Events in and around Blue Island




Operation: Honor is this Saturday! This annual family festival shows honor, respect and gratitude for veterans and active duty soldiers with military re-enactors, static displays of military equipment and vehicles, classic automobiles, an air show featuring radio-controlled planes, a salute to America's POWs and MIAs, and organizations offering services for veterans and their families. 

The celebration also features fun for everyone -- music, games including a bungee jump and obstacle course, face painting and balloon animals for the kids, and great food and beverages.
Admission and parking are free, and all proceeds from sales inside the fest help defray the costs of providing and training service dogs for veterans with PTSD.
Chamber
Lunch & Learn
Just a few spots left! RSVP today for our next Lunch & Learn with Pilar Trejo of Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, followed by an exclusive, members-only tour of Raymond Thomas' latest entertainment venture, "The Vault."
When: Thursday, August 30, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Raven's Place, 13031 Western Ave. 
RSVP to:

Job Fair
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Are You Hiring?
Blue Island-Robbins Neighborhood Network is here to help! Interview candidates in-person or provide BIRNN with job qualification information, and they'll screen candidates and provide you with matches from the fair. Interested employers should contact Jeremy Wright at jeremy.wright@achn.net. Job seekers call 708-653-0422 for more information and to register.
When: Thursday, September 13, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Robbins Community Center, 13800 S. Trumball Ave., Robbins

Reading & recreation


Blue Island Public Library

August 23
4:00 p.m. - Maker: Hemp Jewelry
August 27
6:00 p.m. -
Creative Nonsense
7:00 p.m. - Blue IslandHenge
August 28
5:00 p.m. - Youth Open Maker Hours
6:00 p.m. -
Songwriter's Circle
7:00 p.m. - Al Capone & the 1933 World's Fair
August 29
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
3:30 p.m. - 3D Print with Tinkercad: 2D Image Transformation
August 30 
3:00 p.m. Open Maker Hours
6:00 p.m. Pizza & A Movie Night
August 31
3:00 p.m. Open Maker Hours

Where: 2433 York St.

Farmer's
Market 

One last market before we bid summer farewell. Enjoy shopping and eating with Zeldenrust Farms, Pollo Locuas, Tupperware, Chiro One, Blue Island Park District, Blue Island Library, Mary Kay and Barrachas Honey. City of Blue Island Cruise Night starts at 5:30 pm and runs until 8:00 p.m.
When: Monday, August 27, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Where: York & Western

Cruise Night

Every Monday, bring the family out to Korbakes for their summer cruise night. Grab a hot dog, stroll among the cars and bikes, chat with vehicle owners, and make the most of the best weather of the year. 
When: Mondays, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Where: Korbakes Wine & Liquors, 12747 Western Ave.

Upcoming Fests

Operation: Honor August 25, 12:00-10:00 p.m.
BBQ, Brews, & Bluegrass Festival August 26, 4:00 p.m.
St. Variant de Lupulin, September 15
BBQ On The Hill  September 21-22 
Oktoberfest October 7, 12:00 p.m.


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Blue Island 
Community Garden Harvest Soiree
It's harvest time at Memorial Park Community Garden! Sample the locally-grown-with-love bounty prepared in homemade dishes by homegrown chefs Dessert First!, Joe O'Meara from BIOS Farm, Breathe Eat, M & R Grilling, and the MPCGardeners. Blue Island Bonus: Vegetables, fruits and herbs aren't the only things growing in the MPC Garden - every Harvest Soiree guest will take home full tummies AND fresh cut flowers.
When: Thursday, August 23, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Memorial Park (behind the pool), 12804 Highland Ave. 
Suggested Donation:  $15

Friday Grill at D'Masti
Follow your nose every Friday - that hot-off-the-grill smell is real! The purveyor of said smell? D'Masti's, and their famous Friday Grill, serving up made-to-order burgers, hot dogs, sausages and more. 
When: Fridays, 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Where: D'Masti To Go Sandwich & Gourmet Food Shop, 11915 Western Ave.

