The Arboretum Village is truly a place for all seasons, with activities and events celebrating community, collegiality and drawing residents, business professionals and visitors throughout the year.
Relax and unwind as you stroll the fragrant Garden Walk to Downtown Lisle’s PrairieWalk Pond, a 4.5-acre sustainable natural park featuring lighted pathways, walking trails, native plants and flowers, a gazebo, preserved wetland and seating area. The Dragonfly Landing children’s play area boasts a 10-foot tall “flowering” spray mists, a shelter with a living roof that serves as a gathering space, a whimsical tree house, climbing frog and cattail swingers.
At night, enjoy the scenic splendor of multiple fountains that change color and provide a dramatic gateway to Downtown Lisle, an area bustling with arts, entertainment, activities and events throughout the year.
Enjoy year-round events and recreation at Morton Arboretum, open 365 days a year. Set on 1,700 acres, the arboretum is home to 900 acres of woodlands, prairie, meadows, lakes and streams and 500 acres of plant collections and gardens. Explore 16 miles of hiking trails, or drive or bike through nine miles of roads. Guided walks or tours on an open air tram ride also are available.
There is plenty to do and see at Morton Arboretum. The little ones will be enthralled with the four-acre, interactive educational Children’s Garden, or the Maze Garden, consisting of a one-acre puzzle of hedges.
Take a break in the Visitor Center and learn from interactive displays, have a bite to eat in the Gingko Restaurant and shop for unique items in the Arboretum Store.
A trip to the Arboretum is a visual delight, whether it’s viewing the Daffodil Glad in spring, marveling at the hues of changing leaves in autumn or being captivated by the artful lighting of trees at the winter Illumination event.
FRENCH MARKET
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – June 2-September 29
PrairieWalk Pond (Garfield Ave.), (630) 222-3403
The open-air French Market, run by Bensidoun USA, Inc., is located on Garfield Avenue adjacent to the award-winning PrairieWalk Pond.
With vendors changing weekly each market is a unique experience featuring artisan crafts, baked goods, cheeses, food, fresh produce, home accessories, jewelry, knife sharpening, olive oils and pet products. Free parking is available adjacent to the market. There is no admission charge, so bring the whole family. Friendly pets on a leash are welcome.
EYES TO THE SKIES BALLOON FESTIVAL
June 29-July 1, Community Park
1825 Short St. (Route 53 and Short Street)
www.eyestotheskies.org, (630) 541-6095
The Lisle Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival is a favorite family event offering daily morning and evening hot air balloon launches (weather permitting), nightly nautical-themed balloon glows and tethered balloon rides. Drawing more than 80,000 visitors, this popular festival also includes live music on two stages, three nights of fireworks, a huge children’s area, over 50 food vendors, a craft show and carnival rides.Don’t miss this year’s Team Fastrax America’s Skydiving Team, performing daily skydiving shows.
LISLE PARK DISTRICT SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT SERIES
7:30 to 9 p.m., July 18, July 25 & August 1
Lisle Community Park (1825 Short St.), www.lisleparkdistrict.org
Bring the family, chairs and blankets to enjoy summertime concerts at the park. Sponsored by the Lisle Park District, the Summer Entertainment Series concerts will include a range of music genres
from rock to blues and country. Admission is free, and food and
drinks will be available for purchase.
DEPOT DAYS
Noon to 5 p.m., September 15 & 16
Lisle Station Park Campus (921 School St.), www.lisleparkdistrict.org
Enjoy a hayride, shop at the craft fair or enjoy fresh-baked apple pies and warm cornbread. Watch demonstrations such as basket weaving, lace making, beekeeping and blacksmithing. The past comes alive at Depot Days at The Museums .Sponsored by the Lisle Heritage Society, the event is free to the public, and all ages are welcome.
LISLE ALE FEST
4 to 8 p.m., September 29, www.lislealefest.com/tickets
Downtown Lisle, at Garfield Avenue, PrairieWalk Pond
A celebration of beer, food and music, the Sixth Annual Lisle Ale Fest features 40 breweries, 80 craft beers and Lisle-area restaurants. It is presented by the Lisle Area Chamber of Commerce and includes both early entry and general admission, as well as designated driver tickets.
LISLE UNCORKED
6 to 9 p.m., November 2, www.lislechamber.com
Hilton Lisle/Naperville (3003 Corporate West Dr.)
Learn about new wine varieties at Uncorked, A Wine Event, sponsored by the Lisle Area Chamber of Commerce. The event includes wine tastings, wine pairings, wine gifts and crafts to purchase and an opportunity to purchase wine at discounted rates.
LIGHTS OF LISLE
December 1 & 2, Downtown Lisle
The glow from thousands of luminarias, twinkling tree lights and storefront decorations will transform Downtown Lisle into a truly magical place when the Lights of Lisle festival kicks off the holiday season. The striking setting is the perfect backdrop for a weekend full of free, fun holiday activities. Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, festive holiday music and performances at Lisle Village Hall; trolley rides through Downtown Lisle to view thousands of luminarias lining the streets and PrairieWalk Pond; participate in Merry on Main by visiting the Main Street business and the annual tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. at the community holiday tree on the grounds of village hall.
Once Upon a Christmas, a wonderful family-oriented annual event held at the Museums of Station Park campus, features children’s crafts, brick oven baking, blacksmithing and ice carving in conjunction with Lights of Lisle.