Events in and around Blue Island
Thank you for shopping local. 

On behalf of our member businesses, thank you for shopping and supporting local this holiday season and all year long. When you shop small, you make a big difference in our communities! Happy holidays to you and yours! 
Reading & recreation

Blue Island Public Library

December 19
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
3:00 p.m. - Pokemon GO Trading Post & Battles   
3:30 p.m. - Medicare 1010
6:00 p.m. - Bilingual Preschool Story Time
7:00 p.m. - Anime Night
December 20
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
3:00 p.m. - Friendly Friday Children's Films
3:00 p.m. - Make N' Mugs
December 23
1:00 p.m. - Knitting & Crocheting Club
6:00 p.m. - Creative Nonsense
December 24 & 25
Library Closed for Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
December 26
3:00 p.m. - Open Maker Hours
3:00 p.m. - Pokemon GO Trading Post & Battles   

Where: 2433 York St.

Blue Island Park District


Celebrate the season with Blue Island Park District!

Santa Visits: December 20, 5:00 -8:00 p.m. 

Breakfast with Santa: December 21, 10:00 a.m., Memorial Park Banquet Hall

Santa House: December 21 -- see  blueislandparks.org  for location and time. 

Thank you for supporting our member businesses!
Advertising & Media

Quick Links
 

 

Send your news and events to:
 


Like us on Facebook
Blue Island 
BIHS Open Hours
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:  Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Historical Society, 13018 Maple Ave.

Trivia
Summon your smartest buds for Trivia at Rock Island Public House tonight courtesy of Quiztory Dept. It's free to play and the prizes are surprises -- what's not to love?
When: Thursday, December 19, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave. 

Santa's Surfin' Safari
Celebrate the season Blue Island-style, with a little extra emphasis on the "island!" Friday night, the Surfaholics take over the tap room to play instrumental surf versions of your favorite holiday classics and more. We hear that Santa will be making a special appearance in his favorite tropical shirt! 
When: Friday, December 20, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 Olde Western Ave.

TOMTPR December Edition
The house (Rock Island Public, that is) will be hopping this Friday and Saturday night (Sunday morning too!) with fresh menu selections and even fresher seasonal craft beer selections on tap. Enjoy a few before shimmying to These Old Men They Play Records holiday edition of their monthly vinyl worship sesh.
When: Friday, December 20, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave. 

Vivian Vance Kelly CD Release Party
On Friday night, Chicago Blues sensation Vivian Vance Kelly is hosing a release party for her new CD, "Chicago Here I Come." Enjoy live music, food, drinks, dancing, and lots of fun. 
When: Friday, December 20, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Natural Law, 13404 Olde Western Ave. 

Craft Vendor Show
This Saturday, Front Row on Olde Western is hosting a Craft Vendor Show. From wooden signs to clothing to arrangements, wine glasses, and more, you're sure to find all those last minute gifts on your list! 
When: Saturday, December 21, 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Where: Front Row, 13312 Olde Western Ave. 

Yoga + Craft Beer
Christmas sweaters feel so much better when you make time for a little self-love. Join Blue Island's own Alex Lehman and friends for an all levels yoga class at Rock Island Public House, the delightful destination that rewards your smart choices with a free beer after class. Don't forget your mat!
When:  Saturday, December 21, 2:00 p.m. 
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave. 
Cost: $20; includes post-yoga craft beer 

Christmas Crawl
It's time for the merriest pub crawl around! Advance purchase is a must. Your ticket includes transportation to and from the bars, holiday t-shirt and drinks on the bus (Drinks are NOT included at the bars). Check-in is at 4:00pm at Double Play and the schedule is as follows: Double Play 4:00-4:45pm, Chris' Northside Inn 5:00-6:00pm, JJs Pub 6:15-7:15pm, Franks Pizza 7:30-8:30pm, Riverside 8:45-9:45pm, and then return to Double Play for live music by the one and only Linzy from Coax & Folks.
When: Saturday, December 21, 4:00 p.m.
Where: Check-in at Double Play Saloon, 13011 Western Ave.
Tickets: Contact Tom Cheatle at  773.574.0992

Cuzin's Christmas Party
Stop by Cuzin's this Saturday to celebrate the season with drinks, food, and a live performance by the Brian Carmona Band.
When: Saturday, December 21, 9:00 p.m.
Where: Cuzin's, 2825 W. 127th St. 

Christmas Variety Show
After you finish your holiday shopping, Front Row invites you to a very merry Christmas Variety Show featuring Cardboard Swords, Derrick B, and The Milkmen. 
When: Saturday, December 21, 9:00 p.m.
Where: Front Row, 13312 Olde Western Ave.
Cover: $3, 21+

Brunch Invasion
On Sunday, it's a holiday themed Brunch Invasion at Rock Island Public House. Enjoy a special menu, your favorite craft drinks and cocktails, and photo opps with the big man himself.
When: Sunday, December 22, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Ave. 

Entertainment
Rock Around The Clock Ball Drop
The City of Blue Island invites you to Rock Around The Clock, an annual New Year's Eve celebration to ring in the new year, complete with music, ball drop and fireworks! After the event, continue the revelry along Western and Olde Western Avenue.
When: Tuesday, December 31 at 11:30 p.m.
Where: Parking lot between Dunkin Donuts and Harry's Long Bar on Western Ave. 

Art, History & Literature
Concerts at the Castle Series
In 2020, the Concert at the Castle Series returns to Givins Castle with a January jazz performance from Larry Gray and John Moulder, and a February 1 appearance by folk artist Jamie O'Reilly. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. A $32.50 donation is suggested with proceeds going toward maintenance of the historic Givins Castle. Wine, cheese and other refreshments will be provided at intermission.
When: Saturday, January 11 & February 1, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Givins Castle, 10244 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago
Lincoln-Davis Civil War Roundtable
The new year kick's off with a January Roundtable featuring Mike Ward on "Artillery in the Civil War."  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, January 21, 7:00 p.m. 
Where: Country House Restaurant, 5400 W. 127th St., Alsip

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.

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