All Picks

Weekend Picks

Every curated pick across both states, from dining and outdoors to arts and family fun. Filter by state or category to find what's near you.

Sun-dappled forest trail through Hickory Creek Preserve with wooden boardwalk

Illinois · Outdoors & Nature

Hickory Creek Preserve: A Morning on the Trail

Hit the boardwalk trails through lush forest preserve, perfect for a family nature walk or a peaceful solo morning. Multiple access points in Mokena.

Aerial view of suburban neighborhood at blue hour with warm house lights

Illinois · Family Fun

Mokena's Family Weekend: Go-Karts, Trails, and More

From high-speed go-karts at K1 Speed to peaceful walks at Hickory Creek, Mokena has a surprisingly fun weekend lineup for families.

Warm-lit outdoor restaurant patio with string lights at golden hour

Illinois · Dining & Drinks

Patio Season: Outdoor Dining in Orland Park

From ribs to seafood, Orland Park's restaurant scene has patio dining covered. Here are three spots worth your weekend evening.

Charming downtown Crown Point street at dusk with warm-lit storefronts

Indiana · Dining & Drinks

Crown Point's Main Street: A Saturday Stroll

Walk the historic Crown Point square, grab coffee at Sip Coffee House, and explore the shops and restaurants lining Main Street. A perfect low-key Saturday.

Warm-lit intimate theater interior with red velvet seats

Indiana · Arts & Culture

A Night at Theatre at the Center

Catch a professional live performance at this intimate Munster theater. Big productions in a cozy setting, perfect for a date night or a night out, with the holiday classic It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play on stage Dec 9-20.

Community gathering in a park with vendor tents and families on a sunny day

Indiana · Outdoors & Nature

Weekend Vibes at Munster's Centennial Park

Trails, an amphitheater, and plenty of green space. Centennial Park is Munster's outdoor hub for a relaxed weekend afternoon.

Small downtown boutique storefronts glowing with holiday ornaments and string lights at dusk

Illinois · Arts & Culture

Lemont Ornament Walk: A Holiday Evening in Downtown Lemont

Lemont's Ornament Walk lights up downtown on Friday, Nov 20, 2026, from 5:30 p.m., with holiday shopping, glowing storefronts, and seasonal cheer along the village's walkable streets.

A warmly lit Christmas parade float rolling down a decorated small-town main street at night with a glowing tree ahead

Illinois · Family Fun

Mokena Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting: A Holiday Kickoff on Front Street

Mokena's Christmas Parade, tree lighting, and food trucks return Saturday, Nov 21, 2026, from 4 to 8 p.m. in downtown Mokena on Front Street, a classic small-town holiday kickoff.

A village center holiday festival at dusk with a decorated Christmas tree, warm-lit market stalls, and a community building behind

Illinois · Family Fun

Orland Park Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting & Festival

Orland Park's Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting & Festival returns Saturday, Nov 28, 2026, at 14700 S Ravinia Ave with the parade stepping off at 5 p.m., the tree lighting at 6 p.m., and the festival with Santa, a holiday market, and live entertainment through 8 p.m.

Rows of American flags lining a memorial avenue in golden morning light with a small gathering at a flagpole monument

Indiana · Arts & Culture

The Pumpkin Plod: Highland's Thanksgiving Morning Run

Highland's 51st annual Pumpkin Plod 10K and 5K returns Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov 26, 2026, at 9 a.m., a festive race-day start from Highway Avenue and Kennedy Avenue to the Lincoln Center finish line.

Tables of handmade gifts, wreaths, and knitted decor at a bright school gymnasium holiday craft fair

Indiana · Arts & Culture

Dyer Holiday Shopping Spree & Craft Show

Dyer's Holiday Shopping Spree & Craft Show returns Saturday, Nov 21, 2026, at Kahler Middle School with local vendors and handmade holiday gifts, an easy way to knock out early Christmas shopping.

