One way to welcome autumn is by attending Fall on the Green in Oak Lawn.
The free outdoor festival takes place Sept. 8-10 on the Oak Lawn Village Green.
“We always get a good turnout,” said Steve Barrett, public works director for the village of Oak Lawn.
“There’s just some people I see once a year and it’s usually at this event. It’s pretty much like that for everybody. You run into people you haven’t seen for a long time. It’s a family event. That’s the way we like to keep it.”
New for the longtime fest is a Sept. 8 battle of the bands organized by the Oak Lawn Arts Commission. The winner performs at 11 a.m. Sept. 10.
“We like to try a little bit of something new every year,” said Barrett, of Oak Lawn.
“Actually the winner from Friday night is going to get to play on the main stage on Sunday. These guys will be a little younger so it’s a big thrill for them to play on the main stage.”
Fall on the Green is filled with entertainment including Bernie Glim (country rock), the Boy Band Night (boy band tribute) and Sean and Charlie (all music genres) Sept. 8.
Sept. 9’s lineup includes the Cousins (acoustic covers), Motel Breakfast (rock and folk rock), Drop Top (modern country, pop and rock), Electricland (classic to current rock), Scarlett Drive (country), Strung Out (1970s), American English (Beatles tribute) and Anthem (classic rock).
Sept. 10 includes the Four C Notes (“Jersey Boys” cover), the Hat Guys (all music genres), Rendition (all music genres) and the Walk Ins (1950s through current).
“It is very important that we have bands that draw a big following because one of the driving factors of the event is beer sales,” Barrett said.
“Basically sponsorships and the beer sales pay for this event and this weekend. At the end we do make a profit and then we split the profit with Park Lawn every year so everybody benefits.”
Fall on the Green also can draw attendees with the arts and crafts show from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 9-10. Approximately 60 local vendors are expected.
“People want to get out, walk around and just check things out. The arts and crafts thing especially during the day Saturday and Sunday brings people out. It gives them something to do,” said Barrett who came in 43 years ago as a worker in the village’s street division and worked his way up the ladder.
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A climbing wall, crafts, Eurobungy, inflatables and an obstacle course are among the activities for children.
Food vendors include Oak Lawn businesses Lucky Burrito, New China Express, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Palermo’s Pizza, Texas Corral and the Whistle Sports Bar & Grill; Original Rainbow Cone, of Chicago’s Beverly community; and Peppo’s, of Palos Hills.
“What we try to do is every food vendor is allowed one exclusive. We don’t have 10 vendors and they’re all selling hot dogs. We try to get some variety in the food tent,” Barrett said.
After launching at 2016’s Fall on the Green, the senior tent featuring bingo returns Sept. 9-10.
“This was a hit last year,” said Barrett. “One complaint we’ve had in the past is we didn’t do anything for seniors so during the day on Saturday and Sunday we have bingo for seniors and give them free coffee and cookies.”
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Fall on the Green
When: 6 p.m.-midnight Sept. 8; 11 a.m.-midnight Sept. 9; 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Sept. 10
Where: Oak Lawn Village Green, 95th Street and Cook Avenue, Oak Lawn
Admission: free
Information: 708-499-7837 (Deanne Adasiak) or oaklawn-il.gov