Secret Little Hack

Visit the Oak Lawn Public Library and take advantage of their free resources, from books to digital services like Hoopla and Kanopy.

Top Featured Events This Week

2025 OLCHS Fall Craft Fair — Saturday, October 18, 10:00 am–3:00 pm Browse and shop from over 60 crafters and vendors at this annual event. Find unique gifts, holiday decor, and handmade goods.

Location: Oak Lawn Community High School (9400 SW Hwy)

Howl-O-Ween at Wolfe — Saturday, October 18, 11:00 am–2:00 pm

Bring the whole family for a fun afternoon walk at Wolfe Wildlife. Encounter various games, activities, and performances along the path. (Registration may be required).

Location: Wolfe Wildlife Refuge (109th & Laramie Ave)

Pages of Hope — Saturday, October 18, 12:00 pm

Join a community fundraising event in nearby Merrionette Park, featuring raffles and entertainment.

Location: 115 Bourbon Street (3359 W 115th St, Merrionette Park)

52nd Annual Greek Food and Pastry Fair — Saturday, Oct. 18 & Sunday, Oct. 19 (Starting 9:00 am Sat, 11:00 am Sun)

Enjoy authentic homemade Greek food, from gyros to souvlaki, and a wide selection of delicious, traditional Greek pastries at this 52nd annual community festival.

Location: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church (10301 Kolmar Ave)

Fall Craft & Vendor Fair — Sunday, October 19, 10:00 am

Discover unique items and support local businesses at this fall craft and vendor fair. Location: 9514 S 52nd Ave

Sensory Friendly Halloween Party — Monday, October 20, 11:00 am–12:00 pm

A welcoming and inclusive Halloween celebration at the library, designed with sensory-friendly fun in mind for all children.

Location: Oak Lawn Public Library (9427 Raymond Ave)

Not-So-Spooky Stories & Craft — Monday, October 20, 4:30 pm–5:30 pm A family-friendly library event featuring not-so-scary stories and a related craft, perfect for younger children to enjoy the Halloween spirit.

Location: Oak Lawn Public Library (9427 Raymond Ave)

Calvary Church Trunk-Or-Treat — Friday, October 24, (Time TBD)

Enjoy a fun and safe trick-or-treating experience at Calvary Church's 5th annual Trunk-or-Treat and canned food drive.

Location: Calvary Church of Oak Lawn (10056 Central Ave)

Halloween Open Gym — Saturday, October 25, 3:00 pm–6:30 pm

A special Halloween-themed open gym event hosted by the Oak Lawn Park District, perfect for kids to burn off some energy.

Location: Racquet, Fitness & Gymnastics Center (10444 S. Central Ave)

Alive Church Trunk or Treat — Saturday, October 25, (Time TBD)

A free, family-friendly event with decorated car trunks and plenty of candy for trick-or-treaters.

Location: Alive Church (8844 S Austin Ave)

Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun Craft & Vendor Event — Sunday, October 26, (Time TBD) Get in the Halloween spirit with a day of shopping from local crafters and vendors at the Oak Lawn Pavilion.

Location: Oak Lawn Pavilion (9401 S Oak Park Ave)

Wee Ones Wednesday Halloween Party — Wednesday, October 29, 8:30 am–9:30 am

A special Halloween-themed playtime at the museum designed just for the littlest visitors (3 years and under) and their caregivers.

Location: Children's Museum in Oak Lawn (5100 Museum Dr)

Ongoing Events

Spirits on Sproat (Yard Haunt) — Open Evenings (Times Vary)

Visit one of Chicagoland's most popular and elaborate free home Halloween displays. See over 120 full-size, detailed replicas of classic horror characters. Open through Oct. 31.

Location: 9028 S. Sproat Ave

Midnight Terror Haunted House — Open Weekends (Times Vary)

Experience a professional, high-scare haunted house attraction. This is a ticketed event with all-new scares for the 2025 season. Open select nights through early Nov.

Location: 5520 W 111th St

Library Programs & Activities — Open Daily (Check Calendar)

The Oak Lawn Public Library hosts daily activities, including craft groups like "Knit & Stitch," various book clubs, and free tech help sessions.

Location: Oak Lawn Public Library (9427 Raymond Ave)

Quick Glance Summary

Joke Of The Day

Why did the Oak Lawn teacher go to the doctor?

Because they had a bad case of "fall" allergies!

In Oak Lawn, slow living means rediscovering the community spirit that shapes the Southwest Suburbs.

Neighbors strengthen bonds through shared experiences, deepening their sense of belonging and support.

Local events like the 2025 OLCHS Fall Craft Fair on October 18 at Oak Lawn Community High School showcase over 100 vendors, making it easy for residents to mingle with artisans and prep for holiday shopping.

Another highlight, Calvary Church’s 5th Annual Trunk-Or-Treat and Canned Food Drive on October 24, blends seasonal fun with the spirit of giving.

