UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS

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Friday Nights: 

June 5, July 17, Aug 7, Sept 18

5:00pm Start setting up chairs. 

6:00 - 9:45 Live Music - Two bands

*July 17 will have slightly different times in conjunction with our NEW Bags, Beer & Bluegrass event. More info to come!

Experience the best Chicagoland bands at our FREE Family Friendly Friday Summer Concert Series. Dine and drink from local restaurants.   No outside food or drink allowed. Restaurants will be serving specials just for you!  

 FREE

May - August

Glen Ellyn has earned the highest honor in the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, joining just eight communities in the entire country to receive this distinction.

Celebrate with us all summer long as we host fun, family‑friendly events throughout Glen Ellyn and hands‑on learning experiences that help monarchs and pollinator gardens thrive. Let’s keep these beautiful butterflies soaring in Glen Ellyn!

Friday, August 14

6:00pm- 7:30pm

Let's give a party for Monarch Summer with our annual Summer Send Off, connecting with the Bike Glen Ellyn slow roll, both starting and finishing at Lake Ellyn. Enjoy a bike ride (for those who wish to), campfire songs and s'mores. There is a fee of $2 for the Summer Send Off, and you can register at LINK

Bike ride alone is free.

All ages welcome!! 

August 20-23

551 Crescent Blvd, Glen Ellyn

INFORMATION LINK

The Glen Ellyn Chamber is happy to announce that we will be hosting the 2026 Glen Ellyn Carnival at the Crescent/Glenwood Lot located at 505 Crescent Blvd in downtown Glen Ellyn. The carnival features over 10 various rides, a Fun House, Games & Concessions. 

August 22-23

 See over 70 Artisans in varied mediums including: Acrylic, Fibre, Glass, Graphics, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Oil Painting, Photography, Pottery, Watercolor and Wood. Many artists do custom and commission pieces and murals!

Enjoy live music & cold beer! Plus, delicious local food trucks and a children play area at Lake Ellyn Park, a 28.7-acre park known as the gem of Glen Ellyn. Dog friendly and FREE admission 

LINK

Thursday, August 27, 7-8:30pm

Ending at Common Good Cocktail House

$15 with Cocktail/Mocktail

Join us on a docent-led journey through Glen Ellyn’s newest pollinator gardens, ending with a Sip & Talk social hour at Common Good Cocktail House

Starting at the Montclair Lot. Docent-led 1.5 mile walk with discussions at each stop

Social Hour:  $15 registration includes cocktail/mocktail

Saturday, July 4th

2026 marks our nation’s 250th anniversary—and Glen Ellyn’s 4th of July celebration is going to be bigger and better than ever! From the parade to the fireworks, the all-volunteer Glen Ellyn 4th of July Committee is planning a once-in-a-lifetime event and wants YOU to be part of it.

FREE

Donations Welcome

 Saturday, July 11 

This is the premiere jazz festival of DuPage County bringing an afternoon line-up of the best jazz in the Midwest by collaborating with local partners such as 90.9fm WDCB Home of Chicago Jazz, Fareed Haque, and Bellas Artes School of Music.

FREE

July 17-19

Everyone is always excited for the long awaited 3-day Summer Sidewalk Sales. Find bargains and treasures for this annual highly anticipated event! Main street is closed only Friday-Saturday.

FREE

July 17

Spend a summer evening in Downtown Glen Ellyn with friendly competition, cold brews, and foot‑stomping bluegrass! Whether you’re tossing bags, sipping a pint, or just soaking in the music, this is the perfect way to enjoy a summer night.

July 18

 The 2026 Ray Whalen Builders Tour of Lake Ellyn is coming to the shores of Lake Ellyn Park in Glen Ellyn, IL on Saturday, July 18! 

The Tour, the premier leg of the 10-day Chicago Grit Series, acts as a fundraiser for our charitable partner The Glen House Food Pantry. 

