May 23, 2012 4:06PM
Unlimited carnival rides will be part of Irish Fest 2012, which will take place from May 25-28 at Chicago Gaelic Park in Oak Forest.
WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?
If you know of a festival that we have not listed here, send information on those events to jvirtusio@southtownstar.com with “Festivals” in the subject line.
Article Extras
With warmer weather in full swing, it’s also time for summer festivals.
There are so many Southland events that we’ve broken up our annual listing into parts, with the first installment featuring what you can attend in the next month.
So here’s a look at where you can celebrate with food, entertainment, carnivals and more, and keep an eye on future editions of Weekend for more festivals.
MAY
(May 25 to 28) IRISH FEST 2012: Chicago Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St. (one block east of Ridgeland Avenue), Oak Forest, (708) 687-9323, chicagogaelicpark.org.
◆Click on the Related Stories link for a preview of Irish Fest 2012.
(Sundays beginning May 27 and running to Aug. 19) OAK LAWN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: Oak Lawn Village Green, directly east of the Oak Lawn Municipal Center and north of the Oak Lawn Public Library, (708) 499-7837, oaklawn-il.gov (click on Special Events).
Sunday night concerts will take place from 7 to 9:30 p.m. May 27 (Network), June 10, (MR Rush), June 24 (Hillbilly RockStarz), July 8, (The Dancing Noodles), July 22 (Five Guys Named Moe), Aug. 5 (The Crawpuppies), and Aug. 19 (CTA – Chicago Tribute Authority and fireworks).
(Thursdays to Aug. 25): CRUISIN’ FRANKFORT: White and Elwood streets, Frankfort, frankfortcarclub.org.
The Frankfort Car Club presents this event. New parking restrictions also are in place for the 2012 season.
Cars to be highlighted include Mustangs on May 31; street rods, customs and lead sleds on June 7; Buick and Cadillac on June 14; Corvettes on June 21; trucks and car-based pickups on June 28; race cars on July 5; Fords including Thunderbirds and Lincolns on July 12; vintage scooters and motorcycles that are 25 years old or older on July 19; Chevrolet on July 26; prewar and stock 1900-1941 vehicles on Aug. 2; rear-engine, mid-engine and import cars on Aug. 9; orphan makes including Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Pontiac and Mercury on Aug. 16; and survivor cars and rat rods on Aug. 23.
(May 30-June 1) ORLAND DAYS: Orland Park, (708) 514-4215 (Steve Anton), orlandparklionsclub.com.
Entertainment includes a live disc jockey on May 30-31, Hat Guys and Dueling Pianos on June 1, Big Dog Mercer Band, One Foot in the Groove, Fortunate Sons and Infinity on June 2, and Brothers in Arms, McCarthy Road, Libido Funk Circus and 16 Candles on June 3.
The Orland Days Parade, which has a theme of the Girl Scouts’ 100th anniversary, will step off at 1 p.m. June 3 and run along West Avenue.
(May 31-June 3) ST. JOSEPH PARISH FEST: 7240 W. 57th St., Summit, (708) 458-0501, stjosephparishsummit.org.
All-you-can-ride wristbands are on sale at the parish office and cost $50 for all four days. The event will includes rides, games, food, a beer tent and live bands. There also will be a $10,000 super raffle, which costs $20 a ticket and can be purchased at the church’s rectory.
Hours are 6-11 p.m. May 31, 6 p.m.-midnight June 1, 2 p.m.-midnight June 2 and 2-10 p.m. June 3.
JUNE
(Fridays) HOMEWOOD CRUISE NIGHT: Homewood Chevrolet, 18300 Halsted St., Homewood, (708) 674-1598.
Open to all pre-1980s cars and trucks, this event runs from 5-9 p.m. Fridays and includes free barbecue.
(Beginning June 1 and running to Aug. 24) OAK LAWN FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIES: Oak Lawn Village Green, directly east of the Oak Lawn Municipal Center and north of the Oak Lawn Public Library, (708) 499-7837, oaklawn-il.gov (click on Special Events).
The outdoor Friday night movie series, which features screenings at dusk, will include “Raiders of the Lost Ark” on June 1, “The Adventures of Tin Tin” on June 15, “Twilight 2 – New Moon” on July 13, “The Muppets” on July 27, “Captain America” on Aug. 3 and “A Dolphin’s Tale” on Aug. 24.
(June 2) BREWHAHA: Balmoral Park, 26435 S. Dixie Highway, Crete, (708) 672-1414, balmoralpark.com.
