Know Before You Go: Oak Forest Fleadh 2026 Set To Paint The Town Green

OAK FOREST, IL — Got all your green garb ready to go? It's about time to Fleadh, and we have all the details you'll need to get in on the fun.

Now in its 17th year, the Oak Forest Fleadh—a Gaelic term for a festival of Irish music, dancing, and culture—has a schedule jam-packed with festivities. The Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Oak Forest, will host the event on Saturday, March 7.

CNB FLEADH 5K

Start your day with a 5K run (or walk, if you'd prefer). The CNB Fleadh 5K kicks off at 8:30 a.m., at 155th and Betty Ann (two blocks east of Central Avenue). The route takes you through the neighborhood and past Oak Forest landmarks, such as St. Damian Church, Oak Forest High School, Valley Kingdom Ministries, Ridge & Kerkstra schools. As you race through town, you’ll see lots of green and lots of friendly faces cheering you on!

Pre-and post-race events will take place in the Oak Forest Fire Station at 5620 James Drive—City Hall campus.

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• FLEADH 5K ROUTE

Fleadh Family Parade

The parade will kick off at 11 a.m. from 151st and Central Avenue, led by St. Damian School. Bring the family, wear your green!

“St. Damian School has been an integral part of our community for more than 60 years, providing a quality education and strong foundation for students,” said Chamber of Commerce Director Kim Malecky-Iles. “As an alumna, I am overjoyed to celebrate the Lancers on Central Avenue during our signature event, which celebrates both Irish culture and civic pride.”

St. Damian School is a Catholic school offering instruction from preschool through 8th grade. The school has twice been recognized as a Blue Ribbon School, a prestigious award from the U.S. Department of Education recognizing public and private schools with exceptionally high student performance or significant progress in closing achievement gaps, signifying overall academic excellence, strong teaching, and positive school culture, with the physical blue ribbon flag becoming a symbol of quality.

As the grand marshal, St. Damian School families will lead approximately 50 parade units, including a pipe and drum band, civic and community groups, schools and churches, and local businesses along Central Avenue.

"We’re honored and excited to lead this year’s parade," said Tina Hubert, St. Damian School Board member. "This celebration unites our families, deepens our connection to the Oak Forest community, and highlights what makes it such a special place to educate our children."

Feeling lucky? Hunt for the hidden $1,000 Golden Ticket provided by sponsor Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing along the parade route.

Family Fun Fest

Visit the Oak Forest Park District at noon at 15601 S. Central Avenue for a family fun fest with lots of children's activities after the parade.

Street Closures

CNB Oak Forest Fleadh 5K

• No parking on the Fleadh 5K route from 7 to 10 a.m.
• Street closures in effect from 8:15 to 10 a.m.
• 155th Street from Central Avenue to Michaele Drive will close at 7:30 a.m. Natalie Drive (access from Central Ave) will remain open until approximately 8:15 a.m.
• Several neighborhood streets will be impacted
• 149th to 156th streets from Long to Lavergne avenues
• 155th Street from Central to Long avenues

Family Parade

• Street closures from approximately 10:30 a.m. to noon
• Central Avenue from 151st Street to Independence Avenue
• 151st Street from Condado Drive to Central Avenue

Early Voting

Please note these street closures if you are trying to access Early Voting at City Hall on Saturday, March 7. Early Voting will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but will be difficult to access via vehicle between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.