Call us crazy, but we like to have fun here in Tinley Park – especially in July, when the thermostat starts to climb and the flip flops come out in full force. Why not join us for what’s sure to be a memorable month filled with plenty of opportunities to fill up your fun meter!
Start with a concert beneath the stars at our free Music in the Plaza series, which runs from 7 to 10 p.m. select Saturdays in Zabrocki Plaza, 17375 S. Oak Park Ave. Upcoming concerts include Nashville Electric Company on July 27; Brass from the Past on Aug. 10; Boy Band Night on Aug. 24; Beatles tribute band Kaleidoscope Eyes on Sept. 7; and the Blooze Brothers on Sept. 21. Bring your lawn chairs and prepare for a night of great music!
If you love vintage cars, you’ll want to stick around for Cruise Nights from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through August 27 along Oak Park Avenue from 171st Street and 173rd Place. It’s free and a ton of fun for gearheads and casual car fans alike.
While you’re in the neighborhood, hop aboard the free Ale Trail Trolley and visit some of Tinley Park’s best wineries and breweries! Two trolleys run from 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 28, with stops at SIP Wine Bar, Banging Gavel, Flipside Brewing, the Open Bottle, Hailstorm Brewing Co., Soundgrowler, and Hillgrove Tap.
As long as you’re already in Downtown Tinley, you might as well get reacquainted with a few of your favorite childhood friends with the 21st annual Benches on the Avenue public art project and its very animated theme, “Saturday Morning Cartoons.” There are 25 handcrafted benches out now through October along Oak Park Avenue from 175th to 171st streets. Get comfy with classics such as the Flintstones, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Spongebob Squarepants, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Tom & Jerry and many, many more!
Finish out the week with the Tinley Park Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays through October 12 in Zabrocki Plaza. Shop for fresh produce and flowers, as well as other items such as dog treats, dips, cheeses, jewelry, hot sauce and much more. Come for the shopping and stay for family yoga, live music and other fun!
In addition to recurring fun, July will feature two unique summer events you won’t want to miss. Catch the Caribbean Block Party from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 20 and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 21 in Zabrocki Plaza for two days of free family fun with tropical bands on two stages, food vendors, beverages and more!
Also in July is the Tinley Park Ribfest, which will run from 2 to 11 p.m. July 4 through July 6, and from 2 to 8 p.m. July 7 in the north parking lot at the 80th Avenue train station, 18001 S. 80th Ave., Tinley Park. Come for live music, rides, a fireworks show on July 4 and, of course, all the ribs you can eat! Get your tickets now at TicketWiz.us.
Consider yourself cordially invited to have the time of your life in Tinley Park this summer!