Memory Cafes in Illinois

Find Illinois Memory Cafes near you and enjoy a “dementia-friendly” outing with your loved one. Some are sponsored by national organizations, while many more are offered by local groups. If your favorite Memory Cafe isn’t shown, please let us know and we’ll add it. It’s free!

 

Arlington Heights

Arlington Heights Creating Connections Memory Cafe
Arlington Heights Senior Center  |  Room 190

1801 West Central Road  |  Arlington Heights, IL 60005
10:00 – 11:30 AM, 2nd Tuesday of each month
Sponsoring partners are:
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
Arlington Heights Park District
Arlington Heights Senior Center
– Catholic Charities Lunch-N-More Nutrition Services
Catholic Charities NW Senior Services
For more information, please call Arlington Heights Senior Center at 847.253.5532
Last updated: February 2019

Catholic Charities Northwest Suburban Senior Services Memory Cafe

Arlington Heights Senior Center

1801 West Central Road  |  Arlington Heights, IL 60005
1:30 – 3:00 PM, 3rd Wednesday of each month

For more information, please contact Mary McKernan at 847.253.5500 or mmckernan@catholiccharities.net.

Last updated: August 2023

Bartlett

Hanover Township Senior Center

240 S. IL Route 59  |  Bartlett, IL 60103
12:30 – 2:00 PM, 3rd Friday of each month
In collaboration with Catholic Charities Northwest
For more information, please call Diana Mondragon at 630.483.5660
Last updated: January 2019

Batavia

Memory Cafe Fox Valley  |  Batavia Public Library

10 South Batavia Ave.  |  Batavia, IL 60510
10:00 – 11:30 AM, 4th Wednesday of each month
(In November and December, please call for holiday schedule adjustments)
Holiday Party in early December!
For more information, please call 630.643.2263 or visit MemoryCafeFoxValley.com
Last updated: January 2020

Belvidere

Boone County Council on Aging  |  Steam Plant Restaurant

123 Meadow St.  |  Belvidere, IL 61008
6:00 PM, 3rd Tuesday of each month
For more information, please call Joe at 815.544.9893
Last updated: February 2017

Bourbonnais

Gathering Point Church

897 W. Bourbonnais Pkwy  |  Bourbonnais, IL 60914
10:00 – 11:30 AM, 4th Tuesday of each month
For more information or to RSVP, please call 815.935.3273
Last updated: November 2019

Buffalo Grove

Buffalo Grove Memory Cafe  |  Alcott Center

520 Bernard Drive  |  Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
2:00 – 3:00 PM, 4th Wednesday of each month

Individuals with memory loss and their care partners (required) connect with others through conversation, arts, music, and refreshments. Free and open to all. Registration is required (for participant and care partner), either online, by phone at 224.543.1485, or in person at any public service desk at the Vernon Area Library. The program is hosted by Belmont Village, Buffalo Grove Park District, Buffalo Grove Police Department, Indian Trails Public Library, Sunrise Assisted Living, and Vernon Area Public Library.
Last updated: February 2023 

Carterville

The Country Cupboard

3333 S. Division St.  |  Carterville, IL 62918
2:00 – 3:00 PM, every Tuesday of each month

Looking for a place to sit and relax with a loved one? Come and have a cup of coffee, on us, and learn about programs in our area that may benefit you! For more information, please contact the Egyptian Area Agency on Aging at 618.985.8311 or rsvp@egyptianaaa.org.
Last updated: August 2021 

Cary

Best Care Memory Cafe  |  Cary Senior Living

880 Feinberg Drive  |  Cary, IL 60013
10:00 – 11:00 AM, 4th Wednesday of each month
Starting January, 2024: 4th Thursday of each month

This free and fun program offers support to those with memory concerns and their caregivers to meet, share stories, enjoy meaningful activities, and spend time together. Activities and refreshments provided. For more information or to RSVP, please call Holly Kelps at 847.542.9934 or Carol Lee at 949.287.9044 or email carollee4001@gmail.com.
Last updated: December 2023

Catlin

Tales and Travel Memories  |  Catlin Public Library

101 Mapleleaf Dr.  |  Catlin, IL 61817
3:00 – 4:00 PM, 3rd Thursday of each month

Tales and Travel Memories is a one-hour library program that takes participants on an imaginary trip to a destination, person, or event, using library materials such as adult and children’s books, music, and objects. The program was originally developed by Gail Borden Library in Elgin, IL. For more information, please contact Lavana Hawkins at 217.427.2550 or catlinlibrary03@yahoo.com.
Last updated: March 2024 

Chicago

Al Cafe  |  Spanish Language Memory Cafe
Little Village Library

2311 S. Kedzie Ave.  |  Chicago, IL 60623
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, quarterly
Spanish-Friendly!

