Community Events in Oak Park and Surrounding Areas

Swing Dance Soiree at Oak Park

Those who enjoy swing dance can join the Spring Soiree Dance from 5 to 8 p.m. on June 12 at Oak Park Arms Senior Living, located at 408 S. Oak Park Ave. The event will feature the Swing Set Big Band, performing hits from the 1950s and 1960s. Hors d’oeuvres will be available from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by music and dancing until 8 p.m. Admission is free. However, registration is necessary to ensure ample space and refreshments. To register, call 708-386-4040 or visit oakparkarms.com.

Jazz Concert in La Grange

Jazz vocalist Alyssa Algood will lead the upcoming concert in a series hosted by First Presbyterian Church of La Grange, at 150 S. Ashland Ave. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. on June 16 on the church lawn, weather permitting. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket and snacks. Algood will perform jazz standards and original melodies, accompanied by a pianist. The concert series takes place every third Tuesday of the month. Learn more at FPCLG.org.

Oak Park & River Forest Symphony Performance

The Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest will present a new piano concerto on June 14 at 4 p.m. at Concordia University’s chapel. Mio Nakamura will play during the premiere of “Piano Concerto No. 1” by orchestra principal cellist Alexander Groesch. Additional pieces include Violin Concerto No. 1 by Bruch, performed by Nikki Chooi, and Joseph Suk’s “Märchen.” A pre-concert discussion is at 3 p.m., and a free reception follows. Free parking is available at 1124 Bonnie Brae. Tickets are $30 until June 13, increasing by $5 on the concert day. Students can attend at no cost. Purchase tickets at SymphonyOPRF.org, by calling 708-218-2648, or emailing [email protected].

Elmwood Park Student Recognized

Dylan Ramirez from Elmwood Park received the 2026 Illinois Community College Trustees Association Greg Chadwick Student Success Award. This award is given to students demonstrating exceptional volunteer service. Ramirez, a psychology major from Triton College, plans to transfer to a four-year university. He served as the president of Active Minds and held vice-presidential roles in Model United Nations and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. He organized events like Brew For You to raise awareness for mental health. Ramirez expressed pride in his accomplishments via a news release. The award came with a $1,000 scholarship, presented on June 5.

Juneteenth Event in Elmhurst

St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, situated at 125 W. Church St. in Elmhurst, will host a Juneteenth celebration from 9:30 a.m. to noon on June 14. The event marks the end of slavery in the United States. Organized in collaboration with Christfirst United Methodist Church, activities include worship, jazz by Evon Sams, games, a bouncy house, lunch, and Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream. Guests are encouraged to bring a dish to share and register online at stpeterselmhurst.org or call 630-530-6000.

Teen Ambassadors Awarded Scholarships

The SafeLIGHT Foundation announced its new class of Teen Ambassadors, each receiving a $2,500 college scholarship. The program promotes safe driving to prevent accidents. Participating schools included Mother McAuley and Morgan Park among others. Ambassadors will disseminate driving safety information through social media and school meetings. The foundation, engaging 21 Chicago-area high schools, has granted $138,000 to over 50 teenagers. Applications for next year are open; visit safelightfoundation.com/teen-ambassador-program for details.

Scottish Festival & Highland Games

The 40th annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games will take place on June 12 (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and June 13 (9 a.m. to 10 p.m.) at the DuPage Event Center & Fairgrounds in Wheaton. The event highlights Scottish culture with Highland dancing, a bagpiping championship, genealogy exhibits, a British car show, and a Scottish petting zoo. Vendors will offer various Scottish goods. A World Cup watch party featuring Scotland against Haiti is scheduled for June 13. All proceeds support Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care. Entrance is free for children under 12, and parking is also complimentary. Ticket purchase options include single-day and weekend admissions at chicagoscots.org.

For more information, send inquiries to [email protected].