There is something to do for all interests this weekend in Chicago Southland. Whether you’re looking for Fall Festivals, fine art events or night time fun, you will find it Just Beyond the City Limits.

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Festivals

Friday, September 16th - Saturday, September 17th
AUTUMN IN THE PARK FESTIVAL
Village Green
8901 West 123rd Street, Palos Park
(708) 671-3700
Autumn in the Park Festival is a community fest that features music, food and BBQ rib / chili competition, a Fun Zone for the kids, pie and scarecrow contest, artisan merchants and more.
F 5-10:30PM; Sa 11AM-11PM

Friday, September 16th - Saturday, September 17th
CRETE HARVEST FESTIVAL
Crete Park
515 First Street, Crete
(708) 672-6969
Crete's Harvest Festival is truly a weekend of hometown fun that will include food, crafts, vendor booths, children activities, live music, bonfires, story telling and more. Free admission. Bring lawn chairs, let the kids play & enjoy. Craft Beer & Hard Cider will be for sale.
F 5-11PM; Sa 11AM-11PM

Saturday, September 17th
SOUTH HOLLAND FALL FESTIVAL
Veterans Park
160th Place and South Park Avenue, South Holland
(708) 339-8493
South Holland Fall Fest features a car show, live music, line dancing, fun inflatable jump, face painting, engaging crafts for kids and more!
11AM

Saturday, September 17th
HOMEWOOD FALL FESTIVAL
Ridge Road between Martin and Harwood Avenues, Homewood
(708) 798-3000
Homewood’s favorite fall time festival will feature live entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides through downtown, petting zoo and pony rides, games, craft vendors, a pumpkin patch, children’s crafts and scrumptious cuisine prepared by local eateries.
11AM-10PM

Saturday, September 17th
OKTOBERFEST
German-American Heritage Center
25249 South Center Road, Frankfort
(815) 464-1514
Family friendly cultural fest, German food and beer available. Music by The Tempos and The John Webber Band. $10; under 16 free. PROST!
Doors open 1PM; German music 2PM; American music 7PM

Saturday, September 17th
OAK LAWN MONARCH FESTIVAL
Oak View Center
4625 West 110th Street, Oak Lawn
(708) 857-2200
Participants will learn how to assist in the preservation of the Monarch butterfly species. Activities: arts and crafts, an interactive puppet theatre, face painting, music, butterfly tagging, a bug zoo and caterpillar aquarium.
2-5PM

Saturday, September 17th
ST. BENEDICT FEST
St. Benedict School & Parish
2339 York Street, Blue Island
(708) 385-2016
St. Benedict Fest capitalizes on their rich diversity and features ethnic music, food, games, raffles and live entertainment. Friends, alumni, parishioners are all welcome.
2-10PM


Sunday, September 18th
OLD MILL FALL FEST
H.A. Rathje's Peotone Mill
427 West Corning Avenue, Peotone
(708) 217-5516
Explore three floors of this German Windmill built in 1872. Shop for antiques and enjoy the exhibits and demonstrations of old time crafts. There is something for all ages.
11AM-5PM

Sunday, September 18th
LAKE KATHERINE'S MONARCH BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL
Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens
7402 West Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights
(708) 361-1873
Lake Katherine will host its popular festival celebrating the Monarch migration down to Mexico plus all things harvest. Attractions will include a butterfly tent, hayrides, scarecrow making, canoe & kayak rental, children's games with crafts and food vendors.
11AM-4:30PM

 Arts and Culture

Friday, September 16th - Sunday, September 18th
THE FANTASTICKS
Flossmoor Community House
847 Hutchinson Road, Flossmoor
(815) 277-1083
THE FANTASTICKS is the world's longest-running musical.
F-Sa 7:30PM; Su 2PM

