Upcoming Special Events

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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.

 Thursday, March 19 - Thursday, March 26

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.

 Saturday, March 28- Saturday, April 4

  Hop into the magic of spring and bounce along the Bunny Trail Scavenger Hunt! Kick off the event on March 28 with Bunny pics and crafts. Spend the whole week frolicking through charming Downtown Glen Ellyn as you search for hidden springtime images tucked into storefronts and windows. It’s perfect for families, friends, and anyone with a little extra spring in their step. Complete the trail and enjoy a sweet treat at the end!

 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!

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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.

 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 March 1, 2026

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

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.

TICKETS ON SALE SOON

  Thursday, May 14

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.

TICKETS ON SALE SOON

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

  Friday, 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

 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

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

August 22-23

 See over 60 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