👋 25+ National Night Out Events, National Farmers Market Week Guide & More!

When people think of wineries, the Northwest Suburbs may not be the first place that comes to mind, but Roselle is home to one of Illinois’ true wine staples.

Lynfred Winery was founded by Fred E. Koehler, often recognized as the father of the Illinois wine industry, and has become a beloved destination in the Northwest Suburbs.

With its wide variety of wines, tasting room and production facility, Lynfred remains one of those local hidden gems worth knowing about. (Link)

It’s National Farmers Market Week, a celebration of the important role farmers markets play in supporting local food, small farms and community gathering places.

Here in the Northwest Suburbs, we’re lucky to have plenty of great markets happening throughout the week. Whether you’re picking up fresh produce, baked goods, flowers or just looking for a nice morning out, this is a great week to support your local farmers market.

A new 0.25% sales tax increase took effect Aug. 1 in Chicago and surrounding counties to help fund regional public transit.

The increase applies across the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority region, which includes Cook and the collar counties. (Link)

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has officially entered the Chicago mayoral race, bringing nearly $22 million in campaign cash and strong union support.

His entry adds another major name to an already competitive race that includes several well-known Illinois Democrats. (Link)

The Chicago Ducky Derby returns Thursday, sending thousands of rubber ducks down the Chicago River to support Special Olympics Illinois athletes.

The annual event raises money for a great cause and has become one of Chicago’s most recognizable summer fundraisers. (Link)

• Arlington Heights: The Arlington Alfresco “Sip & Stroll” Social District is now open downtown, allowing guests 21 and older to purchase drinks from participating businesses and enjoy them within the designated district Thursday through Saturday evenings. (Link)

• Arlington Heights: The KidneyMobile is coming to Arlington Heights on Thursday, Aug. 27 from 12 to 4 PM at Lutheran Church of the Cross, offering free kidney health screenings and education. (Link)

• Barrington: Hough Street, Route 59, is reduced to one lane in each direction south of Northwest Highway as work continues on the next phase of the Route 14 underpass project. Drivers should expect delays in the area. (Link)

• Des Plaines: City officials announced a scheduled August 3 vote to approve $12.9 million in contracts for restoring the historic downtown bank building into a restaurant. (Link)

• Elgin: Elgin City Council unanimously approved a planned development expansion for Wayside Cross Ministries and PADS at 1730–1740 Berkeley Street to increase emergency shelter capacity to 118 persons and establish transitional recovery housing.

• Elgin: Butera grocery store at Clock Tower Plaza was sold to Frank's Freshway Market, which will reopen the space Aug 11th, preserving a full-service grocer for the neighborhood.

• Mount Prospect: Prestige Feed Products will pay $185,000 in civil penalties under a consent decree resolving a lawsuit over odor and noise pollution from its former animal feed plant, which closed in December 2025. (Link)

• Palatine: Palatine Street Feast returns Sunday, Aug. 16 from 11 AM to 7 PM in the commuter lot near Tap House, featuring food trucks, live music, drinks and a nearby car show from 4 to 7 PM. (Link)

• Schaumburg: The village announced the main stage lineup for 2026 Septemberfest, with live entertainment planned throughout Labor Day weekend at the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center grounds. (Link)

• Skokie: The Skokie Park District amended its conduct ordinance to prohibit e-bikes, e-scooters and other electric or motorized devices from being ridden on district property, with exceptions for ADA accommodations. (Link)

Scout’s Tales Bookstore (Arlington Heights) | New independent bookstore offering curated titles, author events, story times, and community book clubs. (Link)

Green Heart Hair Studio (Mount Prospect) | New local hair studio offering a comfortable & creative space with flexible scheduling. (Link)

Roosevelt University RISE (Schaumburg) | Aug 4th | Business incubator supporting local entrepreneurs with office space, maker spaces, intern support, and mentorship. (Link)

SUR Barrels & Boards (Elgin) | Aug 5th | Argentine-Italian tapas and wine bar offering charcuterie boards, Pinsa Romana flatbreads, and mate tea service. (Link)

Exxon (Palatine) | Aug 7th | New Exxon gas station and convenience store offering fuel, convenience items, and lottery services. Grand opening special: Save 25¢/gallon. (Link)

Golden Corridor Family YMCA (Schaumburg) | Aug 10th | Ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating their newest facility extension and upgraded wellness space. (Link)

This week, we’re highlighting a new local spot that already feels like a fun throwback.

Al’s Hot Dogs in Long Grove is a 1950s-inspired diner serving up Chicago-style hot dogs, burgers, Italian beef, pizza, shakes, sundaes and other classic comfort food favorites.

My wife and I recently stopped by during their Wednesday Cruise Night, just six weeks after they opened, and had a great time. We got to check out some beautiful classic and antique cars, enjoy live music outside and try a bunch of food from the menu.

We had the Philly Cheesesteak, Al’s Signature Cheeseburger, Classic Chicago Dog, Greek Salad, Strawberry Milkshake & fries cooked in beef tallow. Honestly, everything we tried was really good, but the Philly Cheesesteak and fries especially stood out.

The restaurant itself is very cool, with a fun 1950s theme, great atmosphere and staff that were super friendly and helpful from start to finish.

All in all, Al’s feels like a wonderful new addition to the Northwest Suburbs, and we definitely recommend checking it out if you’re in the area. (Link)

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
- Oscar Wilde

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