La BROCHA Chicago funded by the Healthy Communities Foundation is happy to bring a memory cafe in Spanish to the Chicagoland area.

Al Café es una reunión donde personas impactadas con pérdida de memoria – junto a sus familiares o seres queridos – pueden establecer conexiones, disfrutar y participar en actividades creativas y también socializar con más personas.

For more information or learn about upcoming dates, please contact Judith Susan Rocha at 708.858.1323 or LaBrochaChicago@gmail.com or visit on Facebook.
Last updated: December 2023 

Memory Cafe with AKARAMA & CHPV
AKARAMA Foundation Community Service Center

6220 South Ingleside Ave.  |  Chicago, IL 60634
11:00 AM – Noon, 3rd Thursday of each month

A safe, comfortable, and welcoming space for those living with mild cognitive impairment, early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, or related dementias AND their care partners. Our monthly Memory Cafe provides stimulating activities that encourage creativity and well-being through art, music, singing, and movement while offering opportunities to meet new friends and socialize. For more information, please contact Dorothy Pytel at 773.441.8457 or dorothy.pytel@chpv.org or visit online.
Last updated: December 2023

South Loop Memory Cafe
Second Presbyterian Church  |  Fellowship Hall

1936 South Michigan Avenue  |  Chicago, IL 60606 (corner of Michigan and Cullerton)
1:00 – 2:00 PM, 2nd Thursday of each month

This is an initiative of South Loop Village. Each Memory Cafe will have a theme that will stimulate the five senses. For more information or to register, please call 312.225.4406 or Email southloopvillage@gmail.com
Last updated: October 2023

Countryside

Young at Heart Adult Day Services Center

6504 Joliet Rd.  |  Countryside, IL 60525
10:00 – 11:30 AM, 2nd Friday of each month
Lunch is provided 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
For more information or to RSVP, please call Susan Bertuglia at 708.245.8087
Last updated: January 2019

Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake Public Library

126 Paddock St.  |  Crystal Lake, IL 60014
10:00 – 11:30 AM, 3rd Thursday of each month

You are invited for coffee and an informal social gathering where persons with memory issues and their care partner can connect with others in similar situations. We have lively conversation and fun activities. New members are always welcome. Join  us! For more information, please contact Marcia Tillman at 815.526.5145 or mtillman@crystallakelibrary.org or visit online.
Last updated: March 2023 

Decatur

Macon Memories Memory Cafe
Eagle Ridge of Decatur (lower level entry)

875 W. McKinley  |  Decatur, IL 62526
1:00 – 2:30 PM, 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month

We offer a non-judgmental, nurturing environment for persons living with dementia and their care providers. We offer a variety of activities including games, art activities, music, and socialization activities. All are welcome! For more information, please contact Starting Point at 217.423.6550 or caregiver@maconchd.org.
Last updated: March 2024 

Life Builders Church of God

833 W. Pershing Rd  |  Decatur, IL 62522
10:00 – 11:30 AM, 2nd Tuesday of each month
For more information, please call Diane at 630.440.6573
Last updated: November 2017

Deerfield

Deerfield Memory Cafe  |  Deerfield Public Library

920 Waukegan Rd.  |  Deerfield, IL 60015
10:30 – 11:45 AM, 1st Wednesday of each month

Each gathering will include a rotating theme or activity, and an opportunity to socialize with other attendees. Coffee and tea will be served. The Cafe is co-sponsored by the Deerfield Public Library and CJE Weinberg Community for Senior Living. For more information, please call Judy Hoffman at 847.580.8954 or email jhoffman@deerfieldlibrary.org or visit online.
Last updated: August 2023 

Effingham

Forget-Me-Not-Cafe  |  Tuscan Hills Winery

2200 Historic Hills Dr.  |  Effingham, IL 62401
Noon – 2:00 PM, Last Tuesday of each month
Cafe operates February through October
Discounted lunch options, followed by an hour of engagement, socialization, and entertainment
For more information, please call Jackie Witges at 217.663.0970
Last updated: October 2018

Elburn

The Memory Farm

46w747 Main Street Road  |  Elburn, IL 60119
10:00 AM – Noon, 1st Saturday of each month
For more information, please call Johanna Jameson at 630.306.0660 or
Email memoryfarm85@gmail.com
Last updated: October 2018

Elgin

Cafe de los Recuerdos  |  Bilingual Memory Cafes
Gail Borden Public Library  |  Community Rooms AB

