Chicago Southland CVB - Things To Do

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.

Effective Monday, August 30, the state of Illinois is requiring that everyone age two or older be masked in indoor public spaces, regardless of whether they’re vaccinated until further notice.

Starting Monday, January 3, Cook County and the city of Chicago will require restaurant and fitness center patrons age 5 and older to show proof of vaccination. Customers 16 and older must show photo identification with a name matching proof of vaccination.

Proof of vaccination is not required to pick up restaurant orders or sit outside.

Agricultural / Food / Harvest

Cultural Events

Displays / Arts & Crafts

Below are the next 30 upcoming events in the Chicago Southland. Use the form above to search for specific events.

Wheelchair Accessible

d Displays/Arts/Crafts

ag Agricultural/Food/Harvest

c Cultural Event

w Workshop/Seminar

$ Admission Fee

h Holiday Celebration

m Music (Live)

o Outdoor Activity

s Sports Event/Recreational

f Fair, Carnival

e Expo/Consumer Show

p Parade

WINTER WONDERLAND ICE RINK weather permitting Jan 1, 2022 - Jan 31, 2022
Centennial Park
15600 West Avenue, Orland Park, IL
708-403-5000
Ice Rink usage will be by reservation only this winter. Reservations must be made during warming house hours for all visitors including those with their own skates. Reservations can be made online, at Sportsplex, or at Village Hall and are $3 per person. Skaters with their own skates may use ice rink daily beginning at sunrise when warming house is closed. Rink closes when warming house closes. WARMING HOUSE / SKATE RENTAL HOURS (sessions are subject to change) M–THUR: 4PM–7PM; FRI: 4PM–8PM; Sa: 12PM–8PM; Su: 12PM-7PM HOLIDAY SEASON(DEC 20–JAN 3) DAILY: 12PM–8PM DEC 24: 11AM– 2PM DEC 31: 1PM–4PM JAN 1: 11AM-4PM JAN 17: 12PM-7PM FEB 21: 12PM-7PM
Visit Website o s

THREADS: WORKS IN FIBER BY SONJI HUNT, DONNA KATZ, BONNIE PETERSON, LAUREL IZARD AND PAULA KOVARIK Jan 4, 2022 - Jan 31, 2022
Christopher Art Gallery
Prairie State College, 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, IL
708-709-7738
This exhibition explores the diversity of approaches that artists use in fiber, from quiltmaking to embroidery, with a wide range of subject matter and image. Open hours, Monday-Thursday 9AM-5PM. Reception: January 11, 11:30AM-2PM.
TIME: Various
Visit Website c d

KIDS IMPROVABLE Jan 21, 2022
Cultural Center
14760 Park Lane, Orland Park, IL
708-403-6100
Our incredible Kids Improv-able cast will be performing for you. Come and watch these AMAZING young comics put on a show you won't forget! Off-the-cuff fun for the whole family. Age 11-18 years.
TIME: 6PM-7PM
Visit Website $

2022 CAPTURING NATURE Jan 22, 2022
Tall Grass Arts Association
367 Artists Walk, PO Box 776, Park Forest, IL
708-748-3377
Exhibit showcases works by members of the Morton Arboretum Photographic Society providing insight into the beautiful diversity of nature. Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 4pm
TIME: Various
Visit Website c d

2022 CAPTURING NATURE Jan 22, 2022 - Jan 31, 2022
Tall Grass Arts Association
367 Artists Walk, PO Box 776, Park Forest, IL
708-748-3377
Exhibit showcases works by members of the Morton Arboretum Photographic Society providing insight into the beautiful diversity of nature. Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 4pm
TIME: Various
Visit Website c d

OPERA UP CLOSE: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOZART! Jan 23, 2022
Governors State University Center for Performing Arts
1 University Parkway, University Park, IL
708-235-2222
Celebrate Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s 266th Birthday with a special repertoire, great company, birthday cake and a champagne toast!
TIME: 4PM
Visit Website $ c m

STILL ROCKIN! A HILARIOUS MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO BABY BOOMERS FEATURING PAM PETERSON AND JAN SLAVIN Jan 23, 2022
Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center
John and Angeline Oremus Theater, 9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL
708-974-5500
The Boomer Babes celebrate and spoof their generation with zany wit and musical flair. Vocal duo Pam Peterson and Jan Slavin sing and schmooze about the ‘50s, ’60s, friendship, love, and facing their age with gut-busting humor. 5:30PM theboomerbabes.com; niyazmusic.com
TIME: 5:30PM
Visit Website $ c m

THREADS: WORKS IN FIBER BY SONJI HUNT, DONNA KATZ, BONNIE PETERSON, LAUREL IZARD AND PAULA KOVARIK Jan 24, 2022 - Jan 27, 2022
Christopher Art Gallery
Prairie State College, 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, IL
708-709-7738
This exhibition explores the diversity of approaches that artists use in fiber, from quiltmaking to embroidery, with a wide range of subject matter and image. Open hours, Monday-Thursday 9AM-5PM. Reception: January 11, 11:30AM-2PM.
TIME: Various
Visit Website c d