JUNE - JULY

Waldo is back in Downtown Glen Ellyn and he’s ready for the ultimate summer scavenger hunt. 

Kids can roam from shop to shop in June and July, spotting Waldo and collecting LETTERS to crack the big puzzle to win a prize!

FREE

May - September

Glen Ellyn has earned the highest honor in the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, joining just eight communities in the entire country to receive this distinction.

Celebrate with us all summer long as we host fun, family‑friendly events throughout Glen Ellyn and hands‑on learning experiences that help monarchs and pollinator gardens thrive. Let’s keep these beautiful butterflies soaring in Glen Ellyn!

May - September

Glen Ellyn has earned the highest honor in the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, joining just eight communities in the entire country to receive this distinction.

Celebrate with us all summer long as we host fun, family‑friendly events throughout Glen Ellyn and hands‑on learning experiences that help monarchs and pollinator gardens thrive. Let’s keep these beautiful butterflies soaring in Glen Ellyn!

JUNE - JULY

Waldo is back in Downtown Glen Ellyn and he’s ready for the ultimate summer scavenger hunt. 

Kids can roam from shop to shop in June and July, spotting Waldo and collecting LETTERS to crack the big puzzle to win a prize!

FREE

Friday Nights: 

June 5, July 17, Aug 7, Sept 11

5:00pm Start setting up chairs. 

6:00 - 9:45 Live Music - Two bands

*July 17 will have slightly different times in conjunction with our NEW Bags, Beer & Bluegrass event. More info to come!

Experience the best Chicagoland bands at our FREE Family Friendly Friday Summer Concert Series. Dine and drink from local restaurants.   No outside food or drink allowed. Restaurants will be serving specials just for you!  

 FREE

Saturday, June 20

Gather your friends, family, or that special someone and enjoy an elevated experience of sipping fine wines, savoring perfectly paired bites, and strolling through Downtown Glen Ellyn’s most unique boutiques. Along the way, explore award‑winning home décor and designer shops, discovering one‑of‑a‑kind treasures that make the day feel indulgent, stylish, and effortlessly fun.

TICKETS ON SALE SOON

May - September

Glen Ellyn has earned the highest honor in the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, joining just eight communities in the entire country to receive this distinction.

Celebrate with us all summer long as we host fun, family‑friendly events throughout Glen Ellyn and hands‑on learning experiences that help monarchs and pollinator gardens thrive. Let’s keep these beautiful butterflies soaring in Glen Ellyn!

 May 2

SOLD OUT- Celebrate May with a Taco Crawl and turn your afternoon into the tastiest stroll through Downtown Glen Ellyn. Your admission includes samples of each restaurant’s signature street taco, with options to order plenty of drink specials and sides available to keep the fun going. It’s an easygoing, flavor‑filled outing made for friends, sunshine, and trying something new together.

  Thursday, May 14

SOLD OUT- Check into the White Lotus - Glen Ellyn‑style! A guest has been murdered, and it’s up to you and your friends to solve the mystery. Sip your way through downtown as you pop into shops, uncover clues, gather evidence, and stay one step ahead of the killer. Small groups begin at Park & Oak at staggered times, then make their way through town before meeting the detectives for the big reveal. It’s mystery, suspense, and a whole lot of fun.

APRIL 

Sustainability isn’t just a trend in Glen Ellyn, it’s becoming part of our town’s identity. From boutiques and cafés to makers, libraries, and specialty shops, our local businesses are embracing greener practices that make everyday choices a little kinder to the planet. And the best part is how easy (and fun) it is for residents to join in. Read our BLOG and follow us on Facebook & Instagram.to learn more!

APRIL

 One Community has teamed up with Glenbard West High School to showcase student artwork throughout Downtown Glen Ellyn celebrating the diverse identities and lived experiences of our high school community.

Download the map and enjoy a self‑guided art walk through the vibrant displays in our downtown storefront windows.