270 N. Grove Avenue  |  Elgin, IL 60120
3:30 – 5:00 PM on the following dates:
May 18, 2023  |  October 19, 2023

Cafe de Los Recuerdos takes place three times a year in January, May, and October. The library collaborates with Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center to educate seniors about their health, teach them chair stretches, and participate in a craft activity such as Mandalas for relaxation. For more information, please call Nohora Chacon at 847.429.4673.
Last updated: March 2023

Elk Grove Village

Elk Grove Village Public Library  |  Large Meeting Room B

1001 Wellington Avenue  |  Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
10:00 – 11:30 AM, 2nd Friday of each month

Elk Grove Memory Cafe is a free social program for people living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or memory loss, and their care partners. It is an informal setting that features discussions about caregiver burnout, practical tips for coping with dementia, and so much more. Each session will feature an educational piece as well as various activities like music, crafts, exercise, and more! For more information, please contact Deborah Houtz at 847.534.8815 or deborah.houtz@promedica.org.
Last updated: May 2023 

Evanston

Evanston Public Library  |  Robert Crown Community Center

1801 Main St.  |  Evanston, IL 60202
1:00 – 2:00 PM, 3rd Saturday of each month

This is a collaboration between the Evanston Public Library and AgeOptions. For more information or to register, please visit online.
Last updated: December 2023

North Shore Memory Cafe  |  Levy Senior Center

300 Dodge Ave.  |  Evanston, IL 60202
1:00 – 3:00 PM, 1st Friday of each month
Registration is required!
For more information, or to register, please call 312.273.9000 ext. 8
Last updated: February 2018

Galena

Circle of Friends Memory Cafe  |  Prairie Ridge of Galena

1 Prairie Ridge Drive  |  Galena, IL 61036
4:00 – 5:00 PM, 3rd Thursday of each month
For more information, please call Laura Nissen at 563.599.0854
Last updated: April 2019

Glenview

East Wing Memory Care  |  Glenview Senior Center

2400 Chestnut Avenue  |  Glenview IL 60025
2:00 PM, 4th Wednesday of each month
For more information, please contact Susan Scatchell:
• Email: sscatchell@gentlehomecare.com or Phone: 847.323.7428
• Visit Gentle Home Services online for upcoming events
Last updated: March 2020

Highland Park

Highland Park Public Library  |  Lower Level Meeting Room/Auditorium

494 Laurel Avenue  |  Highland Park, IL 60035
1:30 – 2:30 PM, 3rd Monday of each month

A Memory Cafe is a safe space and social gathering place for individuals and loved ones or caregivers who live with memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimers, or other dementias. Individuals and carers, join us to socialize and explore a different subject. Each month’s topic will be unique and will include a snack! For more information, please call 847.432.0216 or contact the Information & Readers Services at hppla@hplibrary.org or visit online.

Last updated: September 2023

Hinsdale

Hinsdale Library

20 E. Maple St.  |  Hinsdale IL 60521
2:00 – 3:00 PM, 4th Wednesday of each month

For more information, please contact Mary Ferguson at 815.200.3886 or mferguson@birches.net.
Last updated: January 2024

Hodgkins

Salerno’s Pizzeria & Sports Bar

9301 W. 63rd St.  |  Hodgkins, Il 60525
10:00 – 11:30 AM, 3rd Tuesday of each month
There is not cost to attend, but RSVP is required
A complimentary lunch will be served immediately following
Transportation will be provided for selected field trips
Sponsored by Aging Care Connections
For more information, please call Jessica Haines:
• Phone: 708.603.2260 or Email: jhaines@agingcareconnections.org
Last updated: January 2020

Hometown

Hometown Community Cafe

8925 South Kostner Ave.  |  Hometown, IL 60456
10:00 – 11:30 AM, 2nd Wednesday of each month
Complimentary lunch follows
For more information, please contact Catherine Stowers or Carletta Gatling
PLOWS Council on Aging at 708.361.0219
Last updated: September 2019

Lake Bluff

The Sheridan at Green Oaks

29330 Waukegan Rd.  |  Lake Bluff, IL 60044
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 3rd Thursday of each month (some exceptions for holidays)
An RSVP is requested as space is limited
Provided as a partnership between:

  • Beyond Bingo, Inc.
  • Family Services of Lake County
  • The Sheridan at Green Oaks
  • Funded by a grant from the Spungen Family Foundation

For more information or to RSVP, please contact:
– Colleen Koziara, CEO Beyond Bingo, Inc. at 630.668.0850
– Kevin Koeneman, 
Site Contact at The Sheridan at Green Oaks at 224.723.0054
– Linda Magad, Sponsor at Family Services of Lake County at 847.432.4981 x110
Last updated: August 2019 


