Most of us make ‘to do’ lists so we can be more productive…but those lists don’t always include entertainment and fun. But don’t worry – we’ve got your back. With all there is to see and do in Forest Park, we figured we’d make a list for you so you don’t miss a thing.
Robert’s Westside, Scratch Public House, Stoop Sessions
MUSIC, TRIVIA AND KARAOKE
Robert’s Westside
If music is your passion, Robert’s Westside will be your new favorite home for live music and community events. Showcasing artists of all generations and genres, it’s the perfect spot to meet up with friends, grab a drink and listen to some tunes. Check out Bobby’s Eastside next door – Forest Park’s only cocktail bar where you can meet up before or after a show. Click here for more information.
Scratch Public House
There’s a lot happening at Scratch all week long…and it’s all free, so you can save your money for drinks and yummy food (think smash burgers, house cut fries, fabulous homemade mac ‘n’ cheese and more). Wednesdays at 7 pm: Trivia (2 games per night); Thursdays from 8 to 11 pm: Karaoke with a great selection of songs; Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 10 pm: Enjoy live acoustic music with no cover. Click here for more information.
Groov’n in the Grove
Grab a blanket or chair and enjoy an evening of free music under the stars from 7 to 10 pm. Get your dancing shoes on for Chicago Catz – an award-winning wedding band on July 16 and keep them on for R-Gang on August 20. Pack your own picnic or enjoy concessions available for purchase. Location: The Grove – 7824 Madison Street, Forest Park. Click here for more information.
Stoop Sessions
Summer 2024 Stoop Sessions hosted by the Arts Alliance of Forest Park are just getting started! Held on a neighbor’s front porch, these mini-concerts are free and open to the public. Next up is Yng Romance at 7 pm on June 25 at 926 Marengo. The July 9 session will be held at 1041 Thomas. Grab a blanket and chair and join your neighbors for an enjoyable and entertaining summer night. Click here for more information
Kribi Coffee Air Roastery
Love trivia nights? Kribi Coffee’s monthly trivia nights are the bomb! The bar opens at 7 pm, trivia starts at 7:30…and the winner gets a $100 Kribi Coffee gift certificate! Get your tickets here.
Victory Sports Club, Escape Factor, Circle Lanes
SPORTS AND GAMES
Circle Bowling Lanes
This family-owned-and operated gem is a classic. Built in the 1940s, the décor is a real throwback but the facilities are state of the art. Automatic scoring, bumpers for kids, a billiard room with 5 tables and a full bar. Grab your friends or family and immerse yourself in an authentic nostalgic bowling experience. Click here for more information.
Victory Sports Club
Elevate your pitching skills or book a cage for batting practice or just for fun at this brand-new club where the love of and baseball and softball meets cutting-edge training. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or a seasoned player aiming to hone your skills, VSC has state of the art facilities, expert coaching, and everything you need to succeed. Click here for more information.
Escape Factor – Escape Room: A Puzzling Adventure
Voted a ‘top 5’ escape room in the USA, Escape Factor’s uniquely-themed rooms are designed to create suspense and excitement as your group of sleuths use their skills to escape before time runs out. Challenge your friends to a thrilling and memorable experience and book one of these rooms today: Timekeeper’s Trapped. Bonus Fun Time Game Show Challenge. The Treehouse Raid at Fort Knocks. Ghost in the Graveyard. Follow on Instagram for fun puzzles and more. Click here for more information.
O’Sullivan’s Public House
If you’re looking for a place to relax and catch a game, O’Sullivan’s is a top pick. With 13 flat-screen TV’s, every seat is the best seat in the house…and with their professional, international and local sports packages, you’ll have no problem finding your game of choice. Known for fantastic daily food and drink specials, delicious food, and beautiful outdoor beer garden, this cozy neighborhood pub will keep you coming back for more. Click here for more information.
Fatduck Tavern & Grill
Fatduck is another great spot to grab a cold drink, enjoy some tasty food and see who’s playing. This ‘go-to’ spot for over a decade is known for their famous duck fat fries, and you can catch a game on any of their 18 flat-screen TV’s indoors or in their huge outdoor beer garden. There’s even a TV in the men’s bathroom! Click here for more information,
Free Shakespeare in the Park, Haymarket Martyr’s Monument, Free Shakespeare in the Park
HISTORY AND THEATRE
Haymarket Martyr’s Monument & Radical Row Tour
Did you know that Forest Park has 50 to 1 dead vs. living residents? Our many cemeteries have historically-significant gravesites and are the final resting place for some notable and famous people. Get a glimpse at The Historical Society of Forest Park Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument and Radical Row tours the first Saturday of every month (May to October). Next tour is July 6. Get tickets here. Oh…and for the first time in history, you can enjoy a Movie at the Mausoleum. Watch the movie ‘Clue’ on the steps of the Lehmann Mausoleum in Forest Home Cemetery and learn more about this mausoleum and Forest Park cemetery history. Concessions by Smokey Joel’s Red Hots. Click here to sign up… adults only.
Pericles – Free Shakespeare in the Park
Forest Park Theatre presents its fourth free summer Shakespeare performance. This diverse company will bring to the stage Pericles, a stormy tale of loss, love and redemption. Join them for one of six free performances at 5 pm: August 9, 10, 11 and August 16, 17 & 18. Location: 7824 Madison Street. Click here for more for information.
Table & Lain, Junction Diner, Let’s Play Work
KIDS AND FAMILY
Let’s Play Work
Kids can experience the ultimate fun in this indoor playground, while you get to relax, check your email or get some work done. This grown-up friendly kid space hosts a variety of regular activities like vendor markets, day camps, game nights and more — and you can drop in for a day or buy a 5-day punch pass…and there’s monthly memberships, too. You can also book birthday parties or private play. Click here for more information.
Junction Diner
It’s a party every day at Junction Diner! Lots of restaurants are family friendly, but you’ll look far and wide to find one that offers ongoing entertainment for the kids. Junction Diner combines delicious food — including kid’s favorites + healthy menu options — with a fun, train-themed restaurant. If you snag a spot at the counter, the Junction Express train delivers your food…and there’s a large interactive model train table for kids to play with. It’s a great place to have a kid’s party, too. And did we mention they serve adult beverages? Click here for more information.
Books. Video Games. Movies & More
If you have a library card and you’re not using it to download and stream audiobooks, movies, TV shows, music and more…you’re missing out on free entertainment. Enjoy content 24/7 with no holds or late fees . Click here for you free content with Hoopla Digital.
COOKING CLASSES
Table & Lain
With an open floor plan and chef-driven custom menus, Table & Lain is an ideal space for dinner parties, small weddings, corporate events and more. Book a private in-person cooking class that includes three hours of chef-instructed hands-on cooking and a four-course meal, or sign up for hands-on public cooking classes. Click here to see their upcoming classes.
There’s always something to do in Forest Park…and this list should be your ‘go to’ when you’re looking for something fun to do with friends and family, or solo. The possibilities are endless and we have no doubt that you’ll be back for more because one stop is never enough.
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