SUMMER’S IN SESSION

It’s that time of year—the evenings are long, the weather is warm, and school is almost out. Those in the know are likely headed for a day trip to the Village of Rosemont, where the town’s entertainment district was designed to suit the summer.

With a lineup of free events, fireworks, an unbeatable concert series, and more, Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district has something, quite literally, for everyone. The district has been expanding on its impressive summer attractions for more than a decade and, best of all, it’s easily accessible from I-90 and I-294— only a 30-to-45-minute drive from the Barrington area.

“We always thought we’d want to have this gathering spot that’s a turf park in the summertime and an ice-skating rink in the wintertime,” says Mayor Brad Stephens, one of the creative minds behind the district’s inception and the town’s mayor of 17 years. “We’re creating great attractions not only for our residents but people around the region who come here—and when they come here, they want to have good time.”

The marquee event of summer is the village’s Rockin’ in the Park concerts series. Running from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, Rockin’ in the Park hosts free outdoor concerts every Thursday and select Friday nights at 7 p.m. The music is headlined by classic cover bands and coupled with food and beverage tents right near the Park’s great lawn.

“Families come out, bring their lawn chairs and enjoy the music, and the kids get to run around because it’s turf,” says Mayor Stephens. Consider coming out on a Thursday night, when each concert ends with a must-see fireworks display.

When the music breaks, Fitness in the Park steps in with free yoga, Zumba, and PowHerhouse classes on the Park’s expansive lawn. Beginning on June 9, classes are held on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays and are open to all skill levels.

For families, there is no shortage of summer fun. Two of the town’s biggest attractions are the Athletes Unlimited women’s softball games and Chicago Dogs’ baseball at Impact Field. “That team leads the league in attendance, and every year it grows incrementally,” says Mayor Stephens. “It’s tremendous family fun.”

Even more entertainment is around the corner at the Allstate Arena Rosemont Theatre and Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Upcoming events include the Illinois Bridal & Wedding Expo at the Convention Center on June 9, and at the Allstate Arena: AJR on June 29 and July 3, Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire on July 12, and Jennifer Lopez on July 26.

“We’re only two and a half square miles over here, so you could attend an event at the convention center, walk through the parking garage, and end up at the entertainment district—it’s very walkable,” says Mayor Stephens.

And last, but not least, the outlets—Rosemont’s Fashion Outlets of Chicago are a highlight of the town’s offerings and home to more than 130 retailers. The list is long, but popular stores include lululemon, Gucci, Nike, and Aritzia, with recent additions like Sandro, Vuori, Marc Jacobs, 7 for All Mankind, and more.

As for the Mayor, who joyfully states that his most important title is “Dad” over Mayor, he’ll be out there with his family to enjoy it all.

“My daughter likes going to the softball games, I like going out to the Dogs games,” he shares. “My 11-year-old son is a huge AJR fan, and we have AJR coming to the Allstate arena for two shows this summer, so you know where I’ll be.”

To see the full calendar of events in the Village of Rosemont this summer, visit rosemont.com.