Events
With over 800 Festivals & Events running year round, concerts that include the top touring musical acts, countless farmers markets and car shows in the Chicago Southland, the hard part isn’t deciding IF you should come but rather which event you ARE going to attend. Whether it is Snow Day Festival at the Plum Creek Nature Center in January, Irish Fest at Chicago’s Gaelic Park in May, any of our year round farmers markets or Lansing Autumn Fest in October, you won’t have to travel far to find family friendly activities for any age.
Effective Monday, August 30, the state of Illinois is requiring that everyone age two or older be masked in indoor public spaces, regardless of whether they’re vaccinated until further notice.
Cultural Events
Fairs / Carnivals
Parades
Below are the next 30 upcoming events in the Chicago Southland. Use the form above to search for specific events.
Wheelchair Accessibled Displays/Arts/Crafts
ag Agricultural/Food/Harvest
c Cultural Event
w Workshop/Seminar
$ Admission Fee
h Holiday Celebration
m Music (Live)
o Outdoor Activity
s Sports Event/Recreational
f Fair, Carnival
e Expo/Consumer Show
p Parade
BENCHES ON THE AVENUE
Oct 1, 2021 - Oct 31, 2021
Along Oak Park Avenue from 172nd to 176th, Tinley Park, IL
708-444-5678
The Village will host the 18th season of its Benches on the Avenue program from May to October along Oak Park Avenue in Downtown Tinley. This year's benches will pay tribute to some of the most iconic and memorable album covers of all time. Benches will feature unique, kid-and family-friendly, imaginative and three-dimensional designs that will take visitors on an “Album Cover Tour” through all genres and eras of music.
Visit Website c o
Along Oak Park Avenue from 172nd to 176th, Tinley Park, IL
708-444-5678
The Village will host the 18th season of its Benches on the Avenue program from May to October along Oak Park Avenue in Downtown Tinley. This year's benches will pay tribute to some of the most iconic and memorable album covers of all time. Benches will feature unique, kid-and family-friendly, imaginative and three-dimensional designs that will take visitors on an “Album Cover Tour” through all genres and eras of music.
Visit Website c o
BENGTSON'S PUMPKIN FARM
Oct 1, 2021 - Oct 31, 2021
13341 West 151st Street
Homer Glen, IL
708-301-3276
Visit Website $ h o
13341 West 151st Street
Homer Glen, IL
708-301-3276
Visit Website $ h o
DON'T BE A ZOMBIE! BE PREPARED
Oct 1, 2021 - Oct 31, 2021
Plum Creek Nature Center
27064 South Dutton Road, Beecher, IL
708-946-2216
The Forest Preserve District of Will County is hosting an exhibit that gives visitors the motivation they need to put together an emergency preparedness kit. Don’t be frightened! Everyone survives this playful exhibit about how to weather a storm or what to do in a natural emergency. Experience a touch screen video game, crawl through an escape tunnel & go on an emergency scavenger hunt. 10AM-4PM Tuesdays-Saturdays, 12PM-4PM Sundays.
TIME: Various
Visit Website e
Plum Creek Nature Center
27064 South Dutton Road, Beecher, IL
708-946-2216
The Forest Preserve District of Will County is hosting an exhibit that gives visitors the motivation they need to put together an emergency preparedness kit. Don’t be frightened! Everyone survives this playful exhibit about how to weather a storm or what to do in a natural emergency. Experience a touch screen video game, crawl through an escape tunnel & go on an emergency scavenger hunt. 10AM-4PM Tuesdays-Saturdays, 12PM-4PM Sundays.
TIME: Various
Visit Website e
ODYSSEY FUN FARM
Oct 1, 2021 - Oct 31, 2021
Odyssey Fun World
19111 South Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park, IL
708-429-3800
Come on down to Odyssey Fun Farm and enjoy your fall favorites. Such as, the corn maize, hay rides, petting zoo, fall treats, and more!
TIME: 10AM-6PM
Visit Website $ ag f h o
Odyssey Fun World
19111 South Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park, IL
708-429-3800
Come on down to Odyssey Fun Farm and enjoy your fall favorites. Such as, the corn maize, hay rides, petting zoo, fall treats, and more!
