Festivals & Events

Come Celebrate in the Southland! All year long, visitors will find fun and excitement at any of the hundreds of festivals and events held throughout the Southland.

Antique and craft shows, music and theatre festivals, historical re-enactments, holiday festivities and ethnic celebrations are just a few of the events offered in the Chicago Southland every year. More information is just a phone call away. Just call or visit the website of the event of your choice to find out more about regional festivals and events.

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

Feb 1, 2012-Feb 11, 2012 - I SHALL BE RELEASED EXHIBIT Union Street Gallery & Studio Complex, 1527 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights | 708-754-2601 Regional Juried Exhibit W-Th 12-5PM; F 12-6PM; Sa 11AM-4PM c;d;h

Feb 1, 2012-Feb 12, 2012 - BROKE-OLOGY Illinois Theatre Center, 371 Artists Walk, Park Forest | 708-481-3510 This exciting new comedy deals with an African-American family struggling to keep it together in spite of poverty and illness. W-Sa 8PM; Su 2:30PM & 7:30PM $;c;h

Feb 1, 2012-Feb 29, 2012 - LIVE HARNESS RACING Balmoral Park Race Track, 26435 South Dixie Highway, Crete | 708-672-1414 View Live Harness racing, simulcast harness and thoroughbred racing from this newly remodeled rustic themed venue. No live racing on Super Bowl Sunday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. W, Sa-Su 7:10PM $;s;h

Feb 1, 2012-Feb 29, 2012 - SWAP O RAMA FLEA MARKET 4350 West 129th Street, Alsip | 708-344-7300 Chicagoland's finest-most modern indoor/outdoor permanent flea market. Over 800 individual booths of merchandise at bargain prices - every weekend. W 7AM-2PM; Sa & Su 7AM-4PM $;d;o;h

Feb 1, 2012-Feb 29, 2012 - KIWANIS BINGO EVERY WEDNESDAY Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park | 708-403-6200 W 6-9:30PM h

Feb 3, 2012-Feb 4, 2012 - PARAGON LEATHER MOTORCYCLE SHOW Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park, Tinley Park | 708-444-1100 F 1-7PM; Sa 9AM-6PM $;e;h

Feb 3, 2012-Feb 5, 2012 - NOISES OFF Drama Group, Studio Theatre, 303 West 202nd Street, Chicago Heights | 708-755-3444 NOISES OFF takes a fond look at the follies of theatre folk, whose susceptibility to out-of-control egos, memory loss and passionate affairs turn every performance into a high-risk adventure. This comedy-within-a-comedy captures a touring theatre troupe's production of Nothing On in three stages: dress rehearsal, a performance a few weeks into the tour, and a performance toward the end of the run. Each performance is packed with comedy progressing from flubbed lines and missed cues in the dress rehearsal to mounting friction between cast members in second act and finally everything that can go wrong does go wrong in the final act. Brimming with slapstick comedy, Noises Off is a backstage farce of slamming doors, falling trousers and flying sardines! F 7:30PM; Sa 2PM & 7:30PM; Su 2PM $;c;h

Feb 4, 2012-Feb 4, 2012 - A BROWN BEAR, A MOON AND A CATERPILLAR: TREASURED STORIES BY ERIC CARLE The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, One University Parkway, University Park | 708-235-2222 THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR is joined by a whimsical cast of adventurous animals drawn from the pages of BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR WHAT DO YOU SEE?; and the poignant story of a young girl's unusual quest, PAPA PLEASE GET THE MOON FOR ME, completes an hour-long performance, which both entertains and educates. Featuring evocative music, stunning visual effects and innovative puppetry, the triple-bill highlights three of Eric Carle's most beloved tales. 11AM $;c;h

Feb 5, 2012-Feb 5, 2012 - WINTER ON THE GREEN - SUPERBOWL Breidert Green, Oak & Kansas Streets, Frankfort | 815-469-2177 Come celebrate our pre-game "Superbowl" event featuring "Elvis" (Dave Thomas), FREE horse drawn carriage rides and the halftime "Puppy Bowl" at 2:30 PM. Bring out your four-legged athlete dressed up in their favorite team apparel (or referee, cheerleader, etc.). The best dressed dogs will win a trophy. Every pooch will get a free football! 1-3PM o;h

Feb 6, 2012-Feb 6, 2012 - NATIONAL CAREER FAIRS Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park | 708-444-1100 Career Fair 11AM-2PM e;h

Feb 6, 2012-Feb 29, 2012 - PRESENCE-ABSENCE Christopher Art Gallery, Prairie State College, 202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights | 708-709-3636 Two-person show featuring paintings by Sergio Gomez and Mark Zlotkowski. According to the artists, the exhibit is intended to "encourage its audience to a deeper understanding of their own visible and invisible experiences." M-F 9AM-3PM & W-Th 5-7PM c;d;h

