Events
With over 800 Festivals & Events running year round, concerts that include the top touring musical acts, countless farmers markets and car shows in the Chicago Southland, the hard part isn’t deciding IF you should come but rather which event you ARE going to attend.
Whether it is Snow Day Festival at the Plum Creek Nature Center in January, Irish Fest at Chicago’s Gaelic Park in May, any of our year round farmers markets or Lansing Autumn Fest in October, you won’t have to travel far to find family friendly activities for any age.
Cultural Events
Fairs / Carnivals
Parades
Below are the next 30 upcoming events in the Chicago Southland. Use the form above to search for specific events.
Wheelchair Accessibled Displays/Arts/Crafts
ag Agricultural/Food/Harvest
c Cultural Event
w Workshop/Seminar
$ Admission Fee
h Holiday Celebration
o Outdoor Activity
s Sports Event/Recreational
f Fair, Carnival
e Expo/Consumer Show
p Parade
SWAP O RAMA FLEA MARKET
Nov 2, 2019 - Nov 30, 2019
4350 West 129th Street
Alsip, IL
708-344-7300
Chicagoland's finest-most modern indoor/outdoor permanent flea market. Over 800 individual booths of merchandise at bargain prices - every weekend.
W 7AM-2PM; Sa & Su 7AM-4PM
Visit Website $ d o
4350 West 129th Street
Alsip, IL
708-344-7300
Chicagoland's finest-most modern indoor/outdoor permanent flea market. Over 800 individual booths of merchandise at bargain prices - every weekend.
W 7AM-2PM; Sa & Su 7AM-4PM
Visit Website $ d o
LANGUAGE OF ABSTRACTION
Nov 4, 2019 - Nov 28, 2019
Christopher Art Gallery
Prairie State College, 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, IL
708-709-7738
This exhibition features the works of Betty Cleeland, Karen Gubitz and Dustin London. Each of these artists works with abstract forms, but approaches these forms with distinct creative intent and imagination.
M-Th 9AM-3PM & W-Th 5-7PM; Artists' Reception Nov. 6 11:30AM-2PM
Visit Website c d
Christopher Art Gallery
Prairie State College, 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, IL
708-709-7738
This exhibition features the works of Betty Cleeland, Karen Gubitz and Dustin London. Each of these artists works with abstract forms, but approaches these forms with distinct creative intent and imagination.
M-Th 9AM-3PM & W-Th 5-7PM; Artists' Reception Nov. 6 11:30AM-2PM
Visit Website c d
LIVE JAZZ MUSIC
Nov 7, 2019 - Nov 28, 2019
Francesca's on 95th
6248 West 95th Street, Oak Lawn, IL
708-598-7007
Thursday nights
$ c
Francesca's on 95th
6248 West 95th Street, Oak Lawn, IL
708-598-7007
Thursday nights
$ c
SCRAPBOOKING WEEKEND
Nov 8, 2019 - Nov 9, 2020
Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens
7402 West Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights, IL
708-361-1873
Catch up on your scrapbook projects during this time away weekend. Cost: $50 for all three days. Individually days are also available. Preregistration required at the Nature Center front desk. Fee includes: Snacks and beverages all weekend. 2.5 ft. X 4 ft. work space and access to electricity if needed. Dinner on Saturday night and lunch on Sunday will be provided. Bring your own sack lunch for Saturday. Preregistration required at the Nature Center.
F 6PM-12AM; Sa 10AM-12AM; Su 10AM-4PM
Visit Website $ d w
Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens
7402 West Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights, IL
708-361-1873
Catch up on your scrapbook projects during this time away weekend. Cost: $50 for all three days. Individually days are also available. Preregistration required at the Nature Center front desk. Fee includes: Snacks and beverages all weekend. 2.5 ft. X 4 ft. work space and access to electricity if needed. Dinner on Saturday night and lunch on Sunday will be provided. Bring your own sack lunch for Saturday. Preregistration required at the Nature Center.
F 6PM-12AM; Sa 10AM-12AM; Su 10AM-4PM
Visit Website $ d w
WOMEN OF WWII: AT THE WHISTLE STOP CANTEEN
Nov 19, 2019
Homewood Public Library
17917 Dixie Highway, Homewood, IL
708-798-0121
Come learn about how the Greatest Generation pulled together to help our troops
6:30-7:30PM
c
Homewood Public Library
17917 Dixie Highway, Homewood, IL
708-798-0121
Come learn about how the Greatest Generation pulled together to help our troops
6:30-7:30PM
c
NATURE PLAY DAY
Nov 19, 2019
Plum Creek Nature Center
Forest Preserve District of Will County, 27064 South Dutton Road, Beecher, IL
708-946-2216
Join us monthly for nature-themed programs geared toward 3-5 year olds. Hands-on activities may include a hike, story, games, music, art and more. Be prepared for indoor and outdoor activities. We encourage experiencing all types of weather, rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. Indoor facilities are accessible. Outdoor activities may take place on natural surfaces across uneven terrain.
