Cantigny offers fun for adults with 'Summer Nights' series
Cantigny Park's 65th summer is buzzing with adult-oriented fun nights every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m.
The "Summer Nights" series debuted in June and features specialty cocktails, music, and entertainment with a different main event or theme every week.
Besides Summer Nights on Thursdays, Cantigny is staging special "Family Nights" on Wednesdays ("Storytime Night" on Aug. 2 and "Game Night" on Aug. 16), plus "Moonlit Movies" with live pre-show music every Friday.
Also new for 2023, Cantigny is open until 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, all summer long.
Here's the Summer Nights line-up for August:
• Thursday, Aug. 3: Rockin' in the Rock Garden
Expect a geologic blast as Cantigny partners with the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art in the park's beautiful Rock Garden. Learn about the fascinating world of rocks and minerals, play rock-themed trivia with a twist, and groove to a DJ's classic rock selections. Specialty cocktail: Watermelon Martini. Beer and wine available, too, including refreshing Cantigny Kolsch, from 93 Octane Brewery in St. Charles.
• Thursday, Aug. 10: Sip and Stroll
Enjoy a laid-back summer evening strolling the gardens and grounds with a cool adult beverage. Guided experiences will be offered, including Garden Tours, History Hikes, Tank Park Tours, and First in War Tours inside the First Division Museum. Tours begin at 6:15 and 7:30 p.m. Ticket price includes one drink ticket redeemable for beer, wine, or soft drink.
• Thursday, Aug. 17: Music Through the Gardens
As the sun sets, solo musicians will fill the air with soft melodies and soothing rhythms in Cantigny's lush gardens. Each space will feature a different genre of music. Specialty cocktail: Bee's Knees.
• Thursday, Aug. 24: Adult Field Trip
Explore the First Division Museum through games and activities, including a scavenger hunt with prizes. The experience combines military history with the fun of an outdoor movie screening ("Fury") and a variety of nostalgic foods sure to bring back fond memories of childhood. Specialty cocktail: Side Car.
Every edition of Summer Nights includes a choice of popular food trucks. Guests are welcome to bring picnics but not alcoholic beverages.
Tickets for "Summer Nights" are on sale now at Cantigny.org.
Tickets are $15, $12 for seniors, or free for ages 15 or younger. Parking is included with ticket purchase, and all sales are final.
Cantigny Park is open only to ticket holders on Thursdays after 4 p.m., with Summer Nights activities beginning at 6 p.m.