Feb 7, 2012-Feb 7, 2012 - RYAN DEHUES Freedom Hall, Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest | 708-747-0580 Ryan DeHues is the abundantly gifted singing prodigy who ignites audiences with his impressive vocal stylings and incredible command of the stage. Ryan valiantly keeps the flame burning for singing in the tradition of his influences--Jack Jones, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Ella Fitzgerald and Mel Torme. The music he sings reflects meticulous taste and the quality standards of the great American songbook writers such as Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, Sammy Cahn and Hoagy Carmichael. Ryan tells the story of every tune, breathing life into every note and word, singing with unrestrained feeling. 11AM $;c;h

Feb 7, 2012-Feb 7, 2012 - THE "GLORY BRIGADE" Blue Island Historical Society, Albee House, 13018 Maple Avenue, Blue Island | 708-388-1078 x30 Nationally-recognized author and historian, Professor Art Burton, will tell the story of the "Glory Brigade," the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, a legendary African-American Civil War regiment that was the subject of the critically acclaimed film, Glory. Tickets are required and may be obtained free at the Blue Island Library's main desk, 2433 York St. Call 708-388-1078 x30. 7PM c

Feb 7, 2012-Feb 7, 2012 - HARRIET TUBMAN AND THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, One University Parkway, University Park | 708-235-2222 Commemorate Black History Month with this inspiring production at the Center. This classic tribute to the great American who freed herself and hundreds of her people from the bonds of slavery. As Harriet and her friend Sarah Bradford narrate her adventurous life, we share in the joys, sorrows, and challenges faced by this brave woman who changed the world through her courage. Book and Lyrics by Douglas Jones--Music by Ron Barnett. Appropriate for Grades 3 - 12. 9:45AM & 12PM $;c;h

Feb 8, 2012-Feb 8, 2012 - THE COLOR PURPLE - NATIONAL BROADWAY TOURING SHOW The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, One University Parkway, University Park | 708-235-2222 The Color Purple is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who - through love - finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. Set to a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, and blues, The Color Purple is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life. 7:30PM $;c;h

Feb 8, 2012-Feb 8, 2012 - FRANK POLANCIC, THE "SOUL MATE GUY" Blue Island Historical Society, Albee House, 13018 Maple Avenue, Blue Island | 708-388-1078 x30 7PM $;c;h

Feb 9, 2012-Feb 9, 2012 - GARY HUSTWIT FILM FESTIVAL Blue Island Public Library, 2433 York Street, Blue Island | 708-388-1078 x30 Movie fans can view three award-winning documentaries by innovator Gary Hustwit at the Blue Island Library. 7PM h

Feb 9, 2012-Feb 12, 2012 - NOISES OFF Drama Group, Studio Theatre, 303 West 202nd Street, Chicago Heights | 708-755-3444 NOISES OFF takes a fond look at the follies of theatre folk, whose susceptibility to out-of-control egos, memory loss and passionate affairs turn every performance into a high-risk adventure. This comedy-within-a-comedy captures a touring theatre troupe's production of Nothing On in three stages: dress rehearsal, a performance a few weeks into the tour, and a performance toward the end of the run. Each performance is packed with comedy progressing from flubbed lines and missed cues in the dress rehearsal to mounting friction between cast members in second act and finally everything that can go wrong does go wrong in the final act. Brimming with slapstick comedy, Noises Off is a backstage farce of slamming doors, falling trousers and flying sardines! Th-F 7:30PM; Sa 2PM & 7:30PM; Su 2PM $;c;h

Feb 10, 2012-Feb 10, 2012 - DADDY DAUGHTER DATE NIGHT Arbor Park School, 17301 Central Avenue, Oak Forest | 708-687-7270 This night is just for dads and daughters. Treats will be served and girls will receive an elegant corsage. Register by January 30th. 7-9PM $;h;h

Feb 10, 2012-Feb 10, 2012 - DADDY/DAUGHTER VALENTINE'S DANCE Tinley Park Park District, 8125 West 171st Street, Tinley Park | 708-342-4200 Dad, take your little sweetheart to our Valentine’s Dance. Enjoy cookies, punch and dance by candlelight. Games and gifts for all! A photographer will be taking pictures of each couple and they will receive one complementary 4X6 picture with additional packages available to purchase. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR. This event is for all ages. The fee is $ 15 Resident (per person)/ $23 Non-Resident (per person). This event sells out so make sure you register early. For more information please call the Park District. 7-9PM $;h;h

