Special Events
Clarkson Cookout - Saturday, September 19, 2026
Live Music • Fireworks • Kids Activities • Food & Drinks • Steve Soler Rib Contest
Join family and friends for the Clarkson Cookout at Clarkson Park on Saturday, September 19.
Live music featuring Bill Grady Band at 4:30PM and Panic at the Costco at 7PM.
- Fireworks at dusk
- Kids activities include a bounce house, balloonist and airbrush tattoos from 4:00–7:00PM.
- Food and beverages sold by Stormy's Tavern & Grille at the Mabie Family Pavilion
- Kona Ice (percentage of sales donated to the Northfield Parks Foundation)
- Awesome Mini Donuts (percentage of sales donated to the Northfield Parks Foundation)
Many thanks to the Clarkson Cookout Sponsors:
Village of Northfield | Northview Bank & Trust | Northshore Pizza Co. | The Tesar Group | Stormy's Tavern & Grille
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Interested in being a Clarkson Cookout VIP?
Enter for your chance to be a VIP at this year’s Clarkson Cookout on 9/19/26! You could win a grand prize VIP Experience which includes an exclusive, roped-off lawn area for ten people and a prime parking spot behind the band shell!
Two VIP prizes will be awarded. Tickets are just $5 - buy more and increase your chances to win! Enter the giveaway here.
All proceeds support the Northfield Parks Foundation. The goal of the Northfield Parks Foundation is to support the Northfield Park District by raising funds to develop community spaces and facilities.
Winners will be announced on the Foundation's social pages on Tuesday, September 8, 2026! Ticket sales close at 11:45pm on 9/7/26.
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Steve Soler Northfield Rib Contest
Bragging rights & trophies to the top 3 entries!
Local grillers are invited to enter the Steve Soler Rib Contest judged by Hofherr Meat Co. All registrations will be taken at the event only. To participate, come to the Park District tent from 3:00PM to 5:30PM. Registration is free but you must register by 5:30PM at which time registration closes. All rib entries are due to the judging table inside the Lustig Lodge by 6:15PM SHARP. Ribs that come in after these times will not be judged. Winners will be announced at around 7:00PM
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Friday September 18 Set Up Info
Clarkson Park picnic tables will be available on a first come/first serve basis starting at 3:00PM on Friday, September 5. Any items placed on tables or on the lawn before that time will be moved to the east side of the Lutsig Lodge. Roping off an area is not permitted. Important: No vehicles are allowed to enter Clarkson Park without permission. Contact the Park District for details on obtaining a permit.
Save the Date
Boo Bash - Friday, October 30, 2026
Free Fun for Ages 3-8 (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Games • Crafts • Balloonist • Train Ride through Willow Park
Join us from 6:00-7:30 on Friday October, 30th for some Halloween fun! Bring your trick or treat bag and wear your costumes!
Pumpkin Composting - October 30-November 17, 2026
Don't trash your pumpkins - compost them! Bring your pumpkins to the Northfield Community Center parking lot. Painted pumpkins are accepted, but be sure to remove any non-organic items, such as candles, stickers and other decorations.
Sponsored by Go Green Northfield, the Village of Northfield and the Northfield Park District