southtownstar

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Search
Site All Papers YAHOO!
Register for free |
Welcome, |

More Southland festivals for 2012

June 27, 2012 3:58PM

RidgeFest Reloaded Chicago Ridge will feature concert headlined by Bret Michaels July 28.

RidgeFest Reloaded in Chicago Ridge will feature a concert headlined by Bret Michaels on July 28.

storyidforme: 32711226
tmspicid: 11939304
fileheaderid: 5455253

Updated: August 23, 2012 9:55AM



As we promised in the May 25 issue of Weekend, which included the first installment of our annual summer festivals listings, we’re back with more local events.

Here’s a look at where you can celebrate with food, entertainment, carnivals and more in the next month or so.

Keep an eye on future editions of the Weekend magazine for our final installment of summer festival listings.

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.

(Through July 4) OAK FEST 2012: 159th Street and Central Avenue, Oak Forest, (708) 687-4050, oakfest.com.

The 25th annual event features free admission. The car and bike show and 5K Liberty Run are back this year. There also will be fireworks 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 will include 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 29-30) MATTESON FAMILY DAYS 2012: Matteson Village Hall, 4900 Village Commons, (708) 283-4900.

This 28th annual event will include food, craft, civic and corporate vendors as well as entertainment from Cool School Inc., Gentlemen of Leisure, Soul Children of Chicago, Final Say, Jesse White Tumblers and the Chicago Southland Corvette and Chevy Convention (at the Matteson Holiday Inn). Admission is $5 for adults and free for ages 6 and younger. No coolers, outside food or beverages or dogs will be allowed at the festival.

(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-July 1) 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.

(June 30) EVERGREEN PARK’S DAY IN THE PARK: Community Center, 3450 W. 97th St., Evergreen Park, (708) 422-1551.

This 24th annual event will take place from 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m . June 30 and will include music, face painting, arts and crafts displays, food vendors and a beer and wine garden. “It’s the biggest block part in Evergreen Park,” officials said. There also will be a 5K run with registration at 7:30 a.m. and a run starting at 8:30 a.m. Also, entertainment will include classic and current rock band the Wrong Boy featuring Rob Martin, Tommy Biondo, Joe Izzo and Steve Staszak.

(June 30) VILLAGE OF HAZEL CREST & PARK DISTRICT CENTENNIAL FESTIVAL: Hazel Crest Park District grounds, 170th Street and California Avenue, Hazel Crest, (708) 335-9600.

This is one of several activities marking the village’s centennial.

(June 30-July 4) BEECHER’S 4TH OF JULY FESTIVAL: Firemen’s Park, 673 Penfield St., Beecher, (708) 946-2261.

Entertainment, food, fun, rides, bingo, parade and fireworks await at this 86th annual event from June 30-July 4. New this year are pull tabs and jar games. There also will be a Ford Mustang giveaway, rib cookoff, beanbag tournament, 5K run and two-mile fitness walk, and fireworks on July 4.

JULY

(Sundays through 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 6:30-8 p.m. Sundays. Attendees should bring blankets or lawn chairs.

The schedule includes 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.

(Mondays through August) 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.

(July 3) CHICAGO HEIGHTS’ INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION: Bloom High School, Chicago Road and 10th Street, Chicago Heights, (708) 756-5300.

Festivities and entertainment will begin at 7 p.m. July 3 with fireworks to follow at dusk (approximately 9 p.m.

(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) 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.

(July 4) FAMILY FUN FEST: 1100 Ridge Road, Homewood, (708) 957-7275 or (708) 957-0300.

The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District, Izaak Walton Preserve, Great Lakes Credit Union and the village of Homewood sponsor this event, which includes an 11:30 a.m. parade down Ridge Road. From noon-3 p.m., there will be games and entertainment at Izaak Walton following the parade. “Bring the whole family to this fun-filled afternoon for games, prizes, music and more.

(July 4) ORLAND PARK’S INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION: Centennial Park, 15600 West Ave., Orland Park, (708) 403-7275, orland-park.il.us.

This event will include the Radio Disney road crew from 5-6:30 p.m., Libido Funk Circus from 7:15-9:15 p.m. and a presentation of color and fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

(July 7) PHIL MCKRACKEN’S A 7TH OF JULY BLUES FESTIVAL: 6602 W. 111th St. (between Ridgeland Avenue and Oak Park Avenue at Nashville Avenue), Worth, (708) 671-8090.

Performers will include Chicago’s legendary blues man, performer and entertainer Lynsey “Hoochie Man” Alexander & His Blues Band with special guests Sopro Music’s Blues Revue band director, the Tattooed Blues Cowboy, Joey Drada & The Jaywalkers Blues Band. “It ain’t the Fourth of July, but it’s guaranteed to be an explosive summer blues event,” officials said. Plenty of free parking is located in the venue’s parking lot.

(Thursdays through 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 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.

(Most Thursdays through 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 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.

