Send Off Summer At New Lenox's 'Last Call Before Fall' Saturday

NEW LENOX, IL — New Lenox's Last Call Before Fall returns Saturday, a chance to toast the summer goodbye to live music and family fun.

The event set for Sept. 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. is held at the New Lenox Commons, 101 Veterans Pkwy. Admission is free, with beers from area craft breweries available for purchase.

Friends of the New Lenox Parks will also host their annual Empty Bowls fundraiser to help support the New Lenox Township Food Pantry. Purchase a hand-painted bowl and receive unlimited soup tastings from local restaurants. Tickets are required, and $20 per person. They can be purchased online in advance—please note there is a $1 surcharge for credit/debit payments—or at the event for $20 if paying by cash.

Restaurants participating and their featured soups include:

• Portillo's: Chili
• 3 Corners Grill and Tap: Chicken and rice
• Bourbon's Smokehouse: Brisket chili
• Gina's Teardrop Cafe: Lemon rice
• Aurelio's Frankfort: Minestrone
• JBD White Horse Inn: Beef vegetable and barley
• Gatto's: Pasta e Fagioli
• Beggars Pizza New Lenox: Stuffed pepper
• United Methodist Church: Broccoli cheddar

Beer will also be available from several local breweries including Arrowhead Ales, Hailstorm, Nik & Ivy, Soundgrowler and Hickory Creek Brewing. Beer tickets are $5 each.

Live music scheduled to take the stage includes:

• 1 to 2:30 p.m.: Crosstown Classics
• 3 to 5 p.m.: Coverlicious

Kid-friendly activities include pony rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, face painting, and other games for both kids and adults.

Parking is available in the south lot of the Village Hall as well as in the lots behind Old Plank Trail Community Bank and Trinity Services. Accessible parking is available in the New Lenox Police Department's administrative parking lot, located to the southeast of the New Lenox Police Department.

Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged if attendees plan to enjoy the music throughout the day.

More info available on the Village's website.