Celebrate Chicagoland’s most famous foods at Picnic on Park Sunday; EHM’s family event includes Rainbow Cones, Wienermobile, more

The Elmhurst History Museum invites the public to officially pay homage to Chicago’s most famous food icons—namely the “big three” of pizza, hot dogs and Italian beef—at a free event on the museum grounds.

The Picnic on Park celebration takes place on Sunday, July 10 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on the grounds of the Elmhurst History Museum, located at 120 E. Park Ave. in downtown Elmhurst. Families and foodies of all ages are invited to explore the new exhibit, “Eat Your Heart Out: Iconic Chicagoland Foods,” inside the Glos Mansion to learn about the history of Chicago’s three pillars of food fame. The celebration spills out onto the museum’s lawn where Picnic on Park participants can take part in food-centric games and activities and enjoy live music.

Picnic on Park event highlights

The Oscar Meyer Wienermobile will be showcased along with other photo ops, and the Original Rainbow Cone truck will be on hand serving up free small cones to the first 300 patrons (one/person, additional ice cream for sale after giveaway).

Free face painters, fun games and crafts will be available for kids while supplies last. Live music by the Scottie Long Duo will be performed from at 1:45 p.m. and energetic family favorite Leonardo Music will take the stage at 3 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating.

The museum’s parking lot will be closed to accommodate the event, but free parking is available in nearby City of Elmhurst parking garages and on nearby streets. The museum is located across from the Metra train station (Union Pacific West Line).

Visitors are invited to bring canned good donations to support the Elmhurst Yorkfield Food Pantry which are being collected in the gallery and at Elmhurst Public Library during July. For the latest event information, visit the museum’s website at elmhursthistory.org or call 630-833-1457 or follow the museum’s social media for the updates.