Picnic With Your Pet: Pups & Purrs Café

Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
A joyful community celebration benefiting Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.)

Get ready for a tail-wagging summer evening in Downtown Skokie!

Paws & Picnics is a festive outdoor community event bringing together pets, people, local businesses, food, and fun for a relaxed picnic-style celebration. This special evening supports Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.), helping animals find safe and loving homes.

This year’s event is an expanded and reimagined version of last year’s successful pet parade, which welcomed over 80 guests. We’re excited to create an even more vibrant and welcoming experience for pets and their people.

The event takes place in a designated outdoor festival space behind:

• Take Flight Spirits
• RJ Breaks
• Kneads and Wants Bakery

The area will be fully sectioned off for the event, creating a safe, comfortable, and festive environment for guests to picnic, relax, and enjoy the evening with their pets.

Entry: Through the alley off the Lincoln Avenue parking lot at the head of Warren Street.

Admission is included with the purchase of a.

Each Picnic Pack includes:

• Admission for 1 human + 1 pet
• A picnic-style meal from a participating Downtown Skokie business
• Access to all entertainment, activities, giveaways, and pet-friendly experiences

Additional humans and pets can be added during checkout.

Picnic meals are prepared by Downtown Skokie food partners and may include sandwiches, salads, pastries, snack boxes, and other outdoor-friendly options.

Additional beverages, human treats, and dog treats will be available for purchase at:

• Kneads and Wants Bakery
• Take Flight Spirits

Enjoy a relaxed, community-focused evening featuring:

• Pet-friendly outdoor seating areas
• Live music and entertainment
• Pet selfie station
• Paw print art station
• Giveaways and free samples
• Pet-themed vendors and sponsor booths
• Community fun with fellow animal lovers

Whether your pet is social and playful or prefers a quiet blanket nap, this event is designed for all personalities and comfort levels.

Paws & Picnics proudly supports both Downtown Skokie small businesses and animal rescue efforts. A portion of proceeds benefits Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.), helping animals in need find safe, loving homes.

By purchasing a Picnic Pack, guests directly support local restaurants and businesses while contributing to a meaningful cause.

• Meals are primarily served cold or at room temperature
• All pets must remain leashed and supervised at all times
• Please help keep the event clean and enjoyable for all guests

Bring your favorite furry companion and enjoy a summer evening of food, community, and celebration in the heart of Downtown Skokie.

For more information and to purchase your picnic box: https://www.downtownskokie.community/petpicnic