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.

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Expos and Shows

Friday, September 30th - Sunday, October 2nd
CHICAGOLAND UNCONVENTIONAL BICYCLE EXPO (CUBE)
Tinley Park Convention Center
18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park
(847) 204-1133
The only place where you can test ride: unicycles, recumbents, trikes, cargo bikes, tandems and electric bikes all in the same place. Then walk the show and see a full line of the newest accessories, clothing, shoes, etc. Not to mention the touring companies and bike clubs. You won't want to miss this show since it's the only one of it's kind in America. Take pictures of your experience and tag them on social media with #CUBE16.
F 10AM-5PM; Sa 9AM-5PM; Su 10AM-4PM

Arts & Culture

Friday, September 30th
BRUSHES AND BOTTLES
Sgt. Means Barn
20712 Western Avenue, Olympia Fields
(708) 481-7313
Join OFPD for their own Paint & Wine Night!!! Bring your friends, snacks, & drinks, and we'll bring the rest. $35
6-9:30PM

Sunday, October 2nd
ANNUAL ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR
Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
We’re celebrating our 51st year! Art of all styles will be sold by artists inspired by nature. Free
9AM-3PM

Comedy Night

Friday, September 30th
NO LIMIT LAUGHS WITH THE ORLAND PARK COMEDY IMPROV
Cultural Center
14760 Park Lane, Orland Park
(708) 403-7275
Time to ‘get your funny on’! Join the ‘No Limit Laughs’ Orland Park Comedy Improv players for an unforgettable night of improvised comedy. Each show is guaranteed to be a unique experience, as the audience’s suggestions fuel ‘off the cuff’ fun!
8-10PM

Eat, Drink & Be Happy

Friday, September 30th
11TH ANNUAL TASTE OF MATTESON
Holiday Inn Chicago Matteson Conference Center
500 Holiday Plaza Drive, Matteson
(708) 283-4777
Taste of Matteson celebrates the diversity of our community. It provides an opportunity for residents to interact, while enjoying samples of various cuisines from restaurants in the area. There will also be a silent auction, door prizes, live music and a cash bar. Advance tickets only (no tickets at the door). Tickets can be purchased at the Village Hall or Matteson Community Center and only a limited supply is available. Come out and enjoy an evening of great food, fun and entertainment. Admission $10
5:30-8PM

Explore Nature

Saturday, October 1st
WEE WONDERS SERIES: WOODPECKERS
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Children in preschool and kindergarten are invited to their very own nature program. We’ll explore a different seasonal subject each month.
10AM

Saturday, October 1st
LIVE HEALTHY, DISCOVER NATURE! HIKE
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Join our monthly hiking club. A naturalist will lead a vigorous hike on our trails.
1:30PM

Sunday, October 2nd

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FALL NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY HIKE: TO THE BRIDGE
Plum Creek Nature Center through the Forest Preserve District of Will County
27064 Dutton Road, Beecher
(708) 946-2216
Start indoors to learn about the preserve's seasonal changes, then enjoy a hike with a naturalist and take photos along the way. Participants will trek 3 miles round trip to Goodenow Grove’s 40-foot tall “Big Bridge.” This program is for any camera – smart phone to digital SLRs. Dress for the weather. The free program is for ages 16 and older. Registration is required by Friday, Sept. 30th; call 708-946-2216.
8:30-11:30AM

Sunday, October 2nd
BEEKEEPING: MEET A BEEKEEPER
Plum Creek Nature Center through the Forest Preserve District of Will County
27064 South Dutton Road, Beecher
(708) 946-2216
Visit Plum Creek Nature Center on the first Sunday of the month to meet with our beekeepers and see a working bee hive on display! Our veteran beekeepers will be stationed at the live bee exhibit to tell the story of our most familiar social insect, the honeybee, and will answer questions and chat with the public. No registration is required for this program.
12:30-3PM

Farmers Markets

 

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

Family Fun

Friday, September 30th - Sunday, October 2nd
BENGTSON'S PUMPKIN FARM
Bengtston's Pumpkin Farm
13341 West 151st Street, Homer Glen
(708) 301-3276
Bengtson Farm is a family owned and operated Pumpkin Farm that has served the Homer Glen area for over 35 years. The farm is “Stroller Friendly,” so bring your strollers or wagons. The farm is about 90% paved, but there are some gravel paths. Don’t forget your camera! Plenty of FREE Parking. Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm is a great place for the young and the young at heart. It’s an annual activity that parents love because of all the fun, interactive pumpkin farm attractions for the little ones to enjoy.
F - Sa 10AM-9PM; Su 10AM-8PM

