Know Before You Go: Oak Forest Fleadh 2023

OAK FOREST, IL — Got your green ready to go? It's about time to Fleadh, and we have all the details you'll need to get in on the fun.

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.

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

The CNB Fleadh 5k is a challenging course, weaving through the neighborhoods and past Oak Forest landmarks like St. Damian Church, Oak Forest High School, Valley Kingdom Ministries, Ridge & Kerkstra Schools. The start/finish is just steps away from Oak Forest Bowl, at 153rd & LaCrosse.

Fleadh 5K participants will receive a ultra soft cotton short sleeve race t-shirt* and goody bag* (*while supplies last). All sales are final, no refunds. The Fleadh 5K is certified by the USATF.

Race starts at 8:30 a.m. If you don't start by 8:35, your time will not be recorded and eligible for awards. Awards presentation at 9:30.

Street closures

Heads-up for street closures in preparation for the 5k. The 5k route runs through local neighborhoods. The area most impacted is 149th to 156th streets from Long to Lacrosse avenues. Street closures are from approximately 8:15 to 10 a.m. View the route. Please note: There will be no parking on the 5K route between 7 and 10 a.m.

FAMILY PARADE

The Fleadh family parade steps off at 11 a.m. from Central Avenue and 151st Street, heading south to the Oak Forest Park District. Expect floats, bagpipes, Irish dancers, flying candy, and plenty of green.

Street closures

Be aware of street closures for the parade, from approximately 10:45 a.m. to noon.

• Central Avenue from 151st to 157th streets
• 151st Street from Hille Middle School to Central Avenue

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.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

There is no set list of bars and restaurants participating, but visitors are encouraged to pop in to any they'd like for food and drink specials.