There is something to do for all interests this weekend in Chicago Southland. Whether you’re looking to explore nature, see a theater performance or places to eat, drink and laugh, you will find it just beyond the city limits.

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Learning Something New

Friday, November 20th
KIDS COOKING DEMO WITH GRAHAM ELLIOT
Children's Museum in Oak Lawn
5100 Museum Drive, Oak Lawn
(708) 423-6709
Children ages 3 years and up will love this cooking demo with Graham Elliot! Graham is a judge on Fox's "Masterchef" and "Masterchef Jr.", as well as cookbook author of "Cooking like a Master Chef." This demo is geared towards littler kids and he'll invite some of the kids to help. The demo will be at the beginning and then Graham will hang out to sign his book and take photos for a "Meet & Greet." There is no extra charge for this program outside of the general museum admission fee.
6-7PM

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 20th 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

Arts and Culture

Friday, November 20th-Sunday, November 22nd
SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE: THE SONGS OF LEIBER AND STOLLER
Oak Lawn Park District Community Theatre
Oak View Center, 4625 West 110th Street, Oak Lawn
(708) 857-2200
Words and music by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller featuring such hits as "On Broadway," "Stand By Me," "Kansas City," "Jailhouse Rock," "Hound Dog" and "Charlie Brown."
F & Sa 8PM; Su 3PM

Saturday, November 21st
MORAINE VALLEY JAZZ ENSEMBLE - GROOVE MERCHANTS: A SALUTE TO THAD JONES AND MEL LEWIS
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, November 21st
CHEVERE DE CHICAGO
Governors State University Center for Performing Arts
1 University Parkway, University Park
(708) 235-2222
Composer, virtuoso pianist and master harmonica player, Howard Levy, will turn up the heat for a night of Latin Inspiration. Appearing with Levy are his long-time comrades in the Latin/Jazz/Funk/Blues band, Chévere de Chicago along with special guest Grammy-nominated Trumpeter, Victor Garcia of Chicago Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble.
8PM

Saturday, November 21st
ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA - RUSSIAN MASTERS
Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center
19900 South Harlem Avenue, Frankfort
(708) 481-7774
Maestro Danzmayr spotlights two magnificent ballet suites – Tchaikovsky’s beloved Swan Lake and Stravinsky’s sizzling Firebird. You’ll feel like you’ve traveled to the “Old Country” as Maestro and the orchestra introduce the expressive symphonic poem, Requiem for Icarus, by 21st century composer, concert pianist and poet Lera Auerbach. From there, the “mature and sensitive” guest pianist Di Wu will delight with her masterful interpretation of Rachmaninoff’s dazzling Rhapsody.
8PM

Sunday, November 22nd
MORAINE VALLEY CONCERT BAND - HARVEST FESTIVAL MUSIC
Dorothy Menker Theater at Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center
9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills
(708) 974-5500
The Moraine Valley Concert Band presents their 11th season with three themed concerts, including autumn, masterworks for concert band, and a celebration of popular film and television themes. The band is comprised of over 50 college students and adult community members who play woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.
3PM

Concerts

Friday, November 20th
INFINITY TRIBUTE BAND
St. Albert's Church Basement
5555 West State Road (80th & Central), Burbank
(708) 424-7757
Genre: Classic to Current Ultimate Rock Experiences. 18 and over only
8PM

Eat, Drink and Laugh

Friday, November 20th - Saturday, November 21st
BARREL AGED BEER, BBQ, FOOD TRUCKS & MUSIC
Hailstorm Brewing Co.
8060 186th Street, Tinley Park
(708) 247-3757
On Friday, Bill's Grill Mobile BBQ will be here at 5:30 with amazing BBQ. Hailstorm will also be tapping some barrel aged beers this day (available only in the tap room): 2014 Bourbon Barrel Aged Swan Song - Belgian Darks Strong; 2015 Bourbon Barrel Aged Southside Irish Red; 2015 Tequila Barrel Aged Crash Test Dummy - Belgian Tripel; 2015 Bourbon Barrel Aged Vlad The Conquistador - Russian Imperial Stout with Cocoa, Cinnamon, Agave, Vanilla and Three Types Of Chilis; 2015 Bourbon Barrel Aged Vlad - Russian Imperial Stout and 2015 Bourbon Barrel Aged Vlad With Raspberries - Russian Imperial Stout. MG Bailey One Man Band will start at 6:30 PM! On Saturday, La Cocinita Food Truck, literally “The Little Kitchen,” is dedicated to serving fresh, authentic, gourmet street food from Latin America. They offer an array of delicious and inexpensive options, ranging from traditional Mexican tacos to less familiar South American fare such as arepas and patacones.
F 5:30-9:30PM; Sa 5-9:30PM

Friday, November 20th
JAZZ AT SIAM MARINA
Siam Marina
16846 Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park
(708) 407-8825
The Brian Gephart Jazz Quartet will perform while you enjoy your delectable dishes of Thailand and Vietnam with French influences, enhanced by Chef Pham's sauces and seasonings at Siam Marina. Brian Gephart is a versatile musician with several CD's featuring his original compositions. Last year he appeared as the featured performer in a Love Supreme tribute to John Coltrane at the Monterey Jazz Festival.
6:30-10:30PM