TIME: 10AM-6PM
Visit Website $ ag f h o
STEP BACK INTO A 1950s HALLOWEEN
Oct 1, 2021 - Oct 31, 2021
1950s Park Forest House Museum
St. Mary's Catholic Church, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest, IL
708-481-4252
The museum is decorated in vintage Halloween decorations including die-cuts and Halloween Gurley Candles. Visit for a nostalgic look at Halloween in the 1950s.
TIME: 1PM-3:30PM
Visit Website $ c h
1950s Park Forest House Museum
St. Mary's Catholic Church, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest, IL
708-481-4252
The museum is decorated in vintage Halloween decorations including die-cuts and Halloween Gurley Candles. Visit for a nostalgic look at Halloween in the 1950s.
TIME: 1PM-3:30PM
Visit Website $ c h
WOODS WALK
Oct 1, 2021 - Oct 31, 2021
Will County Forest Preserve Trails
Various, Beecher, IL
815-727-8700
Challenge yourself with this Forest Preserve hiking program. Hike seven of 10 pre-selected trails to earn a commemorative medallion. Hike all 10 for fitness and fun! Trails are located throughout Will County. For details on the pre-selected trails & how to pick up a travel log to record your hikes, visit ReconnectWithNature.org. Travel logs are due by December 31.
Visit Website s
Will County Forest Preserve Trails
Various, Beecher, IL
815-727-8700
Challenge yourself with this Forest Preserve hiking program. Hike seven of 10 pre-selected trails to earn a commemorative medallion. Hike all 10 for fitness and fun! Trails are located throughout Will County. For details on the pre-selected trails & how to pick up a travel log to record your hikes, visit ReconnectWithNature.org. Travel logs are due by December 31.
Visit Website s
ZOMBIES! EMERGENCY PREPAREDENESS CHALLENGE
Oct 1, 2021 - Oct 31, 2021
Plum Creek Nature Center
27064 South Dutton Road, Beecher, IL
708-946-2216
The zombies have taken over the Snapper Pond Trail at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve & they have questions! Are you emergency prepared? Find out by taking the challenge. Start at the trailhead to Snapper Pond or visit the Plum Creek Nature Center during business hours. You can pick up a zombie challenge sheet at either location. Challenge sheets must be returned to Plum Creek Nature Center to redeem your prize. 8AM-sunset daily.
TIME: Various
Visit Website e
Plum Creek Nature Center
27064 South Dutton Road, Beecher, IL
708-946-2216
The zombies have taken over the Snapper Pond Trail at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve & they have questions! Are you emergency prepared? Find out by taking the challenge. Start at the trailhead to Snapper Pond or visit the Plum Creek Nature Center during business hours. You can pick up a zombie challenge sheet at either location. Challenge sheets must be returned to Plum Creek Nature Center to redeem your prize. 8AM-sunset daily.
TIME: Various
Visit Website e
FARMERS MARKET - PARK FOREST
Oct 2, 2021 - Oct 30, 2021
152 Main Street
Corner of Lakewood Boulevard & Cunningham Drive, Park Forest, IL
708-748-2005
This market offers fresh garden produce, bakery items and herbs. Freshly cooked pork sandwiches and tamales are also available. Come to the market to meet friends, chat, browse and shop. For more information, visit our website or call.
TIME: 7AM-12PM
Visit Website ag d o
152 Main Street
Corner of Lakewood Boulevard & Cunningham Drive, Park Forest, IL
708-748-2005
This market offers fresh garden produce, bakery items and herbs. Freshly cooked pork sandwiches and tamales are also available. Come to the market to meet friends, chat, browse and shop. For more information, visit our website or call.
TIME: 7AM-12PM
Visit Website ag d o
FARMERS MARKET - EVERGREEN PARK
Oct 7, 2021 - Oct 28, 2021
Yukich Field
88th Street & Kedzie Avenue, Evergreen Park, IL
708-422-8776
Evergreen Park’s Farmer’s Market has grown in popularity amongst residents and vendors alike. The Farmer’s Market is open every Thursday, May through October, from 7:00AM to 1:00PM at Yukich Field, 89th and Kedzie Avenue.
