Our fundraising events bring friends, families, and the entire community together! Proceeds from these events help support the enhancement of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Department's programs, services, facilities, and need-based activity scholarships for families in the community.

FRIENDS FESTIVAL & FIREWORKS

Cancelled: Saturday, July 4: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

With social distancing measures expected to be in place throughout most of the summer, the Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Foundation has made the difficult decision to announce the cancellation of the annual Festival and Fireworks celebration slated for July 4, 2020.

This decision was made after careful consideration and to keep the health and safety of our community at the highest of priorities. "The notion of having eight to ten thousand people close to one another enjoying the festival and watching fireworks is just not something that the governor is going to allow. Governor Pritzker has been pretty clear that the large gatherings of people will be among the last things to go back to normal." said event coordinator, Rick Amos. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated sponsors and volunteers and we look forward to seeing you on July 4, 2021.

The Friends of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Foundation (Friends) was established to promote excellence in our parks and recreation system by helping build beautiful parks, make improvements, and expand recreational programs and activities. The Festival and Fireworks is just one of the many fundraising events they host throughout the year. Their events bring friends, families, and the entire community together while raising funds for the Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Department.

lake forest music festival

Saturday, August 22: 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Save the date for an end of summer bash in the parking lot behind City Hall. This year we will be featuring bands, burgers, bourbon, and fun for all ages! More information coming soon.

FRED JACKSON GOLF CLASSIC

Friday, September 11: 11:30 am - 5:00 pm

The Annual Fred Jackson Golf Classic is one of the major fundraisers for the Friends of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Foundation. This fun-filled event at Deerpath Golf Course features 18 holes plus a cart, lunch and beverages, several contest prizes, player's gifts, and the presenting of the Mayor's Cup. Please join us for a beautiful day of golf!

Registration opens July 15

LAKE FOREST ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

Friday, November 27th: 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Don't miss out on the annual tree lighting ceremony in Market Square. The entire family will enjoy an evening of live entertainment, warm drinks, carolers, and Santa!

DINNER WITH SANTA

Saturday, December 5th & Sunday, December 6th

Northcroft Park's enclosed and heated pavilion will be transformed into Santa's Workshop for this magical event! Decorate cookies, help Santa's elves create holiday toys, and listen to Santa Claus read a Christmas story. Dinner will be served and Santa will take special time to visit with each family. Tickets go on sale in October.