Saturday, September 17th - Sunday, September 18th
61ST ANNUAL PARK FOREST ART FAIR
Downtown Park Forest
367 Artists Walk, Park Forest
(708) 748-5123
The Park Forest Art Fair is the second oldest juried fine arts fair in Chicagoland. It features artists who work in a variety of media from painting and photography to wood, glass and fiber arts. The Village will host a music fest on Saturday. On Sunday, fest favorite Patchouli will perform. Lots of activities for children.
10AM-5PM

Sunday, September 18th
MUSIC AND FOOD FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Governors State University Center for Performing Arts
1 University Parkway, University Park
(708) 235-2222
Get your ticket for a trip around the world, and sample beautiful music, paired with food and wine. This globally-inspired repertoire includes selections from Russia, Spain, Sweden, Israel, Mexico, Germany, France and more. From the vantage point of your table on stage, you'll be looking out into the theater as your delicious journey unfolds. Hosted by Opera Up Close favorite Michael Cavalieri. Featuring Tenor John Concepcion, Soprano Desiree Hassler, Baritone Dan Richardson and Mezzo soprano Pamela Williams.
4PM

Sunday, September 18th
THE LADY LYRICISTS: QUEENS OF TIN PAN ALLEY
John and Angeline Oremus Theater at Moraine Valley Community College Fine and Performing Arts Center
9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills
(708) 974-5500
Though not as famous as their male counterparts, women lyricists like Dorothy Fields, Carolyn Leigh and Betty Comden made vast and varied contributions to American popular song, paving the way for future female artists and making their mark in a male-dominated field. Join celebrated jazz singer Elaine Dame as she lauds the artistry of our well-loved and legendary lady lyricists.
2PM & 5:30PM

Sunday, September 18th
PIANO QUARTET CONCERT
Cultural Center
14760 Park Lane, Orland Park
(708) 403-7275
Piano Quartet featuring Linda Veleckis Nussbaum (violin), Paul Dykstra (piano), Matt Mantell (viola) and Emily Mantell (cello). This strong ensemble will be playing an origami of Brahms, Mozart and a variety of musical selections.
2-3:30PM

Concerts

Saturday, September 17th
FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE: DIG YOUR ROOTS TOUR
Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
19100 South Ridgeland Avenue, Tinley Park
(312) 559-1212
If you like your country on the rockier side, then you're in for a treat! The magnificent and highly-awarded Florida Georgia Line are heading to Hollywood Casino Ampitheatre in Tinley Park, and it's going to be one heck of a night! Bringing with them three phenomenal country acts: Cole Swindell, The Cadillac Three & Kane Brown, the boys will be bringing the party vibes, so get ready to get loose – it's gonna be a wild one!
7PM

Explore Nature

Saturday, September 17th
MORNING BIRD HIKE
Plum Creek Nature Center through the Forest Preserve District of Will County
27064 Dutton Road, Beecher
(708) 946-2216
Fall provides an excellent opportunity for bird watching in the preserves. Besides the resident species, there are also many birds in the preserve during migration. Join birders as we learn, explore and search to find which species are spending time in our preserves. Registration is required by calling 708.946.2216 by Thursday, September 15.
8-10AM 

Saturday, September 17th
ARCHAEOLOGY DAY
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Join the naturalists at Sand Ridge for activities that promote a better understanding and appreciation of historic Native American culture. Enjoy guided hikes, archaeology displays, activities and a traditional craft.
10AM-3PM

Farmers Markets

 



 

Click here for a complete list of the Farmers Markets throughout Chicago Southland.