TIME: 7AM-1PM
Visit Website ag o
Yukich Field
88th Street & Kedzie Avenue, Evergreen Park, IL
708-422-8776
Evergreen Park’s Farmer’s Market has grown in popularity amongst residents and vendors alike. The Farmer’s Market is open every Thursday, May through October, from 7:00AM to 1:00PM at Yukich Field, 89th and Kedzie Avenue.
TIME: 7AM-1PM
Visit Website ag o
RECYCLE YOUR BICYCLE
Oct 19, 2021 - Oct 31, 2021
Monee Reservoir
27341 Ridgeland Avenue, Monee, IL
708-534-8499
As you clean out the garage, make a difference by recycling your bicycle. No bike it too old or rusty! Drop your bikes off to be repurposed in the paved parking lot on the north side of the concessions window. Bikes are given to Working Bikes, an organization that refurbishes bicycles for kids, individuals with disabilities and families in developing countries for transportation. Be green – reduce, reuse, recycle and benefit someone in need.
TIME: 8AM-4PM
Visit Website o
Monee Reservoir
27341 Ridgeland Avenue, Monee, IL
708-534-8499
As you clean out the garage, make a difference by recycling your bicycle. No bike it too old or rusty! Drop your bikes off to be repurposed in the paved parking lot on the north side of the concessions window. Bikes are given to Working Bikes, an organization that refurbishes bicycles for kids, individuals with disabilities and families in developing countries for transportation. Be green – reduce, reuse, recycle and benefit someone in need.
TIME: 8AM-4PM
Visit Website o
FRIGHTASTICLY FUN FAMILY PUMPKIN CONTEST
Oct 26, 2021
Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center
8125 West 171st Street, Tinley Park, IL
708-342-4200
Wear your costume and get ready for a frightfully fun time. We provide the pumpkin, carving tools and patterns as well as extra items to bling out your entry. You bring the creativity and hard work. Pumpkins will be entered in the crowd's choice contest! Crafts, snacks and more await. Special treats will be passed out before you depart for home!
TIME: 6:30PM-8:PM
Visit Website $ f h
Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center
8125 West 171st Street, Tinley Park, IL
708-342-4200
Wear your costume and get ready for a frightfully fun time. We provide the pumpkin, carving tools and patterns as well as extra items to bling out your entry. You bring the creativity and hard work. Pumpkins will be entered in the crowd's choice contest! Crafts, snacks and more await. Special treats will be passed out before you depart for home!
TIME: 6:30PM-8:PM
Visit Website $ f h
NOT REALLY SEEKING ABSTRACTION
Oct 26, 2021 - Oct 30, 2021
Tall Grass Arts Association
367 Artists Walk, PO Box 776, Park Forest, IL
708-748-3377
Open Reception. Not Really. Seeking Abstraction. The exhibit features 90 abstract works by 53 artists. Tuesday thru Saturday 11AM-4PM. Free and open to the public at all times.
TIME: 11AM-4PM
Visit Website c
Tall Grass Arts Association
367 Artists Walk, PO Box 776, Park Forest, IL
708-748-3377
Open Reception. Not Really. Seeking Abstraction. The exhibit features 90 abstract works by 53 artists. Tuesday thru Saturday 11AM-4PM. Free and open to the public at all times.
TIME: 11AM-4PM
Visit Website c
BROOKFIELD ZOO FALL LECTURE SERIES: HALLOWEEN ANIMALS: BATS, WOLVES & CREEPY CRAWLIES VIRTUAL EVENT
Oct 27, 2021
Brookfield Zoo
VIRTUAL EVENT, Brookfield, IL
708-688-8000
Why do wolves howl at the moon? What does spotting a spider on Halloween mean? Join us as we compare fact & fiction behind some of Brookfield Zoo’s most popular Halloween animal residents. We will explore their connections to folklore & the idea that their long-term attachment to cultural beliefs may provide people with a sense of place. André Copeland, CZS Interpretive Programs Manager, has more than 27 years’ experience working in the zoological field which includes animal care, program development & management, frontline interpretation. His passion is creating a bridge for people to connect with nature, especially the creatures of the night. Suggested donation of $10.