Friday, September 30th - Sunday, October 2nd
PICK. AT GARDEN PATCH FARMS
Pick. at Garden Patch Farms
14158 West 159th Street, Homer Glen
(708) 301-7720
Entrance to Pick's Fall Fest will be FREE the whole month of October beginning this weekend! The fall fest includes: a full scale petting zoo with different exotic animals added every weekend in addition to our regulars - pigs, goats, tortoises, turkeys, etc., a bounce house, mini straw maze, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin tic-tac-toe, straw mountain, hay rack rides to our orchards where you can pick apples from bins and the pumpkin patch! Pony rides are available for $5 per ride. They also have locally famous apple cider mini donuts made fresh on site where you can watch them be made! We are also serving apple cider slushies and hot and cold apple cider by the cup! Please note our fall fest runs Saturday and Sunday only. It's also time to start prepping for Halloween! There all kinds of pumpkins and gourds in a wide variety of colors, textures, sizes and shapes! they also have tons of other fall favorites too like corn stalks, hay bails, decorative corn, jams, jellies, pancakes, syrups, salsa, pickled goods, candy apples, caramel apples and all different types of fall inspired goodies.
9AM-6PM

Saturday, October 1st - Sunday, October 2nd
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

 

Festivals

Saturday, October 1st
VILLAGE OF CRESTWOOD ROCKTOBERFEST
Ceaser Park
14111 Kenton Avenue, Crestwood
(612) 770-4575
Festival goers of all ages will find plenty of food, drink and fun during the weekend lineup! Featuring a tented beer garden, daily 50/50 raffle, bingo, local food favorites, shopping, kid friendly activities, live music and more! Bears fans will even be able to catch the game on Sunday with a live viewing in the beer garden!
F 5PM-12AM; Sa 12PM-12AM; Su 11AM-9PM

Due to inclement weather, The Orland Park Great Pumpkin Party has been rescheduled for October 8th.
Saturday, October 1st   
THE GREAT PUMPKIN PARTY
Centennial Park Warming House
15600 West Avenue and Fun Drive, Orland Park
(708) 403-7275
Gather the family and head out to Centennial Park to join us for a fun-filled day. You’ll enjoy a variety of fall activities.
1-5PM

Learn Something New

Saturday, October 1st
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, October 2nd
EARTH SCIENCE-ORIENTEERING PART 1: COMPASS BASICS
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 West 111th Street, Lemont
(630) 257-2045
Learn how to navigate with a map and compass, then practice your skills with compass games. Ages 10 & up. Registration required.
9-11AM

Sunday, October 2nd
EARTH SCIENCE-ORIENTEERING PART 2: NAVIGATE THE COURSE
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 West 111th Street, Lemont
(630) 257-2045
Test your navigation skills finding controls on the “O” course. No instruction is provided. Attend Part 1 or have previous orienteering experience. Check-in from Noon – 12:30 pm. Ages 10 & up. Registration required.
12-3PM

Sunday, October 2nd
PEOTONE WINDMILL TOURS
427 West Corning Avenue, Peotone
(708) 328-4072
Tour and explore three floors of the largest Dutch/German Illinois Windmill built in 1872, filled with antiques and exhibits.
1-3PM

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

Friday, September 30th
JERRY ROSSEN PUBLIC AUCTION
Will County Fairgrounds
710 West Street, Peotone
(708) 997-0245
Auctions will include antiques, collectibles, furniture and more!
6PM

Saturday, October 1st - Sunday, October 2nd
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

Sunday, October 2nd
PARAGON LEATHER MOTORCYCLE SWAP MEET
Will County Fairgrounds
710 West Street, Peotone
(269) 323-9483
New and used motorcycle parts, bikes, leather, novelties, custom bike show with trophy and cash awards, bike rodeo games, live bands, food and beer.
10AM-4PM

Sports

Friday, September 30th - Sunday, October 2nd
CHICAGO WHITE SOX VS. MINNESOTA TWINS
U.S. Cellular Field
333 West 35th Street, Chicago
(312) 674-1000
Let's Go! Go! Go! White Sox! Friday is Hispanic Heritage Night with fireworks afterwards. On Saturday, the first 5,000 fans will receive a White Sox cap and can rock it during Rock 'N Roll Night with fireworks following. Sunday is Family Sunday and Fan Appreciation Day.
F 7:10PM; Sa 6:10PM; Su 2:10PM

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

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