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Ravinia District Doings

The Ravinia District of Highland Park continues to come alive with 'District Doings,' a series of activities curated by local businesses in its shared al fresco dining space along Roger Williams Avenue, between Burton and Pleasant Avenues. 

"Bringing live music back to the Ravinia Business District has been such a success. We wanted to incorporate more safe outdoor activities for our community," says Katie Wiswald, Chair of the Ravinia Business District Association and Vice President at Highland Park Bank & Trust. "The Ravinia District's al fresco dining area offers Highland Park licensed businesses the opportunity to use the space for outdoor activities when indoor space has so many limitations."

Kicking off the week of July 20 and running through September, all activities will follow social distancing guidelines. District Doings scheduled thus far include:

·      Black Cat Yoga continues their Ravinia District Doings with their outdoor yoga and pilates sessions Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 AM and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:15 PM through September 28. Reservations are required, and each class is $10. For full class schedule and to register visit www.blackcatpoweryoga.com.  Questions email hello@blackcatpoweryoga.com.

·      WeOrbit continues their popular Summer Outdoor Art Classes for young budding artists on Mondays August 24th through September 21st (no class Labor Day, September 7th), 10-10:30 AM for 18-36 month-olds and 11-11:30 AM for 3-6 year-olds. Classes will focus on basic color skills and art experimentation. The fee is $100 for the 4-week outdoor series and $25 per drop-in. Register at www.weorbit.com and dress for a mess.

 ·      WeOrbit kicks off their kids fun fitness series for 3-6 year olds with George’s Gym "learning through play" method to give kids a strong, high energy workout that they can repeat at home!  Classes will be held on Tuesdays, 9:15-9:45 AM and 10-10:30 AM.  Fee is $20 per child/one caregiver.  Register at www.WeOrbit.com/classes.  5-week session is also open for registration.  Classes will be held in the Ravinia District’s Al Fresco Dining Area on Roger Williams Avenue.  Please bring a foam/yoga mat and water.  Social distancing guidelines will be in place. 

·      WeOrbit hosts a Musical Story Time with Miss Millie, combining her love of music and reading to take you and your children on a musical, story time adventure! The one-day program on Friday, August 21 will offer two sessions from 9:15-9:45 AM and 10-10:30 AM for children ages 0-7 years old and one caregiver. Foam mat seating in place for social distancing. The fee is $15 per child, $5 for additional child. Registration is required. Register at www.weorbit.com.

·      Burn Boot Camp invites the public to come Burn Outdoors (bring your sunscreen) Tuesdays starting August 25 through September 24 at 11 AM. The 45-minute workout is free to the public, and all levels are welcome. Come for the workout and stay for some beer! Participants must pre-register by calling or texting (847) 748-0607.

·      Dana Reed Designs brings the artistry of jewelry making to the Ravinia District on Thursday, August 20, at 5 and 6 PM for an adult hands-on Copper Cuff & Cocktails class. Enjoy a drink from Ravinia Brewing Co. while making your own customized Copper Cuff. Stay for the live music of Zach Goforth from 6-8:30 PM and grab a bite to eat at one of the Ravinia District restaurants, including Abigail's American Bistro, BWB.Rocks, Baker Boys, Happi Sushi, Piero's Pizza, Ravinia Brewing Co., and Viaggio.  Classes are $20/person.  Cocktail and all materials will be supplied. Sign up required. Space is limited. To secure a spot, email info@danareeddesigns.com. 

·      WeOrbit celebrates Music Time with Nicole, a one-day interactive jam session on Friday, August 28, from 9:30-10 AM or 10:30 - 11 AM that includes nursery and folk songs geared towards children ages 0-7 years old. Foam mat seating in place for social distancing. The fee is $15 per child. Registration is required. Register at www.weorbit.com.

·      Alchemy and Cloth hosts a girls night out of ‘Layering and Libations’ on Thursday, September 24, 5-6 PM in the west end of the Ravinia District of Highland Park Al Fresco area. Join Alchemy and Cloth owner Carla Levi as she and her daughter Haley, designer of Galazzia Jewelry, demonstrate how to mix, layer and accessorize the newest fall fashions, while enjoying a cocktail courtesy of Viaggio Restaurant. Registrants will be entered to win a piece from the new Galazzia collection! Space is limited so please register for the 5:00-5:30 or 5:30-6:00 presentation. Please RSVP to carla.alchemyandcloth@gmail.com. Social distancing will be maintained.

For a full schedule of updated District Doings, follow @RaviniaDistrict.HighlandPark on Facebook.

Additionally, live music sponsored by the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners will continue on select Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays including: 

The Ravinia District Al Fresco Dining area opened in June, as the City entered Phase 3, to allow the public to enjoy the variety of foods from Ravinia District businesses. No outside food or beverages are permitted. Seating is reserved for individuals that have purchased food and drink from local Ravinia District restaurants, including Abigail's American Bistro, BWB.Rocks, Baker Boys, Happi Sushi, Piero's Pizza, Ravinia Brewing Co., and Viaggio.

The public is reminded to follow all social distancing and safety guidelines, including:

  • Wear a face-covering when entering any business, including picking up a restaurant's carryout order.· Wear a face-covering over the nose and mouth at all times. 
  • Continue to wear a face-covering when walking around the District, if not able to maintain a safe 6-foot social distance.
  • Avoid congregating on the street and sidewalk, as well as in close quarters.
  • Enjoy alcoholic beverages only in the designated outdoor dining areas.
  • Dispose of your trash before leaving the outdoor dining area, or take it with you and dispose of it at home.
  • Respect established state and city capacity limits.
  • Observe all additional requirements or guidelines implemented by business owners. 

For more information on the District Doings and live music schedule in the Ravinia District of Highland Park, please visit the Ravinia District Facebook page at www.facebook.com/raviniadistrict.highlandpark.

ABOUT THE RAVINIA DISTRICT OF HIGHLAND PARK

The Ravinia District is an eclectic mix of small-scale businesses, popular restaurants, food specialty shops, and professional services. All located within a few walkable blocks, this creative, quaint, and friendly, historic neighborhood offers something for almost everyone. The Ravinia District is a lovely location to dine before or after visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden or the award-winning Rosewood Beach.