Feb 10, 2012-Feb 10, 2012 - HOT 8 BRASS BAND Freedom Hall, Nathan Manilow Theatre, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, Park Forest | 708-747-0580 New Orleans' own Hot 8 Brass Band has epitomized New Orleans street music for over a decade playing the traditional Second Line parades and performances filled with funk and energy! The members of the Hot 8 Brass Band were born and raised in New Orleans, they've performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and festivals across the US and Europe, and were featured in both Spike Lee documentaries, When the Levees Broke and If God is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise. Hot 8 has released three critically acclaimed recordings and is featured on the latest Blind Boys of Alabama recording. 8PM $;c;h

Feb 11, 2012-Feb 11, 2012 - SHOW & TELL Village of Hazel Crest Municipal Board Room, 3000 West 170th Place, Hazel Crest | 708-335-3340 This is your chance to be part of our program. Bring something historical to share with the rest of the group or just come and listen. 10AM-12PM $;c;h

Feb 11, 2012-Feb 11, 2012 - FOR THE LOVE OF ART, 41ST ANNUAL BEVERLY ARTS CENTER BENEFIT AUCTION Beverly Art Center, 2407 West 111th Street, Chicago | 773-445-3838 The event features a professional live auction offering an outstanding array of unique experience packages and items, as well as bidding on silent items and an evening of entertainment, food, beverages and socializing. Tickets are $50 and available by calling 773-445-3838 or online at www.beverlyartcenter.org. The Beverly Arts Center is a 501 (c) 3 not for profit which provides multi-discipline fine arts education, outreach and entertainment for all ages. 6PM $;c;h

Feb 11, 2012-Feb 11, 2012 - JIM WITTER'S PIANO MAN II Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center, 9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills | 708-974-5500 Join Jim Witter on grand piano and lead vocals and get ready to laugh, cry, and sing along as you travel back to your past once again. 7:30-9:30PM $;c;h

Feb 11, 2012-Feb 11, 2012 - NO PLACE LIKE HOME Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Lincoln-Way North High School, 19900 South Harlem Avenue, Frankfort | 708-481-7774 Superior Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, leads the IPO in a program bursting with melody. Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man heralds the equality and nobility of mankind as the U.S. was thrust into World War II; Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2, one of classical music's greatest hits, is Russian to the core; and Dvorák's Symphony No. 8 is a lively sketch of his beloved Bohemia. Join us for a "world cruise" for the senses! 8PM $;c;h

Feb 12, 2012-Feb 12, 2012 - NO PLACE LIKE HOME Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Trinity Christian College, Ozinga Chapel, 6601 West College Drive, Palos Heights | 708-481-7774 Superior Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, leads the IPO in a program bursting with melody. Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man heralds the equality and nobility of mankind as the U.S. was thrust into World War II; Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, one of classical music’s greatest hits, is Russian to the core; and Dvorák's Symphony No. 8 is a lively sketch of his beloved Bohemia. Join us for a "world cruise" for the senses! 3PM $;c;h

Feb 12, 2012-Feb 12, 2012 - PRINCESS FAMILY STORY HOUR Tinley Park Park District, 8125 West 171st Street, Tinley Park | 708-342-4200 Do you have a princess in your house? Dress her up in her fanciest princess dress and bring a family blanket to "sit upon" as you listen to some classic princess stories come to life. This one day event is for all families. The fee is $6 per person. For more information please call the Park District. 3-4PM $;h

Feb 12, 2012-Feb 12, 2012 - WINTER ON THE GREEN - VALENTINE'S WEEKEND Breidert Green, Oak & Kansas Streets, Frankfort | 815-469-2177 Bring your Valentine sweetheart to taste a variety of chocolate fondue delicacies! Visit members of Frankfort Boy Scout Troop 270 while they demonstrate a winter campout and sample their hot cobbler made in Dutch ovens! 1-3PM o;h

Feb 15, 2012-Feb 15, 2012 - THE FOUR ACES Lincoln-Way North High School, 19900 South Harlem Avenue, Frankfort | 815-534-3240 The Four Aces are superb showmen with signature tight harmony on such classics as "Three Coins in a Fountain" and "Mr. Sandman" along with soft shoe routines, and their subtle brand of humor. 11AM-12:15PM $;c;h

Feb 17, 2012-Feb 17, 2012 - HOT WHEELS CLASSIC Tinley Park Park District, 8125 West 171st Street, Tinley Park | 708-942-4200 Bring your fastest Hot Wheels or Matchbox car and compete for the "big prize". Refreshments will be served. Children age 2-3 must be accompanied by an adult. The age for this event is 2-8. There are three different sessions for this event. The fee is $10 resident/$15 non-resident. For more information please call the Park District. 3:30-7PM $;s;h

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