Lake Zurich

Ela Area Public Library

275 Mohawk Trail  |  Lake Zurich, IL 60047
10:00 – 11:30 AM, 3rd Tuesday of each month
Sponsored by Barrington Area Council on Aging
Registration is required
For more information or to register, please call BACOA’s Pam Pellizzari at 847.381.5030
Last updated: June 2019

Lombard

Sunrise at Fountain Square

2210 Fountain Square Drive  |  Lombard, IL 60148
10:00 – 11:30 AM, 2nd Saturday of each month
For more information, please call 630.953.8990
Last updated: August 2019

Melrose Park

Sharp Community Center

1609 36th Ave.  |  Melrose Park, IL 60160
10:00 – 11:30 AM, 1st Wednesday of each month
Lunch provided 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
For more information or to RSVP, please call Mattie Stevenson at 708.603.2331
Last updated: January 2019

Mount Prospect

Hanul Family Alliance

1166 S. Elmhurst Rd.  |  Mount Prospect, IL 60056
9:30 AM, 3rd Friday of each month
For more information, please call 847.439.5195
Last updated: March 2019

Naperville

Naperville Memory Cafe  |  Naperville Public Library

3015 Cedar Glade Drive  |  Naperville, IL 60564
2:00 – 3:30 PM, 2nd Tuesday of each month

The Naperville Memory Cafe is a social gatherings of individuals living with dementia and their care partners. We offer a place where both caregiver and care recipient can socialize together and connect with others in similar situations. Activities at these FREE events will vary including education, music, games and arts. The Memory Cafe is sponsored by The Naperville Senior Task Force and Dementia Friendly Naperville. For more information, please contact Lisa Kirchner at 630.710.7502. Register online here, but walk-ins are welcome.
Last updated: March 2022 

Multicultural Memory Cafe  |  Arbor Terrace Naperville

2920 Leverenz Road  |  Naperville, IL 60564
Noon – 2:00 PM, 2nd Tuesday of each month
Hosted by Arbor Terrace Naperville in collaboration with the American Association of Retired Asians
Persons living with cognitive impairment must attend with a family member or caregiver
There is no cost to attend and lunch is provided
For more information, please call 630.219.3670
Last updated: June 2019

Niles

Musical Memories Cafe – Sing A Long  |  Niles Senior Center

999 Civic Center Dr.  |  Niles, IL 60714
10:00 AM – Noon, every Thursday of each month

Enjoy a monthly nutritious lunch, usually on the 3rd Thursday. Registration and RSVP is required one week prior to the lunch. For more information, to register as a new attended, or to RSVP for lunch, please call 847.823.0453 x1015.
Last updated: July 2022

Norridge

Joyful Living Memory Cafe  |  Central Baptist Village

4747 N. Canfield Ave.  |  Norridge, IL 60706
1:00 – 2:30 PM, 4th Thursday of each month
RSVP is required, as lunch is provided from Noon to 1:00 PM
For more information or to RSVP, please call Colleen Pelikant at 708.603.2328
Last updated: September 2019

Northfield

North Shore Senior Center

161 Northfield Rd.  |  Northfield, IL 60093
1:30 – 3:30, 3rd Friday of each month (no meeting in December)
For more information please call 847-242-6250 or visit House of Welcome Adult Day Services
Last updated: October 2019

Oak Park

Memory Cafe of Oak Park and River Forest
Oak Park Township Senior Services

130 S. Oak Park Ave.  |  Oak Park, IL 60302
2:00 – 4:00 PM, 3rd Tuesday of each month
Sponsored by Oak Park Township Senior Services with support from River Forest Public Library
Open to residents of Oak Park, River Forest, and surrounding communities
Registration is encouraged, but not required
For more information or to volunteer, please call 708.383.8060 or
Email memorycafe@oakparktownship.org
Last updated: December 2019

Orland Park

Orland Park Public Library

14921 S. Ravinia Ave.  |  Orland Park, IL 60462
10:30 – 11:30 AM, 1st Wednesday of each month

A social gathering for people living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, and their care partners. Each session includes an activity and gives participants a chance to enjoy time together. Offered in partnership with Pathlights Senior Services. For more information, please contact Mary Lynn Maloney at 708.428.5110 or outreach@orlandparklibrary.org or visit online.
Last updated: March 2024 

