Events in and around Blue Island

Dragon Boat Racing Returns To Blue Island On June 1

The benefits of dragon boat racing are huge -- being outside, great team building, and if you can paddle, you can dragon boat race - no other experience necessary.  Dragon Boat racing is perfect for employee and church outings, family reunions, and groups of friends who enjoy trying new and fun challenges.

If you decide to leave the paddling to the pros, you still get to join in the fun. Parking and admission to the fest are free, with delicious food, beverages, and swag available for purchase, in a lively and beautiful festival atmosphere. 

Click the image above to learn more and we'll see you (yes, the Chamber is bringing a team!) on the water June 1!
Chamber
Lunch & Learn
Special Guest: MWRD Commissioner Spyropoulos
When: Thursday, May 9, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Historical Society, 13018 Maple Ave. 
RSVP: Advance registration required by emailing sara@blueislandchamber.org

67th Annual Golf Outing
Held at the Meadows Golf Club in Blue Island, the 67th Annual Blue Island Chamber Golf Outing is a great way to support the Chamber's new Civic Scholarship program, connect with valued clients and employees, and network with fellow business owners and city officials.
When: Wednesday, June 5, 11:00 a.m. shotgun start
Where: The Meadows Golf Club of Blue Island, 2802 123rd St.

Chicago River Day
This year's Chicago River Day is all about planting & beautification at the waterfall park along the Cal Sag. Volunteers are needed to plant native species in 2 large beds, collect garbage, & clear brush/overgrowth to improve accessibility - providing incredible views of Blue Island's bridges and the river. 

Please wear closed-toe shoes and work clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. All volunteers receive a Chicago River Day T-shirt as a special thank you gift, along with lunch and a beverage at Blue Island Beer Company.

When: Saturday, May 11, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: MWRD Sepa Station #3, Fulton & Canal Streets. 

Reading & recreation
Blue Island Public Library

April 20
11:00 a.m. - Mad Hatters
April 22
5:00 p.m. - Origami Butterflies
April 23
4:00 p.m. Easter Craft - Tie Dye
6:00 p.m. - Songwriters Circle Weekly Meetup
7:00 p.m. - Adult Craft Corner: DIY Tote Bag
April 24
10:00 a.m. - Curso de Costura
3:00 p.m. -  Geek Out! Tech Fair Event
3:00 p.m. - Seed Sorting with Miss Anna
April 25 
1:00 p.m. - Silent Films of the Lyric Theatre Era: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
3:00 p.m. - Three Player Chess in The Round

Where: 2433 York St.

Blue Island Park District  

Early Bird Pool Passes
Get your Summer 2019 Pool Pass for Memorial Park Pool and save when you take advantage of the Early Bird Pool Pass program. Layaway plans available.
When: Passes on sale now!
Where: Memorial Park, 12804 Highland Ave.

Fire Museum Fundraiser
You're invited to come out for a special night of Cosmic Bowling -- Star Wars style. May the force be with you as you battle it out on the galactic lanes at Eagles, with proceeds benefiting the Blue Island Fire Museum and Education Center. Generous are you! 
When: Saturday, May 4, 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Where: Eagles Bowling Lanes, 2427 Grove St.


Like us on Facebook
Blue Island 
Thursday Night Trivia
Play Whaddayaknow? Trivia every Thursday at Kelly's Saloon On Olde Western. Great prizes for winning teams and drink specials all night. Stop in with some friends and show off that big brain of yours. 
When:  Thursdays, 8:00 p.m.
Where: Kelly's Saloon, 13312 Olde Western Ave. 

Zumba
It's not a workout -- it's a party! Find out what all the Zumba buzz is about. For just $15 a month, you can Zumba away Monday-Friday, and zoom your way to healthier living. 
When: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.
Where: Salvation Army Crossgenerations Worship & Community Center, 2900 127th St. 