A historic brick courthouse with a clock tower above a town square of lit evergreen trees and warm string lights at night

Indiana · Family Fun

Crown Point Christmas on the Square: Tree Lighting at the Courthouse

Crown Point lights up the historic courthouse square for Christmas on Friday, Nov 27, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., with the mayor lighting the trees, choir and handbell performances, and hot chocolate and cookies.

A classic car driving through a glowing tunnel of colorful holiday lights on a country farm lane at night

Indiana · Family Fun

Christmas Tyme Lights: A Walk-Through Light Display at Harvest Tyme

Harvest Tyme's Christmas Tyme Lights walk-through display glows along a one-mile lighted trail at 17904 Grant St in Lowell, running select nights, Nov 28 to Dec 28, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m.

Vendors at decorated tables selling handmade wreaths, ornaments, and gifts in a large community hall with festive garland

Indiana · Arts & Culture

Portage Christmas Craft Show at Woodland Park

Portage's Christmas Craft Show fills Woodland Park on Saturday and Sunday, Dec 5 and 6, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with 75-plus vendors, carriage rides, live music, food trucks, and Santa. Free with a non-perishable food donation.

Shoppers browsing handmade gifts and wreaths at indoor vendor tables under warm string lights

Indiana · Arts & Culture

Crown Point Winter Market: A Holiday Shopping Day at Wheeler Middle School

The City of Crown Point's annual Winter Market fills Wheeler Middle School on Saturday, Nov 28, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the perfect kickoff to holiday shopping the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Families gathered on a park lawn for an evening tree lighting with a glowing evergreen and string-lit market stalls

Indiana · Family Fun

Munster Holiday Season: Light the Night and the Arts & Crafts Fair

Munster lights up for the season with Light the Night, the town's tree-lighting kickoff, on Saturday, Nov 21, 2026, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Munster Town Hall, followed by the Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair on Sunday, Dec 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Illuminated trees and glowing light arches lining a snowy walking path in a small-town park at night

Indiana · Family Fun

Highland Festival of Lights: A Glowing Season at Main Square Park

Highland's Festival of Lights turns Main Square Park into a glowing winter scene from late November through early January, with New Year's Eve fireworks and a closing tree-burning in early January.

A car driving through a park light display with decorated Christmas trees and glowing light arches at dusk

Indiana · Family Fun

St. John Christmas in the Park: Festival of Lights at Prairie West

St. John's 22nd Annual Christmas in the Park opens Friday, Nov 27, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Prairie West Park with a tree-lighting ceremony, fireworks, and live music, then glows through New Year's Day.

A historic downtown street at dusk with warm storefronts, string lights, and a horse-drawn carriage

Illinois · Family Fun

Frankfort Candlelight Holiday Weekend: A Downtown Kickoff to the Season

Downtown Frankfort's Candlelight Holiday Weekend runs Thursday through Saturday, Nov 12 to 14, 2026, with the Polar Express, a Glow Party, and horse-carriage rides on St. Clair Street.

Families at a Christmas event on a youth sports field with a decorated tree and warm string lights

Illinois · Family Fun

Christmas at the Field: A Holiday Afternoon in New Lenox

New Lenox's Christmas at the Field returns Saturday, Nov 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Francis Field, a Christmas-themed community event and holiday market with handmade gifts, decor, and food for the whole family.

A car driving through a glowing tunnel of animated holiday lights in a mall parking lot at night

Illinois · Family Fun

World of Illumination: A Drive-Through Light Show at Orland Square

World of Illumination's Cosmic Sleighride brings a massive animated drive-through light show to Orland Square Mall from Nov 13, 2026 through Jan 3, 2027, open nightly 6 to 10 p.m., rain or shine.

A glowing Christmas parade float passing decorated downtown storefronts as families watch under string lights

Illinois · Arts & Culture

Crete Country Christmas: A Week of Holiday Cheer in Downtown Crete

The Crete Area Chamber of Commerce presents Crete Country Christmas from Dec 3 to 8, 2026, with art and craft shows, vendor markets, the Christmas Parade of Lights, bingo, and a reindog contest.

