Flossmoor’s OAKtoberfest: Unplug, Play, and Celebrate Nature

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 3, because the Village of Flossmoor is throwing a nature‑loving shindig called OAKtoberfest. Starting at 10 a.m., residents and curious visitors alike can join Village Arborist Dave Becker for a guided tree walk that winds through Flossmoor Park at 2449 Flossmoor Road. Becker will point out the different species in the canopy, share some fresh data on the village’s tree cover, and—if you’re lucky—answer a few off‑the‑cuff questions about oak history.

While you’re still in the park, stick around for a series of hands‑on workshops that run until 1 p.m. Think sustainable living demos, organic gardening tips, native‑plant displays, and more. Local partners like the Flossmoor Green Commission, the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry, and the Thorn Creek Audubon Society will have tables set up, and you can chat with folks about keystone species or sign the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge. There’s even a community art project called “Bird Collision in the Anthropocene” led by Holly Greenberg—feel free to add your own brushstroke.

New this year, artist‑beekeeper Janelle Dunlap will pop up at noon to talk about the surprising ties between bees, art, and community. She’ll also recount her stint working at the Obama Presidential Center’s aviary with the Westside Bee Boyz. And if you love trees, bring a photo or a drawing of your favorite one; the village is compiling a collage to honor the canopy that was thinned by the summer storms.

Kids aren’t left out, either. The Flossmoor Public Library will read nature‑themed stories, and a kid‑focused area will offer crafts, a free rock‑climbing wall, and face‑painting. Nearby, the University of Illinois Extension will run an Insect Petting Zoo that’s surprisingly kid‑friendly.

After lunch, the festival shifts its vibe toward Flossmoor’s downtown. From 1 to 4 p.m., you can wander the shops, grab a bite from local eateries, or follow a self‑guided tour of the town’s public art via ArtFlossmoor.com.

When the sun starts to dip, the party moves to a large tent in the South Commuter Lot (south of Flossmoor Road at Sterling Avenue). From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., emcee Phil Lee will keep the energy up, with live sets from ReTurn2Soul at 5 p.m. and Chicago’s ’80s‑vibe band Sixteen Candles at 7 p.m. Food trucks, local vendors, and even outdoor TVs showing college football add extra buzz. For a good cause, volunteers are also recruiting participants for the Flossmoor Service League Bags Tournament, with proceeds earmarked for community nonprofits.

“I’m excited for this opportunity to bring everyone together to celebrate nature, community and all the things that make 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.”

OAKtoberfest 2026 is proudly sponsored by 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 www.Flossmoor.org or email Info@Flossmoor.org.