10-11:30AM
Visit Website o s
Plum Creek Nature Center
Forest Preserve District of Will County, 27064 South Dutton Road, Beecher, IL
708-946-2216
Join us monthly for nature-themed programs geared toward 3-5 year olds. Hands-on activities may include a hike, story, games, music, art and more. Be prepared for indoor and outdoor activities. We encourage experiencing all types of weather, rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. Indoor facilities are accessible. Outdoor activities may take place on natural surfaces across uneven terrain.
10-11:30AM
Visit Website o s
A NIGHT OF NATURE, ART & WINE
Nov 20, 2019
Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens
7402 West Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights, IL
708-361-1873
$30 per person. Sip wine and indulge your creative side as we wood burn a natural ornament for the upcoming winter festivities. Register at the Nature Center.
7-8:30PM
Visit Website $ ag c o
Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens
7402 West Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights, IL
708-361-1873
$30 per person. Sip wine and indulge your creative side as we wood burn a natural ornament for the upcoming winter festivities. Register at the Nature Center.
7-8:30PM
Visit Website $ ag c o
HARVEST FESTIVAL MUSIC
Nov 21, 2019
Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center
Dorothy Menker Theater, 9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL
708-974-5500
The Moraine Valley Concert Band presents their 15th anniversary season with three themed concerts including a celebration of autumn, a performance of great movie themes and a concert of favorites curated by our talented band members. The band is comprised of over 50 students and community members who play woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.
7:30PM
Visit Website c
Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center
Dorothy Menker Theater, 9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL
708-974-5500
The Moraine Valley Concert Band presents their 15th anniversary season with three themed concerts including a celebration of autumn, a performance of great movie themes and a concert of favorites curated by our talented band members. The band is comprised of over 50 students and community members who play woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.
7:30PM
Visit Website c
ROCK PAPER SCISSORS
Nov 21, 2019
Prairie Bluff Golf Club
19433 Renwick Road, Crest Hill, IL
815-838-1183
This trio utilizes full instrumentation with their music along with three part harmonies that continues to amaze their audiences! $35 Resident, $40 Non-Resident
11:45AM-2:45PM
Visit Website $ d
Prairie Bluff Golf Club
19433 Renwick Road, Crest Hill, IL
815-838-1183
This trio utilizes full instrumentation with their music along with three part harmonies that continues to amaze their audiences! $35 Resident, $40 Non-Resident
11:45AM-2:45PM
Visit Website $ d
WHO'S WHOO?
Nov 21, 2019
Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens
7402 West Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights, IL
708-361-1873
Cost: $6 A naturalist will lead an interactive discussion of owl adaptations. While listening to eerie owl calls, children will become forensic scientists and dissect their own owl pellet. Students will use magnifying glasses to see the differences between goose feathers and owl feathers. To further understand the food chain, students will play games to help learn about animal strategies of survival.
1PM-2:30PM
Visit Website $ o w
Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens
7402 West Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights, IL
708-361-1873
Cost: $6 A naturalist will lead an interactive discussion of owl adaptations. While listening to eerie owl calls, children will become forensic scientists and dissect their own owl pellet. Students will use magnifying glasses to see the differences between goose feathers and owl feathers. To further understand the food chain, students will play games to help learn about animal strategies of survival.
1PM-2:30PM
Visit Website $ o w
PEOTONE FIREMAN/SPORTSMEN, FISH FRY/TURKEY RAFFLE
Nov 22, 2019
Will County Fairgrounds
710 West Street, Peotone, IL
708-258-9359
ag
Will County Fairgrounds
710 West Street, Peotone, IL
708-258-9359
ag
NO LIMIT LAUGHS WITH THE ORLAND PARK COMEDY IMPROV
Nov 22, 2019
Cultural Center
14760 Park Lane, Orland Park, IL
708-403-5000
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! FEE: $7.00 payable at the door
8-10PM
Visit Website $ c
Cultural Center
14760 Park Lane, Orland Park, IL
708-403-5000
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! FEE: $7.00 payable at the door
8-10PM
Visit Website $ c
FALL DAY CRAFT & VENDOR FAIR
Nov 22, 2019
Posen Civic Center
14401 South Campbell Avenue, Posen, IL
708-388-8797
We will have an all day event 10am-9pm Various of vendors, Crafts, Food We also need of vendors as well.