Food trucks lined up along a small-town main street at dusk with warm lights and locals queuing

Illinois · Dining & Drinks

Food Trucks on Front: A Fall Evening Staple in Mokena

The Village of Mokena hosts Food Trucks on Front on Saturday, Nov 21, 2026, at 4 p.m. on Front Street, with rotating local food trucks for an easy fall evening out.

Long tables of local small bites and dessert trays under string lights in a warm community center food festival

Indiana · Dining & Drinks

St. John Gobble & Grub Festival: A Night Off From Cooking

St. John's Gobble & Grub Festival returns Saturday, Nov 21, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the St. John Community Center (10216 Cline Ave), with small bites from local restaurants and sweet treats from dessert vendors, all in one night off from cooking.

Rows of holiday craft vendor tables with wreaths, decor, and handmade gifts inside a bright school gymnasium

Illinois · Arts & Culture

Crete-Monee Warrior Booster Holiday Craft Show: Two Days of Local Makers

The Crete-Monee Warrior Booster Club's 33rd annual Holiday Craft Show fills Crete-Monee High School on Saturday, Nov 14, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov 15, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with holiday decor, handmade gifts, and local treats.

Runners in long-sleeve shirts moving along a tree-lined village path on a crisp Thanksgiving morning

Illinois · Outdoors & Nature

Orland Park Turkey Trot: A Thanksgiving Morning Run

The Orland Park Turkey Trot returns Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov 26, 2026, at 8 a.m., a 2.5-mile chip-timed run at 14650 S Ravinia Ave for all ages, with prize turkeys for the top finishers.

Historic downtown street strung with warm holiday lights along a canal path at twilight

Illinois · Family Fun

Lighting Up Lemont: A Downtown Winter Lights Stroll

Lighting Up Lemont turns historic downtown Lemont into a walkable winter lights display from Nov 28, 2026 through Jan 31, 2027, with displays along the I&M Canal, downtown streets, and Village Green.

A glowing Christmas tree lighting ceremony on a small-town village green with families gathered at twilight

Illinois · Family Fun

Frankfort's Lighting of the Green & Home for the Holidays

Frankfort, Illinois kicks off the season with the Lighting of the Green tree-lighting ceremony at Breidert Green on Thursday, Dec 3, 2026, followed by the Home for the Holidays weekend on Dec 12-13.

Candlelit carolers gathered on a historic courthouse square dressed in holiday wreaths and garlands at dusk

Indiana · Arts & Culture

Photos with Santa & Wassailing on the Square in Crown Point

Free photos with Santa at the historic Lake County Courthouse run weekends Nov 28 through Dec 20, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m., capped by Wassailing on the Square on Saturday, Dec 19, at 5:30 p.m.

A suburban home covered in a dazzling animated winter light display with glowing holiday figures at night

Indiana · Family Fun

Rodda's Winter Wonderland: A Neighborhood Light Show in Dyer

Rodda's Winter Wonderland at 2833 Lancelot Lane in Dyer lights up nightly from Thanksgiving through the holiday season, one of Northwest Indiana's largest residential Christmas light displays.

A very large illuminated Santa Claus glowing beside an outdoor holiday market and ice skating rink at a village commons at night

Illinois · Family Fun

Christmas in the Commons: New Lenox's Giant Holiday Festival

New Lenox's free Christmas in the Commons lights up the Village Commons every evening in December 2026, with a nearly 40-foot-tall illuminated Santa, a holiday market, wagon rides, performances, and ice skating.

A village crowd gathered for a Christmas tree lighting in a downtown plaza lined with string lights and market tents

Illinois · Family Fun

Tinley Park Tree Lighting & Holiday Market at Harmony Square

Tinley Park's Village Christmas Tree Lighting is Friday, Nov 20, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Harmony Square, followed by the Holiday Market and Parade of Lights weekend on Dec 5-6.