Friday, November 20th
PEOTONE FIREMAN & SPORTSMEN'S ANNUAL THANKSGIVING PARTY WITH A FISH FRY/TURKEY RAFFLE
Will County Fairgrounds
710 West Street, Peotone
(708) 258-9359
Fish Fry Dinner at $9 per person will be served from 5-7PM. The raffle will begin at 5:30PM with more than 200 Turkeys to be given away, as well as other games and prizes.
5-10PM

Friday, November 20th
NO LIMIT LAUGHS WITH THE ORLAND PARK COMEDY IMPROV
Cultural Center
14760 Park Lane, Orland Park
(708) 403-7275
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!
8-10PM

Saturday, November 21st
COMEDY IMPROV & OPEN MIC NIGHT
Tinley Park Performing Arts Center
16801 South 80th Avenue, Tinley Park
(708) 342-4200
Kidz On The Bridge & Graffiti On The Fourth Wall comedy improv troupes will perform, then Open Mic with singers, comics, magicians, dancers and more.
7PM

Sunday, November 22nd
350 BREWING CO. SUNDAY DETENTION BEER: AUTUMN SPICED BARLEYWINE
350 Brewing Company
7144 West 183rd Street, Tinley Park
(708) 518-2239
Every Sunday, 350 Brewing Co. offers a small batch of unique and fun beer. This Sunday, grab a bottle of "Don't Pick Up Hitchhikers," an Autumn Spiced Barleywine with a 13.5% ABV. There is a limit of 1 per customer.
12-8PM

Explore Nature

Saturday, November 21st
43RD ANNUAL SETTLER'S DAY
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Celebrate our heritage by stepping back into America's past. Don't miss costumed living-history demonstrators, history hikes, crafts, and an imaginary wagon train adventure and more!
10AM-3PM

Saturday, November 21st
FALL CONSTELLATION MYTHOLOGY
Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Ever wonder what constellations are in the fall sky? Their names and mythology will be revealed through an informative discussion. Ages 10 & up with a limit of 30 participants.
1:30PM

Holiday Happenings

Saturday, November 21st - Sunday, November 22nd
SANTA IS WAITING AT ORLAND SQUARE MALL
Orland Square
288 Orland Square, Orland Park
(708) 349-1646
Book your reservation with Santa to occur before Black Friday (November 27th) and receive a FREE multi-image CD ($29.99 value) with a $39.99 photo package purchase!
F & Sa 10:15AM-7:20PM; Su 11:25AM-5:15PM

Saturday, November 21st - Sunday, November 22nd
THE 7TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE
Glenwoodie Golf Club
19301 South State Street, Glenwood
(708) 757-2318
The 7th Annual Holiday Marketplace is free admission with ample parking. Homemade crafts, great gifts, holiday shopping and holiday snacks will be sold.
Sa 10AM-5PM; Su 10AM-4PM

Saturday, November 21st - Sunday, November 22nd
PHOTOS WITH SANTA AT CHICAGO RIDGE MALL
Chicago Ridge Mall
444 Chicago Ridge Mall, Chicago Ridge
(708) 499-0840
Photos With Santa! Celebrate the holiday at Chicago Ridge Mall with a memorable visit with Santa! Various photo packages are available.
Sa 10AM-9PM; Su 11AM-6PM

Sunday, November 22nd
MOKENA CHRISTMAS FEST
Downtown Mokena & Various Locations, Mokena
(708) 609-6238
Children's workshop, lunch & pictures with Santa, Magician, lighted parade and family dance. Christmas Fest sponsored by the Mokena Chamber of Commerce. All day family fun!
11AM-11PM

Shopping for Deals

Saturday, November 21st
HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
Eisenhower Center
2550 178th Street, Lansing
(708) 474-8552
Don't miss Lan-Oak Park District's holiday arts and craft fair!
10AM-3PM

Sports

Saturday, November 21st-Sunday, November 22nd
WINTER WONDERLAND ICE RINK
Centennial Park
15600 West Avenue at Fun Drive, Orland Park
(708) 403-7275
Skaters with their own skates may use ice rink daily beginning at sunrise. Rink closes when warming house closes.
Sa 10AM-9PM; Su 12-7PM

Saturday, November 21st
22ND ANNUAL 1 MILE JR. & 5K OPEN TURKEY TROT RACE
16700 South Haven Avenue
Orland Hills
(708) 349-7211
The Village of Orland Hills 22nd Annual 1 Mile Junior and 5K Open Turkey Trot Race. Chip timing, awards, food and refreshments are included for both certified races. Sweatshirts are available while supplies last.
7:30AM-12PM

Saturday, November 21st
DIAPER DASH & KIDS TURKEY TROT
Orland Park Sportsplex
11351 West 159th Street, Orland Park
(708) 403-7275
Toddler Diaper Dash (9-9:30AM) for children 2 years and younger. Gobble, gobble all the way to the finish line. While at the Sportsplex, cheer on the kids (ages 3-9) as they participate in their very own Turkey Trot at the Sportsplex indoor track.
9-11:30AM depending on age

Sunday, November 22nd
TURKEY SHOOT FREE-THROW CONTEST
Orland Park Sportsplex
11351 West 159th Street, Orland Park
(708) 403-7275
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

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