You know that moment when you visit with family and friends over the weekend and someone asks, "So, what do you want to do?" Use The Weekender to help answer that question. Whether you’re looking to eat as much chocolate and chili as possible or relax while watching a great theater performance, there is something to do for all interests Just Beyond the City Limits.

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Eat! Eat! Eat!

Friday, February 19th
FISH FRY FRIDAYS
Stony Creek Golf, Restaurant & Banquets
5850 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn
(708) 857-2433
The all-you-can-eat buffet menu price includes freshly made England Clam Chowder, house salad, warm dinner rolls, homemade coleslaw, lightly seasoned and breaded fresh fish, homemade hush-puppies and baked potato with your choice of toppings.
4-8PM

Saturday, February 20th
CHOCOLATE FEST
Homewood Auditorium
2010 Chestnut Road, Homewood
(708) 206-3393
Sample scrumptious chocolate creations from renowned chocolatiers as they offer the latest and most decadent recipes.
11AM-2PM

Saturday, February 20th
IT'S CHILI IN THE PARK
Recreation Center
8901 West 123rd Street, Palos Park
(708) 671-3760
Come on in from the cold for some homemade Chili in this friendly competition event. Taste over 20 different chili's all in one place.
12:30PM

Arts & Culture

Friday, February 19th - Sunday, February 21st
NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT
Oak Lawn Park District Oak View Center
4625 West 110th Street, Oak Lawn
(708) 857-2200
The Oak Lawn Park District Teen Theater production of Nice Work If You Can Get It.
F-Sa 8PM; Su 3PM

Saturday, February 20th
SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM
Governors State University Center for Performing Arts
1 University Parkway, University Park
(708) 235-2222
Southland Area Theatre Ensemble presents Sondheim on Sondheim, an intimate portrait of the famed songwriter in his own words... and music. An all-star cast of SLATE veterans and new artists take on new arrangements of over two-dozen Sondheim tunes, ranging from the beloved to the obscure, interspersed with beautiful video commentary by the composer himself, who reveals fascinating details about his life and his art. Stephen Sondheim's final word on his unparalleled body of work has been preserved in this classic new revue nominated for both the Tony and Grammy award. Songs include: "Something's Coming" from West Side Story; "Comedy Tonight" from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum; "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" and "Being Alive" from Company; "Send in the Clowns" from A Little Night Music, "Children Will Listen" from Into the Woods and many more! Sondheim on Sondheim has been hailed by the Associated Press as a "revelatory revue full of wonderful moments" and by USA Today as a "funny, affectionate and revealing tribute to musical theater's greatest living composer and lyricist."
8PM

Saturday, February 20th
ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA - PROKOFIEV AND SCHUBERT THE GREAT
Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center
19900 South Harlem Avenue, Frankfort
(708) 481-7774
The centerpiece of this magnificent program is Schubert’s last and “joyously admired” Symphony No. 9, known as “The Great.” In the first half of the program, world renowned violinist Stefan Jackiw delivers a captivating performance of Prokofiev’s lyrical and glorious violin concerto. Adding to this powerful evening is a tender and meditative piece composed by Maestro Danzmayr’s father.
8PM

Bridal Show

Sunday, February 21st
GAELIC PARK BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
Chicago Gaelic Park
6119 West 147th Street, Oak Forest
(708) 687-9323
Gaelic Park is well established as the premier wedding venue in the Chicago Southland. In keeping with this distinction, it is presenting a one stop shop boutique of wedding vendors. All areas of wedding planning including florists, limos, bakers, travel agents, linen company, hair dressers, make-up, photographers and more will be on display and available to answer all of your questions. The afternoon will include complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a fashion show featuring bridal gowns and special occasions wear from David’s Bridal store. There will be 40 great giveaways donated by the vendors including airline tickets for 2 to Cancun, sponsored by Gadabout Travel and Apple Vacations. Admission to Bridal Boutique is $5.00 per person.
12-2:30PM

Explore Nature

Saturday, February 20th
RESTORATION WORK DAYS
Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Help restore wildlife habitat and nature will restore you. Individuals and families welcome. Not suitable for kids ages 9 & under. Kids ages 10-14 must be accompanied by an adult.
10AM-12PM

Saturday, February 20th
GEOLOGY OF SAND RIDGE
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Enjoy an indoor interactive presentation on the geology of the local area. Adults and children ages 12 & up. Register by 2/18
1:30PM

Family Fun

Saturday, February 20th
SATURDAY AFTERNOON WINTER STORY TIME
Paperback Trading Co.
8825 South Ridgeland Avenue, Oak Lawn
(708) 598-8442
Saturday Afternoon Story Time featuring a story by author Jan Brett along with a craft and an activity for the 3-6 year old. FREE.
2-3PM

Sunday, February 21st
SUNDAY AFTERNOON BINGO FOR KIDS
Paperback Trading Co.
8825 South Ridgeland Avenue, Oak Lawn
(708) 598-8442
Sunday Afternoon BINGO for the 5-12 year old children with gifts for everyone. FREE.
4-5PM

Learn Something New

Saturday, February 20th - Sunday, February 21st
BEGINNER CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 West 111th Street, Lemont
(630) 257-2045
Learn to ski with a professional instructor. Lessons cover the basic skills of flatland skiing and getting up and down easy hills. Ages 12 & up. First come, first serve. Limit 12. Reservations not accepted. Please arrive by 9AM for registration and equipment fitting. $20/person
9:30AM

Ongoing
ABRAHAM LINCOLN: SELF MADE IN AMERICA
Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis
700 East Tri-State Tollway, South Holland
(708) 596-8300
Last year the exhibit, "Abraham Lincoln: Self Made in America" came to the Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis. The traveling exhibit was created by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. The exhibit features eight kiosks and covers Lincoln's childhood, the Lincoln-Douglas debates, the 1860 Presidential election, the Civil War, the 221st Amendment and Emancipation Proclamation, his assassination and other important periods and events in his life. This is a temporary exhibit, so don't miss the opportunity to learn about a famous part of America's history!
Open 7 days a week

Poker

Friday, February 19th - Saturday, February 20th
CHARITY POKER TOURNAMENT
TOYOTA PARK
7000 South Harlem Avenue, Bridgeview
(888) 715-4837
Come by TOYOTA PARK in Bridgeview for a Charity Poker Tournament. All events are open to the public. Must be 18+ to play. Live cash games start at 2PM and run all event long. If you have any questions contact them at (888) 715-4837 or [email protected].
2PM-1AM

Shopping for Deals

Friday, February 19th
JERRY ROSSEN PUBLIC AUCTIONS
Will County Fairgrounds
710 West Street, Peotone
(708) 997-0245
Auctions will include antiques, collectibles, furniture and more!
6PM

Saturday, February 20th - Sunday, February 21st
SWAP-O-RAMA FLEA MARKET
The Great Hall at the Tri-State Swap-O-Rama
4350 West 129th Street, Alsip
(708) 344-7300
Chicagoland's most modern indoor/outdoor permanent flea market. Over 800 individual booths of merchandise at bargain prices.
7AM-4PM

If you’re planning further ahead, please check our calendar.