Children decorating cookies and making holiday crafts at a table with mugs of hot cocoa under warm twinkle lights

Illinois · Family Fun

Cookies & Cocoa Night: A Cozy Family Craft Evening in Mokena

The Mokena Park District's Cookies & Cocoa Night brings kids' holiday crafts, cookies, and hot cocoa to the Mokena Community Park District on Friday, Nov 13, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

A vintage porcelain teapot and delicate teacups on a lace tablecloth with a tiered stand of scones and petit fours

Indiana · Dining & Drinks

Victoria Jean's Holiday Tea: An Afternoon of Tea & Treats in Munster

Victoria Jean's Tea Room in Munster hosts its Holiday Tea on Friday, Nov 13, 2026, at noon, with a festive afternoon of tea, scones, and seasonal treats for $25 a ticket.

Trail runners moving along a shaded forest path in crisp November light

Illinois · Outdoors & Nature

The Forge Trail Run Festival: Race the Quarry Trails in Lemont

The Forge Trail Run Festival returns Saturday, Nov 14, 2026, with 10K, 20K/half marathon, 30K, and 60K trail races starting and finishing at The Forge: Lemont Quarries.

Craft vendor tables with handmade goods at a fall craft fair

Illinois · Arts & Culture

Orland Park Craft Fair: Handmade Gifts at the Presbyterian Church

The Orland Park Craft Fair fills the Presbyterian Church of Orland Park on Saturday, Nov 14, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with handcrafted gifts and seasonal goods.

A festive kids' party table with pancakes, paper crowns, and craft supplies under pastel balloons

Illinois · Family Fun

Princess & Pancake Party: A Royal Morning in Tinley Park

The Tinley Park Park District's REACH program hosts a Princess & Pancake Party on Saturday, Nov 14, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center, with pancakes, fairytales, crafts, and games.

Market stalls with handmade goods under string lights at a holiday market

Indiana · Arts & Culture

3 Little Birds Holiday Market: Handmade Finds at the Porter County Expo Center

The 3 Little Birds Holiday Market returns to the Porter County Expo Center on Friday and Saturday, Nov 13 and 14, 2026, with handmade and upcycled gifts, local food, live holiday music, and a specialty beverage bar.

Tables of vintage books and finds at a community book sale on a bright morning

Indiana · Arts & Culture

Lowell Library Bag Book Sale: Fill a Bag for $3

The Lowell Public Library's $3 Bag Book Sale returns Saturday, Nov 28, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., a bargain-hunter's favorite the day after Thanksgiving.

Carved jack-o-lanterns piled on a wooden compost table beside a nature center building on a golden autumn afternoon

Illinois · Outdoors & Nature

Pumpkin Smash at Plum Creek: Compost Your Jack-O'-Lantern

The Forest Preserve District of Will County hosts a free Pumpkin Smash at Plum Creek Nature Center in Beecher on Saturday, Nov 14, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m., with games and hot-dog roasting.

A small-town village green at dusk with a tall evergreen tree strung with warm white lights and glowing storefronts behind it

Illinois · Family Fun

Beecher Holiday Celebration: The Village Tree Lighting

The Village of Beecher's annual Holiday Celebration and tree lighting returns Sunday, Nov 29, 2026, gathering the community to kick off the holiday season.

A decorated Christmas tree glowing with warm white and rose-gold lights on the lawn of a brick municipal building at dusk

Indiana · Family Fun

Schererville Tree Lighting: The Chamber Kicks Off the Holidays

The Schererville Chamber of Commerce lights the town's tree on Friday, Nov 27, 2026, at 4 p.m. at 122 E Joliet St, with trees on display through Jan 8, 2027.

