Secret Little Hack

Visit the Farmer's Market on Wednesday evenings for the best selection of fresh produce and unique artisan goods.

Top Featured Events This Week

Senior Health & Wellness Fair — Monday, September 29, 9:00 am–12:00 pm The Oak Lawn Park District hosts a fair at the Oak View Center offering free health screenings, flu shots, information on senior services, and fitness demonstrations.

Story Time & Craft — Tuesday, September 30, 10:30 am–11:30 am Bring your little ones to the Oak Lawn Public Library for engaging stories, songs, and a fun, age-appropriate craft. Perfect for preschoolers and toddlers.

Adult Coloring Club — Wednesday, October 1, 1:00 pm–2:30 pm Unwind and de-stress with fellow coloring enthusiasts at the Oak Lawn Public Library. Supplies are provided, along with soothing music and conversation.

Evergreen Park Farmers Market — Thursday, October 2, 7:00 am–1:00 pm Just a short drive away at Yukich Fields, this market continues to offer a fantastic selection of seasonal produce, artisanal breads, local honey, flowers, and handmade goods.

Fall Harvest Festival at Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm — Daily starting Friday, October 3, 10:00 am–6:00 pm (Daily hours may vary, check website) A short drive from Oak Lawn, Bengtson's continues its season. Enjoy pumpkin picking, a corn maze, petting zoo, pig races, tractor rides, and all sorts of fall-themed family fun.

Live Band Karaoke Night — Friday, October 3, 9:00 pm Sing your favorite songs with a live band backing you up at Mickey's Restaurant & Lounge on 95th Street. A fun and lively evening for singers and spectators alike.

Oak Lawn Community Garage Sale — Saturday, October 4, 9:00 am–3:00 pm Various homes throughout Oak Lawn will be participating in a village-wide garage sale. A great opportunity to find treasures and bargains. Look for maps of participating homes online or at local businesses.

Oak Lawn Public Library Book Sale — Saturday, October 4, 9:00 am–4:00 pm Find great deals on used books, DVDs, and CDs at the library's ongoing book sale. All proceeds benefit library programs and services.

South Side Irish Parade Fundraiser Kick-Off — Saturday, October 4, 7:00 pm Get a jump start on St. Patrick's Day festivities at this lively fundraiser at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park. Featuring live Irish music, dancing, and a raffle, all to support the annual South Side Irish Parade.

Ongoing Events

"Farming to Suburbia: The Story of Oak Lawn" — Running through October 31 Visit the Oak Lawn-Hometown Historical Society at the Oak Lawn Public Library to explore a special exhibit. Discover the village's transformation through historic photographs, artifacts, and stories from its agricultural roots to the bustling suburb it is today.

Quick Glance Summary

Joke Of The Day

Why did the scarecrow win an award in Oak Lawn, Illinois?

Because he was outstanding in his field!

Sustainability is on every brand’s lips, but living sustainably still feels out of reach for many people.

The biggest barrier remains affordability.

Eco-friendly products typically cost more, putting them beyond the budgets of most households.

Trust also matters—consumers wonder if “green” labels are truly meaningful or just marketing.

But things are changing.

Shoppers want real transparency about how products are made and their environmental impact.

When brands provide clear, honest details, people are more willing to buy sustainable options.

Many companies are rising to the challenge, weaving sustainability deep into business strategy.

As price, trust, and convenience improve, sustainable choices are steadily moving into the mainstream.

Authenticity, affordability, and accessibility are now essential—helping shift everyday habits for good.

The brands that close the gap and prove their impact aren’t just winning shoppers—they’re shaping the path to a greener lifestyle for all.

🥗 Warm Delicata Squash & Fig Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing

Why it’s unique:
Instead of the usual butternut or acorn squash, this salad features roasted delicata squash — no peeling required! Paired with fresh figs, baby arugula, walnuts, and goat cheese, it strikes a perfect balance between sweet, savory, and earthy.

🍁 Ingredients

• 1 delicata squash, sliced into rings
  
  

• 6–8 fresh figs, halved
  
  

• 4 cups baby arugula (or mixed greens)
  
  

• ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
  
  

• ¼ cup toasted walnuts or pecans
  
  

• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
  

• Pinch of sea salt & black pepper

Maple-Dijon Dressing:

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  
  

• 1 tbsp maple syrup
  
  

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  
  

• 3 tbsp olive oil
  
  

• Salt & pepper to taste

🔥 Instructions

1. Roast the Squash:
   Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Toss delicata rings in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
   
   

2. Make the Dressing:
   Whisk all dressing ingredients until emulsified.
   
   

3. Assemble:
   On a large platter, layer arugula, warm squash, figs, and nuts. Drizzle with dressing. Finish with goat cheese crumbles.
   
