Although the Chicago Southland may not be New Orleans, there are plenty of places to celebrate Mardi Gras around the region!  From jazz music to carnivals and paczkis, the Chicago Southland is ready to celebrate!

Dinner for Two?

Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and the Chicago Southland has plenty of options to make your loved one swoon.

You’ve probably heard the saying “Food is the way to a man’s heart.” Well, in case you didn’t know, food is the way to a woman’s heart too!  Earn yourself some brownie points by taking your valentine to one of the amazing restaurants here in the Chicago Southland.

Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery, Flossmoor
This special menu prepared by Chef Eduardo Camarena will make your heart skip a beat.  Your entrée includes two 4-ounce beef tenderloins grilled to perfection with imperial porter porcini mushroom demi-glaze sauce and is served alongside two golden ale battered jumbo shrimp poached in butter zephyr. This is served with your choice of soup or salad, parsley buttered red potatoes and roasted asparagus.  What would a meal be at the brewery without a delicious beer pairing? Enjoy a pint of your favorite brew and finish off the meal with the Pullman Brown Ale chocolate mousse.
$27.99 per person
Call 708-957-2739 to make your reservation. Click HERE for more info.

Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café, Burbank
Win the way into your loved ones heart with a romantic dinner at Chuck’s Café!  They will be featuring Cajun Surf and Turf: prime filet mignon, lobster tail grilled to order and topped with an andouille sausage etouffee served with pasta magnifique- a creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce with crab and crawfish over a bed of fettuccine topped with blackened shrimp and scallops, broccoli and fresh grated parmesan cheese.  Save room for dessert, this includes Chuck’s homemade Crème brulee & profiterloes w/ dark chocolate ganche.
$24.95 per person
Call 708-229-8700 to make your reservation. Click HERE for more info.

Maple Tree Inn, Blue Island
Enjoy a delicious meal at “One of Chicago’s Best Restaurants” as rated by urbanspoon.com. Over Valentine’s Weekend (February 13^th-15^th) enjoy a chef special of an 8-ounce filet topped with jumbo lump crab meat and fresh sautéed asparagus finished with Bearnaise Sauce or a 6-8 ounce lobster tail and 3 jumbo shrimp topped with Maple Tree’s Bienville sauce and melted provolone cheese. Both specials are served with Pommes Truffade.
$29.95 per person
Call 708-388-3461 to make your reservation. Click HERE for more info.

Cooper ’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Orland Park
This Valentine’s Day bring your loved one to Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant where you can expect upscale dining with a signature menu that is designed to pair perfectly with signature wines that are made in Cooper’s Hawk private winery. The restaurant is offering a special chef’s recommendation menu of Herb Roasted Salmon served with Lemon Butter Asparagus and Fingerling Potatoes or Surf and Turf with Parmesan Lobster Tail-2 3oz.filets (one topped with Parmesan crust and one with horseradish crust) along with a Parmesan Herb Rubbed 7oz. Lobster tail with Mary’s Mashed Potato and Asparagus ($23-$36). Finish off your delicious pairings with Chocolate Raspberry Silk pie ($8). They will also be offering their full menu options as well.
Call 708-633-0200 to make your reservation. Click HERE for more info.

For a listing of other fabulous restaurants in the Chicago Southland, click HERE.

Who Doesn’t Love Chocolate?

We all know that a box (or two) of chocolates is the way to go when spoiling your loved one.  The Chicago Southland has plenty of specialty chocolate shops for you to pick up some sweets for your sweetheart.

Gayety’s Gourmet Chocolates & Ice Cream
3306 Ridge Road, Lansing
708-418-0062

Mitchell’s Premium Ice Cream & Candies
18211 Dixie Highway, Homewood
708-799-3835

Cunis Candies & Ice Cream
1030 East 162^nd Street, South Holland
708-596-2440

Kernel Sweet Tooth
17258 Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park
708-444-7677

Kernel Sweet Tooth
11 South White Street, Frankfort
815-464-4466

Dan’s Homemade Candies
11400 West  Lincoln Highway, Mokena
815 464-0827

 

Pampering

Indulge in a day of pampering and candy? Yes, please!  When you purchase a $75 Massage Envy of Tinley Park gift card you will receive a free ½ pound box of Dan’s Homemade Candies.  That sounds like a pretty sweet deal!

