Events in and around Blue Island

It's back, and this year, it's BIGGER and SAUCIER than ever! Join the Blue Island Park District for THREE gigantic days of fun at the 6th annual Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned BBQ on the Hill cooking competition and festival. 

General admission to the event is free, which features the BBQ competition, live entertainment, craft beer, award winning food, a dazzling fireworks display,  kids' hot dog cookoff, bingo with celebrity callers, a teen fun zone, bounce house city for the little ones, and so much more.

Visit blueislandparks.org for a full schedule of fun - or click that delicious rib in the image above! 
Chamber
Uptown Funk
Uptown Funk is a free community concert at the Park at York & Western. The event is family-friendly, and invites you to visit uptown to enjoy shopping, dining, and live soul, R&B, funk, and jazz from musical guests Chez Butter. Presented in partnership with the Blue Island Arts Alliance and Blue Island Historical Society.
When: Friday, September 27, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Where: The Park at York & Western

Upcoming events:
Business After Hours 
October 23, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Lunch & Learn with guest Jim Garret, President & CEO of the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau
November 15, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 

Chamber Member Special
Village View Publications is offering Chamber Members a 10% discount for new advertisers. Call Linda at 708-425-1910 or visit www.vvnew.com

Job Fair
  Eisenhower High School has partnered with several local employers and organizations to present a Community Job Fair on October 5. All businesses are invited to participate - click here to learn more and register online


Reading & recreation
Blue Island Public Library

September 19 
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
6:00 p.m. - Bilingual Storytime for Little Ones
September 20
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
September 23
1:00 p.m. - Knitting & Crocheting Club
3:00 p.m. - Travel Night Lights
6:00 p.m. - Creative Nonsense
September 24
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
5:00 p.m. - Microsoft Word Clinic
5:30 p.m. - Blue Cap Movie Night
6:00 p.m. - Open Mic
6:00 p.m. - Songwriters Circle Weekly Meetup
September 25
3:00 p.m. - Oculus Hour: Beat Saber
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
4:00 p.m. - Drawing 101: Faces
6:00 p.m. - Kid Crafts
7:00 p.m. - Smart 911
September 26 
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
6:00 p.m. - Bilingual Storytime for Little Ones

Where: 2433 York St.

Blue Island Park District
BBQ on the Hill 
Join Blue Island Park District for THREE gigantic days of fun at the 6th Annual Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned BBQ on the Hill barbecue competition and festival. General admission to the event is free, which features the cook-off, live entertainment, craft beer, award winning food, fireworks, a magic show, bingo, a community seed exchange, and so much more. Make no bones about it - put BBQ on the Hill at the top of your must-attend fests for 2019.
When: September 20, 21 & 22
Where: Memorial Park, 12804 Highland Ave.

Learn more about Blue Island Park District at www.blueislandparks.org. 
Blue Island 
Open Hours at the Albee House
Blue Island Historical Society invites you to Open Hours at the Albee House. Visit and learn more about area history, view historic artifacts and photos, and don't forget your merch money - proceeds from your purchase support Blue Island Historical Society's ongoing education and preservation initiatives. 
When: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Historical Society, 13018 Maple Ave.

Live: Bible of the Devil, the Hyss, and No Dead Heroes
Blue Island Beer Co welcomes Chicago's Bible of the Devil, celebrating 20 years of rock and metal magic and their most recent album release. They're joined by punk rockers the HYss and rock-metal-punk-infused No Dead Heroes.
When: Friday, September 20, 7:00 p.m. 
Where: Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 Olde Western Ave. 

Yoga and Craft Beer
Take a break from the BBQ to get bendy-q with all levels yoga courtesy of Rock Island Public House and instructor extraordinaire Alex Lehman. Reward your smart decision with a beer of your choice after class. Don't forget your mat! 
When: Saturday, September 21, 2:00 p.m.
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave.
Cost: $20 (includes yoga and 1 craft beer)

Romin' The Island Car Party
Romin' Chariots return for their annual Blue Cap fundraiser, "Romin The Island Car Party." Raffles, food, music plus Pinewood Derby, Hot Wheels Racing, and Slot Car Drag Races. Fun for the whole family! Free admission for spectators; $15 per car. 
When: Saturday, September 21, 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Cap Instructional Center, 1962 Broadway

DDE Class of 69 Reunion Afterparty
Dwight D. Eisenhower High School Alumni Association's heralded class of '69 is reuniting the weekend of Sept 19-21 in and around the Island. Once official festivities end, Pearls Mahone will be leading the afterparty at Front Row on Sep. 21 at 9:30pm. All Cardinals (from any era) and fans of American music (rockabilly/vintage country/western swing) are welcome.
When: Saturday, September 21, 9:30 p.m.
Where: Front Row, 13312 Olde Western Ave. 

Live: Pat Taylor and Friends
Pat Taylor and Friends return for two sets of rock fun at Natural Law this Saturday, and a plus one in the form of special guest Jon McDonald. Speaking of special, have you tried the pork slider special yet? Two pulled pork sliders plus fries for $6 - it's delicious and it's a huge meal! 
When: Saturday, September 21, 9:30 p.m.
Where: Natural Law, 13404 Olde Western Ave.

