Ravinia District announces District Doings

HIGHLAND PARK – The Ravinia District of Highland Park continues to come alive with District Doings, a series of activities curated by local businesses in its shared al fresco dining space along Roger Williams Avenue between Burton and Pleasant avenues.

“Bringing live music back to the Ravinia Business District has been such a success. We wanted to incorporate more safe outdoor activities for our community,” said Katie Wiswald, chairman of the Ravinia Business District Association and vice president at Highland Park Bank and Trust. “The Ravinia District’s al fresco dining area offers Highland Park licensed businesses the opportunity to use the space for outdoor activities when indoor space has so many limitations.”

Running through Aug. 28, all activities will follow social distancing guidelines.

Scheduled District Doings

• WeOrbit hosts Summer Outdoor Art on Mondays through Aug. 17 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. for 18- to 36-month-olds and 11 to 11:30 a.m. for 3- to 6-year-olds. Classes will focus on basic color skills and art experimentation. The fee is $115 for the five-week outdoor series and $25 per drop-in. Register at www.weorbit.com and dress for a mess.

• The Children's Theater Company turns kids ages 3½ to 5 into ShowBiz Stars on Tuesdays through Aug. 25 from 3 to 3:45 p.m. This class introduces children to the magical world of musical theater. Each week, students will get the opportunity to learn songs, choreography and scene work from a variety of musicals. They will perform what they've learned at the end of each class. They will express their creativity through singing, dancing and acting. Instructors are Margo Proeh, Amy Walken and the Children's Theatre Co. staff. Cost is $20 per class or $110 for all six classes. Registration is required by calling 847-997-1317 or by emailing margo@thechildrenstheatreco.com.

• Shri Yoga Center presents a series of unique outdoor yoga experiences at 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 10:30 a.m. Thursdays, starting with Vinyasa Flow with Debbie. Reservations are required, and each class is $10. To find out the class style and to register, visit www.shriyogacenter.com.

• Aloha City Ukes brings the sounds of Hawaii to the Ravinia District at its Ukulele Learn to Play Day from 5 to 6 p.m. July 28. Registration is required. Space is limited. Call 847-926-7339 or email matt@alohacityukes.com to reserve your spot.

• Burn Boot Camp introduces Burn and Beers Thursdays, beginning July 23 and running through Aug. 27, at 3 p.m. The 45-minute workout is free to the public and all levels are welcome. Come for the workout and stay for some beer. Participants must register by calling or texting 847-748-0607.

• WeOrbit celebrates Music Time with Nicole, a one-day interactive jam session from 10:30 to 11 a.m. July 24 that includes nursery and folk songs geared toward children ages 0-7. Foam mat seating will be in place for social distancing. The fee is $15 per child. Registration is required. Register at www.weorbit.com.

• Dana Reed Designs brings the artistry of jewelry-making to the Ravinia District from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 29. This hands-on Copper Cuff class is for kids and adults of all ages. All materials will be supplied. Signup is required. Space is limited. To secure a preferred time slot, email info@danareeddesigns.com.

• Soul 2 Sole Dance invites kids ages 3 to 4½ to a Dance Party on Wednesdays, Aug. 5 and 12, from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Cost is $10 a class. Registration is required. Call 847-579-4660 or visit www.soul2soledance.com.

For a full schedule of updated District Doings, follow @RaviniaDistrict.HighlandPark on Facebook.

Additionally, live music sponsored by the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners will continue on select Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays including:

• Saturday, July 25, 6 to 8:30 p.m.: Handsome Man’s Gentlemen’s Club

• Sunday, July 26, 3 to 6 p.m.: Anderlik, Otto & Church

• Saturday, Aug. 1, 6 to 8:30 p.m.: Ravinia Ramblers

• Sunday, Aug. 2, 3 to 6 p.m.: Cover Story Featuring Andy & Lisa

• Thursday, Aug. 6, 6 to 8:30 p.m.: Rachel Drew & John Szymanski

• Saturday, Aug. 8, 6 to 8:30 p.m.: Al Rose & Steve Doyle

• Saturday, Aug. 15, 6 to 8:30 p.m.: Anderlik & Church Duo

• Sunday, Aug. 16, 3 to 6 p.m.: The Westerlees

• Thursday, Aug. 20, 6 to 8:30 p.m.: Zach Goforth

• Saturday, Aug. 22, 6 to 8:30 p.m.: Handsome Man’s Gentleman’s Club

• Sunday, Aug. 23, 3 to 6 p.m.: Diamondback Trio

• Thursday, Aug. 27, 6 to 8:30 p.m.: Jared Rabin

• Saturday, Aug. 29, 6 to 8:30 p.m.: John Kimler Duo

The Ravinia District Al Fresco Dining area opened in June as the city entered Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan to allow the public to enjoy the variety of foods from Ravinia District businesses. No outside food or beverages are permitted. Seating is reserved for individuals who have bought food or drink from local Ravinia District restaurants, including Abigail’s American Bistro, BWB.Rocks, Baker Boys, Piero’s Pizza, Ravinia Brewing Co. and Viaggio.

The public is reminded to follow all social distancing and safety guidelines, including:

• Wear a face covering when entering any business, including picking up a restaurant’s carryout order.

• Wear a face covering over the nose and mouth at all times.

• Continue to wear a face covering when walking around the District if not able to maintain a safe 6-foot social distance.

• Avoid congregating on the street and sidewalk.

• Enjoy alcoholic beverages only in the designated outdoor dining areas.

• Dispose of your trash before leaving the outdoor dining area, or take it with you and dispose of it at home.

For more information on the District Doings, visit the Ravinia District Facebook page at www.facebook.com/raviniadistrict.highlandpark.