Downers Grove Issue Sept-Oct 2025
Keeping It Classic
Kevin Conner’s music strikes a chord with audiences across and beyond the western suburbs By Valerie Hardy As summer fades into memory, we’re reminded of its hallmark sights, sounds, and smells: the scent of funnel cakes wafting through the afternoon air, the sight of a Ferris wheel spinning against the backdrop of a cerulean sky,…
Read MoreSummer Concert Series
Photos by Madeline Craig The Downers Grove Park District’s Summer Concert Series lit up Fishel Park every Tuesday evening, where families and neighbors flocked to the Veterans Memorial Pavilion for some summer fun—featuring food trucks, beverage tents, and energetic bands performing from all different genres, including rock, country, blues, and oldies. The free, festive series…
Read MoreComing Soon
Photos courtesy of The Rec League The owners of The Rec League, a food and entertainment concept coming to Downtown Downers Grove in 2026, celebrated at a groundbreaking ceremony in early June.
Read MoreEnd of an Era
Three radio towers in Downers Grove were recently demolished after nearly a century of service By Valerie Hardy It was a dramatic sign-off to Downers Grove’s historic role in Chicago radio broadcasting when three towering structures located at the 100-block of 39th Street were demolished in early June. The three radio towers – once the…
Read MoreMusic to Our Ears
The harmonious history and ongoing offerings of the Downers Grove Music Club By Valerie Hardy For nearly a century, the Downers Grove Music Club (DGMC) has been striking a chord within the community. Founded in 1927, this nonprofit promotes music education, brings live music to the public, and supports local musicians. Concerts After the DGMC…
Read MoreInspired Giving Events
Creative fundraising abounds for local area not-for-profit organizations By Dave McGowan The necessity to raise funds brings out the creativity of our area not-for-profit organizations. Here are a few examples: Hinsdale’s own Assistance League of Chicagoland West hosts its Books & Brunch every November, and it’s a community favorite featuring interesting conversations with book authors.…
Read MoreA Mission for Literacy
DuPage nonprofit offers free, personalized English tutoring to help adult learners achieve their goals By Audrey Gorey One woman opened her home. Another offered to teach. What started as a small act of kindness soon grew into Literacy DuPage, when a Wheaton resident took in a refugee from Southeast Asia in 1972 and enlisted a…
Read MoreA Local Indiana Jones
Dr. James Henry Breasted spent a lifetime in pursuit of history’s mysteries By Maureen CallahanPhotos Courtesy of the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures of the University of Chicago Most towns cannot claim a local Indiana Jones. Downers Grove is very proud of the legacy of Dr. James Henry Breasted. This world-renowned explorer, archeologist,…
Read More“Sister” Cities
Areas and landmarks with the same name, but a different story By Maureen Callahan Have you ever wondered about other towns named the same as yours? We did a little research and learned that each of the towns under Hinsdale Magazine Group’s umbrella has at least one “sister/twin” town, neighborhood, or area of the same…
Read MoreTake the Stage
Rediscover passion, purpose, and performance—at any age. By Laura Michaud & Melissa G. Wilson “It’s never too late to start something new.” That timeless encouragement takes on deeper meaning in the world of performing arts. Whether you’re pulling a long-lost instrument out of storage, stepping into a spotlight for the first time, or returning to…
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