A Grinch-themed holiday photo backdrop and craft tables under warm fairy lights strung across a park pavilion at dusk

Indiana · Family Fun

A Very Grinchy Christmas: Holiday Family Fun in St. John

St. John's 'A Very Grinchy Christmas' brings a holiday family celebration to Prairie West Park on Saturday, Dec 5, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Bright indoor family entertainment center with glowing arcade games and an indoor go-kart track

Illinois · Family Fun

Rainy-Day Fun in the South Suburbs: Indoor Picks for the Season

When the weather turns cold or wet, the South Suburbs have you covered: Odyssey Fun World and Crack The Code in Tinley Park, Dave & Buster's at Orland Square, K1 Speed in Mokena, and the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn.

Colorful indoor trampoline and adventure park with neon accents and trampoline courts

Indiana · Family Fun

Rainy-Day Fun in Northwest Indiana: Indoor Picks for the Season

When the weather turns cold or wet in Northwest Indiana: Urban Air and Kids Empire in Merrillville, Bellaboo's in nearby Lake Station, Chuck E. Cheese in Merrillville, and bowling in Portage.

Families gathered around a glowing Christmas tree at a village green tree-lighting on a cold December evening

Illinois · Family Fun

Santa on the Green & Village Tree Lighting in Oak Lawn

Oak Lawn's free holiday gathering at the Village Green brings Santa and Mrs. Claus, live entertainment, hot cocoa, and the village tree-lighting ceremony to 9446 S Raymond Ave, traditionally held the first Saturday of December.

A community center dressed in wreaths and string lights with a reindeer pen and families arriving for a holiday open house

Illinois · Family Fun

Santa's Wonderland & Rein-Dog Parade in Evergreen Park

Evergreen Park's free holiday celebration at the Hamilton B. Maher Community Center returns for 2026 with Santa, live reindeer, an ice rink, inflatables, live music, and the village tree lighting, traditionally held the first Saturday of December.

Rows of vendor tables with collectibles and crafts inside a bright exhibition hall at a county fairgrounds

Indiana · Arts & Culture

Crown Point Holiday Gun & Knife Show at the Lake County Fairgrounds

The Holiday Gun & Knife Show returns to the Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point on Saturday and Sunday, Nov 14 and 15, 2026, with collectibles, crafts, and commercial vendors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Handmade craft booths with ornaments and knit goods under string lights inside a bright school gymnasium

Indiana · Arts & Culture

Lake Central Holiday Craft Fair: A Day of Local Makers in St. John

The Lake Central Holiday Craft Fair brings local makers to Lake Central High School in St. John on Saturday, Dec 12, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with handmade gifts and holiday decor just in time for the season.

A small-town street of holiday-lit homes with shoppers strolling between open houses at dusk

Indiana · Arts & Culture

Christmas Through Lowell: A Holiday Home Tour Weekend

Lowell's 34th annual Christmas Through Lowell runs Friday through Sunday, Nov 20-22, 2026, a holiday shopping and open-house tour of 80-plus homes and host sites with handmade crafts, antiques, folk art, and ceramics.

Easels with cardinal paintings and glasses of mead in a warm taproom lit by string lights

Indiana · Arts & Culture

Paint & Drink: Cardinal in the Window at Manic Meadery

Paint & Drink: Cardinal in the Window brings a guided paint-and-sip evening to Manic Meadery in Crown Point on Friday, Nov 13, 2026, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Craft vendor tables with handmade goods filling a bright indoor mall atrium

Indiana · Arts & Culture

Northwest Indiana Fall Craft & Vendor Market at Southlake Mall

The Northwest Indiana Fall Craft & Vendor Market fills Southlake Mall on Saturday, Nov 14 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Sunday, Nov 15 (noon to 6 p.m.) with handmade crafts, home decor, food, and local art.

A bright event space with toy-themed party tables, balloons, and craft stations for kids

Indiana · Family Fun

Toy Story Friendsgiving: A Family Morning in Crown Point

Toy Story Friendsgiving brings a family-friendly morning of toys and crafts to The Social Suite 219 in Crown Point on Saturday, Nov 14, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

A decorated town Christmas tree glowing at dusk with families gathered around

Indiana · Family Fun

Dyer Holiday Tree Lighting: A Friday Evening in Town

Dyer's annual Holiday Tree Lighting glows Friday, Dec 4, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m., kicking off the town's holiday season.

