This Week's Featured Events In Elmwood Park [September 22-28]
We’re trying something new. The Illinois Indie Critics invited the Elmwood Park Advocate to sponsor a movie conversation with Don Shanahan, who’s been contributing film writing and coverage of local film festivals to the newsletter.
Editor Kevin Gosztola will host the event on September 28 at 3 p.m. in the Ferrentino Meeting Room at the Elmwood Park Public Library. Don will recap some favorite films from the summer, invite attendees to share their own recent favorites. Then Don will preview the top Oscar contenders and what residents should look forward to seeing during the final months of 2025.
Sprinkled in along the way will be some trivia, movie prizes, delicious popcorn, and an endorsement for the Free Blockbuster box in Elmwood Park (which is managed by Don). (RSVP here.)
Now, here are some more events happening this week.
If you know of a future event that the newsletter should feature, submit event details to newsletter@elmwoodparkadvocate.org
Tuesday, September 23
Hispanic Night
6:45 p.m. | Elmwood Park Public Library
The library hosts an evening program for Hispanic Heritage Month. All are welcome, whether you’re Hispanic or of Hispanic ancestry, or not. This community event should be educational and fun for all ages.
Wednesday, September 24
Elmwood Park Youth Commission Bike Ride
6:45 p.m. | Centennial Park
Kids, grab your bikes and get some fresh air and exercise with the Elmwood Park Youth Commission’s monthly bike ride.
Friday, September 26
Festival De La Vida
6 p.m. | Elmwood Park Recreation Center
Adults 50 years and older are invited to celebrate life, music, and the community through an evening of dinner, dancing, and fun.
Saturday, September 26
Triton College Fall Family Fun Fest
10 a.m. | Triton College
Free fest open to the public. Families are welcome to come take a free pumpkin (while supplies last). There will also be food and treats available for purchase.
“This is How We Roll” Roller Skating
10:30 a.m. | Elmwood Park Recreation Center
Free event in the gymnasium of the village’s recreation center. You must bring your own roller skates or roller blades.
Friday and Saturday, September 26-27
Oaktoberfest
4 p.m. on Fri, 12 p.m. on Sat | Downtown Oak Park
This year marks the 33rd anniversary of Downtown Oak Park’s Oaktoberfest two-day festival, celebrating the fall season with great music, beer, and food. The festival offers craft brews, local food specials, and live music. For further details about beer and wine selections and music performances, go to https://oaktoberfest.net/.
Sunday, September 28
‘Neighborhood Watch’ with Elmwood Park Movie Critic Don Shanahan
3 p.m. | Elmwood Park Public Library
Join Elmwood Park’s resident movie critic Don Shanahan and Elmwood Park Advocate editor Kevin Gosztola for an enjoyable and upbeat event for movie fans. We invite you to share your favorite films from the past summer, and Don will also discuss his favorites and share which films that you should look forward to seeing in the fall and winter.