October keeps delivering, and the next three weekends are a lovely mix of the cozy and the festive: a family fest in Munster, a murder-mystery dinner in Frankfort, craft shows on both sides of the state line, one last round of Halloween happenings and the first taste of the holiday season in early November. I went back through the village calendars and venue pages this week and verified everything below, so you can plan with confidence. As always, give each place a quick check before you head out, since dates and hours can shift with the weather.
This weekend, October 17 and 18: a family fest in Munster and an evening out in Valparaiso
Munster's Fall Family Fest lands Sunday, October 18, a family-friendly community afternoon from the town. Check the Munster Life events calendar for the time and location, since those details were still settling when I looked. It is the warm, neighborly kind of event Munster does so well, and a wonderful introduction to the town if you are considering a move.
On the Indiana side, Chicago Street Theatre in Valparaiso opens its production of Arsenic and Old Lace on Friday, October 16. It is a classic comedy that has been delighting audiences for generations, and a cozy way to spend a fall evening; check the theatre's site for showtimes and tickets. And if you prefer live music with no cover, Fall Music Fridays at The American Factory in Valparaiso run every Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. through November, free and open to the public. It is the kind of low-key evening that makes a town feel like home.
If you like a hands-on Saturday, the WaterShed Cafe in Mokena holds a sourdough bread workshop on Saturday, October 17. Seats are limited, so check with the cafe if you want to join. Fresh bread, a rainy-day project and the weekend off to a great start.
Thursday, October 22: a murder-mystery dinner in Frankfort
Frankfort's Liberty Hall hosts A Treat to Die For, a murder-mystery dinner, on Thursday, October 22. It is a fun, theatrical evening that turns dinner into a whodunit, and a great date-night option a week out from Halloween. Tickets go through Liberty Hall, so check ahead for availability.
Saturday, October 24: craft shows on both sides of the state line
Highland holds its Fall Craft Show and Vendor Fair on Saturday, October 24 at the Lincoln Center, a full day of local vendors and handmade goods. Check the Highland Parks and Recreation events page for hours. It is a wonderful way to support local makers and get an early start on holiday shopping.
Also Saturday, Munster's Pumpkin Walk is a family favorite, and Tinley Park has two very different ways to spend the day. If you like a little supernatural storytelling, Familiar Spirits runs at Tinley Park Performing Arts on Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. And if you are planning a project or just love to look, the free Home Show at the Tinley Park Convention Center runs Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25, a full weekend of ideas, vendors and inspiration under one roof. Whether your move-in list is small or grand, it is a practical, fun way to spend an afternoon.
Thursday, October 29: an evening of live music in Highland
Highland's Community Band takes the stage at the Lincoln Center on Thursday, October 29 at 7 p.m. It is a gentle, community-band evening in the spirit of small-town life, and a nice way to catch your breath between Halloween events.
Halloween Saturday, October 31: one more stop at the Vogt Center
Before the trick-or-treating begins, the Vogt Visual Arts Center in Tinley Park hosts its Blacklight Open Show on Saturday, October 31 from 1 to 3 p.m. It is a bright, family-friendly way to spend Halloween afternoon, and a nice change of pace from the costume parade circuit. The town-by-town trick-or-treat hours are already posted on the village calendars I covered earlier this month, so you can plan the whole day.
Saturday, November 7: the holiday season opens early
The holiday season gets an early start across the region. Frankfort's 33rd Annual Holiday Craft Show takes over the Founders Community Center on Saturday, November 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., a town tradition with local artists and vendors. Tinley Park's convention center hosts Tuxedo and Gowns the same evening, a dressy red-carpet affair for a night out. And on the Indiana side, Portage holds its Veterans Appreciation Celebration on Saturday, November 7 at 2100 Willowcreek Road, a chance to honor those who served. Veterans Day itself falls on Wednesday, November 11, and Munster and Orland Park both hold ceremonies; check your community's calendar for the full list of observances.
Make the most of the season
You do not need a big festival to feel autumn arrive. A family fest Sunday, a craft-show Saturday, a murder-mystery dinner, a free home show, a band concert on a Thursday night: these are the small traditions that make a place feel like home. And if you are weighing a move, this is a wonderful time to come visit and test the fit. Wander the craft booths, listen to the music, watch the community go about its week. That is when you know. When you are ready, I would love to be in your corner. You Can With Joanne!™