2025-2026 Public Policy Analysis Challenge: Governing the Environment

4:00 PM · 555. North Sheridan Road - Lake Forest, IL 60045

Community members are invited to attend the final round of the 2025-2026 Public Policy Analysis Challenge, being held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 26 at the Lily Reid Holt Memorial Chapel on Middle Campus. Each year, all Lake Forest College students are invited to participate in the Public Policy Analysis Challenge. This interdisciplinary competition challenges teams of students to develop policy recommendations based on the competition’s theme, which changes year-to-year. The theme for 2025-2026 is “Governing the Environment.” We invite community members to come support our students as they develop rigorous, evidence-based policy proposals directed at the local, state, national, or international level of governance to be evaluated by a team of external experts.

Ward 1 Meeting

7:30 PM · Gorton Center, 400 E Illinois Road, Lake Forest, Illinois

Join your Aldermen to learn what's new in your neighborhood and what's happening in Lake Forest! Ward 1: Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 6:30 pm Gorton Center, 400 E Illinois Road Aldermen Nancy P. Novit and Pete Clemens Find details for other Ward Meetings.

LFPD Autism Acceptance Fundraising Event

7:30 AM · Starbucks - 840 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest IL 60045

We’re kicking off Autism Acceptance Month with our new commemorative LFPD police patch! With a donation of $20 or more, you can take home one of these unique patches while supporting a great cause. Join us on April 30th at Starbucks (840 S. Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045), where we’ll be set up from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Stop by to chat with our officers, pick up your official LFPD patch or our popular car magnet, and don’t forget to head inside for some delicious coffee and treats! 💙 100% of the proceeds are directed to the Autism program of the SEDOL Foundation, a vital local Lake County organization making a significant impact in the lives of individuals with Autism. The Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL) is dedicated to providing educational opportunities tailored to the unique needs of individuals aged 3 to 22 who face physical, mental, and emotional challenges. Additionally, Lake Forest High School’s West Campus proudly hosts a SEDOL education program, further supporting students in our community. Your support makes a real difference—don’t miss this opportunity to give back and collect these unique items!

Go Lake Forest: Water Plant Tour

11:00 AM · 1441 Lake Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045

Location: Lake Forest Water Plant Water Plant Tour: A Glimpse Into Your Community’s Water System Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of our local water treatment plant! This informative experience will give you an understanding of how we provide clean, safe drinking water to our community. You’ll learn about the advanced technology and dedicated processes that ensure your tap water meets the highest quality standards. Our knowledgeable staff will walk you through the essential stages of water treatment and share interesting facts about our history. Whether you're curious about where your water comes from or how it’s purified, this tour is a great way to connect with the vital resource that powers our daily lives. Space is limited to the first 15 people. Register now!

Birds, Butterflies & Blooms: The Wonder of Nature In Your Own Backyard

2:00 PM · Lake Forest County Day School, 145 S Green Bay Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045

Do you want to attract more birds and pollinators to your yard? Are your current maintenance practices supporting them and our local ecosystems? Come and learn with us! Go home with great ideas! Dr. Doug Tallamy, renowned expert on natural ecosystems and co-founder of Homegrown National Park, will present insights into surprising natural processes unfolding in our own yards. Dr. Tallamy is an entomologist, conservationist, and professor at the University of Delaware, whose work has transformed our understanding of the relationship between native plants and wildlife. After the presentation, attendees can speak with experts and enthusiasts from the local organizations represented to ask more about how our yards interact with native savannas, wetlands, prairies, and woodlands that surround us. These experts will provide helpful information about topics such as introducing more native plants to your yard, providing habitat for birds and pollinators, deterring pests and managing weeds in environmentally safer ways, using autumn leaves to promote beneficial life and more. Exhibiting organizations include: Lake County Forest Preserve District • Lake Forest Open Lands Association • Lake Bluff Open Lands Association • Lake County Audubon Society • League of Women Voters Lake Michigan Region • Growing Native Habitat Lake Bluff • University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists • Dr. Giovanni Aloi, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago & Author of Lawn • Garden Club representatives from Lake Forest and Lake Bluff/Knollwood

Public Works Committee

6:30 PM · 220 E. Deerpath Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045

This is a regular meeting of the Public Works Committee. Meetings are open to the public.  Find the agenda on the  Agendas and Minutes page .

City Council

7:30 PM · City Hall

This is a regular City Council meeting.  It will be held on the second floor Council Chambers and is open to the public.

Public Works Committee

6:30 PM · 220 E. Deerpath Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045

This is a regular meeting of the Public Works Committee. Meetings are open to the public.  Find the agenda on the  Agendas and Minutes page .

City Council

7:30 PM · City Hall

This is a regular City Council meeting.  It will be held on the second floor Council Chambers and is open to the public.