TIME: 7PM-8PM
Visit Website h w
Brookfield Zoo
VIRTUAL EVENT, Brookfield, IL
708-688-8000
Why do wolves howl at the moon? What does spotting a spider on Halloween mean? Join us as we compare fact & fiction behind some of Brookfield Zoo’s most popular Halloween animal residents. We will explore their connections to folklore & the idea that their long-term attachment to cultural beliefs may provide people with a sense of place. André Copeland, CZS Interpretive Programs Manager, has more than 27 years’ experience working in the zoological field which includes animal care, program development & management, frontline interpretation. His passion is creating a bridge for people to connect with nature, especially the creatures of the night. Suggested donation of $10.
TIME: 7PM-8PM
Visit Website h w
HAUNTED FLUTES VIRTUAL & LIVE
Oct 27, 2021
Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center
9000 West College Parkway, Dorothy Menker Theater, Palos Hills, IL
708-688-8000
The Flute Choir explores flute music from a wide range of eras and styles. This is a virtual & live event. In person tickets are limited.
TIME: 7PM
Visit Website c m
Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center
9000 West College Parkway, Dorothy Menker Theater, Palos Hills, IL
708-688-8000
The Flute Choir explores flute music from a wide range of eras and styles. This is a virtual & live event. In person tickets are limited.
TIME: 7PM
Visit Website c m
HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS
Oct 29, 2021
Firemen's Park
5162 West Court Street, Monee, IL
708-534-8302
Join the Village of Monee for a FREE evening for the kids to take a hay ride, costume contest, Trunk-or-Treat, DJ and more at Firemen's Park.
TIME: 5PM-7PM
Visit Website d f o p
Firemen's Park
5162 West Court Street, Monee, IL
708-534-8302
Join the Village of Monee for a FREE evening for the kids to take a hay ride, costume contest, Trunk-or-Treat, DJ and more at Firemen's Park.
TIME: 5PM-7PM
Visit Website d f o p
MONSTER MASH DANCE
Oct 29, 2021
Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center
8125 West 171st Street, Tinley Park, IL
708-342-4200
Join us for a family-friendly Halloween Dance. There will be a DJ spinning spooktacular tunes, a Haunted House inflatable for those who dare, photo area, face painting, carnival games and so much more. This is a family dance and every person over age 2 must register for the fun!
TIME: 6:30-8:30PM
Visit Website $ f h
Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center
8125 West 171st Street, Tinley Park, IL
708-342-4200
Join us for a family-friendly Halloween Dance. There will be a DJ spinning spooktacular tunes, a Haunted House inflatable for those who dare, photo area, face painting, carnival games and so much more. This is a family dance and every person over age 2 must register for the fun!
TIME: 6:30-8:30PM
Visit Website $ f h
TRUNK OR TREAT
Oct 29, 2021
Village of Monee
5130 West Court Street, Monee, IL
708-534-8301
Visit Website h
Village of Monee
5130 West Court Street, Monee, IL
708-534-8301
Visit Website h
HAYRIDE OF HORROR & THE CURSE OF THE BAYOU
Oct 29, 2021 - Oct 30, 2021
Dellwood Park
199 East Woods Drive, Lockport, IL
815-838-1183
This spine-tingling and mysterious force will chill you to the bone as your journey through the underworld of Dellwood Park. Excursion will chill you to the bone as you ride our Hayride of Horror through the heart of Dellwood Park. 1 Attraction $15; 2 Attractions $25; Speed pass to both attractions $35.
TIME: 7PM-10PM
Visit Website $ o
Dellwood Park
199 East Woods Drive, Lockport, IL
815-838-1183
This spine-tingling and mysterious force will chill you to the bone as your journey through the underworld of Dellwood Park. Excursion will chill you to the bone as you ride our Hayride of Horror through the heart of Dellwood Park. 1 Attraction $15; 2 Attractions $25; Speed pass to both attractions $35.
