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 Oak Park Farmers' Market kicks off 2026 season
The Oak Park Farmers’ Market opens this Saturday, May 23, continuing its tradition of providing fresh, local food and a hub for social connection for more than five decades. The Market takes place from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday of the 2026 season in the Pilgrim Congregational Church parking lot at 460 Lake St., one block west of Ridgeland Avenue. Patrons will have the opportunity to enjoy the Market for an additional two weeks this year, as the Village has opted to keep the Market open for 26 weekends, extending the season until Saturday, Nov. 14. More than two dozen local independent farmers and producers will participate in the 2026 Market, offering seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, meat, fish, cheese, eggs, flowers, bread, grains and honey. The Market also features donuts made on-site, fresh coffee and live bluegrass music.
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Go Green Days kicks off Farmers' Market special events
The Oak Park Farmers’ Market will continue to host its popular special events throughout the season, starting with Go Green Days this Saturday and May 30. These eco-focused Market days highlight sustainability organizations and initiatives in Oak Park. The Village’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience will be discussing its Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Plan project and giving away 200 one-gallon tree saplings this Saturday on a first-come, first-served basis as part of its Climate Ready Canopy program.
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Farmers' Market among recent podcast episode topics
The latest episode of the Village’s Inside Oak Park podcast features a preview of the 2026 Farmers’ Market season along with a discussion of the state’s Lead Service Line Replacement requirement. Listeners can also check out a recent episode dedicated to Oak Park University, the Government 101 program the Village launched this year to help residents better understand how their local government works. Inside Oak Park is available on Spotify, and episodes are archived on the Village website at www.oak-park.us/podcast.
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Parking restrictions eased for holiday weekend
Starting tonight, overnight parking restrictions will not be enforced on most Oak Park streets over Memorial Day weekend. Overnight on-street parking will be lifted at 2:30 a.m. Saturday, May 23 and resume at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 27. All other parking regulations remain in effect, including restrictions in zones reserved for permit holders, daytime posted restrictions and regulations related to traffic and public safety. The holiday parking schedule for all of 2026 is posted at www.oak-park.us/holidayparking.
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Village Hall closed for Memorial Day
Village Hall will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day. Oak Park’s annual community Memorial Day ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. at the Peace Triumphant Monument in Scoville Park. Refuse and recycling collection will be delayed by one day next week as a result of the holiday. Should an incident that doesn't quite rise to the level of a 911 emergency occur when Village Hall is closed, residents may call the Police Department non-emergency number 708.386.3800 for assistance. For more information about Village Hall hours, visit www.oak-park.us/villagehall.
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Tree Talk & Stroll planned for May 27
The Village is partnering with the Oak Park Public Library to host a Tree Talk & Stroll from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27. Join Village Forestry Superintendent Grant Jones and Trinity Pierce of the Chicago Region Trees Initiative as they discuss trees in Oak Park neighborhoods, the economic, environmental and health benefits of trees, and ways to support green spaces. The event starts and finishes at the Dole Branch Library, 255 Augusta St., home to a diverse collection of trees. Registration is required via the Oak Park Public Library website.
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Village Board celebrates Olympic medalist from Oak Park
The Village Board at its meeting this week recognized and celebrated Emery Lehman, an Oak Park native and four-time United States Olympian. Earlier this year Lehman and his U.S. speedskating men's team pursuit teammates earned a silver medal at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. He also earned a bronze medal in the same event at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Lehman was presented with what is believed to be the first-ever Key to the Village, a new honor reserved for those who have brought exceptional distinction to Oak Park.
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Village supporting “Healing Through Humor” at ComedyPlex
As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Village is highlighting an upcoming community event titled “Healing Through Humor,” a therapist-led comedy showcase taking place at the ComedyPlex on May 28. This unique program brings together local talent, including mental health professionals and comedians, for an evening that blends storytelling, humor and connection in a meaningful way. The event underscores an important message: There is more than one path to supporting mental health and well-being. By creating space for laughter alongside reflection, “Healing Through Humor” is striving to help reduce stigma, foster open conversation and remind the community that healing can take many forms. Residents are encouraged to join this Village-supported event by bringing friends and family to take part in a night that celebrates both community and care. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets.
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