Fifth Annual German Fest
Enjoy live music and entertainment, authentic German food and beer, games for kids, and shop wares from local vendors. The fest will run from 4 to 11 p.m. on June 7, and 12 to 11 p.m. on June 8, at the Altenheim Picnic Grove, 7824 Madison St. Learn more at GermanfestForestPark.com.
The OK BBQ Block Party
Saturday, June 8, Noon to 8 p.m., Constitution Court:
Enjoy local food, craft beer, live music and kid’s activities – bounce house, water games, crafts, face-painting and more. $10, suggested donations; free, under age 12. Brought by Opportunity Knocks, which serves area young people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. More: opportunityknocksnow.org/event/the-ok-bbq-block-party. Madison St. and Thomas Ave., Forest Park.
Feast for good
Join officials from Housing Forward for a “Feast for Good” fundraiser on June 6. The nonprofit will offer three options to accommodate all.
For families, Housing Forward is hosting “Forward for Family,” which will start at 6:45 p.m. at Junction Diner, 7401 Madison St., and then head to The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor, 7347 Madison St., at 7:45 p.m. for dessert.
For a progressive dinner, Housing Forward is offering “Feast Forward” with seatings at 5:30 and 6:15 p.m. at Jimmy’s Place, 7411 Madison St.
For adults, Housing Forward is offering “Forward for a Few,” where attendees can pop into Madison Street establishments for food and drink specials. Start at 6 p.m. at Exit Strategy Brewing Co., 7700 Madison St., and end the night at 8 p.m. at Healy’s Westside, 7321 Madison St., with sandwiches from Starship Restaurant & Catering. Tickets $65 for adults, and $20 for children. Register online at housingforward.org.
Forest Park Fire Department Blood Drive
Donate blood and receive a free T-shirt and coupon for a Culver’s custard, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 15 at Forest Park Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave.
Walk and talk with a naturalist
Join a naturalist for a guided hike of the Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on June 5. Children are welcome but strollers are not advised due to the unpaved path.
Peer Support and Art Group
Share personal stories of disability and produce artwork, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on June 13 at the Progress Center for Independent Living, 7521 Madison St. For accommodation requests, and to RSVP, call Gary Arnold at 708-209-1500 extension 14 or email garnold@progresscil.org.
Paint and Pizza at Creativita
Teens can create a special piece of art with officials from the Forest Park Public Library, and enjoy pizza, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on June 11 at Creativita, 7512 Madison St. Space is limited, so register online at fppl.org.
Juneteenth
Don’t miss the 11th annual Juneteenth party from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on June 15 at the Park District of Forest Park, 7501 Harrison St.
Under the Story Tree
Still Waters Preschool Co-Op will read stories about trees and people from 3:30 to 5 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at the community gardens, St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 305 Circle Ave. All ages invited.
Four Winds Casino
Join the Howard Mohr Community Center for a trip to the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Michigan. Attendees will receive a $15 slot credit, $10 food credit and roundtrip transportation. Participants must hold a valid state ID or driver’s license. Cost is $41 for residents, and $45 for non-residents. Reservations required. Call the Howard Mohr Community Center at 708-771-7737 to sign up.
Author Discussion and Signing with Neil Gordon
Join author Neil Gordon for a discussion of his latest work, “Tony Accardo is Joe Batters,” from 7 to 9 p.m. on June 7 at Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore, 7419 Madison St.
Storytime Concert and Open House
Singer-songwriter Jeanie B. will perform for children age 5 and under from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on June 7 at the Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd.
Allium Press of Chicago’s Anniversary Party
Help Allium Press of Chicago celebrate their 10th anniversary, from 7 to 9 p.m. on June 6 at Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore, 7419 Madison St. Several Allium Press authors will be on hand to discuss their work.
Calendar Events
As you’ve likely noticed, our Calendar has changed to Big Week. Fewer items, higher profile. If you would like your event to be featured here, please send a photo and details by noon of the Wednesday before it needs to be published. We can’t publish everything, but we’ll do our best to feature the week’s highlights.
Email calendar@wjinc.com.