2022 CAPTURING NATURE Jan 25, 2022 - Jan 29, 2022
Tall Grass Arts Association
367 Artists Walk, PO Box 776, Park Forest, IL
708-748-3377
Exhibit showcases works by members of the Morton Arboretum Photographic Society providing insight into the beautiful diversity of nature. Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 4pm
TIME: Various
Visit Website c d

THE SECOND CITY REMIX Jan 29, 2022
Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center
Dorothy Menker Theater, 9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL
708-974-5500
The Second City has been the world’s first name in laughter for over 60 years! Come join the next generation of comedy superstars as they mash up Second City’s greatest hits & brand-new material along with our signature improvisation in this hilarious show. secondcity.com
TIME: 7:30PM
Visit Website $ c

VIVA MOMIX Jan 29, 2022
Governors State University Center for Performing Arts
1 University Parkway, University Park, IL
708-235-2222
In an endless search for another gravity, MOMIX combines athletic dance, astonishing acrobatics, riveting music, outrageous costumes, inventive props, and pure talent to create an entertaining multimedia experience that will surprise, enchant, and astonish.
TIME: 7:30PM
Visit Website $ c

THREADS: WORKS IN FIBER BY SONJI HUNT, DONNA KATZ, BONNIE PETERSON, LAUREL IZARD AND PAULA KOVARIK Jan 31, 2022 - Feb 3, 2022
Christopher Art Gallery
Prairie State College, 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, IL
708-709-7738
This exhibition explores the diversity of approaches that artists use in fiber, from quiltmaking to embroidery, with a wide range of subject matter and image. Open hours, Monday-Thursday 9AM-5PM. Reception: January 11, 11:30AM-2PM.
TIME: Various
Visit Website c d

THREADS: WORKS IN FIBER BY SONJI HUNT, DONNA KATZ, BONNIE PETERSON, LAUREL IZARD AND PAULA KOVARIK Feb 1, 2022 - Feb 3, 2022
Christopher Art Gallery
Prairie State College, 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights, IL
708-709-7738
This exhibition explores the diversity of approaches that artists use in fiber, from quiltmaking to embroidery, with a wide range of subject matter and image. Open hours, Monday-Thursday 9AM-5PM. Reception: January 11, 11:30AM-2PM.
TIME: Various
Visit Website c d

2022 CAPTURING NATURE Feb 1, 2022 - Feb 5, 2022
Tall Grass Arts Association
367 Artists Walk, PO Box 776, Park Forest, IL
708-748-3377
Exhibit showcases works by members of the Morton Arboretum Photographic Society providing insight into the beautiful diversity of nature. Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 4pm
TIME: Various
Visit Website c d

2022 CAPTURING NATURE Feb 1, 2022 - Feb 26, 2022
Tall Grass Arts Association
367 Artists Walk, PO Box 776, Park Forest, IL
708-748-3377
Exhibit showcases works by members of the Morton Arboretum Photographic Society providing insight into the beautiful diversity of nature. Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 4pm
TIME: Various
Visit Website c d

WINTER WONDERLAND ICE RINK weather permitting Feb 1, 2022 - Feb 27, 2022
Centennial Park
15600 West Avenue, Orland Park, IL
708-403-5000
Ice Rink usage will be by reservation only this winter. Reservations must be made during warming house hours for all visitors including those with their own skates. Reservations can be made online, at Sportsplex, or at Village Hall and are $3 per person. Skaters with their own skates may use ice rink daily beginning at sunrise when warming house is closed. Rink closes when warming house closes. WARMING HOUSE / SKATE RENTAL HOURS (sessions are subject to change) M–THUR: 4PM–7PM; FRI: 4PM–8PM; Sa: 12PM–8PM; Su: 12PM-7PM HOLIDAY SEASON(DEC 20–JAN 3) DAILY: 12PM–8PM DEC 24: 11AM– 2PM DEC 31: 1PM–4PM JAN 1: 11AM-4PM JAN 17: 12PM-7PM FEB 21: 12PM-7PM
Visit Website o s

2022 CAPTURING NATURE Feb 2, 2022 - Feb 26, 2022
Tall Grass Arts Association
367 Artists Walk, PO Box 776, Park Forest, IL
708-748-3377
Exhibit showcases works by members of the Morton Arboretum Photographic Society providing insight into the beautiful diversity of nature. Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 4pm
TIME: Various
Visit Website c d

BIRDING IN THE PRESERVES (ZOOM WEBINAR) Feb 3, 2022
Virtual Event
Beecher, IL
708-946-2216
During this virtual hike, we’ll highlight a select preserve and what trail to take to find birds. Get tips and tricks on where to look and how to identify common birds found in our preserves; you may be surprised to learn how many different species there are! Armed with this new information, you can visit the preserve on your own to find birds. As a bonus, find out how you can contribute to citizen science just by walking a preserve and recording what you find. Finding and recording birds can add significance to any day outdoors and help you become more aware of other wildlife. Registration required by Thursday, February 3.
TIME: 7PM-8PM
Visit Website w