RIPH Trivia
Rest up Sunday morning because at 7:00 p.m. it's time to pump up the jam with a few rounds of trivia at Rock Island Public House. Hosted by Quiztory, RIPH Trivia is free to play and to the winners -- all the spoils! Spoils being super cool prizes, of course. You don't want to know what happens to the losers. 
When: Sunday, September 22, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave.

Cruise The Island
The weather forecast calls for shiny rims and flashy trim at Korbakes Wine & Liquors' weekly Cruise Night. This is a family friendly event and all makes and models are welcome. Cruise Night Tip: Bring your lawn chairs and stop by any Blue Island restaurant to pick up dinner on your way there!
When: Mondays, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Where: Korbakes Wine & Liquors, 12747 Western Ave.

Entertainment
Community Pizza Party & Concert
Council Oak Montessori School invites you to a free concert featuring violinist Hannah K. Walker, followed by a pizza lunch prepared from scratch by COMS chefs Joe & Michelle. Keep an eye out for veggies from the school's garden on Ann St! Lunch is $10 for Adults and $8 for Children (not currently enrolled at COMS). 
When: Friday, September 27, Concert at 11:10 a.m., Lunch at 11:55 a.m.
Where: Council Oak Montessori School, 2521 Grove St. 

Oktoberfest
Celebrate the best of Munich's annual fest right here in Blue Island with the return of Oktoberfest at Rock Island Public House. Let the sites, smells, food, music, and of course, a cold pint, transport your mind to the other side of the Atlantic without ever having to change your watch from Island Time. 
When: Sunday, September 29, 12:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave.

Art, History & Literature
Beverly Art Walk
The Art Walk features work by more than 200 talented artists and makers in 60+ venues, live music, artist demonstrations, children's activities, public art, coffee, craft beer, and free trolleys. Local artists also open their home studios for an insight into their artistic process, inspirations, and work. The Art Walk is a free, family-friendly event. Click here for the full program guide. 
When: Saturday, September 21, 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Where: Beverly Hills/Morgan Park Neighborhood

DIY Wood Sign Workshop
Get crafty whilst drinking crafty and you'd be surprised at the magic you can create. You must pre-register for this event by clicking here, where you can also peruse sign designs and pick out your favorites!
When: Wednesday, September 25, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 
Where: Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 Olde Western Ave

Lincoln-Davis Civil War Roundtable
October's Roundtable features Steve Davis presenting "A Long and Bloody Task: The Atlanta Campaign."   Optional dinner buffet ($10) at 6:00 p.m., with program ($5) beginning at 7:00 p.m. Following the program, enjoy coffee, dessert, gifts, and raffles. All are invited!
When: Tuesday, October 19, 7:00 p.m. 
Where: Country House Restaurant, 5400 W. 127th St., Alsip

Community
Breaking Barriers to Employment
Save the date! Blue Island Robbins Neighborhood network presents "Breaking Barriers to Employment," a job resource fair featuring an employer panel, resume review, mock interviews, resume translation, immigration support, head-shots, health services, and even a what-to-wear fashion show!
When: Thursday, October 3, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Robbins Community Center, 13800 S. Trumbull Ave., Robbins

Legislative Training
Progress Cente r for Independent Living invites you to attend a 10 week training series on advocacy for disability issues. Learn about the legislative process, how a bill becomes a law, how to communicate with elected officials, and how to become a self-advocate. 
When: Tuesdays, October 8 - December 10, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: Progress Center for Independent Living, 12940 S. Western Ave., 3rd Floor

School Supply Drive & Pack Event
Blue Island Robbins Neighborhood Network Residency Advisory Council is hosting their First Ever School Supply Drive & Pack Event. Many children have supplies to start the school year, but by October the erasers are gone, the glue sticks no longer stick, the scissors don't cut and who knows what happened to the number #2 pencils! BIRNN wants to collect school supplies and replenish the supplies that are lost, used or just won't work anymore. Supplies will be collected on October 11, and volunteers are needed for the packing event on October 12. Click here for more information.
When: Friday, October 11 and Saturday, October 12
Where: John D. Rita Recreation Center, 2805 141st Street

Electronics & Hazardous Waste Collection Event
The Green Sanctuary Group of the Beverly Unitarian Church is sponsoring a Household Electronics and Hazardous Waste Collection. Click here for a list of items to be collected. Donations are encouraged to help defray costs!
When: Saturday, October 5, 8:30 -11:00 a.m. 
Where: Morgan Park United Methodist Church Parking Lot, 110th & Longwood, Chicago

Blue Cap Food Pantry Information
Blue Cap offers a Food Pantry serving Blue Island and Robbins residents who provide a valid ID or piece of mail 
proving residency. The Food Pantry is open on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
When: Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Where: Blue Cap on Market Street at rear of building

Food Pantry Collection Boxes
Collection boxes for Blue Cap's Food Pantry can be found at the Blue Island Library, 2433 York St., First Midwest Bank, 12015 S. Western Ave., Council Oak Montessori School, 2521 Grove St., John D. Rita Rec Center, 2805 141st St., and Access Family Health, 13000 Maple Ave., Blue Island, IL 60406.

They accept non-perishable food, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo/conditioner, shaving cream, disposable razors, toilet paper, tissue, laundry detergent, dish soap, multi-purpose cleaners, disinfectant wipes, and baby diapers and wipes.

Medicare Consultations
Progress Center for Independent Living is pleased to offer complimentary Medicare Consultations by appointment at their offices in Blue Island and Forest Park. Click here to learn more. 

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   


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