A holiday parade of light-decorated floats rolling down a small-town main street at dusk

Indiana · Family Fun

Portage Christmas Festival & Kiwanis Parade of Toys

Portage's Christmas Festival returns Saturday, Dec 5, 2026, from 4:30 to 9:45 p.m. around City Hall and Founders Square, with the Kiwanis Parade of Toys, tree lighting, and horse-and-carriage rides.

A holiday-lit showboat on the canal with vendor stalls and string lights along the street

Indiana · Family Fun

Lowell Holiday Winterfest: A Saturday of Seasonal Cheer

Lowell's Holiday Winterfest returns Saturday, Dec 5, 2026, with a night-time Santa parade, Santa visits at the Showboat, and the townwide window-decorating contest.

Craft vendor tables with handmade holiday gifts filling a bright school gymnasium

Illinois · Arts & Culture

Carl Sandburg Fall Craft Show: A Weekend of Local Makers in Orland Park

The Sandburg Athletic Boosters' Fall Craft Show fills Carl Sandburg High School on Saturday and Sunday, Nov 21-22, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with 350-plus booths and $5 admission.

Artisan tables with ceramics, baskets, candles, and wreaths inside a warm civic center lobby

Illinois · Arts & Culture

Red Bird Market: A Craft & Maker Market at Orland Park Civic Center

The Red Bird Market's Christmas Craft & Maker Market returns Sunday, Nov 22, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Orland Park Civic Center with local artisans and handmade goods.

A row of uniquely decorated Christmas trees glowing inside a bright community hall

Illinois · Family Fun

Trim-A-Tree: Decorated Trees on Display in Tinley Park

The Tinley Park Chamber's Trim-A-Tree puts uniquely decorated Christmas trees on public display from Saturday, Nov 28, 2026 through Jan 3, 2027.

A steam train pulling into a warm-lit suburban Illinois depot on a snowy December morning, families waiting on the decorated platform

Illinois · Family Fun

Christmas Express: Santa Train from New Lenox

CASA of River Valley's 18th annual Christmas Express runs Saturday and Sunday, Dec 5-6, 2026: a festive holiday train ride from the New Lenox station to Tinley Park and back, with Santa, a holiday breakfast, and activities along the way.

A suburban village green glowing with white and warm holiday lights at dusk, a decorated gazebo, wooden market stalls, and families strolling in light snow

Illinois · Family Fun

Winter WondORLAND at the Village Green

Orland Park's free family holiday festival, Winter WondORLAND, runs Saturday, Dec 5 through Saturday, Dec 19, 2026, at the Village Green (14700 S Ravinia Ave), with its opening night on Dec 5 at 5 p.m.

A small-town Christmas parade marching down a snowy main street at dusk, Santa waving from a decorated gazebo under glowing trees and string lights

Indiana · Family Fun

Santa's March & Tree Lighting in Highland

Highland's Santa's March & Tree Lighting returns Saturday, Nov 28, 2026, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at Main Square Park, with the march stepping off around 4:45 p.m. from 1st Street and Highway to Main Square.

Rows of holiday craft vendor booths in a bright high school gym, handmade gifts and seasonal decor on tables with shoppers browsing

Illinois · Arts & Culture

Lemont High School Holiday Craft Show

The Lemont High School Athletics Department hosts its holiday craft show Saturday and Sunday, Dec 5-6, 2026, at Lemont High School on Porter Street, with more than 200 booths and a $5 admission.

Early-morning runners passing the historic red-brick Old Sheriff's House and Jail in Crown Point, Indiana

Indiana · Outdoors & Nature

Jail Break 5K: A Morning Run Past Crown Point's Old Jail

The Jail Break 5K sends runners past the historic Old Sheriff's House and Jail in downtown Crown Point on Saturday, Nov 14, 2026, with the start around 8:30 a.m., hosted by Race the Region and the Old Sheriff's House Foundation.

