Oak Forest 2022 Fleadh Festival: What To Know So Far

OAK FOREST, IL — The city's annual Fleadh festival is back this year, complete with the parade and leprechauns of years past, city officials told Patch.

Fleadh is a traditional Irish festival of music, dance and culture. In Ireland, the festival is celebrated with music competitions that lead up to a large, country-wide Fleadh parade.

Oak Forest's Fleadh will take place March 5, from 8:30 a.m. until late into the night. According to preliminary details, Oak Forest-Crestwood Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 2022 festival, which is the area's 13th time celebrating the event.

Below is the timeline, which will be updated as the date nears.

8:30 a.m.

Oak Forest Fleadh 5K

• A new route for the 5K, which was conducted virtually last year, runs by Oak Forest landmarks such as St. Damian Church, Oak Forest High School and Valley Kingdom Ministries.
• The race begins and ends at Oak Forest Bowl and is sponsored by the bowling location and CNB Bank.

11 a.m.

Family Parade

• The Fleadh parade will begin at 11 a.m. from 151st Street and Central Avenue
• Members of Project Fire Buddies will lead the parade as grand marshals.
• Those watching are encouraged to wear green, bring a bag for tossed candy, and hunt for the $1,000 prize hidden along the route provided by Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing.

Those looking to register to be in the parade can sign up here.

Other events have been announced throughout the month, though officials warned festivalgoers the city's public intoxication and open container ordinances will be "strictly enforced," according to a social media statement. Local restaurants and bars are also expected to announce deals and events for the March 5 celebration in the coming weeks.

Before the March 5th 5K, a Run to the Pub event will allow participants to get a taste of what is to come. More information here.

Street closures had not been announced as of Feb. 7.