(Select Sundays through 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 7-9:30 p.m. July 8, (The Dancing Noodles), July 22 (Five Guys Named Moe), Aug. 5 (The Crawpuppies), and Aug. 19 (CTA — Chicago Tribute Authority and fireworks).

(Second Mondays of the month through 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 6-9 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). July 9 is GM Night, and Aug. 13 is Mopar Night. “All kinds of antique, classic and show cars are welcome,” officials said.

(July 11 and continuing through 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 “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.

(July 11 through Aug. 22) 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 with Strings and Friends at 7 p.m. July 11, A Gathering of Strings at 7 p.m. July 25, the IPO Brass Quintet at 7 p.m. Aug. 8 and the Southland Jazz Ensemble at 7 p.m. Aug. 22.

(Wednesdays through 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 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 5-9 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.

(July 12-15): PALOS HILLS FRIENDSHIP FEST: 109th Street and 88th Avenue, Palos Hills, (708) 430-4500, palosfriendshipfest.homestead.com.

This event will include bands, a car show, a carnival, the Illinois Fallen Heroes Memorial, a rotten sneaker contest, food and product vendors, the inaugural rib cookoff, bingo and WJMK-FM (104.3). Admission and parking are free.

(Select Fridays through 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 “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.

(UPDATED 7/11/12) (July 14) OLYMPIA FIELDS PARK DISTRICT’S FAMILY FUN FEST: Tolentine Park, 20700 Governors Highway, Olympia Fields, olympiafieldsparkdistrict.org, (708) 481-7313: What is billed as Olympia Fields’ favorite summertime event is moving to the village’s newest park and will take place from 2-5 p.m. July 14.

Attendees can enjoy games, face painting, live music and all of this new park’s amenities including the splash pad. Concessions also will be available for purchase. Attendees should bring blankets and chairs for seating. The free event is for all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

(July 15) TINLEY PARK’S CARIBBEAN BEACH BLOCK PARTY: Downtown Tinley Park along Oak Park Avenue from 171st to Hickory streets, (708) 444-5678.

This 14th annual event, which is sponsored by the village to Tinley Park MainStreet Commission, is set for noon-7 p.m. July 15. “Come and enjoy live music on two stages, family fun for all and a mini Taste of Tinley Park,” officials said.

(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 5-9 p.m. on select Wednesdays.

(July 18-22) ST. CHRISTOPHER FIESTA: St. Christopher Parish, 4130 W. 147th St., Midlothian, (708) 388-8190, stchrisfiesta.com.

The 65th annual event will include a split-the-pot drawing, pull tabs, live entertainment, a beer garden, food vendors, a midway, bingo and a grand raffle with the chance to win $15,000 in cash.

(July 19) PALOS HEIGHTS CLASSIC CAR EVENT 2012: 123rd Street and Harlem Avenue, Palos Heights, (708) 825-7775.

This family fun event features free admission. “Enjoy local food, live music, DJ, raffles and more,” officials said. The raffle grand prize is a 1976 Corvette. Tickets for the raffle are $20 each of six for $100.

(July 19) STARRY NIGHTS CONCERT SERIES: Irwin Park, 18120 S. Highland Ave., Homewood, (708) 957-7275, hfparks.com.

This series will wrap with R-Gang on July 19. The H-F Band will open the show, which is 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.

(July 19-21) CD&ME’S ME FEST: 23320 S. LaGrange Road, Frankfort, (815) 469-7315, cdandme.com.

Entertainment will include Hairbangers Ball on July 19, Maggie Speaks and Black Cadillac on July 20 and Libido Funk Circus on July 21. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the bands will start at 8 p.m. This event is rain or shine. The cover charge is $7 per person. Food will be served at an additional charge throughout the evening.

(July 20 and 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 continue to present the fourth annual Summer Triple Play 2012 concert series featuring 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.

(July 26-29) PROUD AMERICAN DAYS 2012: Lions Community Center, 1 Manor Drive, New Lenox, (815) 485-1737.

Entertainment tent hours will be 5 p.m.-midnight July 26-27, noon-midnight July 28 and noon-10 p.m. July 19. There also will be a military tribute on July 29.

(July 26-29) RIDGEFEST RELOADED: Birmingham Street and Oak Avenue, Chicago Ridge, (708) 425-7700, chicagoridge.org.

Live music, a carnival and food and a beer garden will be available all four days. Entertainment will include 7th Heaven with U.F.C. Band on July 26; “American Idol” finalist James Durbin with Heartache Tonight and Rico Quinn on July 27; Bret Michaels with 80’s Enough and Bad Penny on July 28; and Satisfaction (a Rolling Stones experience) with Kashmir on July 29. Special pricing is available for Chicago Ridge residents who visit village hall with proof of their residency.




© 2011 Sun-Times Media, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be copied or distributed without permission. For more information about reprints and permissions, visit www.suntimesreprints.com. To order a reprint of this article, click here.