   

4. Serve Warm or Room Temp — it holds up beautifully.

🌟 Optional Additions

• Add grilled chicken or lentils for protein

Sub pears or roasted grapes if figs are unavailable

Q: What are some popular restaurants in Oak Lawn, Illinois?

A: - Some popular restaurants in Oak Lawn include Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Pit Rib House, and The Original Pancake House.

Q: What recreational activities are available in Oak Lawn, Illinois?

A: - In Oak Lawn, residents and visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking or picnicking in Stony Creek Metropark, playing golf at Oak Lawn Park District's Stony Creek and Lake Arlington golf courses, or watching a performance at the Dorothy Menker Theater.

Q: Are there any notable annual events in Oak Lawn, Illinois?

A: - Some notable annual events in Oak Lawn include the Fall on the Green festival which features live music, food vendors, and activities for all ages, and the Oak Lawn Car Show which showcases classic and vintage cars.

In Oak Lawn, the drive for eco-friendly and non-toxic living has become a community hallmark, shaping daily choices and neighborhood culture.

Families are embracing safe products and sustainable alternatives, opting for chemical-free cleaners and energy-saving appliances that promote a healthier lifestyle.

Local shops now offer organic produce and green household items, boosting both personal well-being and the broader goal of a healthier city.

The Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce recently showcased this commitment at their April 22 Health and Safety Expo, uniting dozens of vendors at the Oak Lawn Senior Center for wellness checks and community resources.

Looking ahead, the Oak Lawn Public Library’s Vital Health event on September 27 will help educate residents on sustainable living and practical health solutions.

Each mindful choice is building a stronger, more vibrant Oak Lawn.

Quote Of The Day

"Oak Lawn is more than a destination. It's an experience."

While Big Tech shapes global trends, the spirit of Oak Lawn thrives in its vibrant community connections.

Walking along 95th Street, beloved family-owned restaurants stand as pillars of tradition and togetherness.

In August 2025, the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce honored six local businesses—both storefronts and home-based—with a multi-chamber ribbon-cutting, reflecting the village’s inclusive approach.

Mayor Terry Vorderer highlighted Oak Lawn’s strong finances, noting in his February 2025 address that it hasn’t raised the tax levy in over ten years—a factor behind the village’s upgraded credit rating.

Community events remain at the forefront, with the Oak Lawn Public Library hosting its Local Author Showcase featuring 30 regional writers.

Infrastructure investments continue, as seen in the $2.1 million grant for Memorial Park Recreation Center renovations.

Oak Lawn’s enduring focus on local businesses, cultural events, and strategic growth reveals unparalleled neighborhood resilience and pride.

Interesting Facts

As Halloween nears, Orland Park and Oak Lawn in Illinois come alive with spine-tingling festivities, drawing locals for a mix of chills and family fun.

The Midnight Terror Haunted House in Oak Lawn marks its tenth anniversary with immersive scares and high-tech effects across a vast 26,000-square-foot setting. Experience the frights of “Factory of Malum,” the drama of “Black Oak Grove,” or face the notorious “Chainsaw Alley.” Special nights, from “Clown Takeover” to a lights-on family event, cater to diverse visitors.

Orland Park’s home haunts deliver creativity, from Gloomy Oaks Manor’s animated displays and dragon-guarded mausoleum to Scares on Sequoia’s hand-carved gravestones. Local favorite Shurley House of the Dead entices with a crypt and towering clock structure.

At the heart of the season, the Orland Park Lions Club’s Haunted Woods invites all ages for a walk-through experience.

With options from terrifying to kid-friendly, the region promises Halloween memories for everyone.

Oak Lawn is embracing a vibrant shift toward non-toxic, eco-friendly living, with families opting for natural cleaners, safer cookware, and reusable products.

These choices are fueling a community-wide transformation, as local businesses offer more organic foods and sustainable goods.

Seventy-five new businesses opened in 2024, many focused on greener options, thanks in part to waived licensing fees approved by the village board for a second year.

Community events are central to this movement.

The upcoming Oak Lawn Home Show in April 2025 will introduce residents to eco-friendly home solutions, while the Health & Safety Expo will provide screenings and health resources.

Future development plans, such as the revitalization of the old Freshline site, promise even more sustainable growth.

Together, residents and businesses illuminate Oak Lawn’s path to a cleaner, safer, and healthier future.