Open Hours at Albee House
Stop by Blue Island Historical Society to view a collection of Civil War artifacts on display inside Albee House.  Blue Island Bonus: For a limited time, BIHS is selling commemorative Raceway Park t-shirts. Order online or pick yours up during Open Hours. And save the date for the annual House Walk on September 16 - buy your ticket now and check out the full line-up of houses by clicking here
When:  Fridays, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Historical Society, 13018 Maple Ave.

Live: MC Whiskey
Blue Island Beer Company invites you to come on down and enjoy Alt-Country and Americana with MC Whiskey of Over The Side Band. Best when mixed with your favorite BIBCo soda or beer. 
When: Friday, August 24, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 Olde Western Ave.

Midsummer Night's Eve
Explore a forest of delight at Natural Law's Midsummer Night's Eve party. Let your imagination and your wardrobe run wild - the best midsummer attire of the evening will win a special gift! Themed cocktails include Hermia + Helena and a mysterious Love Potion concocted by the good fairies behind the bar. Could this be but a dream? The only way to know for sure is to join in on the fun...
When: Friday, August 24, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Natural Law, 13404 Olde Western Ave.
 
BIOS Farm Stand
Enjoy a fantastic selection of homegrown produce at BIOS Farm's weekly Market Stand.  Blue Island Bonus: When you can't wait a week between markets, stop by Blue Island Beer Company, where the BIOS Farm fellas host a pop-up market Wednesdays beginning at 4:00 p.m.
When: Saturdays through September 29, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: BIOS Farm, Canal & Hoyne Street

Back-To-School Picnic & Bookbag Giveaway
You're invited to a special Back-To-School Picnic and Bookbag Giveaway at the John D. Rita Recreation Center! The fun begins at noon and includes a 4th-8th Grade Basketball tournament, amateur boxing exposition, and adult softball game, along with hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and drinks. Three hundred children will leave the picnic with brand new backpacks loaded with school supplies.
When: Saturday, August 25, 12:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: John D. Rita Recreation Center, 2805 W. 141st St. 

Operation: Honor Family Festival
Operation: Honor's annual family festival features music, military re-enactors, static displays of military equipment and vehicles, classic automobiles, a salute to America's POWs and MIAs, organizations offering services for veterans and their families - along with all your summer festival favorites: games, a bungee jump, obstacle course, balloon animals, face painting, and delicious food and beverages. Parking and admission are free! Learn more at  operationhonorblueisland.org.
When: Saturday, August 25, 12:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Where:  Memorial Park, 12804 Highland Ave. 

Pig Roast
Get ready to feast with the folks from Natural Law, who've demonstrated that they are just the right mix of foodie and your funnest friend to take a pig roast and make it, as you young whipper snappers would say, 'LIT.' Musical Guest: R&L Rhythm Review. 
When: Saturday, August 25, 3:00 p.m.
Where: Natural Law, 13404 Olde Western Ave

Live: Melissa Shawn & Mark Essick
Cuzin's Blue Island is keeping your summer extra fun with loads of food and drink specials (50% off pizza every Monday, 50 cent wings on Wednesdays, and $10 buckets all month long, just to name a few...) this Saturday, sample it all, including live music from country & rock artist Melissa Shawn. Relax, rinse, repeat with your favorite rock & southern rock hits performed by Mark Essick beginning at 4:00 p.m.
When: Saturday, August 25, 9:00 p.m. & Sunday, August 26, 4:00 p.m.
Where: Cuzin's, 2825 W. 127th St. 

Brunch Invasion at the RIPH 
The Dohertys return to Rock Island Public House as fearless brunch invaders, serving up Southern Style Biscuits-N-Gravy, BI Lox & Bagel and a Green Horn Breakfast Wrap stuffed with goodies from BIOS Farm. 
When: Sunday, August 26, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave. 