This event includes a beer tent, live music by the Muddsharks and The Shatners and live racing. A $25 package includes 10 beer samples, four beer pints, one food platter and one live race program. A $7 food platter will include a pulled pork sandwich, coleslaw, corn on the cob and a cookie. Single pint and sample tickets are available.
(June 2): FLOSSMOOR FINE ART FAIR: Sterling Avenue in downtown Flossmoor, (708) 798-2300: This event will take place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 2.
(June 2) SUMMERFEST AT THE CHILDREN’S FARM: The Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park, (708) 361-3650, thecenterpalos.org.
“Kick off a summer of fun at the farm at our 24th annual summertime festival,” officials said.
“Our SummerFest is centered around a Green Fair of environmental organizations and vendors of environmentally friendly products plus garage sale vendors, flea market vendors and craft vendors.
“SummerFest also features horse rides, hayrack rides, crafts and games for kids, tours of the animal barns, live music and great food including fresh lemonade and watermelon and your favorites from the grill.”
This event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 2. Festival admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children.
(Beginning June 2 and running to Sept. 1) SUMMER TRIPLE PLAY 2012: The Commons, New Lenox, (815) 462-6400, newlenox.net.
New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann and the village of New Lenox will present the fourth annual Summer Triple Play 2012 concert series featuring Night Ranger on June 2, Heart on July 20 and Styx on Sept. 1.
The park opens at 5:30 p.m. for each show, with the opening band beginning at 5:45 p.m. No re-admittance, outside food or beverages or pets will be allowed. The performance will take place rain or shine, and free parking will be available at the village hall south lot.
A free shuttle will be available to and from the U.S. 30 Metra station. The three-concert ticket price is $60. Ages 8 and younger can attend free but must be accompanied by an adult.
(Mondays starting June 4) CRETE CRUISE NIGHT: downtown Main Street, Crete, (708) 672-9216 (Crete Area Chamber of Commerce).
Open to all pre-1980s cars and trucks, this event runs from 5-9 p.m. Mondays. Food will include an Aurelio’s Pizza buffet from 5-8 p.m., Jason’s Pub specials and the Edge Coffee House Roasting Co. items. There are also a limited number of gift cards and local coupons as well as drawings and a 50-50 raffle.
(Tuesdays) GLENWOOD CRUISE NIGHT: Glenwood Oaks Restaurant, 106 N. Main St., Glenwood, (708) 758-4400.
Open to all pre-1980s cars and trucks, this event is in its sixth year and runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays.
(Tuesdays beginning June 5) TINLEY PARK CRUISE NIGHTS: Downtown Tinley Park, (708) 444-5678, tinleypark.org.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Bremen Post 2791 and the village of Tinley Park MainStreet Commission will host this event from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays. There is no entry fee, and it’s first-come, first-served. There will be food and beverages for sale and music provided by a disc jockey.
(First and third Wednesdays of the month except July 4) BEECHER CRUISE NIGHT: Buddys Drive-In, 615 Dixie Highway, Beecher, (708) 946-2261 (Beecher Chamber of Commerce), beecherchamber.com.
Beecher Chamber of Commerce hosts this event, which is open to all pre-1980s cars and trucks, from 5 to 9 p.m. on select Wednesdays.
(Beginning June 6 and running to Aug. 1) FRANKFORT’S MOVIES ON THE GREEN: Breidert Green in downtown Frankfort, (815) 469-2177, villageoffrankfort.com.
A 20-foot-by-30-foot screen will show “Zookeeper” (rated PG) on June 6, “My Best Friend’s Wedding” (rated PG-13) on July 11, and “The Muppets” (rated PG) on Aug. 1.
“Grab a blanket or bring a lawn chair. It’s free family movie time under the stars at Breidert Green in downtown Frankfort,” officials said.
Previews for each screening begin at 7:45 p.m., with cartoons at 8 p.m. and the feature film at 8:30 p.m.
Free popcorn from Kernel Sweet Tooth will be available. No alcoholic beverages or pets are allowed.
In case of weather, the rain date is one week from the original movie date.
This event is sponsored by the village of Frankfort, the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce and the Frankfort Park District.
(June 6 to 10) ST. CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA CARNIVAL: 10621 S. Kedvale Ave., Oak Lawn, (708) 425-2850, saintcatherineparish.org.
Discounted presale tickets will be available from 8-11 a.m. May 27 in the church’s vestibule. Presale tickets are $15. Tickets at the door will be $20 each.
Entertainment will include the World of Kevin on June 6, the Larkin Moran Brothers on June 7, Sorry for Partying on June 8, and the Bolts, Gone 2 Paradise, Mrs. Kwinn Retirement and Sean Charlie on June 10.
