Community Corner

10 Ways to Celebrate Summer in Plainfield

Get out and enjoy the sunny days and warm nights with these fun summer events in Plainfield.

Cruise Nights

, downtown Plainfield is a car nut’s dream, as classic cars, antiques and hot rods line Lockport and Des Plaines streets. Organized by MainStreet Plainfield, the event is the perfect excuse to head downtown to check out the cars or stop for a bite to eat or a cool drink. Click here for a list of upcoming theme nights.

Plainfield Farmers Market

Get your fill of fresh local produce from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday now through Sept. 29 at the , located at the corner of Lockport Street and Route 59. Organizer Susan Bostanche said there will always be something new for repeat visitors, as new fruits and veggies are added to the market as the season progresses. 

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Township Hosts Gardening Programs

If you’re looking to attract beautiful butterflies and birds to your back yard, Plainfield Township can help. University of Illinois Extension Coordinator and Master Gardener Nancy Kuhajda will show guests ways to attract the winged beauties to their yards, starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 28 at the township building, 22525 W. Lockport St. A program on the benefits of composting will feature Master Gardeners and Master Composters Anita and Bill Gerardy at 6 p.m. Aug. 16. The couple will show guests how to grow the biggest vegetables and flowers next spring by turning kitchen waste, grass, leaves and more into rich black soil, along with how to build your own compost bin. For more information call 815-436-8308 or email agerardy@plainfield-township.com.

Patriotic Picnic and Fireworks Display

The Plainfield Park District will bring back its annual at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, at Plainfield Central High School. Bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic basket (note: alcohol is not allowed) and head over to the high school, 24120 W. Fort Beggs Drive, for some fireworks fun. Concessions are also provided by the Plainfield Central High School Athletic Boosters Club, and the event will include family fun such as an inflatable obstacle course, sidewalk art, bean bag toss and “Touch-a-Truck” featuring police, fire, military and village vehicles. The fireworks will start at dusk. 

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Plainfield Fest

Mark your calendars now: The largest fundraiser for the Plainfield Riverfront Foundation, Plainfield Fest will return to downtown Plainfield July 20-22, complete with a carnival, games, a bean bags tournament, live music and, new this year, a sports-themed Sunday, complete with a tent and big screen so festgoer’s won’t miss the Cubs vs. Cardinals game — not to mention special guest appearances by former Chicago Cubs players and the Will County CrackerJacks. This year, Bon Jovi cover band Bad Medicine heads up the musical lineup, performing on Saturday night. Stay tuned to Patch for more in-depth information and schedules in the weeks leading up to the fest.

Movies in the Park

Every other Friday, you can catch a free, family friendly flick screened in Settlers’ Park’s Richard A. Rock Amphitheater. Next up on June 22: “Megamind.” The free movies are presented at 8 p.m. by BMO Harris Bank and hosted by the village and Plainfield Park District. Terraced seating and concessions are available, and guests are welcome to bring chairs and blankets. for more details and a list of upcoming movies. 

Free Concert Series

Every month, the village and Tim Stetenfeld of Edward Jones Investments offer a free concert in Settles’ Park. Concerts start at 7:30 p.m. in the Richard A. Rock Amphitheater. Next up: Carribbean rock band Mr. Myers on Thursday, July 14. Terraced seating and concessions are available, and guests are welcome to bring chairs and blankets. for a list of upcoming shows.

Flick-N-Float

The park district invites families to float along on a tube at the Ottawa Street pool while enjoying a family friendly movie. Admission is free for season pass holders or $3 per person. Next up is “Dolphin Tale,” scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, followed by “Hook,” set for 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 25.

Midwest Brewers Fest

Sample from hundreds of craft beer and artisan food vendors during the second Midwest Brewers Festival. , the fest will return for its second year Saturday, Aug. 25, at Riverfront Park. General admission is from 1 to 6 p.m.; VIP admission is from noon to 6 p.m. Organizers are still accepting vendors for the 2012 event. Tickets are on sale now.

Plainfield River Days

Party along the beautiful DuPage riverfront and enjoy a Taste of Plainfield at the third annual Plainfield River Days to benefit the Riverfront Foundation. This year’s event is scheduled for Sept. 14-16 at Riverfront Park and will include hot air balloon rides, a duck race with the chance to win $50,000, train rides and a petting zoo for the kids, art and craft vendors and live music. New this year is a “Taste of Plainfield” theme; the event will feature cuisine from local Plainfield restaurants. Check back with Patch as more details become available on this year’s River Days.

Have an event you don't see listed here? Add it to our events calendar or tell us in the comments!


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