Free & Open to all
Every Wilmette Events gathering is free to attend — no tickets, no barriers.
A Place to Gather. A Community to Celebrate.
Where Our Community Comes Together.
One summer, two partners, A whole community.
Wilmette Events is a collaborative initiative of the Village of Wilmette and the Wilmette Park District, celebrating community traditions, recreation, culture, and summer experiences.
From live music and seasonal celebrations to family-friendly gatherings and beloved local traditions, our events are designed to create moments where neighbours become friends and everyone feels welcome.
What brings us together Principles behind every event
Behind the schedules and stages are four commitments we don't compromise on. They shape who we plan for, who we work with, and why every event stays free.
Community-First
Local artists, vendors, volunteers, and sponsors power everything we do.
Lakeside & Sunsets
Our events lean into what makes Wilmette special: sunsets over Lake Michigan.
Tradition & Evolving
Beloved annual favorites alongside fresh reasons to come together each summer.
A Legacy of Bringing People Together
The story of Wilmette Events is really the story of two institutions that have been building community by the lake for generations.
1872
It starts with the village
Incorporated on September 19, 1872 and named for early settlers Antoine and Archange Ouilmette, the young village grew quickly -- the beginning of a community defined by its lakefront.
1908
A home for gathering by the lake
The Wilmette Park District is founded and, over the decades, shapes Gillson Park and its open-air Wallace Bowl into the lakefront stage where the community's biggest celebrations still happen today.
1946
Live music all summer long
The Sounds of Summer concert series begins bringing free live music to the lakefront through the warm months, from the Wallace Bowl to parks across the village.
1970
The Fourth becomes a Wilmette institution
The Independence Day Celebration at Gillson Park grows into a beloved annual tradition — a morning 5K, lakefront fun, and the fireworks families come back for year after year.
2022
The Block Party debuts
Created as the flagship event of Wilmette's 150th anniversary, the first Wilmette Block Party draws thousands downtown — and by popular demand, it returns every year after.
2026
Five years strong, one shared season
The Block Party marks its 5th anniversary as Sounds of Summer, the Independence Day Celebration, and the Block Party come together for the first time under a single Wilmette Events banner.
Thousands of Happy Neighbors Year after year
““The Sounds of Summer concerts are always the highlight of our season. Great music, beautiful setting, and such a wonderful community atmosphere.””
“"The Block Party gets better every single year. Our kids ask about it from January onwards — it's truly become our family's favorite summer tradition."”
“"The Block Party gets better every single year. Our kids ask about it from January onwards — it's truly become our family's favorite summer tradition."”
““From local festivals to holiday celebrations, every event feels welcoming, joyful, and full of community spirit.””