Free Labor Day Things To Do In The South Suburbs

TINLEY PARK, IL — We know summer doesn't officially end for a few more weeks, but for many of us, Labor Day weekend is the unofficial farewell to the days of vacation fun in the sun. This year, there are plenty of free ways for you to make the most of the three-day weekend. Get ready to frolic. We've event got a reminder of how Labor Day got started.

Chicago Heights

Chicago Heights Labor Day Picnic

• What: The annual picnic sponsored by 2nd Ward Aldermen and Committeemen offers music, food and fun.
• When: Sun., Sept. 1, from 12 to 4 p.m.
• Where: Guy Petrarca Park at East 22nd Street and Wallace Street
• Tickets: Free

Orland Park

Billy Joel Cover Band Concert

• What: Centennial Park West Concert Series, featuring 52nd Street band, which covers the best of legendary Billy Joel. Three bands will perform.
• When: Sun., Sept. 1. First band begins at 4 p.m.
• Where: Centennial Park West, 153rd Street and 108th Avenue in Orland Park.
• Tickets: Free

Frankfort

Frankfort Fall Fest

• What: The Frankfort Chamber of Commerce presents the 51st Annual Frankfort Fall Festival, which has been noted as one of the best Arts and Crafts Fairs in the country.
• When: Through Mon., Sept. 2.
• Where: Downtown Frankfort
• Tickets: Free

Oak Forest

Oak Forest American Day Parade, Old Times Picnic

• What: Display your patriotism and dip into nostalgia this weekend as part of summer's last hurrah. You'll find food, a petting zoo and games.
• When: Sun., Sept. 2. Parade begins at 11 a.m. Picnic is 12 to 8 p.m.
• Where: The parade heads down Central Avenue from 151st to 156th streets. The picnic is at 5601 S. Central Avenue.
• Tickets: Free

If you really want to venture to Chicago:

Pullman: Women & Work — Labor Day

• What: Celebrate the 125th anniversary of the strike that led to the creation of Labor Day as a federal holiday.
• When: Mon., Sept. 2
• Where: Historic Hotel Florence Grounds111th Street and South Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago, IL
• Tickets: Free

40th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival

• What: Local jazz musicians will play along with musical talents from around the country and the world at this traditional Labor Day weekend event.
• When: Through Sept. 1
• Where: Millennium Park, Michigan Ave. & Columbus Ave.
• Tickets: Free
• More info: Go to the festival's website for a complete lineup of performers

Live On The Lake!

• What: Free live music in the Miller Lite Beer Garden at Navy Pier; shows include Local Motive, NuBlu Band, Mike & Joe, AfroZep, DJ Papa G and Kofi and the New Roots.
• When: Through Sept. 2
• Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.
• Tickets: Free
• More info: Schedule of shows available on the website

Fireworks at Navy Pier

• What: It's your last chance this summer to catch Navy Pier's amazing fireworks show.
• When: 10:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31
• Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.
• Tickets: Free
• More info: Navy Pier website