Oak Park’s biggest spring festival, “What’s Blooming,” was a hit again this year!
This Saturday, Harrison Street came alive with over 120 booths from local artisans, small businesses, and makers. Add carnival rides, an art auction, a performance stage, a beer garden, and awesome local eats into the mix—there was plenty to see and do!
The place was packed, everyone enjoying the sunny, warm weather. Highlights included the Happy Swirls Ice Cream truck and cool margaritas from Taco Mucho.
Live music rocked the Kinslahger Beer Garden from 11 AM to 9 PM, keeping the vibes lively and fun.
Don’t miss out next year! Save the date—every third Saturday in May, we kick off the festival season with “What’s Blooming!”
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and many of the local shops and businesses within the Arts District offer services for enhancing mental health and whole body, mind, and spiritual wellness.
From therapy and counseling to studios specializing in Reiki, meditation, dance, and language learning, along with unique gyms focused on holistic health rather than just toning—many of the businesses here are united by a vision to help individuals achieve wellness.
Check out many of the local businesses in the Arts District to enhance your Mental Health and Well-Being.
Natalie Walsh
Natalie Walks guides clients to identify and release what’s no longer serving them in order to move forward to live a life filled with passion and purpose, shining their inner light on their own life as well as those around them!
Tip from Natalie Walsh: Through our lives we take on the weight of grief, limiting beliefs, physical, mental, and energetic blocks from traumas, past “versions” of ourselves which we become attached to, even when that version is no longer feeling good or bringing us joy! I help clients to clear that and welcome new abundant energy into their bodies, their energy, their homes, their work, and their relationships so they can live the beautiful, purposeful, peaceful life they were put on earth to live! Learn more about Natalie Walsh.
Mosaic Counseling & Wellness
Mosaic believes that there is room for growth in all of our lives. They understand that the fit between therapist and client is essential to success as healing occurs within relationships. They practice from an insight-oriented, collaborative, and individualized approach to meet the unique needs of clients. They offer services for children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Mosaic therapists work with clients to co-create an empathic and accepting space where they can feel safe while also feeling challenged to work towards change.
Tip from Mosaic: Take a moment for yourself today with the gentle art of journaling. Amidst life’s hustle, it’s important to pause, breathe, and reconnect with your inner world. Carve out some quiet time, grab your favorite notebook, and let your thoughts flow freely onto the page. Nurture your mind, one entry at a time. Learn more about Mosaic.
Purple Sun Arts
“Raise Your Vibration” is the theme at Purple Sun Arts. Visit the shop to see a delightful collection of Cicada inspired paintings, artwork, and jewelry that will inspire and help you raise your vibration. The shop offers an immersive arts experience for those who seek purpose and meaning.
Tip from Purple Sun: Try out Cosmic Smashbooking™ and Cosmic Coaching™ with Dr. Ann Viernes, founder of Purple Sun Arts. Her workshops and transformational life coaching sessions helps clients create more purpose and meaning in their lives.
Fifty First Street Studio
Fifty First Street is a shop and studio for people interested in fostering a creative lifestyle. The studio offers workshops for all ages to learn new visual art skills, find connection with themselves and others, and expand the boundaries of their own creativity.
Tip from Cassie, owner of Fifty First Street: Pop in and check out the ceramics + goods in the store. She encourages you to them in your hands and feel the weight of each piece. These items are meant to be used and loved. Consider a workshop to expand the boundaries of your own creativity! Learn more about Fifty First Street.
Summer is a great time to start learning French or progress from your current level by taking a six-week French class with l’Institut français d’Oak Park! Registration opens on Monday, April 29 for classes that will take place from June 11 through July 17 in the Oak Park Arts District.
Start learning French with Le Débutant or build your French vocabulary, conversational fluency, and comprehension with Le Touriste, Le Globetrotteur, or Le Découvreur. Visit our website for session details and course descriptions.
What’s Blooming on Harrison 2024 – Lineup Announced! 🎶
Get ready to celebrate spring at the annual What’s Blooming on Harrison, happening RAIN OR SHINE on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in the vibrant Oak Park Arts District! From 11 AM to 7 PM, with our Beer Garden and Music Stage jamming out until 9 PM, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Here’s what’s on tap for this year’s festival
Art & Craft Galore: Wander through over 120 booths featuring the best in local art, crafts, and small businesses at our Vendor Fair.
Live Music All Day: Our Music Stage is set with a full lineup of bands and solo acts ready to rock your socks off.
Feast Your Heart Out: Enjoy tasty food from local restaurants, food trucks, and vendors.
Cheers to Local Brews: Sip on craft beers from the renowned Kinslahger brewery in our Beer Garden.
Family Fun: Don’t miss the Kiddie Carnival with beloved rides, fun games, and fabulous prizes for the little ones.
Art Auction Extravaganza: Take part in our Art Auction where you can view and bid on stunning artworks from talented local artists.
Come out to support the Arts, Community, and the Oak Park Arts District. Bring your friends, family, and festive spirits to enjoy a day packed with entertainment, art, and community vibes.
Stage Lineup is Set
Check out the video below to get a feel for this fun and family-friendly fest!
Thank you to our Sponsors who make this Event Possible!
Oak Park’s Largest and Favorite Spring street festival is in Full Bloom!
Since 1999, Harrison Street between Humphrey and Culyer is transformed every May with Booths including an art fair, crafter booths, local business booths, food vendors, children’s carnival rides, an art auction, craft beer garden, and entertainment stage for the WHAT’S BLOOMING STREET FESTIVAL.
Showcase your Art, Talent or Business at the Vendor Fair
Unleash your creativity and shine bright at our Vendor Fair! Whether you’re an artist, maker, or a budding entrepreneur, this is your chance showcase your craft to a vibrant community of enthusiasts. We are now accepting Art Vendors, Food Vendors, Community Booths, and Art Auction Submissions for the What’s Blooming. Complete the form by Saturday, April 6, to be included in all the pre-event promotion.
Save the date and gather your friends and neighbors for What’s Blooming
Get ready to enjoy the Oak Park Arts District’s signature event with over 5000 people expected to attend. What’s Blooming is a day filled with amazing artisans and makers tents, fun, food, music, and good neighborhood vibes from 11 am to 7 pm.
As the sun goes down, the tunes crank up, and our craft beer garden keeps the good times flowing until 9 pm.
