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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Festivals

Friday, September 25th
10TH ANNUAL TASTE OF MATTESON
Holiday Inn Chicago Matteson Conference Center
500 Holiday Plaza Drive, Matteson
(708) 957-7275
The Taste of Matteson & Unity Day celebrates the diversity of our community. It provides an opportunity to interact and learn more about culture sharing by bringing people of different backgrounds together, while enjoying samples of various cuisines from restaurants in the area. The celebration will include a silent auction, door prizes, live music and a cash bar. Tickets are $10 and available in advance only (no tickets will be sold at the door for this event). Tickets can be purchased now 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.
5:30-8PM

Saturday, September 26th
DUTCH FESTIVAL
Elim Christian Services
13020 South Central Avenue, Palos Heights
(708) 389-0555
Elim's annual Dutch Festival offers fun for the whole family! Dutch Festival offers great entertainment, shopping, activities and deliciously affordable cuisine!
7:30AM-4PM

Saturday, September 26th
HISPANIC HERITAGE CELEBRATION
Thornton Township Hall
333 East 162nd Street, South Holland
(708) 596-6040 x3168
11th Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration, featuring authentic Hispanic music, food & entertainment. All are welcome.
10AM-2PM

Saturday, September 26th
ST. MARY PARISH'S 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

Arts and Culture

Saturday, September 26th - Sunday, September 27th
PRAIRIE SISTERS QUILT SHOW
Columbia Junior High
94 West Richton Road, Steger
(708) 535-2623
The show will feature a vendor mall, raffle baskets, food concession, scissor and knife sharpening. Quilt of Valor display and raffle.
Sa 9AM-5PM; Su 9AM-4PM

Saturday, September 26th
JIM BRICKMAN: THE PLATINUM TOUR
Dorothy Menker Theater at Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center
9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills
(708) 974-5500
Marking a milestone in his dynamic career, Brickman showcases new music, along with the hits that made him the most charted (30) Billboard® adult contemporary artist and earned him two Grammy® nods and four gold albums. The Platinum Tour “Celebrating 20 Years” is an experience of emotion, intimacy, warmth and humor that’s fused together with hits like “Valentine,” “Rocket to the Moon,” “Love of My Life” and “If You Believe.” Brickman takes you on a musical journey with his romantic piano melodies and engaging wit, making this concert the must-see of the season.
7:30PM

Explore Nature

The Forest Preserves of Cook County have been celebrating 100 years with 100 events this week and it continues throughout the weekend. Explore nature to the fullest this weekend with several opportunities listed below and by clicking here.

Friday, September 25th
THE ASTRONOMER’S NIGHT SKY
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
View planets and other celestial wonders through a telescope, clear skies permitting. In the event of poor skies, we’ll present a lecture and slide show.
7PM

Friday, September 25th
AUTUMNAL EQUINOX EVENING HIKE
Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Celebrate 100 years of Forest Preserves of Cook County by hiking the woodlands at night. Ages 7 & up will enjoy this and there is a limit of 20 attendees.
7-8:30PM

Saturday, September 26th
KICKAPOO WOODS BOAT LAUNCH GRAND OPENING
Kickapoo Woods
14498 South Halsted Street, Riverdale
(312) 533-5751
Learn the history of the Little Calumet and celebrate the grand opening of the new boat launch. Check out a watershed model, learn about urban impacts, natural stream features and get info on river restoration and recreation.
1-4PM

Saturday, September 26th
A STROLL THROUGH CALUMET
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Go back in time to when this region was under glaciers, when Sand Ridge was a shoreline and when settlers arrived. Cabin tour included.
1:30PM

Saturday, September 26th
NATURE 100 CHALLENGE
Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
We’re challenging visitors to find 100 nature things along the trails. Stop in at the reception desk to begin your challenge. All ages. No registration required.
5PM

Saturday, September 26th
BUTTERFLIES OF THE NIGHT
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Join well-known moth expert George Derkovitz as he shows you how “black-lighting” is done. We’ll learn about insects that fly at night, and hopefully attract some interesting insects.
8PM

Sunday, September 27th
LEAF ART FUN
Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Create a variety of art using leaves. All ages. No registration required.
1PM

Sunday, September 27th
FUR TRADIN’
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Discover more about fur trading in the Calumet region during the 1820s. See and touch real furs and skins.
1:30PM

Farmers Markets

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

Family Fun

Friday, September 25th - Sunday, September 27th
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! We boast a 13 acre pumpkin patch that you will be able to walk through to find the perfect pumpkin for your family. Our exclusive corn maze is 15 acres! We also have 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 26th
3RD ANNUAL FAMILY AND VETERANS HEALTH AND FITNESS FEST
Outside Village on the Green
346 Main Street, Park Forest
(708) 203-0796
Promoting the mental and physical well being of families and those who served. Health screenings, fitness workouts, veteran benefits, family fitness challenges, food vendors & raffles. Veterans will play softball against the Park Forest Village employees at 3:30PM.
11AM-3PM

Sunday, September 27th
FALL FUN FEST 2015
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, Children's Garage Sale, Special Entertainment and so much more!!
10AM-3PM

Sunday, September 27th
WORLD FESTIVAL OF FAMILIES
Standard Bank Stadium
5705 West 127th Street, Crestwood
(708) 388-4005
Outside the stadium there will be food, a DJ, Tailgating and kids games from 12:30-2:30PM. Inside the stadium there will be a 16" softball game between the Police/Incarnation Youth Group vs. Fire/Alumni from 2:30-4PM. Food will be available to purchase or you can bring your own picnic.
12:30PM

Sunday, September 27th
SUNDAY AFTERNOON STORY TIME
Paperback Trading Co.
8825 South Ridgeland Avenue, Oak Lawn
(708) 598-8442
Sunday Afternoon Story Time featuring THE TINY SEED by Eric Carle with a craft and activity for the 3-6 year olds. FREE
4-5PM

Learn Something New

Saturday, September 26th
SISTERS WORKING IT OUT-HEALTH ADVOCACY IN MOTION
Tinley Park Convention Center
18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park
(708) 444-1100

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

Nightlife

Saturday, September 26th
GRAFFITI ON THE FOURTH WALL COMEDY IMPROV TROUPE
Tinley Park Performing Arts Center
16801 South 80th Avenue, Tinley Park
(708) 342-4200
G4W will perform something new - a series of stand up comedy routines developed through improvisation techniques.
7:30PM

Sports

Saturday, September 27th
SPORTS COLLECTIBLE SHOW
Orland Park Civic Center
14750 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park
(708) 423-1758
Sports Collectible Show featuring sports cards, NASCAR, toys, comic books, collectible cards and other collectible items.
9AM-2PM

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