Massage Envy
7270 W. 191st Street, Tinley Park
815-469-4400
Click HERE for more info.

Snowshoe Under the Stars: Sweetheart Style

Saturday, February 15, 6PM-9PM
Monee Reservoir
27341 Ridgeland Avenue, Monee
708-534-8499

What better way to warm up and get your heart racing than by strapping on some snowshoes and hiking the 2.5-mile trail under the stars with your sweetheart?  Afterward, cuddle up next to your sweetie, relax by the fire, and enjoy some wine, fruit and chocolate.  Click HERE for more info.

Getaway for a Night

Whitney’s Cafe (Hilton Chicago/Oak Lawn)
Friday, February 14th & Saturday, February 15th
9333 South Cicero Avenue, Oak Lawn
708-425-7800
Enjoy a delicious meal at Whitney’s Cafe for only $95 per couple. This includes Freixenet Sonoma champagne, an abundant appetizer platter, salad, filet Mignon entree and delicious dessert! Click HERE for more info.

Georgios Comfort Inn of Orland Park
Saturday, February 1st – Friday, February 28th
8800 West 159th Street, Orland Hills
708-403-1100
Take advantage of this great deal for you and a loved one! This package includes champagne and chocolates for 2, complimentary late checkout at 2PM as well as a $25 gift certificate for Zante Lounge & Eatery.  The rates are $125 for a standard king room and $175 for a whirlpool suite. Click HERE for more info.

 

 

Friday, January 17th

The Irish House Party Show Chicago Gaelic Park, 6119 West 147th Street, Oak Forest, IL 708-687-9323 Band members Declan Quinn, Gerry Nolan, Aedin Martin and Isaac Alderson all have been immersed in traditional Irish music from an early age. Declan Quinn, from Dublin, is one of the founding members and producers of the The Irish House Party Show and is master of the tin whistle. Gerry Nolan, from Co. Carlow is lead singer and guitar player and also one of the original band members. Aedin Martin has won numerous awards at the All-Ireland and World Irish Dancing Championships. Aedin, an All Ireland champion harpist, has also won numerous awards for fiddle, piano and mandolin. Isaac Alderson, a Chicago native discovered traditional Irish music at the tender age of 12, and for the next four years he studied with Laurence Nugent, the great flute and whistle player. Isaac has toured with Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul, performing on many stages throughout the United States. He is now a freelance musician and performs with many talented Irish traditional bands. The Irish House Party Show are delighted to have Isaac join them on this tour. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. 7PM doors open; 8PM show starts

Saturday, January 18th

Late Nite Catechism Las Vegas: Sister Rolls The Dice Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center, Dorothy Menker Theater, 9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL 708-974-5500 This is the latest class in the sinfully funny Catechism series. The convent needs a new roof, so the order has decided that Sister (with her extensive gambling experience running the church bingo for the last 25 years) will organize a Las Vegas Night! 7:30PM

Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon & Good Neighbor Awards 2014 Holiday Inn Chicago Matteson Conference Center, 500 Holiday Plaza Drive, Matteson, IL 708-283-4777 The Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon & Good Neighbor Awards 2014 sponsored by Mind and Body Chiropractic will feature entertainment including the Colin Powell Middle School Choir and award-winning storyteller Linda Gorham, a catered lunch from the Holiday Inn, the Good Neighbor Awards presentation, and the unveiling of a community mural that has been in production the past few months. Advance tickets (only) are $5 and are available at the Matteson Village Hall and the Matteson Community Center. 11AM-1:30PM

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra Concert Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 South Harlem Avenue, Frankfort, IL 708-481-7774 A special chamber music performance featuring musicians of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and young Steinway Artist and Southland native Thomas Ridgway. 8PM

Sunday, January 19th Winter Carnival Breidert Green, Nebraska and White Streets, Frankfort, IL Why wait until summer to enjoy an outdoor carnival? Dance away the cold with Frosty, DJ Don Gray, Rainbow the Clown and your friends at the Winter Carnival! Enjoy a winter afternoon with family & friends and play carnival games, walk in snow shoes & get that balloon animal made just for you. 1-3PM   Indoor Flea Market The Oaks Recreation & Fitness Center, 10847 LaPorte Road, Mokena, IL 708-390-2401 Don’t let the unpredictable winter weather stop you from bargain shopping! Or maybe you are cleaning out after the holiday season and would like to get rid of your unwanted “treasures” before spring. Either way our Indoor Flea Market is the place for you! Buyers are admitted free! 9AM-2PM

Monday, January 20th Dream Like A King The Barn at Sgt. Means Park, 20712 Western Avenue, Olympia Fields, IL 708-481-7313 Celebrate and honor Dr. King. Free event call 708-481-7313 for details. 1-2:30PM

Find a Complete List of Festivals and Events Here!

