Countdown to Fleadh: 14th Annual Oak Forest Fleadh Set For March 4

OAK FOREST, IL — Start getting your green garb together now. Bet you'll find some stores already selling beads, hats, oversize glasses—the brighter, the better—to get you set for Oak Forest's annual Fleadh festivities.

Now in its 14th year, the Oak Forest Fleadh—a Gaelic term for a festival of Irish music, dancing, and culture—has a schedule jam-packed with festivities. The Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Oak Forest, will host the event on Saturday, March 4.

What's In Store

CNB Fleadh 5K

Start your day with a 5K run (or walk, if you'd prefer). The CNB Fleadh 5K kicks off at 8:30 a.m. The route takes you through the neighborhood and past Oak Forest landmarks, such as St. Damian Church, Oak Forest High School, Valley Kingdom Ministries, Ridge & Kerkstra schools. The start/finish line is just steps away from Oak Forest Bowl, the event's pre- and post-race host. As you race through town, you’ll see lots of green and lots of friendly faces cheering you on!

• REGISTER NOW
• FLEADH 5K ROUTE
• FLEADH 5K PARKING MAP

Fleadh Family Parade

The parade will kick off at 11 a.m. from 151st and Central Avenue. Bring the family, wear your green, and let’s have some fun! Don’t forget a bag to grab all those goodies!

Feeling lucky? Hunt for the hidden $1000 Golden Ticket provided by sponsor Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing along the parade route.

Families, businesses and community, school and religious groups are encouraged to participate in the parade.

• PARADE REGISTRATION FORM
• JOIN THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Pot O' Gold Raffle

Purchase a Pot O' Gold Raffle ticket for $20 for your chance to win the $1,500, $1,000 or $500. Seller of 1st prize winning ticket will receive $100. The drawing will be held via Facebook Live on St. Patrick's Day. To purchase a ticket, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 708-687-4600.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Support the Fleadh by becoming a sponsor. For more information, email Kim Malecky Iles or call 708-687-4600.

Restaurants & Bars

Stop by one of our restaurants or bars to enjoy some great food and beverages after the festivities. Patch will provide more info on specials at bars and restaurants as the date nears!