"Close Up: Aesthetics of Film Through John Ford and Akira Kurosawa" Lifelong Learning Course

6:30 PM · Glen Rowan House - 500 N. Sheridan Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045

Explore the art of cinema through the lens of legendary directors John Ford and Akira Kurosawa—join Lake Forest College professor Dr. Janet McCracken for this exciting new community engagement series. Held at the newly renovated Glen Rowan House, this five-week course will explore the art of filmmaking through selected works by these two titans of the film medium, and discover how movies communicate emotion, ideas, and meaning through images—and why their films still matter today. The opening and closing sessions will begin with a social reception featuring food and refreshments. Both the educational content and social receptions will offer opportunities to build community, engage with College leadership, and learn more about ongoing campus initiatives.

Zoning Board of Appeals

7:30 PM · 220 E. Deerpath, Lake Forest, IL 60045

This is a regular meeting of the Board and is open to the public.

Public Works Committee

6:30 PM · 220 E. Deerpath Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045

This is a regular meeting of the Public Works Committee. Meetings are open to the public.  Find the agenda on the  Agendas and Minutes page .

City Council

7:30 PM · City Hall

This is a regular City Council meeting.  It will be held on the second floor Council Chambers and is open to the public.

Meet the Fleet

11:00 AM · Municipal Services, 800 N Field Drive, Lake Forest, IL 60030

The Public Works Department is hosting a free Meet the Fleet event on Friday, June 12 from 10 am to 1 pm at Municipal Services. Meet Public Works employees and learn about the equipment they use that keep our community looking great! Children and adults are welcome to climb aboard and explore a variety of vehicles, trucks, and construction equipment.

Raising Senior Voices

11:00 AM · Dickinson Hall: 100 E Old Mill Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045

Dickinson Hall, the Lake Forest Lake Bluff Senior Citizens Foundation, and the Senior Resource Commission are hosting a town hall on Saturday, June 13th, 10-noon at Dickinson Hall. The purpose of this town hall is to bring together older adults, their families, and local leaders from the Senior Resources Commission, Dickinson Hall, and the LF LB Bluff Park Districts to share perspectives, needs, and ideas. The insights gathered will help inform the SRC’s upcoming five-year plan, ensuring that future investments align with the most pressing and meaningful priorities of our senior community.

Public Works Committee

6:30 PM · 220 E. Deerpath Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045

This is a regular meeting of the Public Works Committee. Meetings are open to the public.  Find the agenda on the  Agendas and Minutes page .

City Council

7:30 PM · City Hall

This is a regular City Council meeting.  It will be held on the second floor Council Chambers and is open to the public.

Bites on Bank Food Festival

6:00 PM · Bank Lane between Deerpath and Southgate

This summer, we’re introducing Bites on Bank, a new way to experience Lake Forest’s dining scene during the Concert in the Square on Thursday, July 2, 2026. Local restaurants and food shops will bring the flavors of Lake Forest to the newly transformed Bank Lane, offering small bites and sample-sized specialties available for purchase. It’s the perfect chance to stroll through the updated streetscape, discover new favorites, and build your own meal by sampling some of the community’s favorite eateries. Stop by Bank Lane from 5-8 pm and grab a bite while enjoying the Concert in the Square in Market Square (6:30-8:30 pm). It’s a delicious new tradition in the making – good food, great music, and a perfect summer evening in downtown Lake Forest. Bites on Bank is part of the City’s expanded Independence Day festivities, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States with additional community events designed to bring residents together. Independence Day Weekend Events: Thursday, July 2:  Bites on Bank Food Festival (5-8 pm) and Concert in the Square (6:30-8:30 pm) Friday, July 3:  Elawa Farm Dinner Saturday, July 4:  4th of July Festival and Fireworks  at Deerpath Community Park (5-10 pm) Sunday, July 5 :  Forest Park Beach Ice Cream Social with the American Legion

Lake Forest Festival and Fireworks

6:00 PM · Deerpark Community Park, 400 Hastings Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045

Celebrate the spirit of America’s 250th anniversary with an unforgettable Independence Day experience in the heart of the Lake Forest at Deerpath Community Park. This year’s Festival & Fireworks is bigger, brighter, and designed to bring the entire community together for an elevated celebration. Enjoy an enhanced family-friendly atmosphere with expanded children’s activities, more interactive experiences, and plenty of room to relax and connect with friends and neighbors. Live music will set the tone for the evening, featuring hometown favorite Fletcher Rockwell and a high-energy performance from the legendary Freddy Jones Band. As the sun sets, look to the sky for a spectacular, enhanced fireworks display that promises to be one of the most impressive in the community’s history. Make It a Celebration Weekend The Festival & Fireworks is the centerpiece of an expanded Independence Day Weekend: Thursday, July 2 – Concert in the Square & “Bites on Bank” Food Festival Friday, July 3 – Dinner at Elawa Farm Saturday, July 4 – Festival & Fireworks at Deerpath Community Park Sunday, July 5 – Ice Cream Social with the American Legion at Forest Park Beach This milestone year is the perfect time to start a new family tradition or continue one you’ve cherished for years. Gather your friends, bring a blanket, and plan to spend the afternoon celebrating community, country, and summer in Lake Forest. Tickets go on sale this spring—stay tuned for details!  

Public Works Committee

6:30 PM · 220 E. Deerpath Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045

This is a regular meeting of the Public Works Committee. Meetings are open to the public.  Find the agenda on the  Agendas and Minutes page .