TIME: 7PM-10PM
Visit Website $ o
ALSIP PARK DISTRICT FALL FEST
Oct 30, 2021
Sprayfari Aquatic Park/Prairie Park
11930 South Kostner Avenue, Alsip, IL
708-389-1003
TIME: 12PM-4PM
Visit Website f h m o
Sprayfari Aquatic Park/Prairie Park
11930 South Kostner Avenue, Alsip, IL
708-389-1003
TIME: 12PM-4PM
Visit Website f h m o
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR
Oct 30, 2021
Fox Pointe
18138 Henry Street, Lansing, IL
708-895-7204
Visit Website o
Fox Pointe
18138 Henry Street, Lansing, IL
708-895-7204
Visit Website o
PUMPKIN PLUNGE
Oct 30, 2021
Tinley Fitness Pool
8125 West 171st Street, Tinley Park, IL
708-342-4200
When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam, may luck be yours on Halloween. Join us at Tinley Fitness for a spooky afternoon of plunging into our pumpkin patch pool. Get ready for some pumpkin picking while you splash around to spooky tunes and enjoy treats, games and more! Advance registration required; no registration at the event is permitted.
TIME: 6PM-8PM
Visit Website $ h s
Tinley Fitness Pool
8125 West 171st Street, Tinley Park, IL
708-342-4200
When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam, may luck be yours on Halloween. Join us at Tinley Fitness for a spooky afternoon of plunging into our pumpkin patch pool. Get ready for some pumpkin picking while you splash around to spooky tunes and enjoy treats, games and more! Advance registration required; no registration at the event is permitted.
TIME: 6PM-8PM
Visit Website $ h s
YOGA ON THE HILL
Oct 30, 2021
Plum Creek Nature Center
27064 South Dutton Road, Beecher, IL
708-946-2216
Awaken & restore the body & mind with a gentle morning yoga class led by instructor Danielle O’Leary. Work through a smooth flow while taking in fresh air & stunning views! This class is friendly to all experience levels. Don’t forget your water bottle & a yoga mat or beach towel. Registration required by Saturday, October 30: 708.946.2216.
TIME: 8AM-9AM
Visit Website $ o s
Plum Creek Nature Center
27064 South Dutton Road, Beecher, IL
708-946-2216
Awaken & restore the body & mind with a gentle morning yoga class led by instructor Danielle O’Leary. Work through a smooth flow while taking in fresh air & stunning views! This class is friendly to all experience levels. Don’t forget your water bottle & a yoga mat or beach towel. Registration required by Saturday, October 30: 708.946.2216.
TIME: 8AM-9AM
Visit Website $ o s
DRIVE THRU TRICK OR TREAT EXPERIENCE
Oct 31, 2021
Matteson Community Center
20642 Matteson Avenue, Matteson, IL
708-441-4500
Join the Village President Sheila Chalmers-Currin & the Board of Trustees for a Drive-Thur Trick-or-Treat Experience. The event will be a drive-thru experience located at the Matteson Community Center for a low-contact trick or treating alternative from 1-3pm on October 31st. Dress up in your favorite costume or decorate your car, let's enjoy this holiday.
TIME: 1PM-3PM
Visit Website h
Matteson Community Center
20642 Matteson Avenue, Matteson, IL
708-441-4500
Join the Village President Sheila Chalmers-Currin & the Board of Trustees for a Drive-Thur Trick-or-Treat Experience. The event will be a drive-thru experience located at the Matteson Community Center for a low-contact trick or treating alternative from 1-3pm on October 31st. Dress up in your favorite costume or decorate your car, let's enjoy this holiday.
TIME: 1PM-3PM
Visit Website h
FOX POINTE TRICK OR TREAT
Oct 31, 2021
Fox Pointe
18138 Henry Street, Lansing, IL
From 2PM–4PM on Halloween, the public is invited to participate for free in Fox Pointe Trick-or-Treating. Tables will be set up throughout Fox Pointe by businesses & other organizations where costumed collectors can visit & gather goodies. Decorations will still be on display, & voting will still be open for the scarecrow contest. The winners of the contest will be announced at the end of the event.
