FLOSSMOOR, IL — The Village of Flossmoor invites the public to dive into the wonders of nature at OAKtoberfest, set for Saturday, Oct. 3. The Village will offer a full day of celebrating nature, trees and community spirit with activities for all ages.
Start the day at 10 a.m. with an educational tree walk with Village Arborist Dave Becker, beginning in Flossmoor Park (2449 Flossmoor Rd.). Becker will share his knowledge about the different types of trees in the area, as well as updated information on Flossmoor's tree canopy. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the same park, enjoy interactive workshops and demonstrations focused on sustainable living, organic gardening, native plantings and more, presented by local and regional partners. Chat with the Flossmoor Green Commission about keystone species and the Mayor's Monarch Pledge. Join with Holly Greenberg to work on her Bird Collision in the Anthropocene community art project. Fill up your fall garden with native plants and trees from Possibility Place, and enjoy nature stories read by librarians from the Flossmoor Public Library. Additional exhibitors include the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry, Homewood Science Center, Thorn Creek Audubon Society, Urban Canopy, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, and the University of Illinois Extension, showcasing its Insect Petting Zoo. Children will enjoy nature-themed programming and crafts just for them, plus free rock climbing and facepainting.
New this year: Meet Flossmoor resident, artist and beekeeper Janelle Dunlap at 1 p.m. She will give a presentation on bees, art and community, plus share her experiences working at the Obama Presidential Center's aviary with the Westside Bee Boyz. Also new: Area residents are invited to bring photos or drawings of their favorite tree to become part of a special collage, honoring the Village's tree canopy, which lost hundreds of mature trees during this summer's storms.
From 1 to 4 p.m., fest goers are encouraged to dine and shop in Flossmoor's charming downtown district, or explore Flossmoor's public art collection with a self-guided tour, accessible at ArtFlossmoor.com.
As the sun sets, OAKtoberfest transitions into an evening music festival from 4 to 9 p.m. in the nearby South Commuter Lot (south of Flossmoor Road at Sterling Avenue). Under the giant party tent, enjoy music spun by emcee Phil Lee, followed by live performances by ReTurn2Soul at 5 p.m. and Chicago-based, '80s band Sixteen Candles at 7 p.m. Indulge in food from local vendors and food trucks, sip refreshing beverages and snap photos at the themed photo op. Fest goers can also catch college football games on outdoor TVs. Participants are being recruited for the Flossmoor Service League Bags Tournament, which will raise funds for the local non-profit organizations.
"I'm excited for this opportunity to bring everyone together to celebrate nature, community and all the things that make Flossmoor such a special place," said Stephanie Wright, Flossmoor's Community Engagement Manager. "After a busy summer, it will be wonderful to get outside, enjoy time with our neighbors, and celebrate together."
OAKtoberfest 2026 is sponsored by: Comcast; First Financial Bank; Ottosen, DiNolfo, Hasenbalg & Castaldo, Ltd.; UChicago Medicine; Olympia Fields Hospital; Rich Township; ComEd; Eyes on Sterling; and Sutton Ford.
For more information, please visit www.Flossmoor.org or email Info@Flossmoor.org.
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