Firefighter Pension Board Meeting

5:00 PM · 1111 Telegraph Rd.

Public Works Committee

6:30 PM · 220 E. Deerpath Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045

This is a regular meeting of the Public Works Committee. Meetings are open to the public.  Find the agenda on the  Agendas and Minutes page .

City Council

7:30 PM · City Hall

This is a regular City Council meeting.  It will be held on the second floor Council Chambers and is open to the public.

Police Pension Fund Board

5:00 PM · Public Safety Building, 255 W Deerpath Road

Cemetery Commission Meeting

6:00 PM · 520 East Spruce Avenue

This is a regular meeting of the Cemetery Commission. Meetings are open to the public. The agenda can be found on the  Agendas and Minutes  page.

Public Works Committee

6:30 PM · 220 E. Deerpath Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045

This is a regular meeting of the Public Works Committee. Meetings are open to the public.  Find the agenda on the  Agendas and Minutes page .

City Council

7:30 PM · City Hall

This is a regular City Council meeting.  It will be held on the second floor Council Chambers and is open to the public.

Lake Forest Day Carnival

5:00 PM · West Park

American Legion McKinlock Post 264 hosts Lake Forest Day festivities for the whole Lake Forest community. The 118th Lake Forest Day celebration is on Tuesday, August 4 and Wednesday, August 5, 2026 . Lake Forest Day festivities include: Tuesday, August 4 6–10 pm: Carnival at West Park Wednesday, August 5 7 am: 5K & Fun Run at Deerpath Community Park 10 am: Parade along Western Ave heading north to West Park 11 am–10 pm: Carnival at West Park

5K & Fun Run at Deerpath Community Park

8:00 AM · Deerpath Community Park

American Legion McKinlock Post 264 hosts Lake Forest Day festivities for the whole Lake Forest community. The 118th Lake Forest Day celebration is on Tuesday, August 4 and Wednesday, August 5, 2026 . Lake Forest Day festivities include: Tuesday, August 4 6–10 pm: Carnival at West Park Wednesday, August 5 7 am: 5K & Fun Run at Deerpath Community Park 10 am: Parade along Western Ave heading north to West Park 11 am–10 pm: Carnival at West Park

Lake Forest Day Parade

11:00 AM · Western Ave heading north to West Park

American Legion McKinlock Post 264 hosts Lake Forest Day festivities for the whole Lake Forest community. The 118th Lake Forest Day celebration is on Tuesday, August 4 and Wednesday, August 5, 2026 . Lake Forest Day festivities include: Tuesday, August 4 6–10 pm: Carnival at West Park Wednesday, August 5 7 am: 5K & Fun Run at Deerpath Community Park 10 am: Parade along Western Ave heading north to West Park 11 am–10 pm: Carnival at West Park

Lake Forest Day Carnival

12:00 PM · West Park

American Legion McKinlock Post 264 hosts Lake Forest Day festivities for the whole Lake Forest community. The 118th Lake Forest Day celebration is on Tuesday, August 4 and Wednesday, August 5, 2026 . Lake Forest Day festivities include: Tuesday, August 4 6–10 pm: Carnival at West Park Wednesday, August 5 7 am: 5K & Fun Run at Deerpath Community Park 10 am: Parade along Western Ave heading north to West Park 11 am–10 pm: Carnival at West Park

Building Review Board

7:30 PM · 800 N. Field Drive, Lake Forest, IL 60045

This is a regular meeting of the Board and is open to the public.

City Council

7:30 PM · City Hall

This is a regular City Council meeting.  It will be held on the second floor Council Chambers and is open to the public.

City Council

7:30 PM · City Hall

This is a regular City Council meeting.  It will be held on the second floor Council Chambers and is open to the public.

Firefighter Pension Board Meeting

5:00 PM · 1111 Telegraph Rd.

City Council

7:30 PM · City Hall

This is a regular City Council meeting.  It will be held on the second floor Council Chambers and is open to the public.

Police Pension Fund Board

5:00 PM · Public Safety Building, 255 W Deerpath Road

Cemetery Commission Meeting

6:00 PM · 520 East Spruce Avenue

This is a regular meeting of the Cemetery Commission. Meetings are open to the public. The agenda can be found on the  Agendas and Minutes  page.

City Council

6:30 PM · City Hall

This is a regular City Council meeting.  It will be held on the second floor Council Chambers and is open to the public.

Finance Committee Capital Budget Workshop

5:00 PM · 100 E Old Mill Rd, Dickinson Hall

Plan Commission

6:30 PM · 220 E. Deerpath, Lake Forest, IL 60045

This is a regular meeting of the Commission and is open to the public.

City Council

6:30 PM · City Hall

This is a regular City Council meeting.  It will be held on the second floor Council Chambers and is open to the public.

Historic Preservation Commission

6:30 PM · 220 E. Deerpath, Lake Forest, IL 60045

This is a regular meeting of the Commission and is open to the public.

City Council

6:30 PM · City Hall

This is a regular City Council meeting.  It will be held on the second floor Council Chambers and is open to the public.