Over 20 events await you in the Chciago Southland this weekend! From Major League Soccer to Paranormal Conferences and fall color walks, there is something for every family this weekend!

“Check out my skills. Next stop: MLS Playoffs!” – #MiniAbe

Let’s start with the big event, the last Chicago Fire Soccer Club home game of the 2013 regular season against Toronto FC. The Men in Red are locked in a tight playoff race with only two games remaining. Standing room only tickets for the Chicago Fire vs. Toronto FC match are available by calling 888-MLS-Fire, by visiting www.Chicago-Fire.com. The first 5,000 fans in the stadium will receive a limited edition breast cancer awareness pink rally towel.

Head out to Toyota Park this weekend and cheer the Fire onto a playoff berth!

Friday, October 18, 2013 Echoes Of Erin Concert Chicago Gaelic Park 6119 West 147th Street, Oak Forest, IL 708-687-9323 Gaelic Park, the Irish cultural center is proud to be one of the venues that will host the 2013 Comhaltas concert tour of North America. Echoes of Erin, presents a variety of Irish traditional music, song and dance in a entertaining fashion while simultaneously providing an insight into authentic Irish cultural traditions. A group of 13 musicians, singers and dancers from among the very top All-Ireland champions and from various parts of Ireland; Waterford, Westmeath, Dundalk, Cork, Laois, Dublin, Limerick, Longford, Galway and Kerry have been chosen for this tour. 7PM doors open; 8PM concert starts

Halloween Haunting Founders Center 140 Oak Street, Frankfort, IL 815-469-9400 Fun Family Friendly Halloween event including games, crafts, inflatables, entertainment and much more! 6-9PM

October 18-19, 2013 Spirits Of The Oaks Haunted Trail Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center 20000 Western Avenue, Olympia Fields, IL 708-957-0300 It’s the time of year when darkness lengthens and the Spirits of the Oaks become restless. Are you brave enough to walk amongst them? Visit our haunted trail that is sure to scare even the bravest soul. Age 12 & up 7-10PM

October 18-20, 2013 Halloween Hollow Main Park 10925 LaPorte Road, Mokena, IL 708-390-2401 Halloween Hollow is the largest annual event in Mokena and provides many different attractions, such as great amusement rides, the Monster Market, Haunted Trail, hayrides, Jack-O-Lantern and Great Pumpkin Weigh-in contest, great food, musical entertainment, pony rides and more. F 6-10PM; Sa 12-10PM; Su 1-7PM

Saturday, October 19, 2013 Spookview Oak View Center 4625 West 110th Street, Oak Lawn, IL 708-857-2200 A Chilling Train, Ghoulish Games, Eerie Crafts, Hallowing Movies, Little Mermaid room and more! Kid’s Costume parade at 1pm. Admission is free. All-inclusive wristbands $10. 1-5PM

Busy As A Bee Sand Ridge Nature Center 15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland, IL 708-868-0606 Do you ever wonder where honey comes from? Learn about the sweet stuff (including recipes) and even see live honeybees hard at work making more! 1:30-2:30PM

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra Opening Night Concert Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center 19900 South Harlem Avenue, Frankfort, IL 708-481-7774 The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Music Director David Danzmayr, opens its 36th season with Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade-the dramatic story of the Persian Queen and the main character from The Arabian Nights. The concert also features estimable pianist Terrence Wilson for the Chicago premiere of Michael Daugherty’s Grammy-award winning concerto, Deus ex Machina for Piano and Orchestra. 8PM

Pumpkin Fest Village Green 9446 Raymond Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL 708-636-4400 Free family fun! the fest offers hayrides, bobbing for apples and more fun! 10AM-4PM