10AM-9PM
ag d
Posen Civic Center
14401 South Campbell Avenue, Posen, IL
708-388-8797
We will have an all day event 10am-9pm Various of vendors, Crafts, Food We also need of vendors as well.
10AM-9PM
ag d
FETCHING MARKET AT THE CLUB
Nov 22, 2019 - Nov 23, 2019
Ravisloe Country Club
18231 South Park Avenue, Homewood, IL
708-798-5600
$5 in advance; $6 at door
F 5-9PM; Sa 10AM-4PM
Visit Website $ c d
Ravisloe Country Club
18231 South Park Avenue, Homewood, IL
708-798-5600
$5 in advance; $6 at door
F 5-9PM; Sa 10AM-4PM
Visit Website $ c d
FALL CONCERT: MORAINE VALLEY JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Nov 23, 2019
Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center
Dorothy Menker Theater, 9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL
708-974-5500
Swinging into their 23rd season, this 20-member big band explores a range of styles from the classic swing of Duke Ellington and Count Basie to soulful blues, burning Latin jazz and gritty funk.
7:30PM
Visit Website c
Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center
Dorothy Menker Theater, 9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL
708-974-5500
Swinging into their 23rd season, this 20-member big band explores a range of styles from the classic swing of Duke Ellington and Count Basie to soulful blues, burning Latin jazz and gritty funk.
7:30PM
Visit Website c
KIDS TURKEY TROT
Nov 23, 2019
Orland Park Sportsplex
11351 West 159th Street, Orland Park, IL
708-403-5000
Friends and family, come cheer on the kids, ages 3-9, as they participate in their very own Turkey Trot at the Sportsplex indoor track. Race time is approximate. Participants are asked to arrive /check-in 15 – 20 minutes before time of age division.
9:30-11:30AM depending on age
Visit Website $ s
Orland Park Sportsplex
11351 West 159th Street, Orland Park, IL
708-403-5000
Friends and family, come cheer on the kids, ages 3-9, as they participate in their very own Turkey Trot at the Sportsplex indoor track. Race time is approximate. Participants are asked to arrive /check-in 15 – 20 minutes before time of age division.
9:30-11:30AM depending on age
Visit Website $ s
MOKENA CHRISTMAS FEST
Nov 23, 2019
Mokena Elementary School
11244 Willowcrest, Mokena, IL
708-609-6238
Children's crafts, pictures and lunch with Santa, balloon artist, waxed hands, parade, family dance.
10AM-10PM
Visit Website d h o p
Mokena Elementary School
11244 Willowcrest, Mokena, IL
708-609-6238
Children's crafts, pictures and lunch with Santa, balloon artist, waxed hands, parade, family dance.
10AM-10PM
Visit Website d h o p
DIAPER DASH
Nov 23, 2019
Orland Park Sportsplex
11351 West 159th Street, Orland Park, IL
708-403-5000
In conjunction with the Kids’ Turkey Trot, the Toddler Diaper Dash for 1 and 2 year olds is back again. Gobble, gobble all the way to the finish line.
9AM
Visit Website
Orland Park Sportsplex
11351 West 159th Street, Orland Park, IL
708-403-5000
In conjunction with the Kids’ Turkey Trot, the Toddler Diaper Dash for 1 and 2 year olds is back again. Gobble, gobble all the way to the finish line.
9AM
Visit Website
STARRY, STARRY NIGHT
Nov 23, 2019
Forest Preserves of Cook County, Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs, IL
708-839-6897
Adults, this one’s for you! Enjoy an evening stroll under the fall stars followed by a tasty treat at the campfire. Adults only. Limit 20. Registration required.
7-8:30PM
Visit Website o
Forest Preserves of Cook County, Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs, IL
708-839-6897
Adults, this one’s for you! Enjoy an evening stroll under the fall stars followed by a tasty treat at the campfire. Adults only. Limit 20. Registration required.
7-8:30PM
Visit Website o
COMMUNITY TREE TRIM
Nov 23, 2019 - Nov 24, 2019
Brookfield Zoo
First Avenue & 31st Street, Brookfield, IL
708-688-8000
Does your community group want to get into the holiday spirit early? Join Brookfield Zoo in gearing up for our Holiday Magic celebration by participating in Community Tree Trim. Sponsoring a tree is a beautiful way to support the zoo and celebrate the 38th annual Holiday Magic! School groups, scout troops, families - all are welcome to participate in Tree Trim! Assemble your group, make your ornaments, and head to Brookfield Zoo from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 23 or Sunday, November 24 to decorate your tree!
