
programs & events
There’s something for everyone at the Southeast Side parks! From festivals, to campouts, to climbing classes, check out all the exciting outdoor adventures we have planned in your community.
The Chicago Park District has adjusted its programs and events schedule in response to the modified Stay at Home order. Please note that all program dates are subject to change based on guidance from City and State public health officials.
Click on an event to see details and to RSVP.
MAY
27
Friends of Big Marsh: After Glow
9am - 4pm
Big Marsh

Friends of Big Marsh: After Glow
Time
Saturday, May 27th
9am - 4pm
Location
Big Marsh
11559 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60617
EVENT DETAILS
Join Friends of Big Marsh for AFTERGLOW on Saturday May 27th, with sign up for running and bike races at 8 AM. Registration starts at $10 suggested donation for our 1 mile Fun Walk at 9 AM, $15 for our Medium Bike Race (12:40), and $25 for our 50 minute Serious Bike Race (11:30 AM).
Bike riders and runners can expect a combination of pavement, grass, limestone, and even some mountain bike single track! Afterglow will also have music, DJs, and dance classes all day long. All proceeds from AFTERGLOW go to Friends of Big Marsh. If you’d like to sign up, please visit bigmarsh.org/afterglow or bring cash for day of sign up. No one will be turned away for lack of funds and YOUTH RACE FREE.
FREE
MAY
28
Bird Walk at Marian Byrnes Park
8:00am – 10:00am
Marian R. Byrnes

Bird Walk at Marian Byrnes Park
Time
Sunday, May 28th
8:00am – 10:00am
Location
Marian Byrnes Park
9662 S Van Vlissingen Rd
Chicago, IL, 60617
EVENT DETAILS
Join COS for a hike through one of the Chicago Park District’s newest natural areas; Marian Byrnes Park! With over 100 acres of wetlands, prairie, and savannah to explore, we’ll be on the look out for a variety of early migrants including rails, warblers, sparrows, and raptors. Beginning birders are welcome and extra binoculars will be available.
Please RSVP in advance!
FREE
MAY
31
Big Marsh Mountain Bike Race #1
4pm - 9pm
Big Marsh

Big Marsh Mountain Bike Race #1
Time
Wednesday, May 31st
4pm - 9pm
Location
Big Marsh
11559 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60633
EVENT DETAILS
The Big Marsh Mountain Bike Race Series on Wednesday evenings starts on May 31st and continues on June 14th, June 28th, July 12th, and August 2nd. Expert races start at 6PM, Youth at 6:45, Beginners at 7:15 and Intermediate at 7:45. Follow bigmarshchicago on Instagram for updates.
Click here for more information!
free
JUN
10
Calumet Community Science Partnership
11am - 12:30pm
Big Marsh
Calumet Community Science Partnership
Time
Saturday, June 10th
11am - 12:30pm
Location
Big Marsh Park
11559 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60617
EVENT DETAILS
Come explore the beauty of Big Marsh! Under the guidance of a conservation scientist, learn about the biology of important local species, practice identifying dragonflies, damselflies, and butterflies in the field*, and learn how to monitor for the Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network and the Illinois Odonate Survey! All abilities and ages are welcome; recommended for adults and children ages 8+ with an accompanying guardian.
*workshop logistics are weather dependent and subject to change
FREE
For more information, click here
JUN
14
Big Marsh Mountain Bike Race #2
4pm - 9pm
Big Marsh

Big Marsh Mountain Bike Race #2
Time
Wednesday, June 14th
4pm - 9pm
Location
Big Marsh
11559 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60633
EVENT DETAILS
The Big Marsh Mountain Bike Race Series on Wednesday evenings starts on May 31st and continues on June 14th, June 28th, July 12th, and August 2nd. Expert races start at 6PM, Youth at 6:45, Beginners at 7:15 and Intermediate at 7:45. Follow bigmarshchicago on Instagram for updates.
Click here for more information!
free
JUN
17
Inaugural Arts Festival at Big Marsh Park
11:00am - 3:00pm
Big Marsh
Inaugural Arts Festival at Big Marsh Park
Time
Saturday, June 17th
11:00am - 3:00pm
Location
Big Marsh Park
11559 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60617
EVENT DETAILS
We are looking for artists, art organizations, educators, performers, and creative types to help build an outstanding community event. We have several different ways to participate. Interested individuals are invited to complete this Intent to Participate Form. Once we receive your form, a staff member at the Ford Calumet Environmental Center will contact you to talk through your submission.
*Weather permitting, the majority of the festival will take place outside, with the potential to hold a class or demonstration inside of the Ford Calumet Environmental Center. The Park District will develop marketing materials for distribution. There is no fee to participate, however, interested sponsors may contact the Friends of Big Marsh to donate to this worthwhile organization. In addition, we have a small budget to contract instructors.
FREE
Para mas información en Español llama a 312-590-5993
JUN
17
NOITP: Jabberwocky Marionettes
1pm – 2pm
Big Marsh