BBQ, Brews, & Bluegrass Fest
Maple Tree Inn's ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BBQ Fest is baaaa-aaaack!. Enjoy as much as you can handle of Maple Tree Inn's famous fare served up buffet-style (check out last week's newsletter for their latest recognition as one of the 50 Best Southern Restaurants in America), plus live music and Blue Island Beer Company, 24 Craft Beer Taps, Wine On Tap, and Signature New Orleans Cocktails keeping fest guests hydrated.
When: Sunday, August 26, 4:00 p.m.
Where: Maple Tree Inn, 13301 S. Olde Western Ave.

Entertainment  
Graveyard Blues Tour
Join Friends of the Cal-Sag Trail for their Annual Graveyard Blues Tour. The easy 22-mile ride begins at Rock Island Public House, pedaling through quiet streets to three historic cemeteries near the Cal-Sag Trail: Burr Oak, Restvale and Lincoln. Blues artist and historian Harmonica Neil joins graveside to share stories and music of the Chicago blues legends. Click here for more info .
When: Saturday, September 8, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Ride begins and ends at Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave. 

Three Sisters' Back To School Late Night
Three Sisters Antique Mall celebrates Back To School with late night shopping hours, special offers, snacks, refreshments, and fun. Blue Island Bonus: Have your purchases delivered to your doorstep for free, and with a smile! 
When: Thursday, August 30, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. 
Where: Three Sisters Antique Mall, 13042 Western Ave.

Bungalow Chef at Williams Sonoma
Blue Island's own Michael Mech follows up a recent  visiting chef engagement at the Williams Sonoma in Pasadena, CA with a local appearance at Williams Sonoma in Orland Square. Stop by for a taste of Mech's signature homegrown recipes and from-the-bungalow stories of family, history, and Americana.
When: Saturday, September 8, 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Williams Sonoma, Orland Square Mall, Orland Park

Art, history & literature
Documentary on the Lawn: Frank Lloyd Wright
Join Blue Island Historical Society and friends for a viewing of part one of the Ken Burns film "Frank Lloyd Wright" on the front lawn of the Albee House. Free popcorn will be served, with water and pop available for purchase. Don't forget your blanket or folding chairs! 
When: Saturday, September 1, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Historical Society, 13018 Maple Ave. 

32nd Annual Blue Island House Walk
Tickets are now available for the Blue Island Historical Society's 32nd Annual Blue Island Housewalk. This year's event features six stops, including private residences and one of the city's historic churches. Blue Island Bonus: This year's House Walk offers a VIP ticket package that includes your House Walk Ticket along with a plated dinner the night before at the Albee House. Visit Three Sisters Antique Mall, Flowers by Cathe, or Blue Island Public Library to buy tickets, or get them online now by clicking here. 
When: Saturday, September 15, 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, September 16 from noon to 4:00 p.m. 
Where: Blue Island Historical Society, 13018 Maple Ave. 

Community
Social Security Seminar
First Midwest Financial Network presents "Understanding Social Security Benefits," with special guest speaker Johnny Angel, CRC and Senior Regional Vice President with Pacific Life. RSVP requested by August 24 to Paul Sterk, Financial Consultant with First Midwest Bank. 
When: Tuesday, August 28, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: First Midwest Bank, 11900 Pulaski Rd., Alsip

10th Annual Rose Walk
Registration extended to August 29! Blue Cap Family & Friends present the 10th Annual Rose Walk, a fun 5k walk that also includes raffles, games, a bouncy house, and lunch. The event proceeds benefit our beloved Blue Cappers by funding important extra-curricular activities like Special Olympics, Field Trips and more.  Pre-register at http://www.blue-cap.org/family-n-friends
When: Sunday, September 9, same day registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Walk begins at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Midlothian Meadows Forest Preserve, 155th St. & Pulaski Rd., Midlothian. 

Guildhaus Fundraiser
For more than 30 years, Guildhaus in Blue Island has helped those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction -- and now they need our help to keep fighting the good fight. Learn more and donate online at https://www.gofundme.com/helping-hand-in-fight-of-addiction. 

Thank you!