Discover the beauty of glass making, music, birds, nature and that special lady in your life all in one weekend! It's certain to be a beautiful weekend Just Beyond The City Limits!

Click here for a complete listing of Mother's Day Weekend activities and events. Happy Mother's Day!

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Arts & Culture

Friday, May 6th - Saturday, May 8th
LOTTON ART GLASS SPRING OPEN HOUSE
Lotton Art Glass & Studios
24760 South County Lane, Crete
(708) 672-1400
Meet and watch the Lotton men create their beautiful works of art out of hot, liquid glass. View and purchase a wide variety of finished items in their gorgeous gallery.
F 10AM-7PM; Sa 10AM-5PM

Friday, May 6th - Sunday, May 8th
SYMPHONIC BAND AND JAZZ ENSEMBLE CONCERT
South Suburban College Performing Arts Center
15800 South State Street, South Holland
(708) 596-2000 x2316
The Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble, both under the direction of Rob Calhoon, present a concert that’s sure to please everyone. Admission is free at all events. (Donations are appreciated to benefit the Music Scholarship Fund.)
7PM

Friday, May 6th 
MORAINE VALLEY JAZZ ENSEMBLE SPRING CONCERT WITH BOB LARK
Dorothy Menker Theater at Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center
9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills
(708) 974-5500
The Moraine Valley Jazz Ensemble is a 20-member big band which explores a wide range of styles from the classic swing of Duke Ellington and Count Basie to soulful blues, burning Latin-jazz and gritty funk. The band also features contemporary works by such composers as Bill Holman and Bob Florence and iconic vocal arrangements such as those performed by Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.
7:30PM

Saturday, May 7th 
UNION STREET GALLERY DERBY DAY SOCIAL
Olympia Fields Country Club
2800 Country Club Drive, Olympia Fields
(708) 754-2601
Sip a mint julep as you watch the race and bet on your favorite horses! Come dressed in your derby best and complete the look with a unique artist made derby hat! Ticket Price: $65 includes 1 free drink. Tickets can be purchased by calling 708-754-2601.
2-6PM

Saturday, May 7th 
MORAINE CHORALE & CHAMBER SINGERS - BROADWAY/POP/MOTION PICTURE SPECTACULAR!
Dorothy Menker Theater at Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center
9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills
(708) 974-5500
The Moraine Chorale celebrates its 17th season performing five themed concerts, including Broadway music, patriotic and holiday selections with a small chamber orchestra. The Chorale is a community-based choir with more than 60 members. The Chamber Singers is an ensemble featuring Moraine Valley students.
7:30PM

Saturday, May 7th
ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA - GRAND FINALE
Lincoln-Way North High School Performing Arts Center
19900 South Harlem Avenue, Frankfort
(708) 481-7774
Closing this spectacular season, one of the most sought after young conductors in the world makes his final appearance with the Illinois Philharmonic with Tchaikovsky’s supremely stunning Symphony No. 4. The artistry and great technical prowess of the orchestra will be fully showcased in the work’s brilliant finale. Also on the program…a piece by Wolfgang Zamastil (film composer and member of the Indie-Rock band 'Lab of the Halo'), which pays homage to Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla, whose tango-inspired Four Seasons of Buenos Aires will delight listeners, as interpreted by charismatic violinist Lindsay Deutsch.
8PM

Exercise

Saturday, May 7th
6TH ANNUAL ELIM EAGLE'S WINGS 5K RUN/WALK/ROLL
Elim Christian Services
13020 South Central Avenue, Palos Heights
(708) 293-6509
The annual Elim Eagles' Wings 5K raises funds for essential equipment and technology for children and adults with disabilities.
9AM race; 7:30-11:30AM

Sunday, May 8th
SOCK HOP HUSTLE 5K
Bicentennial Park
3401 West 203rd Street, Olympia Fields
(708) 481-7313
Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Sock Hop Hustle 5K. Race certified by USA Track & Field Group. Run or walk. 50’s theme. After-party until 11AM.
8-11AM

