Downtown Skokie - Sights, Sounds, Tastes and Experiences!

Beautiful Downtown Skokie!

Downtown Skokie is two square miles filled with delicious tastes, sights, sounds and fun! There’s unique shopping, interesting murals and sculptures, places to gather, bike trail connections and parking is free! See a map of Downtown Skokie.

See the pages to the left for an abundance of information on all things Downtown Skokie!

Downtown Skokie Restaurants

Residents, day and nighttime workers and visitors will enjoy an abundance of unique, independently owned dining options offering a wide variety of unique cuisines. Many eateries offer outdoor seating during warm-weather months.

Entertainment, Nightlife, Watering Holes and Experiential Entertainment

Downtown Skokie is home to Ignite Gaming, a state-of-the-art lounge and event venue offering PC and console games for individuals and groups, Sketchbook Brewing Company, the Skokie Theater and the Village Inn Pizzeria, Sports Bar & Grill. 

Living in Downtown Skokie

Residential and mixed-use options including several new developments within downtown Skokie has resulted in an influx in the number of people residing in downtown Skokie. This highly desirable area offers a variety of housing options for all tastes ranging from new to vintage, affordable to luxury, multi-family to single-family and rental or owner-occupied. 

Retail Stores

There is ample shopping and an abundance of service-providers including a mix of unique and readily recognized stores.

Jobs and the Illinois Science + Technology Park

Significant employment centers in Downtown Skokie include the ever-expanding Illinois Science + Technology Park.
Home to internationally and nationally-based companies such as Vetter Pharma, Lanzatech, Charles River, and NorthShore University HealthSystems along with other life science, high-tech and innovative companies spawned from Northwestern University such as NuMat Technologies, Cour Pharmaceuticals, Cyclopure and Flexterra, the park employs over 1,600 workers.

Transportation Options

Downtown Skokie has extensive public transportation options. The Skokie Swift CTA Yellow Line train, CTA and PACE bus routes and three full interchanges to the expressway all enable quick access to downtown Chicago, O’Hare International Airport as well as neighboring Chicago’s North Shore suburbs. Additionally, the miles-long, paved Skokie Valley Trail multi-use path for cyclists, runners and walkers stretches through Downtown Skokie from the north end of town and, on the south, connects to surrounding communities including the northwest side of Chicago. 

Parks and Public Art

Art lovers enjoy Downtown Skokie and exploring the extensive public art including both sculpture and murals. There are currently 19 unique art installations located throughout the Downtown from Oakton Street to Main Street. Currently, The Gallery at a+c architects (4840 Main Street) features revolving visiting artists and an eclectic modern art gallery is currently under construction at 7933 Lincoln Avenue. 

Special Events - Backlot Bash, Fourth of July Parade and More!

Downtown Skokie hosts numerous events throughout the year. The annual Skokie Festival of Cultures can take attendees on trip around the world while the Fourth of July parade features a variety of local, regional and national marching bands, vibrant floats, clowns, scouts and many other delights that add up to the much-anticipated, cherished annual event. Skokie’s Backlot Bash is a three-day party in Downtown Skokie and features live music with exciting headliners, food, a beer tent, carnival rides, bingo tent, 5K run, a classic car show and activities for all generations.

Skokie Farmers' Market

Every Sunday morning from mid-June through early November, the Skokie Farmer’s Market offers visitors the season’s finest fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, baked goods, meat & poultry, honey, desserts, cheeses as well as prepared foods to enjoy at the Market!

Downtown Skokie History

Downtown Skokie is rich in history! The Skokie Heritage Museum and Historic Fire Engine House is a beautifully restored building whose exhibits include a reconstructed 1800s Ladder Truck, a newly refurbished 1860s Rumsley Hand Pumper and more. Historical architecture also is abundant in Downtown Skokie, with St. Peter’s Church, Haben Funeral Home and Haben home, other historic churches, a nod to Skokie’s first blacksmith shop and much more.

Village Hall, Skokie Public Library and Other Skokie Community Partners

The Skokie Village Hall, Skokie Public Library, Oakton Community College Ray Harstein Campus, Niles Township Government Office and Skokie Chamber of Commerce and Industry all call downtown Skokie home.