FREE EVENT

 Saturday, April 18 at 11am

SAVING SUPERMAN follows Jonathan, a 57‑year‑old man with autism who’s become a beloved Glen Ellyn hero. Known as “Superman,” he’s spent nearly 30 years spreading kindness and shining in the town’s Fourth of July Parade. When a new building owner threatened his home, the community rallied to protect him, ultimately preserving both his home and the spirit of the town.

FREE EVENT

 Thursday, April 23

Grab your girlfriends and make it a night out in Downtown Glen Ellyn! Sip, Shop, and Stroll your way through our charming streets while scooping up amazing deals and discovering new favorites. Over 18 boutiques and shops are rolling out fabulous sales, tasty sips, and delicious bites perfect for a fun, feel‑good evening together. Treat yourselves, laugh a lot, and make a night of it! 

Tickets on Sale

 Thursday, March 19 - Thursday, April 2

Downtown Glen Ellyn is proud to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Lucas, the beloved film that once transformed our streets into a movie set. This week‑long tribute honors our shared history, the film’s enduring charm, and the special role our community played in bringing it to life. Partnered with Glenbard West & the Glen Ellyn Historical Society enjoy memorabilia in the lobby and fun on‑screen trivia that brings the nostalgia back to the big screen.

 Friday, March 27- Saturday, April 4

Bunny Pictures, FREE 

Chocolaterie Stam, 530 Pennsylvania Ave.

• Friday, March 27, noon - 4pm
• Saturday, March 28, noon - 4 pm
• Sunday, March 29, 1 pm - 3 pm

Bunny Trail Scavenger Hunt, FREE 

March 27th - April 4th

Bunny Craft & Photo Op, FREE

March 28th noon - 4 pm

M & Em's, 460 N Main St

 MARCH

What’s better than Dinner and a Movie? This month, we’re pairing our incredible downtown restaurants with the season’s Oscar‑nominated films. Come experience Glen Ellyn’s vibrant dining scene, then catch a movie at the beloved Glen Art Theatre, complete with its iconic marquee, soon celebrating 100 years!

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram.

Friday, Feb 20 - Sunday, March 1

The most delicious week of the year! Glen Ellyn Restaurant Week will offer prix fixe menus, and special promotions. During The Glen Ellyn Restaurant Week, no tickets or special passes are required.

Experience the diverse and vibrant dining scene Glen Ellyn has to offer. It is the perfect opportunity to try a new restaurant, dine often and taste a culinary delight or creative cocktail.

Sunday, February 22

12:30 - 3:00 PM

Join all your favorite local area restaurants as they vie for the title of Chili Cook-Off Champion!

All proceeds will be equally distributed to each restaurant's chosen charity.

$20 Advance ticket purchase includes early admission at 12pm.  

FEBRUARY

Winter is the perfect time to slow down or try something new. All month long, we’re spotlighting Downtown Glen Ellyn shops where you can discover a fresh Winter Hobby or elevate one you already love all while supporting local businesses.

Click the image to explore all the fun ways Downtown Glen Ellyn can help you get started.

January 1-11, 2026

 It may be chilly outside, but the deals are heating up inside!  Start the new year with savings that sizzle at our Indoor Sidewalk Sales! Local shops are clearing out 2025 favorites with up to 75% off, while unveiling fresh new finds for 2026. 

It's time to get that item you have had your eye on that you didn't get over the holidays. Bundle up, step in, and let the warmth of our shops and savings kick off your new year in style

January 1-31

 Stroll through Downtown Glen Ellyn and discover hot sales that will melt away the winter blues.  

And the fun doesn’t stop there because our Winter Shopping Passport makes every purchase even more rewarding! For every $20 you spend, collect a stamp. Gather 5 stamps during January and you’ll be entered to win $500 in a cash prize or one of two $250 prizes.

Warm shops, hot deals, and a chance to win big...this is winter shopping at its best!