Vintage finds and craft tables set up for an indoor community garage sale at a bright civic center

Indiana · Arts & Culture

Indoor Garage Sale & Cozy Cookoff: A Highland Saturday

Highland Parks & Recreation's Indoor Garage Sale fills Lincoln Center on Saturday, Nov 14, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with vintage finds and local vendors, and America's Antique Mall follows with its Cozy Cookoff from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Colorful pop-culture displays and craft tables filling the bright atrium of a public library

Illinois · Family Fun

OPPLcon: A Free Pop-Culture Day at the Orland Park Library

OPPLcon, the Orland Park Public Library's free pop-culture celebration, runs Saturday, Nov 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with all-ages fun for comics, crafts, and fandoms.

Open jigsaw puzzle boxes and scattered pieces spread across tables at a cozy library puzzle swap

Illinois · Family Fun

Community Puzzle Swap at the Frankfort Public Library

Trade jigsaw puzzles for new ones at the Frankfort Public Library District's Community Puzzle Swap on Sunday, Nov 15, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., a free drop-in afternoon for puzzle lovers.

A live band performing on a small stage under warm amber and rose lights at an intimate venue

Illinois · Arts & Culture

Live Music at Jamo's Live: A Mokena Night Out

Jamo's Live on Front Street in Mokena hosts back-to-back shows on Saturday, Nov 14, 2026, with the Infinity early show at 6 p.m. and the Semple Band late show at 9:15 p.m., an easy local night out.

An elegant restaurant table set with a rose gold place setting, red-white-and-blue flowers and a softly blurred American flag in the background

Illinois · Deals & Goodies

Free Veterans Day Deals and Goodies

Free Veterans Day meals, deals and goodies on Wednesday, Nov 11, 2026: well-known national chains plus confirmed local offers across the Chicago South Suburbs (Illinois) and Northwest Indiana, with the military ID or proof of service each one requires.

A historic Victorian home in Frankfort dressed in holiday lights and a wreath at twilight

Illinois · Arts & Culture

Frankfort Holiday House Walk: A Peek at Decorated Downtown Homes

The Frankfort Area Historical Society's Holiday House Walk returns Friday, Dec 4, 2026, with ticket holders touring beautifully decorated homes and holiday stops across historic downtown Frankfort.

A festive evening holiday parade float of glowing lights passing downtown Tinley Park storefronts

Illinois · Family Fun

Tinley Park Parade of Lights: A Sunday Night Holiday Parade

Tinley Park's 28th annual Parade of Lights rolls along Oak Park Avenue on Sunday, Dec 6, 2026, at 5 p.m., a glowing holiday kickoff hosted by the Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce.

A twilight live nativity stable lit with warm lights beside holiday market stalls on a snowy farm

Illinois · Family Fun

Live Nativity Christmas Gathering Market in Beecher

Beecher hosts a Live Nativity Christmas Gathering Market on Saturday, Dec 12, 2026, from 3 to 9 p.m. at 1236 E Eagle Lake Road, with a live nativity, holiday vendors, and a warm seasonal gathering.

A cozy high-school holiday craft fair with tables of handmade gifts and seasonal decor

Illinois · Arts & Culture

Jane Addams Band Boosters Holiday Craft Fair in New Lenox

Shop the Jane Addams Band Boosters Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec 5, 2026, from 9 a.m. at the International Center at Jane Addams Middle School in New Lenox, with handmade gifts supporting the school bands.

A cozy indoor holiday maker market with wooden stalls of handmade gifts under warm string lights

Indiana · Arts & Culture

Hunt + Gather Holiday Market in Crown Point

The Crown Point Holiday Hunt + Gather Market returns Friday, Dec 11, 2026, at 4 p.m. at 899 S Court St, an evening of local makers and handmade gifts on the city's south side.