STEVIE WONDER TRIBUTE Feb 4, 2022
Freedom Hall
Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest, IL
708-747-0580
Visit Website $ c m

BOMBIE THE ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN HUNT Feb 5, 2022
Messenger Woods Nature Preserve
Bruce Road East of Cedar Road, Homer Glen, IL
815-727-8700
Let’s go in search of “Bombie,” which is short for the abominable snowman! We’ll sing songs and go on a short, adventurous hike in search of “Bombie” and then make s’mores over the campfire. This program is intended for a younger audience. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required by Thursday, February 3.
TIME: 10AM-11AM
Visit Website o

KORESH DANCE COMPANY PRESENTS LA DANSE Feb 5, 2022
Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center
Dorothy Menker Theater, 9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL
708-974-5500
This production is a tender, joyful, passionate & humorous interpretation of Matisse’s three permutations of the painting starting with Le bonheur de vivre followed by the two versions of La Danse – danced to original musical composition by John Levis & poetry by Karl Mullen. Koresh Dance Company was founded in 1991 by Israeli-born choreographer & artistic director Ronen (Roni) Koresh. koreshdance.org
TIME: 7:30PM
Visit Website $ c

MEET A BEEKEEPER Feb 6, 2022
Plum Creek Nature Center
27064 South Dutton Road, Beecher, IL
708-946-2216
Meet local beekeeper Mike Rusnak to discuss the art of beekeeping. Ask questions, chat and troubleshoot with Rusnak, who has more than 15 years of beekeeping experience to share. Pick up specific beekeeping tips or simply learn more about the world of beekeeping. Plum Creek Nature Center is an accessible facility.
TIME: 12:30PM-2:30PM
Visit Website ag

WINTER ON THE GREEN Feb 6, 2022
Breidert Green
Kansas & Oak Streets, Frankfort, IL
815-469-2177
Free family fun! Enjoy the outdoors! Free cookies and hot cocoa. Different activities each week on Sundays.
TIME: 12PM-2PM
Visit Website o

2022 CAPTURING NATURE Feb 8, 2022 - Feb 12, 2022
Tall Grass Arts Association
367 Artists Walk, PO Box 776, Park Forest, IL
708-748-3377
Exhibit showcases works by members of the Morton Arboretum Photographic Society providing insight into the beautiful diversity of nature. Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 4pm
TIME: Various
Visit Website c d

NATURE PLAY DAY: WOODCHUCKS Feb 9, 2022
Plum Creek Nature Center
Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, 27064 South Dutton Road, Beecher, IL
708-946-2216
Join us monthly for nature-themed programs geared toward 3- to 5-year-olds. This month we are talking woodchucks and will be looking for signs of them in the woods around the nature center. Be prepared for indoor and outdoor activities including a hike, story, games, music, art and more. Registration required by Tuesday, February 8.
TIME: 10AM-11:30AM
Visit Website d o

25 YEARS OF BROADWAY AND BEYOND Feb 11, 2022 - Feb 12, 2022
Governors State University Center for Performing Arts
1 University Parkway, University Park, IL
708-235-2222
Join the GSU Dance company as they pay tribute to groundbreaking Broadway musicals and the choreographers who made them sizzle. Selections include numbers from A Chorus Line, West Side Story, Hamilton, In the Heights, The Lion King, and more. Friday and Saturday 7:30PM.
TIME: 7:30PM
Visit Website $ c

AN EVENING OF IRISH MUSIC AND SONG Feb 12, 2022
Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center
Dorothy Menker Theater, 9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL
708-688-8000
All tickets for Moraine Chorale and Chamber Singers concerts are $12.
TIME: 7:30PM
Visit Website $ c m

MORNING BIRD HIKE Feb 12, 2022
Monee Reservoir
27341 Ridgeland Avenue, Monee, IL
708-534-8499
Birds can be found all through the winter, and Monee Reservoir is a great place to find them. Open water in the reservoir means ducks, and lots of them. This can be a great time of year to see many duck species. Fields and woods hold birds as well, and with no leaves in the way, birds are easier to spot. Join us on this guided hike in search of the winter birds at Monee Reservoir. Beginners are welcome and encouraged, as this is a great way to gain birding knowledge. Registration required by Friday, February 11.
TIME: 8AM-10AM
Visit Website o

TOT TIME SNEAK PREVIEW Feb 12, 2022
Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center
8125 West 171st Street, Tinley Park, IL
708-342-4214
You are invited to visit our preschool rooms for a special “Sneak Preview.” Stop in and meet our staff. We can answer your questions and help you complete your registration forms. Also located at Vogt Woods, 6527 West 171st Street, Tinley Park.
TIME: 10AM-11:30AM
Visit Website d f