Palatine

First United Methodist Church

123 N. Plum Grove Rd.  |  Palatine, IL 60067
1:00 PM, on a quarterly schedule

Small, quiet group, Christian, inclusive. For more information or to inquire about specific dates, please contact Sandy Neumann at umwpalatine@gmail.com or visit them online.
Last updated: June 2022 

South Elgin

EngAge Cafe  |  South Elgin Branch Library

127 S. McLean Blvd.  |  South Elgin, IL 60177
2:00 – 3:30 PM, 4th Tuesday of every other month
(January, March, May, July, September, November)

An offshoot of the Elgin Memory Cafe, the EngAge Cafe has been added to provide extra programming for caregivers and active seniors, and those living with dementia. We have a “Tech Byte” segment to teach one smart phone concept. We have a guest presenter, and we do a craft that is completed and donated to local nursing homes. Socializing with others in an upbeat, understanding environment is our goal. Please join us! For more information, please contact Glenna Godinsky at 847.289.5848 or ggodinsky@gailborden.info or visit online.
Last updated: February 2023

Stanley’s Grill

355 N. McLean Blvd.  |  South Elgin, IL 60177
4:00 – 5:30 PM, 2nd Tuesday of each month

There is no cost to attend, but you are welcome to order off the menu if you wish. The Elgin Memory Cafe is moderated by local library staff, first responders, non-profit organization leaders, and private business community partners who have completed dementia awareness training. Care partners attend along with their loved ones or attendees come on their own. Discussion topics such as vintage cars, gardening, the history of men’s and women’s hats, etc. change monthly. Resource material always available. For more information, please contact Glenna Godinsky at 847.289.5848 or ggodinsky@gailborden.info.
Last updated: February 2023

Springfield

Bella Milano Restaurant

4525 Wabash Ave.  |  Springfield, IL 62711
3:00 PM, 2nd Tuesday of each month
Hosted by Mill Creek Alzheimer’s Special Care Center
Free and open to the public, but registration is required
For more information or to RSVP, please call 217.726.7900 or
Email karen.gedrose@jeaseniorliving.com
Last updated: December 2018

Streamwood

Poplar Creek Public Library

1405 S. Park Ave.  |  Streamwood, IL 60107
10:00 – 11:00 AM, 2nd Thursday of each month

Our monthly in-library Memory Cafe offers individuals with memory loss and their caregiver an opportunity for connection and conversation. Activities at these events will vary, including education, music, dancing and arts. Enjoy an hour with no expectations except a great likelihood of new friends. For more information, please contact Erin Isaacson at 331.808.3564 or eisaacson@pclib.org or visit online.
Last updated: December 2022 

Vernon Hills

Memoir Cafe  |  The Springs of Vernon Hills

350 S. Milwaukee Ave.  |  Vernon Hills, IL 60061
3:00 – 4:30 PM, 3rd Tuesday of each month
Invited are individuals at an early stage of dementia and their caregivers
For more information or to RSVP, please call 847.634.9300
Last updated: May 2019

Waukegan

Waukegan Park Place Memory Cafe  |  Waukegan Park Place

414 S. Lewis Ave.  |  Waukegan, IL 60085
1:30 – 3:00 PM, 2nd Wednesday of each month
For more information, please call 847.244.9242
Last updated: May 2019

Westmont

Dementia Friendly Westmont Memory Cafe  |  Westmont Public Library

428 North Cass Ave.  |  Westmont, IL 60559
1:00 – 2:00 PM, 3rd Monday of each month

Come join us for a social gathering of individuals living with dementia and their care partners. We offer a place where both care partner and care recipient can socialize together and connect with others in a similar situation. Activities at the Memory Cafe are free. Presented in partnership with Birches Assisted Living and Memory Care. For more information, please call 630.896.6160 or email maindesk@westmontlibrary.org or visit online.
Last updated: December 2023 

Worth

Arab American Family Services  |  Conference Room

7000 W. 111th Street, Suite 300  |  Worth, IL 60482
1:00 – 2:30 PM, 2nd Tuesday of each month
Registration is encouraged, but not required
Volunteers and caregivers are welcome
Sponsoring Partners are :
AgeOptions
Arab American Family Services
For more Information, to register, or to volunteer, please contact Akram Salman:
– Phone: 708.599.2237 x7008
– Email: asalman@aafsil.org
Last updated: January 2019

Zurich

Ela Area Public Library

275 Mohawk Trail  |  Lake Zurich, IL 60047
10:00 – 11:30 AM, 3rd Tuesday of each month

This Memory Cafe is a partnership between the Ela Area Public Library and the Barrington Area Council on Aging (Bacoa.) For more information, please contact Pam Pellizzari at ppellizzari@bacoa.org.
Last updated: August 2021 


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