The magic 8-ball has nothing on us. When asking whether you should get out and do something this weekend, our answer is always "yes - definitely." So put aside your stamp collection, leave the DIY projects for a rainy day and grab your SPF 50 sun block (it was a long winter). Patch will keep you going all weekend long.

This weekend's forecast - hot with a good chance of fireworks. Your patriotic needs are easily fulfilled with the Oak Fest and the long list of places to celebrate Independence Day in the South 'Burbs. If that's not enough fresh air for you, become one with nature at Lake Katherine or grab fluffy and fido for the Orland Pet Parade.

Festivals & Concerts

Oak Fest
June 29 - July 4 | 159th St & Central Ave, Oak Forest, IL 60452
Oak Fest will fill your entire weekend with non-stop fun. Check out the bands, 5K Liberty Run, beanbag tournament, bingo, car show, contests, games, dancing, wrestling, great food and more. As always, the Fest is free. Carnival mega pass wristbands are on sale for $50 at City Hall June 30 (until 5pm) or are $75 at the Fest grounds. A general schedule is as follows:

Thursday, June 30 | 6pm-Midnight

• Bingo - 6pm - 10pm
• Carnival - 6pm - Midnight  (25.00 Wristband Special)
• Fireworks - at dark
• Club 44 - 6pm - 9pm
• Salute to Hometown Heroes - 9pm
• Maggie Speaks - 9:30pm - Midnight

Friday, July 1 | 6pm - Midnight

• Bingo - 6pm - 10pm
• Carnival - 6pm - Midnight (Buy a Carnival ticket & get a buddy in for FREE)
• PCW Wrestling - 6pm - 8pm
• Livin It Up - 6pm - 9pm
• 5k Liberty Run - 7pm (Registration begins at 5:30pm)
• 5 Guys Named Moe - 9pm - Midnight

Saturday, July 2 | Noon - Midnight
Family Fun Day

• Performances by Local Children's Groups - Noon - 3pm
• Chamber of Commerce Fair - Noon - 4pm
• Carnival - Noon - Midnight (Special Needs Children Only 11am - Noon)
• Bingo - 1pm - 10pm
• Children’s ZINGO (Bingo) - 1 pm - 2 pm
• Bean Bag Tournament - 2pm (Registration begins at 1pm)
• Watermelon Eating Contest - 4pm
• Pie Eating Contest - 5pm
• PCW Wrestling - 6pm - 8pm
• Bullwinkle - 3:30pm - 6pm
• April's Reign - 6pm - 9pm
• 1 Speed Go - 9pm - Midnight

Sunday, July 3 | 11am - Midnight

• Car & Bike Show - 11am - 4pm (registration begins at 9am)
• 13 Tikis - 11am - 1pm
• Carnival - Noon - Midnight  ($25 Wristband Special - Noon - 5pm)
• Bingo - 1pm - 10pm
• Billy's Boys - 1pm - 3pm
• K.O. Bossy - 3pm - 6pm
• CoverGurl - 6pm - 9pm
• Infinity - 9pm - Midnight

Monday, July 4| 1pm - Midnight (Carnival 1pm - 10:30pm)

• Country Radio - US 99.5 Road Show
• Get your FREE picture taken in the Interactive Mobile Unit
• Carnival - Noon - 10:30pm  ($25.00 Wristband Special 1pm - 6pm)
• Bingo - 1pm - 9pm
• Daryl Durano - 1 - 3:30pm
• Girl Next Door - 3:30pm - 6:30pm
• The Beatle Brothers - 6:30pm - 9:30pm
• Fireworks - at Dark brought to you by Mad Bomber Fireworks

Concerts In The Park- The Neverly Brothers
June 30, 7pm | Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center
Grab your favorite lawn chair or beach blanket and come listen to tunes from the 1950s and 60s in the shell behind the Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center. The Neverly Brothers will take you back with hits from Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Barry, Buddy Holly, The Beatles and many more. This is a free event.

Family Fun

Family Pajamarama
July 1, 7pm-7:45pm | Tinley Park Public Library
Children ages 3 years - 1st grade can slip into their jammies and come down to the Tinley Park Public Library for a bedtime story. This free event offers snacks. No registration is required.

Sports & Recreation

Bike Parade
July 1, 5:30pm-6:30pm | Centennial Park
Join the Village of Orland Park in an Independence Day Celebration by taking part in a bike parade. Decorate your bike, big wheel or wagon. Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories. Pre-Registration is required, but participation is free. Register at the Sportsplex or the Loebe Center. See page 49 of the Recreation Department's Spring/Summer Program Guide for details.

Family Fun Run & Walk
July 1, 6pm-8pm | Orland Park 153rd Street Metra Station
Run or walk into the holiday weekend with the Village of Orland Park. The two-mile run or one-mile walk travels through Centennial Park. Pick up a packet in advance at the Human Race Sports on June 30th or before the race at 6pm. For more information, call the Orland Park Recreation Department at 708-645-7529.

Pet Friendly

Collection Drive for Crossroads Shih Tzu Rescue
Daily, 11am-7pm | Holistic Happenings Healing Center
Help support the Crossroads Shih Tzu Rescue by bringing donation items to Holistic Happenings. Shih Tzu Rescure is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu mixes and other small breed dogs in Illinois, Indiana and Florida.

Pet Parade
July 1, 6:30pm-7:30pm | Centennial Park
Dress up your cat, dog, teddy bear or any other pet and help the Village of Orland Park celebrate America's Birthday. Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories. Pre-Registration is required, but participation is free. Register at the Sportsplex or the Loebe Center. See page 49 of the Recreation Department's Spring/Summer Program Guide for details.