical lineup includes a robust variety of genres as well as special theme nights for all-ages fun! Three theme nights will encourage guests to arrive in costume, enjoy interactive kids activities, and be ready to dance to music of the 80’s (June 15), Country (July 20), and Grateful Dead (August 17).
“To accommodate all of the families coming out early, we’ll be kicking off every concert at 4:30 sharp with live music, including special kid-centric performances peppered throughout the summer,” says Noah Plotkin, music manager with Life Rhythms. Opening acts and family programming will run from 4:30-5:45 PM with the headliner playing from 6-8:30 PM June-August and 6-8 PM in September.
Getting to Food Truck Thursdays
The public is encouraged to walk or bike along the enhanced Green Bay Trail - Robert McLory Bike Trail that leads into the charming Ravinia District, ride the Metra north or south to Ravinia Station at Roger Williams in the Ravinia Business District, or take a Pace Bus. If traveling by car, Highland Park is easily accessible via north Lake Shore Drive to Sheridan Road, US 41 and 294. Exit Clavey Road east to Green Bay Road and east on Roger Williams Avenue. Free parking is available.
Ravinia District Food Truck Thursdays is sponsored by the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Bensidoun USA operates Food Truck Thursdays in cooperation with the City of Highland Park and Ravinia District Special Service Area 17. To be a Food Truck Vendor, please contact bensidounmarkets@gmail.com. Live music is managed by Life Rhythms.