Summer is winding down, yet there is still plenty of time to enjoy everything our communities have to offer. Whether you have lived here your whole life or are thinking about making the move, here are the events worth putting on your calendar over the next few weeks.
Chicago South Suburbs
Frankfort Fall Festival
September 5 through 7 at 123 Kansas Street in downtown Frankfort. This three-day tradition brings together local vendors, food, live entertainment and community. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A wonderful way to spend Labor Day weekend with family or friends.
Frankfort Country Market
Sundays through October 25 at Breidert Green in downtown Frankfort. Fresh produce, artisanal goods and prepared foods from local vendors. A relaxed Sunday morning tradition that makes you appreciate why Frankfort feels like home.
Orland Park Market at the Park
Thursdays through August at Centennial Park West, 15609 Park Station Boulevard. Live music, food vendors and a variety of local sellers from 4 to 8 p.m. The summer concert series has been a highlight all season. If you have not made it out yet, this is your last chance before the market wraps up for the year.
New Lenox Fridays After Five
Live music and food trucks at The Commons in downtown New Lenox. A relaxed way to end the work week with the community. Check the Village calendar for remaining dates.
Tinley Park Oktoberfest
September 18 through 20 in downtown Tinley Park. German-style food, music and beer to welcome the fall season. A lively annual tradition that brings people from across the South Suburbs.
Will County Fair
August 26 through 30 in Peotone. Rides, livestock shows, food and entertainment. Classic county fair atmosphere that families have enjoyed for generations.
Turkish Festival at Tinley Park Convention Center
August 1 and 2 featured authentic cuisine, live cultural performances, whirling dervishes and Turkish coffee. A wonderful example of the diverse community events our area offers.
Northwest Indiana
Lake County Fair
Through August 16 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point. Agriculture exhibits, grandstand events, carnival rides and livestock shows. A staple of Northwest Indiana summers.
Crown Point Farmers Market
Saturdays through September 26 at Bulldog Park, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Over 70 vendors with fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and live music. The splash pad keeps the kids entertained while you shop.
Rockopelli Music Fest
August 22 at Bulldog Park in Crown Point. Live music, food and community gathering in one of the area's most popular parks.
Valparaiso Popcorn Festival
September with the Popcorn Parade on September 12. This beloved Valparaiso tradition celebrates the city's connection to Orville Redenbacher with a parade, live music, food vendors and family activities in downtown Valparaiso.
Kiwanis Corn Roast
August 8 at Central Park Plaza in Valparaiso. Fresh roasted corn, live music and community fun from 5 to 10 p.m. A perfect summer evening event.
Scotty McCreery Concert
August 30 at the 1st Source Bank Amphitheater at Central Park Plaza in Valparaiso. Country music under the stars at one of my favorite venues in Northwest Indiana.
Schererville Country-a-Fair
September 5 in Schererville. A community celebration with activities for all ages.
Make the Most of Late Summer
One of the things I love most about this area is how each community has its own personality and traditions. Whether you are exploring a farmers market in Crown Point on a Saturday morning or catching a concert at Central Park Plaza in Valparaiso, these small experiences are what make a place feel like home.
If you are thinking about moving to one of these communities, I encourage you to come visit during one of these events. Walk the streets. Talk to the vendors. Sit on a bench and watch the neighborhood go by. That is when you will know if it feels right.