Residents will have an opportunity to support local businesses while enjoying live music, art and community activities when Chamber Night returns to downtown Flossmoor on Wednesday, July 29.

The annual event, which begins at 5 p.m., was launched in 2021 as a way to bring foot traffic to downtown businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, it has become a summer tradition featuring performances by local musicians and members of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra.

“This year’s Chamber Night … offers a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together in support of our local businesses while enjoying the incredible talent of members of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and a performance by the Bel Canto Community Choir,” said Flossmoor’s Community Engagement Manager Stephanie Wright. “We hope attendees will take the evening to explore downtown Flossmoor, shop, dine, and experience chamber music in a vibrant, walkable setting. Our favorite Flossmoor eateries will also be open, serving up their delicious food and drinks.”

Bel Canto Community Choir will open the evening’s musical program before a performance by members of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra. The event has traditionally combined music with opportunities for residents to visit local businesses and experience downtown Flossmoor.

For the first five years, the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce sponsored the event and handled much of the organizing work. This year, the Village of Flossmoor is taking over organizing responsibilities.

“We hope attendees will take the evening to explore downtown Flossmoor, shop, dine and experience chamber music in a vibrant, walkable setting,” Wright said.

Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the performances throughout the evening.

To accommodate the event, downtown streets will be closed to vehicle traffic, creating a pedestrian-friendly environment for visitors. Free parking will be available in the north and south commuter lots. Information regarding road closures is available on the village’s website.

In addition to the musical performances, Chamber Night will feature a live plein air painting experience throughout downtown during the day. Plein air painting is when artists create works outside during an event.

Completed works will be auctioned during the evening, with proceeds benefiting Flossmoor’s public art program. Information about participating artists and painting locations is available at Flossmoor.org.

Wright said the event is also an opportunity to celebrate downtown businesses following the completion of the downtown streetscape project, which was under construction last summer, forcing the relocation of the event.

“Most importantly, this year’s event will highlight Flossmoor’s beautiful downtown and the strength of its local business community, whose patience and partnership were especially appreciated during last summer’s downtown streetscape project, which brought safety improvements and new walkways to the area,” she said.