10AM-4:30PM
Visit Website $ h o
Brookfield Zoo
First Avenue & 31st Street, Brookfield, IL
708-688-8000
Does your community group want to get into the holiday spirit early? Join Brookfield Zoo in gearing up for our Holiday Magic celebration by participating in Community Tree Trim. Sponsoring a tree is a beautiful way to support the zoo and celebrate the 38th annual Holiday Magic! School groups, scout troops, families - all are welcome to participate in Tree Trim! Assemble your group, make your ornaments, and head to Brookfield Zoo from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 23 or Sunday, November 24 to decorate your tree!
10AM-4:30PM
Visit Website $ h o
KIDZ THEATER: BABES IN TOYLAND
Nov 23, 2019 - Nov 24, 2019
Tinley Park Performing Arts Center
16801 South 80th Avenue, Tinley Park, IL
708-342-4200
Mistress Mary Quite Contrary intends to marry heroic Alan. But Barnaby, Alan’s villainous uncle, wants to marry her instead. Mary and Alan take a great adventure and arrive in Toyland where they meet many quirky and magical characters. Everyone must work together to foil the evil Barnaby! Join us for some cartoon-like, melodramatic fun in an update to a popular story! General admission tickets are $8.
Sa 6pm; Su 2pm
Visit Website $ c
Tinley Park Performing Arts Center
16801 South 80th Avenue, Tinley Park, IL
708-342-4200
Mistress Mary Quite Contrary intends to marry heroic Alan. But Barnaby, Alan’s villainous uncle, wants to marry her instead. Mary and Alan take a great adventure and arrive in Toyland where they meet many quirky and magical characters. Everyone must work together to foil the evil Barnaby! Join us for some cartoon-like, melodramatic fun in an update to a popular story! General admission tickets are $8.
Sa 6pm; Su 2pm
Visit Website $ c
47TH ANNUAL SETTLERS' DAY
Nov 24, 2019
Sand Ridge Nature Center
Forest Preserves of Cook County, 15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland, IL
708-868-0606
Experience costumed living-history demonstrators, history hikes, crafts, an imaginary wagon train adventure and more. Admission is free.
10AM-3PM
Visit Website c d h o
Sand Ridge Nature Center
Forest Preserves of Cook County, 15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland, IL
708-868-0606
Experience costumed living-history demonstrators, history hikes, crafts, an imaginary wagon train adventure and more. Admission is free.
10AM-3PM
Visit Website c d h o
CHRISTMAS AT MARSHALL FIELD'S
Nov 24, 2019
Palos Heights Public Library
12501 South 71st Avenue, Palos Heights, IL
708-448-1473
Leslie Goddard will trace the store’s beloved holiday traditions, including the Walnut Room Christmas tree, the holiday window displays, the toy department, and the Christmas catalog.
2PM
Visit Website h w
Palos Heights Public Library
12501 South 71st Avenue, Palos Heights, IL
708-448-1473
Leslie Goddard will trace the store’s beloved holiday traditions, including the Walnut Room Christmas tree, the holiday window displays, the toy department, and the Christmas catalog.
2PM
Visit Website h w
TURKEY SHOOT FREE-THROW CONTEST
Nov 24, 2019
Orland Park Sportsplex
11351 West 159th Street, Orland Park, IL
708-403-5000
Win a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner at our Annual Turkey Shoot. Teams will consist of one parent and one child and will be grouped according to age. All ages are welcome. Mini basketballs and mini hoops will be used for the younger age levels.
2-4PM
Visit Website h s
Orland Park Sportsplex
11351 West 159th Street, Orland Park, IL
708-403-5000
Win a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner at our Annual Turkey Shoot. Teams will consist of one parent and one child and will be grouped according to age. All ages are welcome. Mini basketballs and mini hoops will be used for the younger age levels.
