Fall in love with the Chicago Southland!

September in the Chicago Southland!

As the leaves begin to change color, the Chicago Southland will be host to tons of seasonal fun this September! Check out our Pumpkin Paradise blog for info on seasonal activities; pay your respects at the traveling Moving Wall in Monee; kick the season off right with a local fall festival; see intense action at the NXL Professional Paintball Tournament and Trade Show; take a virtual tour of the newly renovated Holiday Inn Express Crestwood and check out some upcoming events.

Pumpkin paradise

We’ll soon be heading into the season of all things pumpkin. Coffee shops will roll out those fall flavors. Pumpkin patches will kick off fall events with pumpkin picking and other seasonal fun. Check out a few things to keep on your radar in our Pumpkin Paradise blog!

The Moving Wall in Monee

From September 5th at 12PM until the 9th at 8AM, you can see The Moving Wall, a traveling half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. at 25711 Egyptian Trail in Monee. This beautiful recreation of the original memorial is a fantastic opportunity to view and honor the troops who lost their lives during the war.

Fall festivals

It wouldn’t be fall in the Chicago Southland without our signature festivals, and this year includes quite a few exciting events to participate in!

From August 31st to September 2nd, you can head out to the Frankfort Fall Festival in Historical Downtown Frankfort to check out 300 artisan vendors, carnival rides, stage entertainment and more for free! The Monee Fall Fest takes place September 6th-8th at Firemen’s Park and includes a carnival, car show, fireworks and more. Richton Park will be holding the Your Party Music Festival on September 14th at 22120 Richton Road, which promises to be the ultimate autumn celebration with games, food and music. On September 15th, you can head to the Old Mill Fall Fest at the Peotone Mill. Explore the mill and see re-enactors and artisan vendors. Palos Park will be holding their Autumn in The Park Festival in the Palos Park Village Green September 20th-21st with food, activities and a parade. Also taking place September 20th-21st is Crete Acorn Fest in Crete Park. Those looking to taste some of the area’s best chili can attend Homewood’s Annual Fall Fest and Chili Cook-Off in Downtown Homewood on September 21st, which will also include a pumpkin patch, vendors and kid-friendly activities. Finally, the L.A.C.E. Autumn Fest takes place September 27th-28th at Fox Pointe in Lansing, with music, food and vendors!

NXL Professional Paintball Tournament and Trade Show

Fans of paintball won’t want to miss out on the NXL Professional Paintball Tournament and Trade Show at Chicago Gaelic Park in Oak Forest on September 13th-15th. Tickets are required for watching the Pro Main Stage, but the amateur fields and trade show are free to check out! Witness some exhilarating paintball and pick up some brand-new gear!

Take a virtual tour of Holiday Inn Express Crestwood

After it’s successful grand re-opening last month, the newly renovated Holiday Inn Express in Crestwood is ready for your stay! Take a virtual tour of the beautifully remodeled breakfast area, meeting space and guest rooms before booking your trip!

Hot Dog and Pizza Passes

Try some of the Chicago Southland’s most iconic foods with our newest mobile passports; the Pizza Pass and the Hot Diggity Dog Pass. Head out to some of the Chicago Southland’s favorite spots to get a slice of pizza or a classic Chicago-style dog and earn points along the way. Check in at multiple locations to earn enough points for some free Chicago Southland swag!

Railfan guide

The Chicago Southland has a rich history of railroading. The region embraces that history today with several unique rail viewing locations, the Pullman Historic District, and Flossmoor Station’s Restaurant & Brewery. You can learn more about all the sites and attractions for railfans in the recently updated Railfan Guide. Order your copy today to discover the fascinating stories and heritage that shaped the railroads of this vibrant area. Whether you’re a seasoned rail enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of trains, the guide offers insights into the historical significance and ongoing legacy of railroading in the Chicago Southland. 

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