May 27 City E-News: Taste of Des Plaines, Sustainability Plan Workshop, and more.

City of Des Plaines sent this bulletin at 05/27/2026 05:00 PM CDT

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E-News From The City of Des Plaines

Visit our website at desplainesil.gov

Message from Mayor Goczkowski

We are just days away from flipping the calendar to June, when school is out and Des Plaines comes alive with residents spending more time outdoors and enjoying the sunny weather.

A wide variety of City-sponsored events are also on the horizon. I had a great time at last week’s Food Truck Round Up at Friendship Park & Conservatory, and that’s just the beginning of what is shaping up to be a packed events season. On June 2, the City, in partnership with the Des Plaines Theatre, will host a special $1 screening of The NeverEnding Story at 7 p.m., the latest in a summer lineup of family-friendly films and events at the historic downtown venue. Just a few weeks later, the Taste of Des Plaines returns downtown on Friday, June 19, and Saturday, June 20, bringing great food, live music, and community fun.

The City’s vibrant events reflect the community strength recognized by U.S. News & World Report. Des Plaines was recently ranked No. 9 in Illinois and No. 144 nationally on the 2026 “Best Places to Live” list. The recognition reflects overall quality of life and is a point of pride for residents and staff alike.

As the City looks to continue building momentum into the future, resident feedback is being sought to help shape what comes next. A public workshop on the Sustainability Plan will be held on June 8 at City Council Chambers, where input will be gathered to help guide the plan’s priorities and recommendations, and consultants will share the City’s emissions audit. The plan will support long-term efforts to improve environmental quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen resilience to climate-related challenges.

In the meantime, please share this e-news with your family, friends, and neighbors, and encourage them to subscribe. If I can be of assistance to you, please feel free to contact me at 847-391-5301 or agoczkowski@desplainesil.gov.

Yours in service,

Andrew Goczkowski

Email Mayor Andrew Goczkowski

City Council Preview

City Council will meet on Monday, June 1, at 7 p.m. The meeting will include the regular business of the City Council, as well as updates from the Finance & Administration Committee, Community Development Committee, and Legal & Licensing Commitee.

Visit the City’s website to access City Council agendas, meeting packets, and minutes. You can also watch meetings live or view past meeting recordings.

Taste of Des Plaines Set for Father’s Day Weekend in Downtown Des Plaines

Lineup: Fri 6/19 Y2K, Rememories, Sixteen Candles; Sat 6/20 Lara Bell Band, Fearless (Taylor tribute), Second Hand News, ARRA

Taste of Des Plaines is less than one month away! The beloved two-day street festival will take over downtown during Father’s Day weekend. Festival hours are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, June 19, and noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 20.

This year’s festival features 10 local food vendors serving a wide variety of flavors and favorites, including Charcoal Delights, Giuseppe’s Pizza, HD Cuisine, Karavan, Kona Ice, Mexico Restaurant, Midwest Smoke BBQ, Que Bola Cuban Cafe, Serna’s Grill and Tiki Terrace (Hawaiian Food Truck).

Live music kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday, June 19, and continues beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 20, on the Main Stage, sponsored by Rivers Gives. Featured performers include Sixteen Candles, ARRA, Rememories, Y2K, Lara Bell Band, Fearless: Tribute to Taylor, Second Hand News, and more.

Families can also enjoy entertainment throughout the weekend on the World Stage, sponsored by Town and Country Distributors, with additional performances and activities still to be announced.

More information about the entertainment lineup, food vendors and festival activities is available at desplainesil.gov/taste

$1 Film Series: NeverEnding Story

Step into a world of adventure during a special $1 screening of The NeverEnding Story at the Des Plaines Theatre on Tuesday, June 2, at 7 p.m.

Part of the City of Des Plaines and Des Plaines Theatre summer movie series, the beloved classic follows a young boy who discovers a mysterious book that transports him to a magical world fighting to survive.

Concessions will be available for purchase. Doors will open at 6PM. For more information, visit the Des Plaines Theatre website.

You’re Invited: Share Your Input at June 8 Sustainability Plan Public Workshop

The City of Des Plaines is developing an updated Sustainability Plan to guide actions that improve environmental quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen resilience to climate-related challenges.

Members of the public are invited to attend a public workshop on Monday, June 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at City Council Chambers to provide direct feedback on the Sustainability Plan and help shape its priorities and recommendations.

City staff will share an overview of the planning process and gather input from residents to inform the plan before it is finalized, and consultants will share the City’s emissions audit.

In addition, a community survey is currently open through June 22 to collect additional input. The survey takes approximately four to five minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous.

Des Plaines Rises to No. 9 in Illinois in Latest “Best Places to Live” Rankings

For the second straight year, Des Plaines has earned a spot on U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Places to Live” list. In the 2026 rankings, Des Plaines climbed to No. 9 in Illinois and No. 144 overall in the United States, continuing its rise among the country’s top communities.

Visit our website for more information about this accomplishment.

Collage celebrating Des Plaines’ recognition in U.S. News & World Report rankings, featuring neighborhood, event, and downtown aerial images.

Curbside Chatter: Food Truck Round Up

It’s been more than one week since the first Food Truck Round Up of the summer, and visitors are still reflecting on their favorite memories and positive experiences from the evening! In this edition of Curbside Chatter, attendees explain what they enjoy about the summer staple and why it stands out.

Watch the Curbside Chatter video about Food Truck Round Up in Des Plaines

Upcoming Meetings and Reminders

6/1 - City Council Meeting | 7 p.m. at City Hall
6/2 - $1 Film Series: NeverEnding Story | 7 p.m. at Des Plaines Theatre
6/8 - Public Workshop on Sustainability Plan | 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at City Hall
6/15 - City Council Meeting | 7 p.m. at City Hall
6/19 - Taste of Des Plaines | 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. in downtown Des Plaines
6/20 - Taste of Des Plaines | 12 p.m. - 11 p.m. in downtown Des Plaines
6/28 - Community Fireworks | 7 p.m. at Oakton College

City of Des Plaines
Phone 847.391.5300

1420 Miner Street
Des Plaines, IL 60016

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