Explore Nature

Saturday, May 7th
INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD DAY! THE BIG SIT!
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Join Forest Preserves staff to observe as many bird species as possible when viewed from a fixed location within a 17-foot diameter circle. This ‘citizen science’ can help understand the conservation of bird habitats. Birders of any experience are welcomed to help part or all of the day. Stop by anytime, grab a seat and join in.
5:30AM-5PM

Saturday, May 7th
THE BIG SIT
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 West 111th Street, Lemont
(630) 257-2045
All day long at all six of the Forest Preserves of Cook County Nature Centers they will be counting how many birds they can spot or hear without leaving a 17-foot circle. This ‘citizen science’ can help make better decisions about the conservation of bird habitats. Birders of any experience are needed to help for part or all of the day. Stop by anytime, grab a seat and join in.
5:30AM-5PM

Saturday, May 7th
THE BIG SIT
Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
All day long at all six of the Forest Preserves of Cook County Nature Centers they will be counting how many birds they can spot or hear without leaving a 17-foot circle. This ‘citizen science’ can help make better decisions about the conservation of bird habitats. Birders of any experience are needed to help for part or all of the day. Stop by anytime, grab a seat and join in.
5:30AM-5PM

Saturday, May 7th
MORNING BIRD WALK
Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Spring migrants are in the air! Take an early morning walk through various habitats in search of birds making their way north. Dress for the weather. Bring binoculars if you have them. No registration required.
7AM

Saturday, May 7th
SAGAWAU BIRD HIKES
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 West 111th Street, Lemont
(630) 257-2045
Join a naturalist to observe birds at Sagawau. Learn to identify birds by field marks, behavior, sound and habitat. Binoculars available for loan.
7:30AM

Saturday, May 7th
WEE WONDERS SERIES
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Kids ages 3-6 are invited to their very own nature program. We'll explore a different seasonal subject each month.
10AM

Saturday, May 7th
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION EXPO
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
3300 Golf Road, Brookfield
(708) 688-8000
Join the Chicago Zoological Society, Wildlife Conservation Network and Forest Preserves of Cook County for a premier international wildlife conservation event. Meet researchers from the field, learn about their work and connect with local and international conservation organizations.
10AM-6PM

Saturday, May 7th
WILDFLOWER HIKE
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 West 111th Street, Lemont
(630) 257-2045
Enjoy a hike to observe the first blooms of the year. Learn to identify and appreciate wildflowers as they continue to bloom through the spring. Ages 12 & up. Registration required.
1PM

Saturday, May 7th
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 two-mile hike on our trails.
1:30PM

Sunday, May 8th
MOTHER'S APPRECIATION DAY
Monee Reservoir (Forest Preserve District of Will County)
27341 Ridgeland Avenue, Monee
(708) 534-8499
For all your hard work all year, Mom, this day is for you! Celebrate not having to do anything but enjoy the day. There are all sorts of fun things at Monee Reservoir for everyone to enjoy! You can fish, hike, picnic, boat, or just lounge in the sun! Make sure you come to the Visitor Center, mention that you are a mother and receive your complimentary Mother's Day gift from Monee Reservoir! Indoor facilities are also accessible.
6AM-7PM

Sunday, May 8th
SPRING MIGRANTS BIRDING FIELD TRIP
McClaughrey Springs
11700 Kean Avenue, Palos Park
(800) 870-3666
Join the Chicago Ornithological Society for a walk through these lovely woods, with its always-interesting bird life. See chicagobirder.org for details. For more information contact [email protected].
7:30AM

Sunday, May 8th
MOTHER'S DAY HIKE
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Begin your day with a naturalist-guided walk to catch some spring wildflowers and migrating birds. Bring Mom and the family. We have binoculars to loan.
9AM

Sunday, May 8th
MOTHER'S DAY HIKE
Plum Creek Nature Center (Forest Preserve District of Will County)
27064 Dutton Road, Beecher
(708) 946-2216
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a hike led by a naturalist through beautiful Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve. Enjoy all that the nature preserve has to offer in the springtime including flowers and birds, return to the Nature Center for juice, coffee and coffee cake. We will also be handing out a free fuzzy gift that only a monarch butterfly could love. Indoor facilities are accessible; outdoor settings may take place on natural surfaces across uneven terrain. Hike will be less than 1 mile. Registration is required. All ages. Free
10:30AM-12:30PM

