Community Corner

Know Before You Go: Oak Forest Fleadh 2024 Ready To Paint Town Green

Oak Forest's 2024 Fleadh Irish festival will include another day of fun such as a 5K, parade, live music, and more, set for March 2.

The 15th annual Oak Forest Fleadh is set for Saturday, March 2.
The 15th annual Oak Forest Fleadh is set for Saturday, March 2. (Courtesy of Kelly Semenow/Kelly Ryan Photography)

OAK FOREST, IL — Got all 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 15th 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 2.

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. There's a new start line at 155th and Betty Ann, two blocks east of Central Avenue. 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. As you race through town, you’ll see lots of green and lots of friendly faces cheering you on! Special thanks to CNB Bank & Trust, our premier 5k sponsor, for helping us to put on a race to remember!

Find out what's happening in Oak Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Pre-and post-race events will take place in the Oak Forest Fire Station at 5620 James Drive - City Hall campus.

Courtesy of Kelly Semenow/Kelly Ryan Photography
Courtesy of Kelly Semenow/Kelly Ryan Photography

Fleadh Family Parade

The parade will kick off at 11 a.m. from 151st and Central Avenue, led by Grand Marshal Oak Forest Raiders. Bring the family, wear your green!

Find out what's happening in Oak Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Feeling lucky? Hunt for the hidden $1,000 Golden Ticket provided by sponsor Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing along the parade route.

Courtesy of Kelly Semenow/Kelly Ryan Photography

Street Closures

CNB Oak Forest Fleadh 5K

The 5k route runs through local neighborhoods. The area most impacted is 149th to 156th streets from Long to Lavergne 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

  • Street closures from approximately 10:45 a.m. to noon.
  • Central Avenue from 151st to 157th streets
  • 151st Street from Hille Middle School to Central Avenue

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