July 15 City E-News: Food Truck Round Up, National Night Out, and more.

City of Des Plaines sent this bulletin at 07/15/2026 04:45 PM CDT

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E-News From the City of Des Plaines

Message from Mayor Goczkowski

I hope you all had a great time celebrating America’s 250th birthday. I certainly did, and I enjoyed attending both the Community Fireworks and Independence Day Parade and seeing so many residents at these cherished Des Plaines traditions.

Summer fun in Des Plaines is far from over. Next Tuesday, July 21, the City’s Food Truck Round Up returns to Metropolitan Square from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will feature the perfect summer combination of live music, great food, and an opportunity to enjoy an evening downtown with friends and neighbors.

Then, on Tuesday, August 4, the Des Plaines Police and Fire Departments will host the annual National Night Out at Forest Elementary School and Algonquin Middle School. This family-friendly event is a great opportunity to meet our first responders, learn more about the important work they do, and get a closer look at the equipment and services they use to keep our city safe.

Of course, summer also brings the possibility of extreme heat. During this stretch of high temperatures, several public facilities are available as cooling centers for those who need relief from the heat. I encourage everyone to stay hydrated, take precautions during hot weather, and check on family, friends, and neighbors who may need assistance.

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

Mayor, city manager, elected officials, and others stand in the street at the Des Plaines Independence Day Parade wearing matching blue shirts

Email Mayor Andrew Goczkowski

City Council Meets On Monday, July 20

City Council will meet on Monday, July 20, at 7 p.m. The meeting will include the regular business of the City Council, as well as meetings of the Finance & Administration Committee and Community Development Committee.

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.

Save Room for the Food Truck Round Up at Metropolitan Square on July 21

We’re rounding up another tasty evening in downtown Des Plaines! The second Food Truck Round Up event of 2026 is set for Tuesday, July 21, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Metropolitan Square. Everyone is invited to enjoy an evening of great food, live music, and summer fun.

The evening lineup is packed with flavor. Grab a bite from one of the food trucks, play yard games, and enjoy live music by 28 Days Duo beginning at 5:30 p.m. Limited picnic table seating is available, and attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs.

Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options will be available from select food trucks. Food trucks participating in the July event include:

Can't make it? The third and final Food Truck Round Up of the season will take place Tuesday, August 18, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Library Plaza. For more information, visit our website at desplainesil.gov/foodtruckroundup.

National Night Out Returns August 4

National Night Out will take place on Tuesday, August 4, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Forest Elementary School (1375 S. 5th Ave.) and Algonquin Middle School (767 E. Algonquin Rd.). Join the Des Plaines Police Department for this free, family-friendly event that brings neighbors and first responders together to build stronger community connections.

Enjoy specialty vehicles, a K-9 demonstration, food trucks, games, live entertainment, activities, and displays from local organizations. It’s a great opportunity to meet the people who protect and serve Des Plaines and learn more about the equipment and services that help keep our city safe.

The event footprint includes both school campuses and the adjoining green space. Free parking is available at both schools, with entrances off Forest Avenue and 5th Avenue.

For more information, visit our website at desplainesil.gov/nationalnightout.

Blue infographic with text "Des Plaines National Night Out Family Fun! August 4 | 5 - 8 p.m. | Forest Elementary and Algonquin Middle School Grounds

Beat the Heat: Cooling Centers Available

Our area is currently experiencing a stretch of intense heat that is expected to last through Saturday, July 18, with temperatures approaching triple digits. As a reminder, several cooling centers are available in and near Des Plaines if you need relief from the heat.

Covered walkway between City Hall and the Police Department (1420 Miner St.) Open 24 hours during the heat wave
Des Plaines Public Library (1501 Ellinwood St.)
Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m, Monday through Friday
Oakton College – Des Plaines Campus (1600 E. Golf Rd.)
Open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Thursday
Des Plaines Park District – Prairie Lakes Community Center (515 E. Thacker St.) Open 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday

Hours may vary on weekends. Please contact each location directly to confirm weekend availability before visiting. Additional cooling centers throughout Cook County are also available. View the complete list on the Cook County Cooling Centers webpage.

Orange cooling centers graphic listing City Hall/Police walkway, Des Plaines Public Library, Oakton College, and Prairie Lakes Community Center

Curbside Chatter

This year's Taste of Des Plaines may be over, but we’re serving up one more helping of fun!

While at the festival, our Media Services team asked attendees one simple question: “If your personality was a food, what would it be?” Check out their creative answers and enjoy one more taste of this year’s event!

Tan and green Curbside Chatter video thumbnail with text “If your personality was a food, what would it be?” and play button

Upcoming Meetings and Reminders

7/20 - City Council Meeting | 7 p.m. at City Hall
7/21 - Food Truck Round Up | 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Metropolitan Square
8/3 - City Council Meeting | 7 p.m. at City Hall
8/4 - National Night Out | 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Forest Elementary/Algonquin Middle
8/17 - City Council Meeting | 7 p.m. at City Hall
8/18 - Food Truck Round Up | 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Library Plaza

City of Des Plaines
Phone 847.391.5300

1420 Miner Street
Des Plaines, IL 60016

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