Open Hours at the Albee House
Blue Island Historical Society invites you to Open Hours at the Albee House. Visit and learn 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.

Open Kitchen: Pub House Rock 
The kitchen will be hopping this Friday and Saturday night at Rock Island Public House with heaping helpings of the Dohertys' delicious menu of classic Pub Food. Enjoy craft beer and drinks alongside your favorite pub grub: Herb Pesto Mac & Cheese, Fried Pickles, Calabrian Chili, Calamari, and the Cod Sandwich of your dreams. 
When: Friday, April 26, 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 27, 3:00 - 9:00 p.m. 
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave.

Live: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
The incredibly talented students at Eisenhower High School present "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" this weekend! Don't miss out on this beautiful show.
When: Friday April 26 & Saturday April 27, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Eisenhower High School, 12700 Sacramento
Tickets: $8 for adults and $5 for students, available at the door.

Heineken Tasting + Karaoke Friday
This Friday night in Blue Island, stop by Cuzin's Blue Island for a free Heineken tasting, and after a little liquid courage, unleash your inner rock star with B*A*Star Karaoke.
When: Friday, April 26, 6:00 p.m. tasting, 8:00 p.m. karaoke
Where: Cuzin's, 2825 W. 127th St.

Live: Chris Moran & Sara Kreyer
Stop by O'Connell's Pub Time this Friday night for the return of the Queen (of Hearts of course) and live music with Chris Moran and Sara Kreyer.
When: Friday, April 26, 8:00 p.m.
Where: O'Connell's Pub Time, 12924 Western Ave.

Live: Blues with R&L Rhythm Review
Friday night never felt so right until the kick off to your weekend included live blues with R&L Rhythm Review, one of Jacqui's return guests from last summer's epic outdoor music season. If you need one more reason to stop by -- we have two: Mini. Churros. 
When: Friday, April 26, 9:00 p.m.
Where: Natural Law Cocktail Club & Eatery, 13404 Olde Western. 

Blue Island Sessions Live: Allen Epley
Blue Island Historical Society, in collaboration with the chamber, Blue Island Arts Alliance, and my B.I., invite you to an evening of live music featuring Chicago musician Allen Epley of The Life and Times and Shiner. Your ticket includes a tour of the Bertrand Goldberg-designed Aaron Heimbach house, drinks, and hors d'oeuvres. Proceeds benefit Blue Island Historical Society.
When: Saturday, April 27, doors at 6:00 p.m.
Where: 13020 Greenwood Ave.

Guns vs Hoses Basketball Game
It's a BIPD vs BIFD showdown on the basketball court at St. Benedict School, with a special St. Baldrick's head shaving event at halftime. Proceeds benefit St. Benedict School Athletics and St. Baldrick's Foundation. Not that we're keeping score but we believe the police department has taken the Guns vs Hoses title for the last two years in a row... who do you want to win? Cheer on the men and women who protect and serve us this weekend!
When: Saturday, April 27, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Where: St. Benedict School, 2324 New St. 
Admission: Ages 14 and under, $2; Ages 15+ $5

Live: Mojo Nixon & The Waco Brothers
On Saturday night, Blue Island Beer Company welcomes back Mojo Nixon for the re-release of his tribute beer, Mojo Is My Co-Pilot, and perhaps a little epic jammage with The Waco Brothers? No wonder this event is sold out. If you can grab one somewhere, tickets are $20 or try to sweet talk yourself in at the door. 
When:  Saturday, April 27, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 Olde Western Ave. 

Live: Pat Taylor & Friends/Mojo Nixon Afterparty
Get a little rock-n-roll for your soul with Pat Taylor and Friends at Natural Law. Dance to Iggy Pop and sway to Jimmy Hendrix, and don't miss out on the classic and deluxe poutine options from the Natural Law kitchen, serving it up fresh and hot until one hour before close. 
When: Saturday, April 27, 10:00 p.m. 
Where: Natural Law Cocktail Club & Eatery, 13404 Olde Western Ave.