33rd Annual Community Awareness Fair Oak Forest High School 15201 South Central Avenue, Oak Forest, IL 708-687-4600 Our 33rd Annual event is Free and showcases our local businesses and organizations! The fair includes giveaways, food court, farmer’s market, blood drive, and local school entertainment. 10AM-2PM

Im Hussein Jubilee Show The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University One University Parkway, University Park, IL 708-235-2222 The Im Hussein Jubilee Show” celebrates 25 years of comedy staged by the Ajyal Theatrical Group, featuring the one and only Im Hussein. As the first Arab-American theatrical group in North America and the first to take the show around the world they have fulfilled their mission: to provide quality, affordable Arab theater, arts, and cultural experiences for Arab immigrants at home and abroad and to support the development of regional Arab arts and entertainment. The jubilee show showcases the best of the best skits the zaniest of Im Hussein’s antics and activities newly written or slightly refreshed but still providing plenty of opportunities for laughter. Cheers! 8PM

8th Annual Pumpkin Festival Sgt. Means Park 20712 Western Avenue, Olympia Fields, IL 708-481-7313 Come out and celebrate this fall season with family fun activities with us! Euro Bungee, Moon Bounce, small Corn Maze, pony rides and more. 2-8PM

Sacred Music/Sacred Dance Freedom Hall Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest, IL 708-747-0580 The Mystical Arts of Tibet’s Sacred Music/Sacred Dance is a show you won’t want to miss! You may remember their Golden Globe nominated music from Seven Years in Tibet, featuring Brad Pitt. Enjoy their unique sound, beautiful costumes and amazing dancing. 7:30PM

Halloween Tea Blue Island Historical Society/Albee House 13018 Maple Avenue, Blue Island, IL 708-371-8546 Gather your friends for an afternoon full of tea, cookies, and fun! Costumes are strongly encouraged. Our teas include lunch, treats, a short presentation, and of course, tea! This is a great event for the family. 2-4PM

October 19-20, 2013   Palos Park Paranormal Conference Palos Park Recreations Center 8901 West 123rd Street, Palos Park, IL 708-671-3760 The Palos Park Paranormal Conference features a wide variety of vendors, lecturers and presentations in the paranormal field to get everyone in the mood for Halloween. Tarot and palm readers, hypnotists, ufo researchers, alternative healers, even esoteric martial arts are all available to contact and sit in on the associated lectures, many interactive. Fun for all adults. 10AM-7PM Paranormal Conference II Palos Country Club 13100 Southwest Highway, Orland Park, IL 708-671-3760 In its second year, the PARANORMAL CONFERENCE gathers several aspects of vendors and speakers in areas of: UFO’s, Ghosts, Past Life, Psychic readings and more. Halloween has never been so FUN! Sa 10AM-7PM; Su 10AM-5PM

Boo! At The Zoo Brookfield Zoo 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 708-688-8000 Little ghosts and goblins of all ages are sure to have a howlin’ good time! Our not-so-scary and fun-filled event has something for the entire family to enjoy. For more information, visit http://www.CZS.org/Events or call (708) 688-8000. Sa-Su

Sunday, October 20, 2013   Haunted Hounds Rover’s Run Dog Park 191st Street, Two blocks East of Center Avenue, Homewood, IL 708-957-0300 3PM

Tea And Poetry With Elizabeth Barrett Browning The Pickwick Society Tea Room, Gifts & Antiques 122 Kansas Street, Frankfort, IL 815-806-8140 One of our most loved poets, Elizabeth Barrett Browning was a fascinating woman and led a life few people today know or understand. This tea will center around the time of her life when she was courted by Robert Browning. Her sonnets and poetry are sure to delight. Cost for this event is $30 12:30-3PM

35th Annual Orland “Open” Spelling Bee Orland Park Civic Center 14750 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park, IL 708-802-9404 Open to adults, seniors, teens and children 8 years and older. Trophies and ribbons awarded to top spellers in each category. Call 708/802-9404 in September to register 2PM

Fall Color Walk Sagawau Environmental Learning Center 12545 West 111th Street, Lemont, IL 630-257-2045 Walk with us to investigate how shorter days and cooler nights affect a tree’s energy production, and how weather influences leaf color. 1PM

This could easily be one of the busiest weekend in the Chicago Southland if you love unique festivals!