Strolls in nearby forest preserves offer a peaceful wellness boost, inviting residents to unwind away from screens.

Simple home habits—like keeping phones away at dinner or choosing walkable errands—invite meaningful connection while supporting local businesses and services.

Through these traditions, Oak Lawn celebrates a lifestyle rooted in simplicity, neighborliness, and Midwest pride.

🍁 Roasted Delicata Squash & Blackberry Fall Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 delicata squash, sliced into rings (seeds removed)
  
  

• 2 cups baby arugula
  
  

• 1 cup shredded radicchio
  
  

• ½ cup fresh blackberries
  
  

• ¼ cup toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
  
  

• ¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled
  
  

• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
  

• 1 tsp maple syrup
  
  

• Sea salt & cracked black pepper
  
  

Dressing:

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  
  

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  
  

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  
  

• 1 tsp maple syrup
  
  

• Pinch of cinnamon
  
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss delicata squash rings with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes or until caramelized, flipping halfway.
   
   

2. In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients.
   
   

3. In a large bowl, combine arugula, radicchio, blackberries, and roasted squash. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
   
   

4. Top with goat cheese and hazelnuts.
   
   

5. Serve immediately while the squash is still warm for a cozy contrast.
   
   

Why it Works:
This salad blends savory, sweet, tart, and creamy — with roasted squash bringing warmth, blackberries adding brightness, and radicchio giving a bitter edge. It’s light but deeply satisfying, perfect for fall lunches or dinners.

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

A: - The Oak Lawn Fall on the Green festival, the Oak Lawn Street Fest, and the Oak Lawn Farmers Market are all popular annual events in Oak Lawn.

Q: Where can I find information about local parks and recreation facilities in Oak Lawn?

A: - The Oak Lawn Park District's website provides information about local parks, programs, and facilities in Oak Lawn.

Q: Is there a strong sense of community in Oak Lawn, Illinois?

A: - Yes, Oak Lawn residents pride themselves on their strong sense of community and often participate in local events, programs, and organizations to further strengthen ties within the community.

Oak Lawn’s maker movement is thriving, uniting residents who are passionate about DIY crafts and creative expression.

Community events like the Oak Lawn Chamber Business Showcase & Craft Show draw crowds to Oak Lawn Community High School, with more than 70 local crafters and vendors presenting handmade gifts and decor.

Workshops and craft fairs have become vital gathering spaces for artisans to share their talents and nurture suburban creativity.

The Oak Lawn Public Library, in partnership with Acorn to Oak Studios, recently hosted the Tiny Art Show, inspiring patrons to create mini masterpieces themed around “Home.”

Family craft nights and make & take events invite households to explore woodworking, sewing, and furniture restoration together.

These hands-on activities foster new skills, deepen family connections, and highlight Oak Lawn’s strong commitment to community spirit and creative traditions.

Quote Of The Day

"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." - John Lennon

In Oak Lawn, Illinois, the Great Lock-In movement is motivating residents to wrap up 2025 with purpose and energy.

With the holidays near, the community is embracing wellness and civic pride, filling parks with early risers and boosting gym memberships as people prioritize health before the New Year.

Local businesses are riding this momentum.

Boutiques are prepping for the holiday rush, and restaurants are enhancing their offerings to meet growing demand.

The Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce’s “Lock-In Local” campaign is urging residents to shop community-first.

Celebrations are frequent, including an August ribbon-cutting for six businesses, highlighted by Mayor Terry Vorderer’s praise and another year of waived business license fees.

Upcoming festivities such as the Holiday Craft and Vendor Show on October 18 and the 5th Annual Trunk-Or-Treat on October 24 reinforce Oak Lawn’s unity and generous spirit.

The Great Lock-In shines as a symbol of progress rooted in strong local ties.

Interesting Facts

To enjoy a beautiful day in Oak Lawn, head to Centennial Park for a picnic or a leisurely stroll among the scenic walking paths and serene lake.

Pistachio is quickly becoming Oak Lawn’s flavor sensation for 2025, energizing the area's already vibrant dining scene.

Cafés across the neighborhood now feature pistachio lattes, earning praise for their cozy, nutty warmth on cool mornings.

Bakeries entice with pistachio muffins, pastries, and creamy gelato, offering a refreshing spin on local favorites.

Restaurants are embracing this trend, debuting dishes like pistachio-crusted chicken and crisp salads topped with roasted nuts for extra crunch and flavor.

Desserts such as pistachio-infused cheesecakes have swiftly become standouts on menus.

Recent highlights—including the 2nd Annual Oak Lawn Restaurant Week and the opening of Abuelita Coco’s, the area’s first vegan café—underscore Oak Lawn’s culinary boldness and its welcoming approach to new flavors.

This pistachio wave celebrates both tradition and innovation, mirroring the spirit of the local community.