2-4PM
Visit Website h s
STEP BACK INTO A 1950s CHRISTMAS EXHIBIT
Nov 25, 2019 - Nov 30, 2019
1950s Park Forest House Museum
St. Mary's Church, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest, IL
708-481-4252
Decorated in vintage Christmas including Christmas Gurley Candles, our rotating Black Forest Green tree, pre-decorated with glass ball ornaments, Christmas decorations are in every room. Visit for a nostalgic look at Christmas Past. $5
W & Sa 1-3:30PM or by appointment
Visit Website $ c d h
1950s Park Forest House Museum
St. Mary's Church, 227 Monee Road, Park Forest, IL
708-481-4252
Decorated in vintage Christmas including Christmas Gurley Candles, our rotating Black Forest Green tree, pre-decorated with glass ball ornaments, Christmas decorations are in every room. Visit for a nostalgic look at Christmas Past. $5
W & Sa 1-3:30PM or by appointment
Visit Website $ c d h
CHRISTMAS IN WILLIAMSBURG
Nov 26, 2019
Palos Heights Public Library
12501 South 71st Avenue, Palos Heights, IL
708-448-1473
This slide lecture will discuss Williamsburg’s role as the colonial capital of Virginia, and demonstrate how you can make your own Williamsburg style decorations.
6:30PM
Visit Website h w
Palos Heights Public Library
12501 South 71st Avenue, Palos Heights, IL
708-448-1473
This slide lecture will discuss Williamsburg’s role as the colonial capital of Virginia, and demonstrate how you can make your own Williamsburg style decorations.
6:30PM
Visit Website h w
TURKEY TROT
Nov 28, 2019
Franklin Loebe Center
14650 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park, IL
708-403-5000
Feel the burn before you sit down for the Thanksgiving feast! This 2.5 mile chip timed cross country race is run through the streets, paths, and woods of Orland Park. Awards to the top overall male & female finishers, as well as the top three finishers in each age group and gender. Pre-registration is required and limited to 900, so register early. All participants receive a long sleeved dri-fit race shirt and are eligible for post-race raffle prizes.
6:30AM CHECK-IN, 8AM START TIME
Visit Website $ o s
Franklin Loebe Center
14650 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park, IL
708-403-5000
Feel the burn before you sit down for the Thanksgiving feast! This 2.5 mile chip timed cross country race is run through the streets, paths, and woods of Orland Park. Awards to the top overall male & female finishers, as well as the top three finishers in each age group and gender. Pre-registration is required and limited to 900, so register early. All participants receive a long sleeved dri-fit race shirt and are eligible for post-race raffle prizes.
6:30AM CHECK-IN, 8AM START TIME
Visit Website $ o s
ANNUAL HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
Nov 29, 2019
Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens
7402 West Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights, IL
708-480-3025
Join the Palos Area Chamber of Commerce for this annual holiday tradition. The event features visits with Santa and his reindeer. Hot chocolate, treats and crafts are all included.
6:30-8:30PM
Visit Website h o
Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens
7402 West Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights, IL
708-480-3025
Join the Palos Area Chamber of Commerce for this annual holiday tradition. The event features visits with Santa and his reindeer. Hot chocolate, treats and crafts are all included.
6:30-8:30PM
Visit Website h o
REINDEER RUN
Nov 29, 2019
Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL
708-688-8000
Grab your glow sticks and running shoes and join us on Friday, November 29 for the second annual Reindeer Run! With a 2-mile course entirely within Brookfield Zoo, you and your family can fun run under the lights and be the first to see the lights of Holiday Magic! Stick around after the Reindeer Run for music, drinks, food, and Animal Ambassadors.
5:30 Registration; 7PM Start Time
Visit Website $ o s
Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL
708-688-8000
Grab your glow sticks and running shoes and join us on Friday, November 29 for the second annual Reindeer Run! With a 2-mile course entirely within Brookfield Zoo, you and your family can fun run under the lights and be the first to see the lights of Holiday Magic! Stick around after the Reindeer Run for music, drinks, food, and Animal Ambassadors.
5:30 Registration; 7PM Start Time
Visit Website $ o s
BUTTERBALL BURNER
Nov 29, 2019
H-F Racquet & Fitness Club
2920 West 183rd Street, Homewood, IL
708-799-1323
15th Annual Butterball Burner will burn off those Thanksgiving feasts with this 5K fun run. Pre-register to receive a t-shirt. Check in at the Club 8AM race day registration and check-in. $14 - $16
9AM
Visit Website $ o s
H-F Racquet & Fitness Club
2920 West 183rd Street, Homewood, IL
708-799-1323
15th Annual Butterball Burner will burn off those Thanksgiving feasts with this 5K fun run. Pre-register to receive a t-shirt. Check in at the Club 8AM race day registration and check-in. $14 - $16
9AM
Visit Website $ o s
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11/06/2019 - 2019 Turkey Trots And Fun Runs
11/05/2019 - Chicago Southland Tournament Recognized as a Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism
11/05/2019 - Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau Announces 2019 Stars of the Industry & Annual Tourism Award Winners