Vendor foods will include elephant ears, Original Rainbow Cone ice cream, snow cones and Taco Joe’s Mexican food. St. Catherine’s also will provide hot dogs, pizza, bratwursts, Italian beef and sausage and fried food.
Special themes include Irish Night Thursday, Jimmy Buffett Night and Senior Sunday Specials from 2-4 p.m.
Carnival hours are 6-10:30 p.m. June 6-7, 6-11:30 p.m. June 8, 4 p.m.-midnight June 9 and 2-10 p.m. June 10.
(June 6 to 10) ST. FABIAN FAMILY FEST CARNIVAL: 8300 S. Thomas Ave. (83rd Street and Oketo Avenue, west of Harlem Avenue), Bridgeview, (708) 599-1110, saint-fabian.org.
This annual event will include a Big Money raffle with the chance to win $10,000.
Entertainment will include the Hat Guys and fireworks on June 6; Six Wheels South on June 7; Vinyl Jackets on June 8; Tony the DJ, Dainbramage and 80’s Enough on June 9; and Englewood and Downtown Sound on June 10.
Food vendors will include Bojo’s for Italian sausage, the blooming onion and more; Culver’s for American favorites; Durbin’s for pizza and more; New China Express for Chinese cuisine; RS Concessions for Italian ice; and Shop Save Market for Polish cuisine.
(Beginning June 7 and running to Aug. 30) CONCERTS ON THE HILL 2012: Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, 201 W. Jefferson St. (at Bluff Street), Joliet, (815) 724-3760, bicentennialpark.org.
Attendees can bring chairs and blankets for hill seating to enjoy the 38th season of this free outdoor summer concert series, which will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays. Hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, lemonade, soda, ice cream and more will be available.
Performers include Metropolitan Youth Symphony and Joliet American Legion Band on June 7; Bicentennial “Pops” Band, “Oklahoma!” Musical Preview and Tinley Park Arts Alive! Band on June 14; Joliet Central High School Big Band, vocalist Karen Isberg and Joliet Township High School Alumni Choir’s 58th anniversary on June 21; and Bicentennial “Pops” Band and “Oklahoma!” Musical Preview and Joliet Junior College Jazz Band on June 28.
The July schedule includes Bicentennial “Pops” Band, vocalist Lexi Smith and Joliet American Legion Band on July 5; Bicentennial “Pops” Band, Hatfield Sister Fiddlers and Cloggin’ Craze Kidz Clog on July 12; Plainfield Community Choir, vocalist Marvina Bowker and Jimmy The Bavarians on July 19; and Frankfort Brass Band and Joliet Township High School Alumni Jazz Band on July 26.
The August schedule includes Too Loud Polka Band and Eddie Korosa The Boys from Illinois Polka Band on Aug. 2; Bicentennial “Pops” Band, Joliet Drama Guild’s “Lucky Stiff” Musical Preview and Chorus of DuPage on Aug. 9; Times III Arts Academy Dances and Jay Mau Big Band Orchestra on Aug. 16; Joliet Central High School Marching Band, Midwest Crossroad Chorus of Sweet Adelines International and Keigher Academy of Irish Dance on Aug. 23; U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America from Scott Air Force Base (a special Monday concert at 6:30 p.m.); and Joliet Township High School Orchestra and Joliet American Legion Band on Aug. 30.
(June 8 and 9) DOWNTOWN HOMEWOOD ART GARDEN STREET FAIR: Martin Avenue and Ridge Road in downtown Homewood, (708) 798-3000, homesweethomewood.com.
This fifth annual event, which will take place from noon-9 p.m. June 8 and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. June 9, is presented by the village of Homewood.
Kicking off the festivities at noon June 8 will be Grammy-nominated children’s performer Justin Roberts and The Not Ready For Nap Time Players. This two-day festival features more than 45 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, but there is a fee for specific art activities.
(Second Mondays of the month beginning June 11 to Aug. 13) MANHATTAN CAR CLUB CRUISE NIGHTS: Laraway Lanes Bowling Center (under new management), 1009 W. Laraway Road (at Nelson Road), New Lenox, (815) 485-5177, manhattancarclub.com.
This 10th annual event, which is free and offers fun for the whole family, is from 6 to 9 p.m. on the second Monday of every month, with a rain day of the third Monday of the month.
First, second, third, sponsor’s choice and door prizes will be awarded. Each night will include food, music and a 50-50 pot (winner must by present). June 12 is Ford Night, July 9 is GM Night, and Aug. 13 is Mopar Night. “All kinds of antique, classic and show cars are welcome,” officials said.
(June 13 to Aug. 8) MAIN STREET NIGHTS: Park Forest Village Green, Cunningham Boulevard and Main Street, (708) 748-2005, villageofparkforest.net.
“Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy outstanding artists from around the nation and our own back yard,” officials said of the free event.
The schedule includes Dave Rudolf on June 13 (at the Aqua Center), Top Hat the Magician and Jose Valdes The Mambo All-Stars on June 20, Little Nashville and Denny Diamond on June 27, Park Forest Idols and Muzicnet on July 11, Rich East Drum Line and Southland Jazz Ensemble on July 18, Cold Blooded Creatures and Classical Blast on July 25, the Rope Warrior and Silk Smooth on Aug. 1, and 1969 and the movie “Disney’s The Muppets” on Aug. 8.
(Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month) STEGER CRUISE NIGHT: Bambino’s, 37 E. Steger Road, (708) 975-8083.
This event, which runs from 5-9 p.m. on select Wednesdays, is open to all pre-1980s cars and trucks, from 5 to 9 p.m. on select Wednesdays. Food and a 50-50 raffle will be available. No motorcycles, loud music, hydraulics or burnouts are allowed. All cruisers who are present have a chance to win prizes from local merchants. There also are awards and raffles.
(Beginning June 14 and running to July 19) STARRY NIGHTS CONCERT SERIES: Irwin Park, 18120 S. Highland Ave., Homewood, (708) 957-7275, hfparks.com.
This series will include Maggie Speaks on June 14, the Neverly Brothers on June 28 and R-Gang on July 19. The H-F Band will open all three shows, which are co-sponsored by the SouthtownStar.
Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available.
The rain location is the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District auditorium, 2010 Chestnut Road, Homewood.
(June 15-17) OLD CANAL DAYS: Lockport, (815) 838-0549, oldcanaldays.com.
The Lockport Chamber of Commerce will present this event, which will include Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band at 9 p.m. June 16.
The parade will kick off Old Canal Days on June 15. The fun will continue June 16-17 with a craft show, music, local food vendors, horse-drawn wagon tours along the Illinois and Michigan Canal, museum events, games, children’s carnival rides, the “Trade, Transportation, and Power to Connect” exhibit, and more.
(June 15-17) OPA FEST: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 10301 S. Kolmar Ave., Oak Lawn, (708) 636-5460, stnicholasil.org.
Celebrate Father’s Day weekend with this Greek festival, which includes homemade Greek food, Greek pastries, music and fun. Hours are 5-10 p.m. June 15 (carnival only), 4-11 p.m. June 16 (carnival and festival) and 3-10 p.m. June 17 (carnival and festival).
The church’s biggest fundraiser, the event will feature a raffle with $14,000 in cash prizes and many chances to win. Limited tickets are sold for the grand raffle, with prizes of $10,000 for first, $2,000 for second, $1,000 for third, and $500 for fourth and fifth. Admission is $2 or free for ages younger than 12. A portion of the proceeds will go to Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn.
(June 16) ALSIP’S FUN FEST 2012: Prairie Junior High ball fields and Aquatic Park, 119th Street and Kostner Avenue, Alsip, (708) 389-1003, alsipparks.org.
From 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., there will free swimming, bands, Alsip’s Got Talent with a $300 cash prize, children’s games, pool activities, fireworks, a disc jockey and more. Diving competitions will be offered during safety breaks, and there will be water-themed games and activities in the grassy portion of Aquatic Park. Children must be supervised. Entry will be cut off when the capacity of the facility is met.
A 3-on-3 Soccer Tournament, sponsored by the Alsip Park District’s affiliate International Football Club, will place ages 8 to 14 in two divisions of U10, U12 and U14. The tournament will be played based on the amount of teams enrolled, with a maximum of 16 teams and a minimum of four teams per division. Each team may have a roster with a minimum of three and a maximum of five players and play two eight-minute halves per game. There is no registration the day of the event. All registration forms contain all rules and more details. All teams must fill out a form at the Apollo Recreation Center by June 8.
There also will be a chili cookoff, with all entries made on-site. Each cook will be given an eight-foot table for cooking and displays. The entry fee is $18, with a cooks meeting at 11 a.m. and the chili turn-in at 3 p.m. The winners will be announced at 4 p.m. Registration: (708) 389-1003. All proceeds from the chili event will benefit the American Cancer Society.
(June 16) DRIVING THE DIXIE: drivingthedixie.com.
Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10 a.m. Coffee and doughnuts will be available at the departure point, which is the only stop where event passports will be issued. Destinations include the oldest operating business along Dixie Highway, Sears Roebuck homes, historic murals in two separate locations and a trip around a lake.