Family Fun

Saturday, September 17th - Sunday, September 18th
CAMP BENEATH THE STARS
Centennial Park
15600 West Avenue, Orland Park
(708) 403-7275
Grab your tent and sleeping bag and head to Centennial Park to sleep beneath the stars! Activities include a cookout, bonfire and movie. This year's featured movie is The Good Dinosaur. Campsites must be registered by an adult, 18 years or older. Dinner for four is included in the fee. You'll be cooking up s'mores for dessert—Yum!
Sa 4PM check in; Su 8AM check out

Saturday, September 17th
MOVIES IN THE PARK
Veterans Memorial Park
500 East 160th Place, South Holland
(708) 331-2940
Enjoy the outdoor movie experience with the feature film Zootopia. Full service concession will be available provided by Home Plate Grill.
Dusk

Sunday, September 18th
POOCH-A-PALOOZA
Walker Country Estates Park
299 Lenox Street, New Lenox
(815) 485-3584
Unleash the good times with your four-legged friends at the park! Vendors, raffles, dog contests and more! Concessions will be available for purchase.
10:30AM-1:30PM
 
 
 

Learn Something New

Saturday, September 17th
STEP BACK INTO A 1950s HALLOWEEN EXHIBIT
1950s Park Forest House Museum
227 Monee Road, Park Forest
(708) 481-4252
The museum is decorated in vintage Halloween decorations including die-cuts and Halloween Gurley Candles. Adults $5; 12 and under free.
1-3:30PM

Sunday, September 18th
POP UP SCIENCE HF'S LIFE AQUATIC
Homewood Science Center
18022 Dixie Highway, Homewood
(708) 206-3369
Meet University of Chicago Marine Biologists Cathy Pfister and Tim Wootton. See creatures from our creeks and learn why they are in trouble. Discover “What’s up with Butterfield Creek?” Family learning made fun with hands-on exploration.
10AM-1PM

Sunday, September 18th
BLUE ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S 30TH HOUSE WALK TOUR
Blue Island Historical Society/Albee House
13018 Maple Avenue, Blue Island
(708) 371-8546
Our tour begins at the BIHS/Albee House where you will receive your tour booklet. Then you'll travel at you own pace to tour designated homes. Please join rain/shine and wear comfortable shoes!
12-4PM

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 13th 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


 

Nightlife

Saturday, September 17th
BLACKLIGHT SLIDE
TOYOTA PARK
7000 South Harlem Avenue, Bridgeview
(708) 594-7200
Blacklight Slide™ is a unique night experience focused on UV Neon Glowing fun! Glowing sliders attend from all over with friends and family for the night of their lives sliding down the Blacklight Slide with neon glow in the dark water running down it; every participant will certainly Get Glowed™! With the best after party in the world and the best music pumping from one of the top DJ's in the country you will have the time of your life. The Blacklight Slide™ will leave you glowing with amazement and waiting for the next one!
6PM

Shopping for Deals

Friday, September 16th
JERRY ROSSEN PUBLIC AUCTIONS
Will County Fairgrounds
710 West Street, Peotone
(708) 997-0245
Auctions will include antiques, collectibles, furniture and more!
6PM

Sunday, September 18th
RAT RODS, KUSTOMS & HOT RODS SHOW & SWAP MEET
Will County Fairgrounds
710 West Street, Peotone
(815) 478-4356

Sports

Friday, September 16th
CHICAGO FIRE VS. D.C. UNITED
Toyota Park
7000 South Harlem Avenue, Bridgeview
(708) 594-7200
Three matches in September and four in October are all that remain on the Chicago Fire’s 2016 regular season schedule, starting Friday night at home against D.C. UNITED. The atmosphere in Toyota Park promises to be buzzing with excitement.
7:30PM

Saturday, September 17th
HERITAGE HAUL RACE
Veterans Park
500 East 160th Place, South Holland
(708) 210-2918
Annual Heritage Haul Race features the 15-mile bike ride, half marathon, 10K and 5K courses. Cash prizes and medals presented. Fun kids activities too!
7AM

Saturday, September 17th
BIKE THE TRAIL
Village Green
Oak & Kansas Streets, Frankfort
(815) 464-2811
Bike the Old Plank Trail and choose from 3 different routes. All proceeds benefit the Lincoln Way Special Recreation Association. Open to the public for all to enjoy!
10AM-1PM

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

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