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 be happy, you will find it just beyond the city limits.

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Arts and Culture

Friday, November 13th-Sunday, November 15th
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

Friday, November 13th
BRUSHES AND BOTTLES
The Barn at Sgt. Means Park
20712 Western Avenue, Olympia Fields
(708) 481-7313
Grab your friends for a fun night of painting and adult beverages! There is zero artistic experience required when you participate in this event. Our very own beloved painting instructor, Sandee Theisen, will walk you through the featured painting step by step while enjoying your favorite drink.  All painting materials are included, but please bring your own alcohol and snacks! Ice and cups will be provided.
6-9:30PM

Saturday, November 14th
GHASHEE WITH MASHEE (THE DUMBASS)
Governors State University Center for Performing Arts
1 University Parkway, University Park
(708) 235-2222
As if Im Hussein hasn't already endured sufficient setbacks and struggles to fill years of stage plays, playwright Najee Mondalek sets her up for another crisis - dealing with the ignorance of her know-it-all husband. Tucked in between the lines of the main story are other issues that affect the Arab American community: divorce for infertility, drug abuse, conflict between two generations, welfare fraud and more.
8PM

Sunday, November 15th
ARTS COMMISSION CULTURAL SERIES: MELAMED BAND
Cultural Center Exhibit Hall
14760 Park Lane, Orland Park
(708) 403-7275
Melamed Band Presents Music Around the World featuring band founder and lead singer, Tanya Melamed. This unique and eclectic show features a kaleidoscope of music that includes American, Latin, French, Italian and Eastern European music.
2-3:30PM

Eat, Drink and be Happy

Friday, November 13th - Sunday, November 15th
BEER & MUSIC, HOCKEY & JEWELRY
Hailstorm Brewing Co.
8060 186th Street, Tinley Park
(708) 247-3757
On Friday, Wooden Paddle Pizza will serve up their delicious pies starting around 5, and Pete Stillwell will be playing your favorite hits from the 60's thru today, starting a little after 6! On Saturday, Pierogi Street Food Truck will serve delicious Polish delights while the Chicago Blackhawks game plays on the big screen. On Sunday, White Tail Jewelry and Bob Haase Painting will sell their fine products.
F 5-9:30PM; Sa 5:30-10PM; Su 12-4PM

 

Explore Nature

Saturday, November 14th
PREPARING FOR WINTER SURVIVAL
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Learn how different animals prepare for winter and the different strategies they use to survive the cold.
1:30PM

Saturday, November 14th
OWL PROWL
Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center
20000 Western Avenue, Olympia Fields
(708) 481-2330
Learn about the nocturnal predator, go on a night hike and enjoy hot chocolate!
6:30PM

Saturday, November 14th
RESTORATION WORK DAYS
Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Immerse yourself in the outdoors. While you engage in restoring wildlife habitat, nature will restore you. Not suitable for ages 9 years and younger and participants 10 -– 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Restoration Workdays take place on the second Saturday of each month.
10AM-12PM

 

Expos and Shows

Saturday, November 14th
MOBILITY EXPO 2015
Tinley Park Convention Center
18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park
(708) 444-1100
The 2015 Mobility Expo brings together a unique blend of personal wellness advocates, mobility experts and transportation solutions under one roof. Guest speaker is Author Bryan Ander, who is a triple amputee from the Iraq war, with a message that will inspire and entertain us all.
10AM-4PM

Saturday, November 14th
ILLINOIS SKYWAY COLLEGIATE CONFERENCE JAZZ FESTIVAL
Prairie State College Conference Center
202 South Halsted Street, Chicago Heights
(708) 709-3742
Annual festival of jazz bands, combos and ensembles from schools in the conference, who will perform and be rated by a panel of jazz clinicians.
8AM-4PM

Saturday, November 14th
DUELING PIANOS DINNER SHOW
Prairie Bluff Public Golf Club
19433 Renwick Road, Crest Hill
(815) 838-1183
Back by popular demand! Bring a date or your favorite group of friends out for a live dinner show featuring 176 Keys Dueling Pianos. Come out for entertainment, laughter and most of all an unforgettable experience! (Tickets available at door if space allows.)
6:30PM Doors Open; 7:00PM Dinner; 8-10PM Show

Learning Something New

Saturday, November 14th
AUTISM & SPECIAL NEEDS SEMINAR
Moraine Valley Community College
9000 West College Parkway, Building M, Palos Hills
(815) 806-8844
Experts will cover a wealth of information including Q&A sessions for every speaker! Seminar will include the latest research, cutting edge therapies, strategies for coping, networking opportunities and much more!
9AM-6PM

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 13th 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

Pictures with Santa

Friday, November 13th - Sunday, November 15th
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 14th - Sunday, November 15th
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 15th
PICTURES WITH SANTA
Oak Recreation Center
10847 West LaPorte Road, Mokena
(708) 390-2401
Santa is making a special appearance at the Park! A professional photographer will be there to take your child’s picture with the jolly old elf! Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are accepted. Fee of $8 per picture includes professional 5’x7’ picture. Additional packages are available for purchase. No personal cameras/camera phones allowed. Call the Park office at 708-390-2401 by 5pm on Friday, November 13th to reserve appointment. Cash or checks are accepted on day of event.
12-3PM

Shopping for Deals

Friday, November 13th
JERRY ROSSEN PUBLIC AUCTIONS
Will County Fairgrounds
710 West Street, Peotone
(708) 997-0245
Auctions will include antiques, collectibles, furniture and more!
6PM

Saturday, November 14th
22ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW
Founders Community Center
140 Oak Street, Frankfort
(815) 469-9400
A diverse selection of crafters and vendors including Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Origami Owl, Thirty One, Avon, Holiday Decorations, Premier Design Jewelry, Floral, Clothing and much more!!! Great way to start your holiday shopping!
9AM-3PM

Sports

Sunday, November 15th
CHAMPION SPIRIT HOLIDAY CLASSIC (DANCE ONLY)
Tinley Park Convention Center
18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park
(708) 444-1100
All CSG One-Day Challenges feature a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. You can expect an event that runs on-time, with a friendly and knowledgeable staff that promotes fairness and sportsmanship to all teams. We always recognize every team, give parents a front-row view of their kids and allow coaches the time and space necessary to get their athletes ready for the best performance ever.
7:30AM

Saturday, November 14th
SPORTS COLLECTIBLE SHOW
Orland Park Civic Center
14750 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park
(708) 423-1758
Sports Collectible Show featuring sports cards, NASCAR, toys, comic books, collectible cards and more.
9AM-2PM

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