From Super Night at Balmoral Park to the Butterfly Festival at Lake Katherine, and Food & Wine Festival in Mokena, there is something happening every waking minute this weekend in the Chicago Southland!

 

You can always find more information about Chicago Southland Festivals & Events here!

 

Saturday, September 14, 2013 SUPER NIGHT Balmoral Park Race Track, 26435 South Dixie Highway, Crete, IL 708-679-1414 Balmoral Park’s biggest night of the year! Special 6:30 PM Post Time Great time to see the best in Illinois harness Racing. Free Admission and parking! Free drawings throughout the night. Check out their site for more details!     GREEN THUMB SATURDAYS Village Hall, 2020 Chestnut Road, Homewood, IL 708-206-3393 Putting Garden to Bed – Co-sponsored by University of Illinois Extension Master Gardner Program and The Village of Homewood’s Tree Committee. 9:30-10:15AM

NATURE TALES: MIGRATION CELEBRATON Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland, IL 708-868-0606 Children in grades 1-4 are invited to learn about birds as millions of them get ready to make their annual trip south for the winter. 1:30-2:30PM

WOOFSTOCK Bailey’s Crossing, 9910 South Melvina, Oak Lawn, IL 708-857-2200 4th Annual festival for dogs and people. The event will include: Contests, Dog Fashion Show, Doggie Dashes, Vender Booths and Concessions. 1-4PM

MOKENA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL Historic McGovney-Yunker Farm, 10820 LaPorte Road, Mokena, IL 708-479-2468 Join us for our 10th Annual Festival of Food and Wine on the grounds of historic McGovney-Yunker Farm. Taste a variety of wines specially paired with dishes from local restaurants. Enjoy the festival atmosphere, browse the artisan booths and listen to live performances. Ages 21 and over ONLY. ALL TICKET SALES FINAL. (This is an outdoor event. For your comfort please dress accordingly). 12-6PM

SPANK! THE FIFTY SHADES PARODY The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, One University Parkway, University Park, IL 708-235-2222 It’s time for the saucy book that caused a world sensation to get SPANKED! SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody is the hilarious new musical that brings all the naughty fun of the best-selling book to life. Your inner goddess will be laughing out loud with this new imagining of the characters as they come to life with sharp-witted comedy, musical numbers, steamy and fun performances from the hunky leading man, plus lots of surprises! Get there early for pre-show cocktails, then stay to meet the cast after the show, and pose for a photo with the fetching star himself. 8PM

NATIVE AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL EVENT Breidert Green, Oak & Kansas Streets, Frankfort, IL 815-469-2177 x243 10AM-4PM

CHICAGO FIRE SOCCER TOYOTA PARK, 7000 South Harlem Avenue, Bridgeview, IL 888-MLS-FIRE The Chicago Fire sit one point out of a playoff spot and take on a tough New England Revolution Club. Get their early for your free scarf at Sustainability Night presented by Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program 7:30PM

CREEK PEEK Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 West 111th Street, Lemont, IL 630-257-2045 How clean is the water? Learn how to measure a creek’s quality by what is living in it. 1PM

FLOSSMOOR 5K RUN/WALK Leavitt Park, 1010 Leavitt Avenue, Flossmoor, IL 708-957-0300 9AM

SPORTS COLLECTIBLE SHOW Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park, IL 708-403-6200 Sports Cards, Toys, Nascar & More 9AM-2PM

GOODENOW GROVE FALL FEST Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 Dutton Road, Beecher, IL 708-946-2216 Celebrate the arrival of autumn at this annual festival. Live music, children’s activities and vendors are just a few features of this family program. 11AM-5PM

Sunday, September 15, 2013 OLD MILL FALL FEST H.A. Rathje’s Peotone Mill, 427 West Corning Avenue, Peotone, IL 708-258-6797 Explore three floors of this German Windmill built in 1872 filled with antiques, exhibits and demonstrations of old time crafts. 11AM-5PM

ARCHITECTURE WALKING TOUR Begins at Masonic Temple, 12757 Western Avenue, Blue Island, IL 708-371-8546 Our Architectural Walking Tour will begin at the Masonic Temple and progress through the neighborhood on foot. This walk will be just under one mile in distance. Be sure to wear walking shoes. Refreshments will be served. Call for information on pre-sale tickets. 1PM