Sunday, May 8th
MOTHER'S APPRECIATION DAY
Plum Creek Nature Center (Forest Preserve District of Will County)
27064 Dutton Road, Beecher
(708) 946-2216
For your continuous dedication all year mom, this day is for you! Celebrate not having to do anything but enjoy the day with us! Hike our paved or natural trails and then enjoy the Nature Center. Make sure to mention that you are a mother and receive a special gift! Indoor facilities are also accessible.
12-4PM

Sunday, May 8th
ANIMAL AFTERNOON
Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Meet one of the animals that live at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center.
1:30PM

Family Fun

Saturday, May 7th
KITE FLY
Jesk Park
155th & Ridgeland Avenue, Oak Forest
(708) 687-7270
All ages are welcome to join the Illinois Park and Recreation statewide kite fly! Bring your friends, family and your kite!
10AM-2PM

Saturday, May 7th
LANSING GOOD NEIGHBOR DAY PARADE
Downtown Lansing
Wentworth Avenue & Ridge Road to Torrence Avenue, Lansing
(708) 474-4170
The Good Neighbor Day Parade theme is "Hats off to Lansing." The parade will kick off at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 7th at the corner of Ridge Road and Wentworth Avenue. Traveling west on Ridge Road to Torrence Avenue, the parade will turn north on Torrence. Another turn east at 179th Street will bring the parade to a finish at Lan-Oak park. Thanks to the Lansing Lions who will serve hot dogs and pop to Parade participants!
2-4PM

Saturday, May 7th
LADY - A WOMEN'S EXPO
Tinley Park Convention Center
18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park
(708) 326-9170
This event features dozens of vendor booths, a fashion show, cooking demos, speaker sessions, shopping, photo booth and free gift bags to first 500 attendees!
9AM-2PM

Sunday, May 8th
PARK DANCERS RECITAL
Lincoln-Way East High School Fine Arts & Performing Center
201 Colorado Avenue, Frankfort
(708) 390-2401
The Mokena Park District’s talented ballet, hip-hop/jazz, and tap dance students will entertain you at our annual recital.

Farmers Markets

Sunday, May 8th
COUNTRY MARKETS - FRANKFORT
Village Green
Kansas & White Streets, Frankfort
(815) 469-2177 x243
Enjoy local produce, homemade prepared foods and plants in an outdoor farmer's market. Special events throughout the year. Every Sunday in downtown Frankfort.
Su 10AM-2PM

Learn Something New

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 4th 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, May 6th
JERRY ROSSEN PUBLIC AUCTIONS
Will County Fairgrounds
710 West Street, Peotone
(708) 997-0245
Auctions will include antiques, collectibles, furniture and more!
6PM

Saturday, May 7th - Sunday, May 8th
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

 

Sports

Friday, May 6th - Sunday, May 8th
CHICAGO WHITE SOX VS. MINNESOTA TWINS
U.S. Cellular Field
333 West 35th Street, Chicago
(312) 674-1000
Take me out to the ballgame! It's the White Sox vs. the Minnesota Twins and certain to be a fun weekend at the ballpark.  Friday is Italian Heritage Night with fireworks presented by Beggars Pizza. Stop by the new Beggar's Pizza Pub near Section 163 for some of our favorite Italian food and drink options including Fried Caprese Ravioli, Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, Italian Beef and Giardiniera Pizza, Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie and so much more. The first 20,000 fans on Saturday receive a Chris Sale K-Counter Bobblehead. Saturday is also Mother - Son Night, where in addition to specially-priced tickets, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy various activities at Gate 1 before walking around the field together in our Pre-Game Parade! Every Sunday is Family Day and certain to bring a smile on everyone's face!
F 7:10PM; Sa & Su 1:10 PM

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