A FEAST OF ACTIVITIES

Fill up this November with exciting activities to spend with those you’re thankful for. Bundle up for the fall weather and enjoy some of these great events in the Chicago Southland.

Racing towards Thanksgiving

Looking to burn off those Thanksgiving calories BEFORE your holiday feast? Sign up for one of the 2021 Turkey Trots to stay active this holiday season! The annual Turkey Trots are fun runs that take place throughout the Chicago Southland and are great for getting in a little exercise before everyone’s favorite meal of the year.

Tinley Park’s 30^th Annual Trot takes place on November 7, Orland Hill’s 28^th Annual Trot November 13, and Orland Park’s Trot on Thanksgiving morning itself, November 25!

If you’re looking for something at a more leisurely pace, take the Thanksgiving Storywalk with your family through Vogt Woods (6527 West 171^st Street, Tinley Park) on November 20 while listening to a festive tale about Thanksgiving.

Chicago Gaelic Park in Oak Forest is having its very own Thanksgiving day dinner on November 25. With an all you can eat buffet and live music, it's a fantastic way to spend your turkey day! For more information and tickets, you can call 708-687-9323.

As for post-Thanksgiving, join the Carraig Challenge 5k at Chicago Gaelic Park in Oak Forest. Work off that turkey with a cross country 5k or a 1.5 mile walk. Registration information can be found here!

Honoring veterans

This Veterans Day, head to a ceremony to honor those who have served and continue to serve our country through the military. The Palos Park Ceremony is hosting a formal presentation within the Palos Park Recreation Center. The Orland Park Ceremony is holding a ceremony in front of the Orland Park Village Hall. Both events take place on Veterans Day, November 11.

You can also participate in the Stockings for Our Troops event at The Oaks Recreation & Fitness Center in Mokena, where you can join in the decoration of stockings for our troops overseas. Donations for the stocking stuffers are also being accepted. Call 708-390-2401 for information on suggested items and click here for event times and details.

Fall fun for the kids

If you’re looking for something geared more towards children, this November also hosts some great activities for your kids to enjoy and participate in.

Whoooo wants to learn more about one of the most fascinating nocturnal birds? At the Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center in Olympia Fields on November 12, you can do just that at the Owl Prowl. Bring the whole family for an informational night as well as a walk through the surrounding area to see if you can’t hear their iconic call for yourselves. Find more information here.

Join in on the Turkey Shoot Free-Throw Contest on November 21 for a chance to win a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. Held at the Orland Park Sportsplex, teams will consist of one parent and one child. Come spend some quality time shooting hoops with your kid! You can register here.

Music to my ears (of corn)

If you’re a fan of rich, beautiful music, then the Chicago Southland has some great concerts for you.

The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra has two concerts this November, their Mozart and Beethoven concert on November 13, and their classic orchestra concert on November 20. Both are held at the Trinity College Ozinga Chapel in Palos Heights. If classical, orchestral music is your speed, be sure to get your tickets here!

Freedom Hall in Park Forest is also hosting some concerts this season. On November 9, catch Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song, and on November 19, Higher and Higher: A Rock ‘n Soul Party with Chester Gregory.

Governors State University Center for Performing Arts in University Park is hosting the Obert Davis’ Chicago Jazz Philharmonic: Forward Momentum concert on November 20. You won’t want to miss these jazz hits!

If you’d like some theatre with your music, Governors State University is also featuring the Southland Area Theatre Ensemble in their musical performances, All Together Now! Full of classic musical hits, the ensemble will be celebrating 25 years of musical theatre at the Center for Performing Arts. Tickets can be found here.

Songs of Syria featuring Bassel and the Supernaturals, Mariela Shaker and Omar Offendum is taking place November 20 at the Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center in Palos Heights. The event will be live and virtual, so if you’re looking for three fantastic Syrian artists all in one show, this is the perfect concert for you. You can find ticket information here.

Chicago House Athletic Club soccer games

The Chicago House Athletic Club soccer season is still going strong! Come on out and support the team this November at one of their games. Games are taking place November 6, November 13 and November 20, so be sure to get tickets at ChicagoHouseAC.com.

Fall into winter

With winter quickly approaching, it’s never too early to get into the holiday spirit- even in the fall!

Warm up with the 12^th Annual Christmas Tea event at the Gladys Fox Museum in Lockport on November 28 where you can enjoy tea, sandwiches and an opportunity to win special prizes! Get more information here.

The Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Orland Park Civic Center takes place on November 28, including a parade, live entertainment and crafts. Santa might even make an early stop in the Chicago Southland! Click here for more information.

Related Articles