NOITP: Jabberwocky Marionettes
Time
Saturday, June 17th
1pm – 2pm
Location
Big Marsh
11559 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60617
EVENT DETAILS
‘My Robot’s Robot’
This Summer join Jabberwocky Marionettes as part of the first Arts Festival at Big Marsh Park for a fantastical puppet adventure beyond the moon and sun, into the starry universe, and into the world of science-fiction. Meet the little robot working away for infinity on a spaceship in ‘My Robot’s Robot’, a short puppet vignette about friendship. https://www.youtube.com/c/JabberwockyMarionettes
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
Jabberwocky Marionettes are creators of original productions and events made with handcrafted puppets and live animation for all ages. Lolly Extract and Amber Marsh have recently worked with; the Chicago Park District, the Field Museum, Chicago Public Libraries, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Elgin Children’s Theatre, A Red Orchid Theater & Northeastern Illinois University Goodwin College of Education.
FREE
For more information, click here!
JUN
28
Big Marsh Mountain Bike Race #3
4pm - 9pm
Big Marsh

Big Marsh Mountain Bike Race #3
Time
Wednesday, June 28th
4pm - 9pm
Location
Big Marsh
11559 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60633
EVENT DETAILS
The Big Marsh Mountain Bike Race Series on Wednesday evenings starts on May 31st and continues on June 14th, June 28th, July 12th, and August 2nd. Expert races start at 6PM, Youth at 6:45, Beginners at 7:15 and Intermediate at 7:45. Follow bigmarshchicago on Instagram for updates.
Click here for more information!
free
JUN
28
NOITP: Exploring Sound and Movement with Firebird
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Big Marsh

NOITP: Exploring Sound and Movement with Firebird
Time
Wednesday, June 28th
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Location
Big Marsh
11559 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60617
EVENT DETAILS
In this workshop, participants will explore the beauty and complexity of bird sounds and learn
how to use found objects and their own bodies to create their own unique soundscape.
Participants will learn new movement vocabulary inspired by the rhythms and patterns of bird
sounds, and develop choreography that integrates their own soundscape into the dance.
We will begin with a guided warm-up, focusing on breath, alignment, and grounding.
The warm-up will incorporate Firebird-inspired movements and gestures, such as flapping
wings pecking beaks and flocking. In addition, participants will explore different sounds and
vocalizations inspired by the Firebird. The instructor will guide participants in using their own
bodies and found objects as percussive instruments to create dynamic and expressive sounds.
The instructor will provide prompts and imagery to inspire sound-making, such as “the trill of a
bird’s song” or “the flutter of wings.” Using found objects and their own bodies, participants
will work individually or in small groups to create their own soundscape. Each participant can
bring their own found objects to make sounds. At the end of class using the sounds and
instruments as well as movements explored in the previous sections, participants will be
encouraged to create their own soundscape choreography that they can bring to the Firebird
Parade on July 8nd. Details TBA
JUL
01
Go Run 5K
9am
Big Marsh

Go Run 5K
Time
Saturday, July 1st
9am
Location
Big Marsh
11559 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60633
EVENT DETAILS
Lace up your sneakers! Join Go Run Chicago’s series of organized Saturday morning community runs. The events are open to everyone – long-time runners, newcomers, families and children are invited to take part.
Registration Opens: Friday @ 3:00 p.m. the week prior to each ‘Go Run™
Registration Closes: Friday @ 2:00 p.m. the day prior to each ‘Go Run™
FREE
JUL
08
Community Climb - July
11am - 2pm
Steelworkers Park

Community Climb - July
Time
Saturday, July 8th
11am - 2pm
Location
87th at S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60617
EVENT DETAILS
Join the Chicago Park District and Chicago Adventure Therapy for a series of facilitated Community Climbing events. Ages 8 and up. These climbs are FREE and includes equipment (harness, helmet, climbing shoes) and the use of the climbing systems. Registration is required. Walk-ups are welcome but climbing opportunities are limited to availability.
Climbers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian*
All climbers must agree to a waiver*
Register for a time slot!
FREE
JUL
12
Big Marsh Mountain Bike Race #4
4pm - 9pm
Big Marsh

