A weekly summary of Skokie news sent from the Village right to your inbox.

August 12, 2025

View in browser

Greetings Ivan! 

Here’s what you need to know this week:

👮 Experience police work firsthand. Sign up today for Skokie’s free Citizens Police Academy

🚵‍♀️ Help Skokie become more bike-friendly. Take the 2025 Bicycle Friendly Community Survey

👨‍🎨 Attention creatives! Join us at The Storefront on Sunday, August 17 for an Artists Networking Event

Cruz the Turtle with Village staff and members of the Public Safety Commission at National Night Out

Starting March 1, 2026, most residential streets in Skokie will have a new speed limit of 25 mph, down from 30 mph. Approved by the Village Board on June 16, this change aims to create safer, more livable neighborhoods by creating a consistent speed limit that is aligned with how most drivers already travel.

Raising awareness: The Village recently launched the Summer of ’25 campaign to inform residents of the upcoming change. Community outreach has taken place at events like Wednesdays on the Green and National Night Out, and through social media posts featuring Skokie community members sharing their reasons for driving 25 mph.

Join the conversation: Meet Village representatives and Cruz the Turtle, the campaign’s official mascot, on Saturday, August 23 at Skokie’s Backlot Bash. Stop by the Village of Skokie tent to learn more and pick up a pair of “Summer of ’25” sunglasses or some sidewalk chalk to create your own Summer of ’25 artwork.

The Village has been informed that overnight construction on the Old Orchard Road bridge over I-94 will run from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Saturday, August 16. Crews are removing thesouthern half of the bridge. Two-way traffic will be maintained, but nearby residents may notice increased noise. 

While overnight hours are focused on bridge demolition, crews will also be working during the day on other parts of the project.

Two young women enjoying a ride at the 2024 Backlot Bash. (Photo: Rich Cahan)

Mark your calendars—Skokie’s Backlot Bash is back Friday, August 22 through Sunday, August 24, 2025 in Downtown Skokie. This three-day street festival is packed with live music, carnival rides, great food, and family-friendly fun.

Headliners: 

Fun for everyone: Enjoy two music stages, a carnival midway, the Backlot Dash 5K and youth fun run, bingo, and the Rotary Pancake Breakfast.

YouTube video of a Sushi Roll performance

End summer on a high note at the final Wednesdays on the Green concert, Wednesday, August 13 at 7 p.m. on the Village Green between Village Hall and Skokie Public Library.

Featured band: Chicago cover band Sushi Roll delivers a high-energy mix of pop, rock, and dance hits—from Bruno Mars to Lady Gaga—paired with colorful, cosplay-inspired costumes and nonstop crowd interaction.

Bring a blanket or chair, grab carryout from a Downtown Skokie restaurant or onsite from Lincoln Dogs or Brain Freeze Ice Cream, and enjoy a free evening of music under the summer sky.

Interested in going solar? Join a free Virtual Solar Power Hour hosted by the Village of Wilmette and the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) tonight, Tuesday, August 12, from 7 to 8 p.m.

This event is open to everyone and will cover solar basics, financial benefits, and how the Switch Together Solar group buy program helps make solar more affordable through community education and volume purchasing. Register for the event.

Backyard composting helps reduce waste and protect the environment, but to keep rats away, follow these important tips:

You can also use one of the Village’s food scrap drop-off locations or subscribe to a curbside compost program. For more information, visit skokie.org/compost.

Get ready to experience a spectacular year of theater from Music Theater Works with unforgettable stories, iconic music, and breathtaking performances  — all at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie!

Membership renewals are open now. New memberships begin October 1. Call 847.673.6300 or visit musictheaterworks.com to subscribe and secure your seats.

Can’t wait for spring? Catch the rest of their 2025–2026 season with Fiddler on the Roof running through August 17, Godspell October 23–November 16, and Annie December 18–January 4, 2026!

Watch WGN’s Midday News' sneak peek of Fiddler on the Roof.

Don't let the mystery go unsolved! Get your tickets for CLUE: A Walking Mystery today!

Time is running out to experience CLUE: A Walking Mystery in Downtown Skokie! This interactive outdoor adventure brings the classic board game to life as you search for clues, question suspects, and solve the mystery of who did it, where, and with what.

The mystery is afoot: The game begins at Village Green Park, between Skokie Village Hall and Skokie Public Library, and takes you through nearby streets and shops. Along the way, you’ll gather evidence, crack puzzles, and piece together the solution. It’s a fun challenge for families, friends, and mystery lovers—recommended for ages 8 and up.

Race against time: The final day to play is Sunday, August 17, 2025, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the mystery! Purchase your tickets today.

EVENTS

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held at Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street.