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

Make sure to tag #ChicagoSouthland in your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram photos and we’ll try to highlight your pictures on our social media channels!

Festivals

Saturday, September 24th
FALL FEST
Gale Moore Park
109th & Nordica, Worth
(708) 448-7080
There will be a pumpkin patch, penny in the haystack game, concessions, hay rides, crafts, inflatable bounce house and more for the whole family.

Saturday, September 24th
DUTCH FESTIVAL
Elim Christian Services
13020 South Central Avenue, Palos Heights
(708) 389-0555
The Elim Dutch Festival offers Dutch and American foods, musical entertainment, children's games, great shopping and Farmers Market & more - all to benefit individuals with disabilities.
8AM-4PM

Saturday, September 24th
ST. MARY PARISH OKTOBERFEST
St. Mary Church
19515 South 115th Avenue, Mokena
(708) 326-9300
This event will not only support St. Mary Parish, but also others in the community. A portion of Oktoberfest profits will be donated to FISH - a local community based "helping hand" available to persons in situation of need. Ticket Price is $25 in advance $30 day of event. Includes food, beverages & entertainment.
6PM

Sunday, September 25th
FALL FUN FEST 2016
Children's Museum in Oak Lawn
5100 Museum Drive, Oak Lawn
(708) 423-6709
Get ready for a Sunday Funday! The Children's Museum in Oak Lawn is hosting it's annual Fall Fun Fest!! This super popular FREE family event will feature tons of activities for the whole family! Come join us for a day of fun with a Kid's Dash, inflatable jumpers, vendors, Trackless Train, bingo, Little Obie Train, FREE pumpkins, raffles, a children's garage sale, special entertainment and so much more!!
10AM-3PM

Comedy Acts

Saturday, September 24th
STEVE COCHRAN COMEDY TOUR
Governors State University Center for Performing Arts
1 University Parkway, University Park
(708) 235-2222
Join WGN broadcaster, comedian and host of the morning show, Steve Cochran in a special comedy extravaganza featuring Rocky LaPorte (Comedy Central/The Tonight Show with Jay Leno), and Chicago comedians Pat McGann (David Letterman) and John Da Cosse (WGN Morning show, A&E, NBC & Comedy Central).
7PM

Saturday, September 24th
COMEDY AND SINATRA TALES WITH TOM DREESEN
Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre
410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest
(708) 747-0580
In this unforgettable performance, Tom Dreesen will take you from his childhood of shining shoes in bars in his hometown of Harvey, hearing Sinatra on the jukebox to one day touring the nation as his opening act flying in his private jet and staying up with Frank till dawn, night after night.
7:30PM

Eat, Drink & Be Happy

Friday, September 23rd - Saturday, September 24th
3RD ANNUAL BBQ ON THE HILL
Memorial Park
12804 South Highland Avenue, Blue Island
(708) 385-3304
Amateur cooks will compete, grilling ribs for KCBS judges and public tasting purchases. Free Event - Family Fun Activities, Bingo, Live Music, food sales plus $1 Rib Tasting.
12-10PM

Explore Nature

Friday, September 23rd
NIGHT OWLS
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Come and join us on a night hike to explore owls and their amazing nocturnal adaptations. Registration deadline: September 21st - call Sand Ridge at 708-868-0606.
7PM

Saturday, September 24th
PHOTO MEET-UP
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Enjoy a naturalist-led walk to view and photograph seasonal leaf color, scenic vistas, interesting plants and wildlife. For all photographer levels and camera types.
10AM

Saturday, September 24th
THE HISTORY OF THE FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Come along on a short hike and learn about the history and founding of the Forest Preserves and Sand Ridge Nature Center. Dress for the weather.
1:30PM

Saturday, September 24th
UNSEEN NATURE MONTH-SAGAWAU'S LIVING LIBRARY: THE TALLGRASS PRAIRIE
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 West 111th Street, Lemont
(630) 257-2045
Come see chapter 4: The Unseen Prairie. Venture into the prairie with microscopes and hand lenses to observe what is easily overlooked. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, closed-toe shoes. Adults & interested teens. Registration required.
1PM

Saturday, September 24th
KAYAK FISHING 101
Monee Reservoir through the Forest Preserve District of Will County
27341 Ridgeland Avenue, Monee
(708) 534-8499
Learn how to successfully fish from a kayak, which requires only paddle power and creates a smaller environmental footprint than a standard fishing boat. Safety and equipment instructions will be provided. The program costs $20 per person and is for ages 12 and older; registration is required by Sept. 22.
2-5PM

Sunday, September 25th
SAND PAINTING
Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Nature and Native American music will be your inspiration for creating colorful sand paintings using Native American designs. Registration required. Ages 7 & up. Limit 20.
1:30PM

Sunday, September 25th
SAND RIDGE 101
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
What can you see and do at Sand Ridge Nature Center? Join us on a guided tour that includes a live animal presentation and cabin tour. Free
1:30PM

Farmers Markets

 



 

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

Family Fun

Saturday, September 24th - Sunday, September 25th
ODYSSEY FUN FARM
Odyssey Fun World
19111 South Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park
(708) 429-3800
The Odyssey Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze is fun for all ages! It is a 110 acre farm with a 13 acre pumpkin patch that you will be able to walk through to find the perfect pumpkin for your family. The exclusive corn maze is 15 acres! There's also a 5 acre courtyard full of family friendly activities: The Odyssey Petting Zoo, The Inflatable Kidz Zone, corn cannons, pig races, a cow train, hay rides and pony rides! (Pony Rides only available on Saturday and Sunday. Max weight of 90lbs.) Smoking and alcohol are strictly not permitted within The Odyssey Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze. Smoking is only permitted within the front parking lot. No outside food or beverages allowed on the Farm!
10AM-6PM

Saturday, September 24th
DJ JIMMY JAMZ
Odyssey Fun World
19111 South Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park
(708) 429-3800
Dance contests, great music & giveaways!
5-7PM

Saturday, September 24th
FAMAZING RACE FAMILY FUN CHALLENGE
Centennial Park
9401 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Lawn
(708) 857-2420
Teams consisting of at least one adult and child (ages 5 & up) will compete in a series of challenges (physical and mental) and race to the finish to win some great prizes. The registration fee is $10 per team member.
10AM-1PM
 
 

Learn Something New

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

Shopping

Sunday, September 25th
TIME TRAVELED COLLECTIBLE TOY SHOW
Central Park Building Gymnasium
15601 South Central Avenue, Oak Forest
(708) 687-7270
Head out to the toy show and choose from the biggest selection of collectibles around! Admission fee: $1.00 (children under 6 are Free). You will receive a lot of great deals on toys that are coming back into popularity.
9AM-2PM

Sports

Saturday, September 24th
CHICAGO RED STARS VS. WASHINGTON SPIRIT
TOYOTA PARK
7000 South Harlem Avenue, Bridgeview
(773) 697-8699
Don't miss some of the best women's soccer players battle it out.
6PM

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

Related Articles