A’s R Us, the Chicago Southland Chapter of the Model A Ford Club of America and the towns of Blue Island, Posen, Markham, Hazel Crest, Homewood, Flossmoor, Chicago Heights, Steger, Crete, Beecher, Grant Park and Momence will present this event. Designed like a scavenger hunt, participants follow individual instructions to points of interest within the Dixie Highway communities, where event passports will be validated. Also, several secret passport locations will offer the chance to earn bonus drawing tickets at the prize drawing in Momence.
“This is a ‘take your time, travel and explore at your leisure’ event,” officials said. “We would like everyone to get to know the historic Dixie Highway and the interesting places along the route.”
Lunch will be provided by the village of Steger between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for those with stamped passports. There also will be a 50-50 pot to keep things interesting. Registration until June 9 is $15. Day-of-event registration is $20.
(Sundays beginning June 17 and running to Aug. 26) FRANKFORT’S CONCERTS ON THE GREEN: Breidert Green, White and Kansas streets, Frankfort, (815) 469-3356, frankfortchamber.com.
The Frankfort Chamber of Commerce offers these free events from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sundays. Attendees should bring blankets or lawn chairs.
The schedule includes Peter Oprisko on June 17, R-Gang on June 24, Frankfort Brass Band on July 1 (at 5 p.m.), Joliet American Legion Band on July 1, Denny Diamond on July 8, the Renditions on July 15, Dave “Elvis” Thomas on July 22 (at 5 p.m.), 1969 on July 22, Jin Tonic on July 29, the Midway Ramblers Cajun Band on Aug. 5, the Tom and Lisa Band on Aug. 12, and the Outcast Jazz Band on Aug. 26.
In case of stormy weather, concerts will take place at the Frankfort Park District Founders Center, 140 Oak St.
(Beginning June 20 and running through Aug. 8) SUMMER MUSIC AT RAVISLOE: Ravisloe Country Club, 18231 South Park Ave., Homewood, (708) 798-5600, ipomusic.org.
Co-sponsored by the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, this series will kick off at 7 p.m. June 20 with the Southland Jazz Ensemble. Other concerts will include Strings and Friends at 7 p.m. July 11, A Gathering of Strings at 7 p.m. July 25, and the IPO Brass Quintet at 7 p.m. Aug. 8.
(June 23) FRANKFORT FINE ARTS FAIR: Breidert Green in downtown Frankfort, (815) 469-2177, villageoffrankfort.com.
This annual event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 23 and features works of art and demonstrations by premier Frankfort-area artists. Attendees can browse through galleries, shops and restaurants. There also will be music throughout the day, including harpist Andrea Jawor from 10 a.m. to noon and jazz ensemble Alex Blomarz Quartet from 12:30 to 3 p.m. WineStyles of Frankfort will offer beverages from 1 to 3 p.m.
(June 28 to July 4) OAK FEST: 159th Street and Central Avenue, Oak Forest, (708) 687-4050, oakfest.com.
The 25th annual event will feature free admission. The car and bike show, 5K Liberty Run and opening night Salute to Hometown Heroes all will be back this year. There also will be two fireworks shows, one on opening night and the other on the Fourth of July. New this year are the Zoppe Family Circus with a big top tent, clowns, performing animals, acrobats and more. A Country Music Day also is planned.
“Stop in for dinner or just to listen to some of your favorite Oak Fest bands, play some bingo or throw some bags,” officials said. “The Oak Fest Committee is proud to give Oak Forest the best fest on the South Side. Please remember that every dollar raised goes right back to the community.”
Entertainment includes Five Guys Named Moe and Maggie Speaks on June 28; K.O. Bossy and April’s Reign on June 29; Daryl Durano, Jin Tonic Band and Bella Cain on June 30; 13 Tikis, Billy’s Boys, Bullwinkle, Cover Junkies and Hairbangers Ball on July 1; Chris Medina and Good 2 Go on July 2; Girl Next Door and Infinity on July 3; and the Walk-Ins and CoverGurl on July 4.
(June 29-July 1) ORLAND HILLS PARTY IN THE PARK: Kelly Park, 167th Street and Haven Avenue, (708) 349-7211, ohpartyinthepark.com.
Entertainment includes Infinity and Jin Tonic on June 29; fireworks, American English, High Infidelity and family activities on June 30; and a Family Day and 7th Heaven on July 1. “Come join us with the finest local food and entertainment,” officials said.
(June 29-July1) TASTE OF JOLIET: ATI Field at Joliet Memorial Stadium, 3000 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, (815) 741-7275, jolietpark.org.
Festival hours are noon-midnight June 29-30 and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. July 1. Entertainment includes REO Speedwagon on June 29, Josh Turner on June 30 and Little Big Town on July 1.