Events in and around Blue Island




You're invited to The Best of Blue Island Awards Dinner Banquet! The evening includes a cocktail party, live jazz by 360 Degrees, and dinner, followed by the popular "Best of Blue Island" awards. A celebration of and for our entire community, The Best of Blue Island Awards Dinner is a great way for you to connect with valued clients and employees, as well as network with fellow business owners and city officials. 

Click the image above to purchase tickets and view sponsorship opportunities.
Chamber


Thank you for your Best of Blue Island Award nominations for 2019! The voting process will begin soon - stay tuned right here for all the details. 

In the meantime, why not save your spot at the event? Individual and group ticket purchasing as well as sponsorship opportunities are now available online by clicking here

MEISS Expo


The 2019 Minority Entrepreneurship Interactive Solution Symposium is hosted by Village of Robbins Mayor Tyrone Ward, and brings together public and private sector influencers to help provide resources to minority entrepreneurs in the South Suburban Chicagoland area. Register for the event, reserve booth space, and learn more  by clicking here.  
When: Friday, March 1, 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Where: Robbins Community Center, 13800 Trumball Ave., Robbins

Reading & recreation
Blue Island Public Library

January 31
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
February 1 
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
February 4
6:00 p.m. - Creative Nonsense
February 5
11:30 a.m. - Internet Basics 
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
5:00 p.m. - Youth Open Maker Hours
7:00 p.m. - Book Discussion
February 6
10:00 a.m. -  Círculo de Conversación en Inglés/English Conversation Group
12:00 p.m. -  Clases de Crochet con Mirna
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
6:00 p.m. - Wednesday Night Movie
February 7
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
5:00 p.m. - Faceted Jewel Soap

Where: 2433 York St.

Blue Island Park District  

Youth Basketball 
John D. Rita Recreation Center
Winter Season - February 6

The Winter Season for Blue Island Park District Youth Basketball begins on February 6! Learn more at blueislandparks.org and register your child by visiting the office at Memorial Park Fieldhouse. 



Ice Skating
The rink at Memorial Park is open!   Attendants and skate rentals will be available Tuesday through Friday from 3:30 to 8:00 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 8:00 p.m.

Where: Memorial Park, 12804 Highland Ave.


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Blue Island 
Open Hours at the Albee House
On Friday afternoons, Blue Island Historical Society opens the doors to the Albee House and invites you to take a trip back in time. To help you stay on time and in the know all year long, BIHS produced a special calendar for 2019 with important events and meetings already filled in, and 12 months of beautiful historic photos and facts. Buy yours before they're gone by clicking here
When: Fridays, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Historical Society, 13018 Maple Ave.

Open Kitchen: Burger Bonanza
It's a Burger Bonanza at Rock Island Public House on Friday and Saturday evenings this month. Cuban, Asian Teriyaki, a killer Breakfast Burger with allllll the fixins' and a delicious Veggie Burger that even meat-lovers won't be able to resist,  prepared and served up (with love) by the Dohertys.  
When: Friday & Saturday, February 1-2, 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. 
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave.

Live: Homestretch Ride
This Friday night, Blue Island Beer Company hosts
Homestretch Ride playing the best of traditional and contemporary bluegrass music; from legends like Bill Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs, and Jimmy Martin, to newer tunes by The Bluegrass Album Band, Hot Rize, Seldom Scene, Blue Highway, and even a Grateful Dead tune here and there.
When: Friday, February 1, 6:30 p.m.
Where:  Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 Olde Western Ave.

Karaoke Fridays 
This Friday night in Blue Island, unleash your inner rock star with B*A*Star Karaoke at Cuzin's! The fun begins at 8:00 p.m.,but arrive early and enjoy delicious food and drink specials. 
When: Fridays, 8:00 p.m. 
Where: Cuzin's, 2825 W. 127th St.

Craft Fair
Veterans Memorial Middle School is hosting a Craft Fair on February 2 from 9:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m. This annual school fundraiser features an incredible line up of local vendors for all your favorite things. Contact Raeann Cantelo-Zylman on Facebook Messenger for more details. 
When: Saturday, February 2, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Veterans Memorial Middle School, 12320 Greenwood Ave.

Little League Registration
Just one Saturday left to register for Blue Island Little League Baseball. New players must bring birth certificate to sign up. The league is for children ages 4-12. For more information contact Jaime at 708-489-9572 or Rosie at 708-396-0708. 
When: Saturday, February 2, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 
Where: Memorial Park, 12804 S. Highland Ave. 

2019 Underground Communique Bottle Release
Join Blue Island Beer Company this Saturday as they release this year's Underground Communique Imperial Stout. Bryan & Alan break it down like this: "Climbing to 10.1% ABV, this stout has everything you'd expect: Huge, rich aromas of roasted, chocolate malts, combine with hints of molasses and dark fruits to compliment this full bodied beer. Flavors of higher alcohol meld with the overall moderate hop presence." Bottles available at the taproom only. Git you some. 
When: Saturday, February 2, 12:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 Olde Western Ave.

