Flossmoor’s OAKtoberfest: A Day to Unplug, Play and Celebrate Nature

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 3, because Flossmoor is pulling out all the stops for OAKtoberfest – a day‑long invitation to step outside, breathe in some fresh air and get to know the green side of our town.

The festivities kick off at 10 a.m. with a guided tree walk led by village arborist Dave Becker. Starting in Flossmoor Park, Becker will point out the quirks of local species, share updates on the town’s canopy and sprinkle in a few fun facts that even the most seasoned tree‑huggers might not know.

While the trees are being admired, the park morphs into a bustling hub of hands‑on learning. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., volunteers and partner organizations host workshops on everything from organic gardening to native‑plant landscaping. The Flossmoor Green Commission will chat about keystone species and the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge, while artist Holly Greenberg invites visitors to add a brushstroke to her “Bird Collision in the Anthropocene” community art piece. Kids can settle in for story time with librarians from the Flossmoor Public Library, and a local Insect Petting Zoo—courtesy of the University of Illinois Extension—offers a chance to get up close with creepy‑crawly critters.

This year brings a couple of fresh highlights. At noon, resident artist‑beekeeper Janelle Dunlap will take the stage to talk bees, art and her work at the Obama Presidential Center’s aviary, plus a quick demo with the Westside Bee Boyz. Residents are also welcome to contribute photos or sketches of beloved trees for a communal collage that will honor the canopy loss caused by summer storms.

When the clock strikes 1 p.m., the vibe shifts toward the downtown area. Stroll through Flossmoor’s charming main street, pop into local shops, or follow a self‑guided tour of the village’s public‑art collection (details at ArtFlossmoor.com). It’s a perfect pause before the evening’s excitement.

As daylight fades, the South Commuter Lot transforms into an outdoor music arena from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Under a big party tent, emcee Phil Lee spins tracks before live sets from ReTurn2Soul at 5 p.m. and the ’80s‑vibed Chicago band Sixteen Candles at 7 p.m. Food trucks, local vendors, themed photo‑ops and even outdoor TVs for college football keep the energy humming. Attendees can also sign up for the Flossmoor Service League Bags Tournament, a friendly competition that raises money for area nonprofits.

“I’m thrilled to bring everyone together to celebrate the trees, the community and everything that makes Flossmoor special,” says Stephanie Wright, the village’s Community Engagement Manager. “After a busy summer, it will be wonderful to get outside, enjoy time with our neighbors, and celebrate together.”

The event is made possible thanks to generous sponsors including Comcast, First Financial Bank, Ottosen DiNolfo Hasenbalg & Castaldo, UChicago Medicine, Olympia Fields Hospital, Rich Township, ComEd, Eyes on Sterling and Sutton Ford. For more details, visit Flossmoor.org or email Info@Flossmoor.org.