Rising Together: A Community Cookbook from Skokie: Submit your recipe by June 30
We’re excited to bring Rising Together: A Community Cookbook from Skokie to life! This first-ever cookbook, created by the Downtown Skokie Merchants Collaborative (DSMC), is a collection of 75-100 baked goods recipes that celebrate the flavors, families, and businesses that make Skokie special. Each recipe tells a story—whether it’s a cherished family tradition, a signature treat from a local restaurant, or a creative masterpiece from a passionate home baker. Best of all, 100% of the proceeds will directly support Downtown Skokie, funding community improvements, events, and initiatives. Join us in making history—one recipe at a time!
Spend in Downtown Skokie Bingo
Join the Spend in Downtown Skokie Bingo event this March to celebrate Chicago’s North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Restaurant Month! Shop local, collect stamps, and complete a Bingo traditional line (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) to enter a drawing for exciting prizes like Skokie merchandise and Downtown Skokie gift cards. The event runs March 1 - 31, 2025.
Paws for a Cause: Skokie’s Pet Parade & Festival
This June, we are part of a special fundraiser with C.A.R.E. and other Downtown Skokie merchants for a pet parade and an outdoor pet-friendly café experience after the parade. Details coming soon!
Together for Skokie: Community Give-Back & Recovery Day
EXTENDED! The Skokie water main break turned Valentine’s Day into chaos—shuttering businesses and flooding homes. Now, the Downtown Skokie Merchant's Collaborative (DSMC) is stepping up with a $30 donation program that gives you a local merchant gift on March 7. Seventy-five percent of your contribution directly aids our downtown businesses, while the rest funds a well-deserved celebration for the tireless utility workers who restored our water. Your support truly helps rebuild and uplift Skokie during these challenging times!
Giggle and Goodies: Chocolate Edition
Join us for Giggles and Goodies: Chocolate Edition on Thursday, February 13! Collect delicious chocolate treats, enjoy humorous jokes, and explore Downtown Skokie. Tickets are limited, so don’t miss this sweet and laughter-filled adventure!
Tasty Treats and Snowy Streets in Downtown Skokie
Experience a progressive tasting menu that takes you on a culinary journey through downtown Skokie during Chicago Restaurant Week! For $45 per ticket, enjoy a thoughtfully curated evening featuring four courses at some of Skokie’s best dining spots.
You’ll begin with appetizers at Blue Kale, move on to a main course at Libertad, savor desserts crafted by Kneads and Wants Bakery at Take Flight Spirits, and end the night with a special aperitif from Take Flight Spirits.
With family-style seating and individually plated food, it’s the perfect opportunity to connect with neighbors, share a table, and explore vibrant flavors.
Downtown Skokie Cookie Walk
Win-Win: Shop Local, Eat Cookies
Support local Skokie businesses while enjoying unique holiday cookies along the way! The second-annual Downtown Skokie Holiday Cookie Walk will take place on Saturday, December 7, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at participating downtown businesses.
RSVP: Tickets are $30 and proceeds support the Skokie Community Foundation.
Small Business Saturday
Celebrate and support local businesses in Downtown Skokie this Small Business Saturday! Enjoy exclusive deals, one-of-a-kind finds, and the warm, welcoming vibe of our vibrant downtown. With unique shops, cozy cafes, and inviting restaurants, there’s something for everyone.
Village Inn Pizza
Kneads & Wants Artisan Bakery
RJ Breaks
The Pilates Experience
DeColores Sip & Paint
Start Your Day in Skokie Coffee Tumbler
Start Your Day in Skokie Travel Mug
Kick off your holiday shopping by supporting local businesses in Downtown Skokie on Small Business Saturday! This year’s event begins on November 30, and it’s the perfect opportunity to shop small while enjoying an exciting promotion. Start your day with a gift that keeps on giving—a "Start Your Day in Skokie" coffee travel mug! This reusable mug gets you a free cup of coffee or tea every day throughout January 2025.
Mugs are available for $40, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Skokie Community Foundation. You can pick one up at any of the following participating locations while supplies last:
Will’s Place (7927 Lincoln Ave.)
Kneads and Wants Bakery (8042 Lincoln Ave.)
Qahwah House (5238 Touhy Ave.)
Complimentary Cafe (4933 Oakton St.)
Sweet Reserve (4845 Oakton St.)
Support your community, enjoy great coffee, and give back this holiday season—shop local in Downtown Skokie!
Downtown Skokie Trick-Or-Treat & Halloween Event
On Saturday October 26, from 1-3pm, all residents and their families are invited to dress up and walk the streets of downtown Skokie, trick or treating from business to business who set up a candy and activity station, including some music/DJ stations, in front of their stores. Vacancies and non-participating businesses will be occupied by additional community supporters who are not centrally located in Downtown Skokie.
The Trick-or-Treating route starts on Oakton St. at the Crafty Beaver parking lot, next to the Skokie Swift Oakton stop and extends West to the intersection of Lincoln Ave. where the Trick-or-Treating continues North to the St. Peter Catholic Church and South to the intersection of Galitz St.
Kids can pick up Trick-or-Treat bags at the Crafty Beaver starting point or Krier Plaza