Spring Artisan Fair
Kelly's Saloon invites you to a Spring Artisan Fair, featuring the work of more than 20 local artists, who will be on hand to answer questions and sell pieces. 
When: Sunday, April 28, 12:00 p.m.
Where: Kelly's Saloon, 13312 Olde Western Ave.

Nights of Ice & Fire
Ice down your Game Of Thrones fever with Nights of Ice & Fire at Kelly's Saloon On Olde Western. Watch the latest episode and enjoy GOT-themed drinks.
When: Sundays through May 19, 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Where: Kelly's Saloon, 13312 Olde Western Ave.

Trivia at the RIPH
Are you smart? Do you like to get things as prizes? Or is your prize showing off just how smart you are to a room full of mostly friends and a few strangers? If you answered yes to any of the above, we'll see you Sunday night at Rock Island Public House for trivia with The Quiztory Department. When: Sunday, April 28, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave.

Patient Appreciation Day
Meyer Eye Care is hosting a Hawaiian Luau-themed Patient Appreciation Day, and you're invited! Enjoy refreshments, raffles, a trunk show, special discounts, customer giveaways, and lots of fun.
When: Thursday, May 2, 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Where: Meyer Eyecare, 13114 Western Ave.

Entertainment
Castle Concert Series: Come Sunday
Jazz band "Come Sunday" performs at Givins Castle as part of a live music series to raise funds for maintenance and restoration of the  historic property in Beverly. Suggested donation of $20 payable at the door. Learn more by calling 773-719-7059. 
When: Saturday, April 27, doors at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Givins Castle, 10244 S. Longwood Ave., Chicago

Beer Can'd Festival
Double Play Saloon invites you to their annual celebration of craft and old fashion canned beers and locally curated punk and ska with favorites The Studs, Ridgelands, Fear City, The Crombies, Fighting for Scraps, Death & Memphis, Dethwarrant, Islanderz, and more. Purchase your ticket in advance by clicking here. 
When: Saturday, May 4, 2:00 p.m.
Where: Double Play Saloon, 13011 Western Ave.

Cruise The Island
The weather's getting warmer and the days are longer, and that means it's time to wax your ride, load it up with friends and family, and head over to Korbakes for Cruise Night every Monday beginning May 6. 
When: Mondays beginning May 6, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Where: Korbakes Wine & Liquors, 12747 Western Ave.

Bar Hop & Scooter Rally
Cruise Olde Western low and slow at the inaugural Bar Hop and Scooter Rally, hosted by Blue Island Beer Company, Natural Law, Rock Island Public House and Kelly's Saloon. Live and local music all day long, plus drink specials and rad t-shirt included in advance ticket purchase (N/A packages also available!). Check out the full entertainment line up and purchase advance tickets by clicking here. 
When: Saturday, May 11, 2:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Where: Olde Western Ave.

Flowers and Things
Open up the shed and ready your flower beds - Flowers and Things is an outdoor celebration with flats of flowers, hanging baskets, patio pots and individual plants, as well as craft vendors and food. Save the date and don't be late!
When: Saturday, May 18, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: York & Western

Art, History & Literature
Lincoln-Davis Civil War Roundtable
May's speaker is  John Scales on "The Battles of Nathan Bedford Forrest."  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, May 21, 7:00 p.m. 
Where: Country House Restaurant, 5400 W. 127th St., Alsip

Jack & The Beanstalk
Join Jack and his dancing Spanish Cow Carmelita, as they try to save their village from a crazy Giant! Audience participation encouraged. This show is geared for families with children ages 2-10.
When: Weekdays at 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and Weekends at 1:00 p.m. through May 10, 2019 
Where: Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111 th  St., Chicago 
Tickets: Call (773) 205-9600 or visit www.ChicagoKidsCompany.com

Community
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.

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