From the ‘best in the west’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade and our spring and fall wine walk, to the devilishly delightful Casket Races and annual Holiday Walk, you won’t want to miss a single one of our fun-for-all-ages events. There are even opportunities to participate! Be sure to follow us on Facebook or Instagram and sign up for our events newsletter so you don’t miss out on the fun!
Chamber Events
Locals, visitors and the media love our unique community events and you will too! Fun all year for all ages.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 1, 2025 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Join us at 1 pm on March 1, 2025 for a fun-filled day in downtown Forest Park at the best St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the western suburbs! 70+ entries include bagpipers, marching bands, Irish dancers, local business entries, Medinah Shriner parade units, police & fire departments & much more! The parade kicks off at 1 pm from Madison and Van Buren and travels east on Madison to Elgin. Grab your friends and join us!
Sponsor the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Forest Park Spring Wine & Art Walk
April 12, 2025 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm – $50.00
Explore the unique shops and restaurants on Madison at our Spring Wine & Art Walk. Taste three wines at 16 locations, enjoy locally prepared small bites and enjoy the works of local artisans.
The cost is $50 per person and includes all tastings plus a free bottle of wine of your choice (to be picked up from Famous Liquors within 30 days). Choose from a 12:30 pm or 1:30 pm registration time…then meet us at Forest Park Bank (7348 Madison) where you’ll receive your wine glass, itinerary and more on the day of the event. Availability of day of ‘walk-in’ spots is not guaranteed, so reserve your spot today.
The Wine Walk will be held rain or shine. Tickets are transferable but not refundable. Registration details will be sent to the purchaser’s email two weeks prior to the event.
13th Annual Forest Park Casket Races
October 18, 2025 @ 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Spectating is free. Racing is $40 per team.
Get in the ‘spirit’ and join us for a frightfully good time at our annual Casket Races. Watching the races is a thrill…but participating is devilishly delightful! Form your team and start training now for your chance to win 1st, 2nd or 3rd place, or the most frightfully funny, or creepiest ‘casket’. There’s also a trophy for the team that comes in ‘dead last.’
Races start at 11 am but come early to join in the fun…then enjoy Trick or Treat on Madison immediately following the races.
LOCATION: Beloit Avenue between Madison & Adams in Forest Park (7500 Madison St.)
Sponsor the 13th Annual Forest Park Casket Races
Forest Park Fall Wine & Art Walk
November 8, 2025 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm – $50.00
Explore the unique shops and restaurants on Madison at our Fall Wine Walk on Saturday, November 8 from 1 to 5 pm. Taste three wines at 16 locations and enjoy locally prepared small bites at taste locations and restaurants.
Cost is $50 per person and includes all tastings plus a free bottle of wine of your choice (to be picked up from Famous Liquors within 30 days). Choose from a 12:30 pm or 1:30 pm registration time…then meet us at Forest Park Bank (7348 Madison) where you’ll receive your wine glass, itinerary and more on the day of the event. Availability of day of ‘walk-in’ spots is not guaranteed, so reserve your spot today.
The Wine Walk will be held rain or shine. Tickets are transferable but not refundable. Registration details will be sent to the purchaser’s email two weeks prior to the event.
Forest Park Holiday Walk
December 5, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Live window displays, merchant open houses, horse-drawn carriage rides, balloon twisting, face painting, Santa & Mrs. Claus and an Ice Sculpture photo op are just part of the magic of this annual Holiday Walk on Madison Street.
Sponsor the Holiday Walk & Festival of Windows