MONARCH BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens, 7402 West Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights, IL 708-361-1873 Butterfly Tent, Live Music, Rock Climbing Wall, Hayrides, Children’s Games and Crafts, Make and Take Garden Activities, Scarecrow Making, Arts and Crafts Fair, Potato Dig, Canoe Rentals, Amateur Photo Contest, Face Painting, Food Vendors, Farm Animals, The Frog Lady, Reptile Road Show, Children in Butterfly Costumes will Receive a Free Gift While Supplies Last 11AM-4:30PM

SEPTEMBER SUNSET MUSIC SERIES Breidert Green, Oak & Kansas Streets, Frankfort, IL 815-469-2177 x243 5PM

 

 

Looking for 24 hours of fun? Start out with Blues and BBQ in Lansing, then have Lunch with a Raccoon at Irons Oaks in Olympia Fields and the finish it off with an Evening under the Stars at Lake Katherine in Palos Heights.

Looking for top notch music? Black Sabbath and Rascal Flatts play at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre this weekend as well!   Find a Complete List of Festivals and Events Here! Friday, August 16th BLUES & BBQ Lan-Oak Park Plaza – Ridge Road & Grant Street, Lansing, IL 708-474-8552 Enjoy a live blues performance by BMR4 & Toronzo Cannon! Lynnie Ques BBQ will be available for purchase. Don’t forget your blanket or lawn chair. 7-9PM       MOVIES IN THE PARK El Morro Park – 155th & El Morro Drive, Oak Forest, IL 708-687-7270 We will be having multiple movies throughout the summer. Concessions will be available at the concession stand, so be sure to bring an appetite! Make yourself comfortable and bring a blanket or chair sit back and relax and enjoy the show! Dusk

BLACK SABBATH First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre – 19100 South Ridgeland Avenue, Tinley Park, IL 312-559-1212

Saturday, August 17th   LUNCH WITH A RACCOON Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center – 20000 Western Avenue, Olympia Fields, IL 708-957-0300 11AM   DOG DAYS OF SUMMER Ridge Road between Martin Avenue & Harwood, Homewood, IL 708-206-3393 Enjoy a full day of carnival games, summer fare from Homewood restaurants and live entertainment. The day starts with the annual Pooch Parade. 9AM-7PM

RASCAL FLATTS First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre – 19100 South Ridgeland Avenue, Tinley Park, IL 312-559-1212

OUTDOOR FLEA MARKET Oak East Field – 10847 LaPorte Road, Mokena, IL 708-390-2401 Sell your old and new wares at this annual flea market. We welcome fresh produce, new and used crafts, clothing, tools, etc. Spend a morning of selling and swapping. 8AM-2PM

EVENING UNDER THE STARS Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens – 7402 West Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights, IL 708-361-1873 Spend the evening at Lake Katherine enjoying good food, drinks, music and other live entertainment while raising money for the addition of an outdoor pavilion. 7PM

August 17th – 18th   2013 CITY OF MARKHAM FESTIVAL Roesner Park – 16053 Richmond Avenue, Markham, IL 708-339-3018 Sa 10AM-12AM; Su 12-10PM

Sunday, August 18th SUMMER CONCERTS ON THE GREEN Village Green – 9446 Raymond Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL 708-636-4400 Grab your lawn chairs and coolers and head down to the Village Green for the sounds of rock, classic, jazz, etc. All concerts run from 7-9:30pm on the Village Green. All concert are FREE! 7-9:30PM

Movies in the park, overnight bike rides and great concerts from Moraine Valley create a wonderful weekend for you in the Chicago Southland!

Find a Complete List of Festivals and Events Here! Friday, July 26th Movie In The Park Main Park – 10925 LaPorte Road, Mokena, IL 708-390-2401 Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and come out to enjoy Pixar’s WALL*E under the stars! In case of inclement weather, please visit our website. 7:00PM

Oak Lawn Movies on the Green Movies On The Green Village Green – 9446 Raymond Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL 708-636-4400 Come out to the Village Green to see Movies on the Green! The movies are free and bring your lawn chairs or blankets! This week, the movie will be Pixar’s Toy Story 3 Begins at Dusk