Big Marsh Mountain Bike Race #4
Time
Wednesday, July 12th
4pm - 9pm
Location
Big Marsh
11559 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60633
EVENT DETAILS
The Big Marsh Mountain Bike Race Series on Wednesday evenings starts on May 31st and continues on June 14th, June 28th, July 12th, and August 2nd. Expert races start at 6PM, Youth at 6:45, Beginners at 7:15 and Intermediate at 7:45. Follow bigmarshchicago on Instagram for updates.
Click here for more information!
free
JUL
15
Calumet Community Science Partnership
11am - 12:45pm
Big Marsh
Calumet Community Science Partnership
Time
Saturday, July 15th
11am - 12:45pm
Location
Big Marsh Park
11559 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60617
EVENT DETAILS
Come explore the beauty of Big Marsh! Under the guidance of a conservation scientist, learn about the biology of important local species, practice identifying dragonflies, damselflies, and butterflies in the field*, and learn how to monitor for the Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network and the Illinois Odonate Survey! All abilities and ages are welcome; recommended for adults and children ages 8+ with an accompanying guardian.
*workshop logistics are weather dependent and subject to change
FREE
For more information, click here
JUL
15
NOITP: Summer Soundwalks in the Parks
5pm - 7pm
Big Marsh

NOITP: Summer Soundwalks in the Parks
Time
Saturday, July 15th
5pm - 7pm
Location
Big Marsh
11559 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60617
EVENT DETAILS
The Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology presents a series of guided soundwalks, workshops and training sessions that engage multi-generational communities in their own neighborhoods. Participants will listen for cultural and natural features of the landscape. Each walk will be led by a local sound artist who provides a unique thematic focus.
FREE
For more information, click here!
AUG
02
Big Marsh Mountain Bike Race #5
4pm - 9pm
Big Marsh

Big Marsh Mountain Bike Race #5
Time
Wednesday, August 2nd
4pm - 9pm
Location
Big Marsh
11559 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60633
EVENT DETAILS
The Big Marsh Mountain Bike Race Series on Wednesday evenings starts on May 31st and continues on June 14th, June 28th, July 12th, and August 2nd. Expert races start at 6PM, Youth at 6:45, Beginners at 7:15 and Intermediate at 7:45. Follow bigmarshchicago on Instagram for updates.
Click here for more information!
free
AUG
24
Bats of Chicago
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Big Marsh

Bats of Chicago
Time
Thursday, August 24th
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location
Big Marsh
11559 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60617
EVENT DETAILS
Did you know that there are almost a dozen species of bat found in Chicago? Despite their often-negative reputation, these flying mammals play an important role in our local ecosystem and lives. Join experts Maggie Jones and Edward Warden for a program all about our local bat species followed by a hike in search of these misunderstood creatures.
This program is free but requires RSVP. Please do so here and indicate how many people will be attending with you.
FREE
Para mas información en Español llama a 312-590-5993
AUG
27
Community Climb - August
11am - 2pm
Steelworkers Park

Community Climb - August
Time
Sunday, August 27th
11am - 2pm
Location
87th at S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60617
EVENT DETAILS
Join the Chicago Park District and Chicago Adventure Therapy for a series of facilitated Community Climbing events. Ages 8 and up. These climbs are FREE and includes equipment (harness, helmet, climbing shoes) and the use of the climbing systems. Registration is required. Walk-ups are welcome but climbing opportunities are limited to availability.
Climbers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian*
All climbers must agree to a waiver*
Register for a time slot!
FREE
SEP
30
Community Climb - September
10am - 1pm
Steelworkers Park

Community Climb - September
Time
Saturday, September 30th
10am - 1pm
Location
87th at S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60617
EVENT DETAILS
Join the Chicago Park District and Chicago Adventure Therapy for a series of facilitated Community Climbing events. Ages 8 and up. These climbs are FREE and includes equipment (harness, helmet, climbing shoes) and the use of the climbing systems. Registration is required. Walk-ups are welcome but climbing opportunities are limited to availability.
Climbers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian*
All climbers must agree to a waiver*
Register for a time slot!
FREE
OCT
07
Community Climb - October
12pm - 3pm
Steelworkers Park

Community Climb - October
Time
Saturday, October 7th
12pm - 3pm
Location
87th at S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60617
EVENT DETAILS
Join the Chicago Park District and Chicago Adventure Therapy for a series of facilitated Community Climbing events. Ages 8 and up. These climbs are FREE and includes equipment (harness, helmet, climbing shoes) and the use of the climbing systems. Registration is required. Walk-ups are welcome but climbing opportunities are limited to availability.
Climbers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian*
All climbers must agree to a waiver*
Register for a time slot!