Progress In The Preserves
You are invited to come learn about and celebrate the impact Centennial Volunteers stewardship has on our forest preserves.  After measuring the biodiversity of nine river edge preserves, the significant changes brought about by volunteers are clear and the results are scientific, encouraging and amazing!  Light refreshments will be served. Hosted by Friends of the Chicago River. 
When:  Thursday, February 7, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Where:  Blue Island Historical Society, 13018 Maple Ave.

Superb Owl Sunday
If you're planning on watching the big game this Sunday, there are a number of watch parties happening around the area:

Cuzin's, 2825 W. 127th St, will have a free halftime buffet for customers and a host of drink specials. Learn more by clicking here.

Natural Law, 13404 Olde Western Ave, is offering unlimited beer and mixed drink packages and a halftime buffet. Learn more by clicking here.

115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115 th St, Merrionette Park, invites you to watch the big game in the biggest sports bar around. Tickets are $30 and includes drinks and a halftime buffet. Learn more by clicking here

Entertainment
Winterfest
This Saturday, Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens hosts Winterfest, with live animals, hayrides, children's crafts, face painting, and snowshoeing. Admission is $5 per person, and free for little ones ages 2 and under. 
When: Saturday, February 2, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens, 
7402 Lake Katherine Dr., Palos Heights

Love Is In The Air Late Night Shopping
Join Three Sisters Antique Mall for a night of champagne, chocolate, red, pink, and tons of fun! Enjoy discounts on items that are red or pink, and get expert assistance from the Three Sisters team on picking out the perfect gift for your sweetie. 
When: Tuesday, February 12, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Three Sisters Antique Mall, 13042 Western Ave.

Valentine's Weekend at Maple Tree Inn Bistro
Make your reservations now for Valentine's Weekend at Maple Tree Inn Bistro. Specialty Chef Selections all weekend long plus full bistro menu. Reservations strongly encouraged at  http://mapletreeinnrestaurant.com/
When: February 14 & 15, doors open at 5:00 p.m.; February 16 & 17, doors at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Maple Tree Inn Bistro, 13000 S. Western Ave.

Beer & Chocolate Pairing
Chocolatier Jared Brown returns to Rock Island Public House for a special evening of chocolate and craft beer pairing. At $20 per person, this event is the perfect way to celebrate your love or lack there of! 
When: Thursday, February 14, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave.

A Fairytale Tea Party 
Join Rapunzel and her friends for an enchanting afternoon filled with tea, treats, shopping, crafts, story time, singing, dancing, and more! This event is geared for children 12 and under. 
When: Saturday, February 23, 1:00 p.m.
Where: Veterans Memorial Middle School, 12320 Greenwood Ave.
Tickets: $10 for adults, $5 for children. Email rzylman@district130.org or ncyson@district130.org for tickets. 

Art, History & Literature
Lincoln-Davis Civil War Roundtable
February's speaker is  Lee White on "Bushwacking on a Grand Scale: Chickamauga."  Optional dinner buffet at 6:00 p.m., with program beginning at 7:00 p.m. Following the program, enjoy coffee, dessert, gifts, and raffles. All are invited!
When: Tuesday, February 19, 7:00 p.m. 
Where: Country House Restaurant, 5400 W. 127th St., Alsip

Sleeping Beauty
Will the Princess Sleep for 100 years? Or can her true love save her with a Kiss? This Chicago Kids Company features colorful scenery and costumes, sing-along songs, and plenty of audience participation. Geared for children ages 2-10. 
When: January 16 - February 22, 10:30 a.m. weekdays and 1:00 p.m. weekends 
Where: Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago
Tickets: For tickets call (773) 205-9600 or visit www.ChicagoKidsCompany.com. 

Call For Artists
Kelly's Irish Saloon is seeking artists for their Spring Artisans Fair taking place April 28 from noon to 7:00 p.m. Interested artists should email portfolio examples/links to cara.ann.brumley@gmail.com. Spots are $15 and the deadline to apply is February 24, 2019.
When: February 24, 2019, artist application deadline. Saturday, April 28, 12:00 - 7:00 p.m., Spring Artisans Fair
Where: Kelly's Irish Saloon, 13312 Olde Western Ave. 

Community
Black Culture Nite
Join Neighborhood Watch Group #37 for Black Culture Nite 2019, taking place this year at the Calumet Township Community Center. There will be a meet and greet from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. followed by live entertainment. Click here to view the event flyer for more details!
When: Friday, February 15, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Calumet Township Community Center, 12633 Ashland Ave., Calumet Park 

Blue Cap News
Job Opening
Blue Cap is hiring a full-time Direct Support Professional for their new Autism Program. Click here for more details

Food Pantry
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

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.