The Loop! (Lansing Overnight On Pedals) Downtown Lansing – 3404 Lake Street, Lansing, IL 708-474-4170 A midnight “Three Hour Tour” of Lansing, highlighting fun things along the way. T-shirts, goodies and breakfast will round out the overnight journey. 9:30PM-5:00AM

MVCC Jazz Ensemble – Hot Summer Jazz Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center – Dorothy Menker Theater, 9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL 708-974-5500 The Moraine Valley Jazz Ensemble performs a wide range of jazz styles, including classic swing, soulful blues, vocal jazz, and big band. 7:30PM

Saturday, July 27th Rockstar Energy Mayhem Fest First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre – 19100 South Ridgeland Avenue, Tinley Park, IL 312-559-1212Over 20 heavy metal and hard rock bands take over First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre. Headliners include Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, Mastodon and Amon Amarth.

St. Mark’s Lutheran Flea Market St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Parking Lot – 11007 South 76th Avenue, Worth, IL 708-448-6555 This flea market is held the last Saturday of months April through September. A wide variety of vendors are offered and booth space is still available. The August fair also features a family fair for children with games, prizes, face painting and much more. 8:00AM-2:00PM

Moraine Chorale and Chamber Singers Moraine Chorale And Chamber Singers – Summer Patriotic Concert Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center – Dorothy Menker Theater, 9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL 708-974-5500 The Moraine Chorale celebrates its 15th season performing five themed concerts, including Broadway music, operatic, 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

Music In The Plaza Summer Concert Series Zabrocki Plaza – 17375 Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park, IL 708-444-5678 The Music in the Plaza Concert Series includes bands that play classic rock, country, pop & more. Check our website for the schedule of bands playing! 7:00-10:00PM

Sports Collectible Show Orland Park Civic Center – 14750 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park, IL 708-403-6200 Sports Cards, Toys, Nascar & More 9:00AM-2:00PM

You can always find the complete list of Festivals and Events here!

With temperatures in the 70s and little rain in the forecast, this will be a great weekend for all the unique festivals and events in the Chicago Southland.  From art to Chicago Fire Soccer, area garage sales and running with the horses at Balmoral Park.

Art & Garden Street Fair

Friday, June 7^th – Friday 12:00 – 9:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Centered at Martin Avenue and Ridge Road in Downtown Homewood

Art and Garden Street Fair is a two-day festival featuring unique artisans, activities and live entertainment. Kicking off the festivities at noon on Friday is Grammy Nominated children’s performer Justin Roberts and The Not Ready for Nap Time Players. This two-day festival features over 45 unique artisans and vendors, activities for all ages, gardening workshops, music from around the world and food from Homewood’s best restaurants. This festival is free and open to the public however there is a fee for specific art activities.

There are several great events happening this weekend in the Chicago Southland!

The Village of Mokena unveiled its Illinois Lincoln Highway Mural shortly after 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 2^nd, at 11104 Front Street, Mokena. “This mural tells a unique story in the history of the Village of Mokena,” said Mayor Joseph Werner. “The village is proud to be part of the Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition mural series, one of the largest works of public art in the country.”

The mural, whose theme was developed by members of the Mokena Area Historical Society, depicts a tractor in front of the Cooper & Hostert Garage, owned by brothers-in-law Barney Hostert and Elmer Cooper.  Beyond selling gasoline and repairing motor vehicles, the garage was the first Ford Agency in the area to sell Ford cars, trucks and tractors. Henry Ford personally signed their dealership contract. Opening in 1916, the Cooper & Hostert Garage remained in business until the early 1970s.

This is the eighth mural in the Chicago Southland. The villages of Mokena, New Lenox, Frankfort, Matteson, Park Forest, University Park, Lynwood, and Sauk Village all now have murals installed in their communities. Chicago Heights will receive their mural soon. Every mural is a hand-painted, unique work of art.  Upon completion, the 35-mural series will be one of the largest works of public art in the country.

The murals are each valued at $10,000, and are financed through a National Scenic Byway Grant from the Federal Highway Administration and an Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism, Tourism Attraction Development Grant.

As the designated Scenic Byway management agency overseeing the Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway, the Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition (ILHC) continues to seek ways to recognize the significance of the highway and make stories of the highway come alive for visitors.  The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau is the local ILHC partner and works to promote ILHC’s attractions within the Chicago Southland.

Here is a short video from the installation