TIME: 2PM-4PM
Visit Website o
Fox Pointe
18138 Henry Street, Lansing, IL
From 2PM–4PM on Halloween, the public is invited to participate for free in Fox Pointe Trick-or-Treating. Tables will be set up throughout Fox Pointe by businesses & other organizations where costumed collectors can visit & gather goodies. Decorations will still be on display, & voting will still be open for the scarecrow contest. The winners of the contest will be announced at the end of the event.
TIME: 2PM-4PM
Visit Website o
SCARY CLOWN CHASE
Oct 31, 2021
Accelerate Indoor Speedway & Events
8580 Springlake Drive, Mokena, IL
708-457-7772
Come out for a night of thrills and chills! Get chased around the track by the scariest clown in Will County and if you can beat him you win free races! All day!
TIME: Various
Visit Website h s
Accelerate Indoor Speedway & Events
8580 Springlake Drive, Mokena, IL
708-457-7772
Come out for a night of thrills and chills! Get chased around the track by the scariest clown in Will County and if you can beat him you win free races! All day!
TIME: Various
Visit Website h s
SCARY CLOWN CHASE!
Oct 31, 2021
Accelerate Indoor Speedway & Events
8580 Springlake Drive, Mokena, IL
708-457-7772
Scary Clown Chase is back! On October 31st happening every hour all day, beat the scary clown in a race to win a prize! That's not all - get a free limited Nightmare on Elm Street kart guy sticker when you purchase a race package! All day!
TIME: Various
Visit Website s
Accelerate Indoor Speedway & Events
8580 Springlake Drive, Mokena, IL
708-457-7772
Scary Clown Chase is back! On October 31st happening every hour all day, beat the scary clown in a race to win a prize! That's not all - get a free limited Nightmare on Elm Street kart guy sticker when you purchase a race package! All day!
TIME: Various
Visit Website s
TRICK OR TREAT HOURS
Oct 31, 2021
Village of Monee
5130 West Court Street, Monee, IL
708-534-8301
TIME: 3PM-7PM
Visit Website h
Village of Monee
5130 West Court Street, Monee, IL
708-534-8301
TIME: 3PM-7PM
Visit Website h
HOLIDAY DECORATING COMPETITION KICKS OFF
Nov 1, 2021
Village of Monee
5130 West Court Street, Monee, IL
708-534-8301
Visit Website h
Village of Monee
5130 West Court Street, Monee, IL
708-534-8301
Visit Website h
STEP BACK INTO A 1950s HALLOWEEN
Nov 1, 2021 - Nov 6, 2021
1950s Park Forest House Museum
St. Mary's Catholic Church, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest, IL
708-481-4252
The museum is decorated in vintage Halloween decorations including die-cuts and Halloween Gurley Candles. Visit for a nostalgic look at Halloween in the 1950s.
TIME: 1PM-3:30PM
Visit Website $ c h
1950s Park Forest House Museum
St. Mary's Catholic Church, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest, IL
708-481-4252
The museum is decorated in vintage Halloween decorations including die-cuts and Halloween Gurley Candles. Visit for a nostalgic look at Halloween in the 1950s.
TIME: 1PM-3:30PM
Visit Website $ c h
SANTA'S MAILBOX
Nov 1, 2021 - Nov 19, 2021
Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center
8125 West 171st Street, Tinley Park, IL
708-342-4202
Due to the large volume of Christmas mail last year, the Tinley Park-Park District is helping deliver mail to the North Pole. Children can mail their letter using Santa’s Mailbox in the lobby of the rec center. Santa is super busy preparing for the big night, so letters must be received by November 19. Ages 3-12 only! Open hours.
TIME: Various
Visit Website h
Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center
8125 West 171st Street, Tinley Park, IL
708-342-4202
Due to the large volume of Christmas mail last year, the Tinley Park-Park District is helping deliver mail to the North Pole. Children can mail their letter using Santa’s Mailbox in the lobby of the rec center. Santa is super busy preparing for the big night, so letters must be received by November 19. Ages 3-12 only! Open hours.
TIME: Various
Visit Website h
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