12 Months of the Chicago Southland

No matter what time of year it is, there’s something entertaining or fun or delicious or beautiful to enjoy within the Chicago Southland communities. Indoor or outdoor, on a big stage or intimate theater, on a quiet path or on a bustling main street, in a quaint boutique or a large shopping mall, at a table for two or a large festival, there’s so much waiting for you. Here’s a sampling of what should be on your calendar throughout the year:

JANUARY

Take part in some winter wonderland activities and outdoor hikes at area nature centers, including Wee Wonders guided activities for kids and birdwatching adventures. Celebrate MLK Day with community service opportunities and inspiring musical performances. Or stay inside and take advantage of theater season by taking in a professional play or musical at Broadway in Chicago or on a suburban stage.

FEBRUARY

Put on your skates and embrace the frigid air at one of the municipal ice rinks. Sand Ridge Nature Center will be offering a series of presentations related to the Underground Railroad in honor of Black History Month. The stages in the Chicago Southland will be alive with musical and theatrical shows, including The Outsiders at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, Valentine’s Day with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra at Ozinga Chapel and Dinosaur World Live! at Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center. It’s also restaurant month where you’ll find some great deals on local grub.

MARCH

This is a month to really take in the arts. Start off the month with an art exhibit at Prairie State College. The beloved musical Hamilton returns to the CIBC Theater. Governors State Theatre and Performance Studies presents All That Jazz! where the audience can experience the essence of American jazz dance. There are also plenty of opportunities to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at local breweries and parades. Irish heritage is on full display at the Oak Forest Fleadh and festivities at Chicago Gaelic Park.

APRIL

Spring is in the air, and you’ll want to keep your eye out for Easter Bunny sightings as the holiday approaches. Enjoy the outdoors with cleanup events, hikes and other nature-based activities to commemorate Earth Day. It’s also time for the return of America’s pastime. Be sure to get your tickets to an MLB game and see the White Sox play on their home turf at Rate Field. If you prefer a little more action on the field, it’s also a great time to take in a Chicago Hounds rugby match.

MAY

The welcoming weather brings along al fresco season as eateries around the Chicago Southland open their patios and welcome patrons to enjoy a little sunshine with their meals. There will also be special brunches and events in honor of mom that you can enjoy together to commemorate Mother’s Day. Race season is back in full swing with 5Ks as well as other activities geared toward fitness and active lifestyles such as golf and disc golf. Also, make plans to attend one of the area memorials or parades over Memorial Day weekend as the country recognizes those lost in service to their country. For a listing of memorials click here.

JUNE

When summer arrives in the Chicago Southland, there doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day to enjoy all the fun activities going on. Summer festivals galore offer live music, food trucks, vendors, shows, beer gardens and other activities. You’ll also find events commemorating Juneteenth all around the Chicago Southland. Add outdoor movies nights, free public concerts, car shows and cruise nights, nature center programming and farmers markets, and you’ll have a calendar full of summer fun.

JULY

The Chicago Southland knows how to celebrate the 4th of July, and this year is sure to be one to remember as the U.S. is also celebrating its 250th birthday. The flags will be waving, the red, white and blue will be on full display and the fireworks will be lighting up the sky. Attend one of several Independence Day parades to get the full feel of Americana and community. There will also be plenty of entertainment to enjoy, from patriotic tunes to rock ‘n’ roll classics.

AUGUST

Everybody loves a county fair, and you’ll find your opportunity to take in a demolition derby or tractor pull, get your fill of fried festival food, see a slew of farm animals and tap your toes to some local musical talent when the Will County Fair kicks off. There are also plenty of free community concerts, movie nights and pool days to enjoy before the kids head back to school. Outdoor art is all around, and you can spend a summer day exploring murals, sculptures, gardens and more.

SEPTEMBER

Labor Day weekend brings some fun festivals where you can listen to top-notch musical talent at the North Coast Music Festival, shop from craft vendors from all around the country at the Frankfort Fall Festival, peruse art from talented creators at the area’s second-oldest juried art fair, and get a look at how the area’s early pioneers lived along with cultural customs at Heritage Fest. The fall festivals and Oktoberfest celebrations begin, and if you’re ready for an explosion of all things pumpkins, we’ve got you covered.

OCTOBER

Trunk-or-treats, Boo at the Zoo, haunted houses. You can have a ghoulish good time with screams and tricks — or go all treats with charming costumes and autumn cheer at a variety of events. Bengtson’s Pumpkin Fest offer fun for all ages, from games and rides to seasonal treats and a pumpkin patch. For the grownups, the Historic Pullman House Tour is always a fascinating experience.

NOVEMBER

As Veterans Day arrives, communities throughout the Chicago Southland honor our military with parades and ceremonies. The Thanksgiving traditions continue this month, with several Turkey Trot events. The official holiday season kicks off with tree lighting ceremonies and the opening of the Festival of Trees exhibit at the Lansing Historical Museum. The Chicago Southland’s indoor stages are again aglow and bustling with activity as musicals, plays and performances fill the schedule. Indoor art exhibits offer spaces for leisurely reflection when the weather outside gets frightful.

DECEMBER

The year finishes off with non-stop holiday fun in the form of Santa appearances, Christmas tree lightings, holiday concerts and more. Be sure to work in a breakfast with Santa, holiday shopping fair or open house, a holiday-themed exhibit or a winter festival. Seek out a unique boutique, antique shop, downtown business district or classic mall experience to get your gift hauls. Ring in the New Year at a number of family-friendly noon countdowns or festive late-night celebrations.