Chicago Southland

10/21/2026

Our very own Mary Patchin serves on the IDA board!

10/21/2026

What could Illinois’ future look like with high-speed rail? The High-Speed Railway Commission wants to hear from YOU! Visit the Virtual Public Event and share your thoughts on a high-speed rail network connecting key Illinois cities. Explore the event anytime from October 23 – November 6, watch presentations, read the newsletter, and let us know what you think! Your feedback will help shape the future of Illinois transportation.
www.IlHighSpeedRail.com

10/21/2026

Some of the best afternoons in Illinois start with a quick stop you almost skipped. You pull up to a modest storefront, push open the door, and the smell

10/19/2026

🌟 Staff Pick: Hidden Gem! 🌟
We’re celebrating Rolanda Hudson, our Visitor Information Specialist at the Chicago Southland Visitor Information Center at the Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis, on 5 years with Visit Chicago Southland! 🎉
Rolanda’s Chicago Southland Hidden Gem:

🎨 The Visual Arts Gallery, Governors State University

“The Visual Arts Gallery at Governors State University is a place where I truly feel at peace and connected to the artistic environment. I enjoy imagining what artists are trying to communicate through their work and how the gallery inspires my own creative process. As an artist myself, I love creating artwork using innovative 3D techniques and unique materials to create immersive experiences. The gallery feels like a place where you truly belong.”

Thank you, Rolanda, for five years of welcoming visitors to the Chicago Southland and sharing your passion for the arts with us! We’re so glad this creative hidden gem has a special place in your heart. ❤️
Have you visited The Visual Arts Gallery at Governors State University? Add it to your Chicago Southland list!

🎨🌟🎉

10/19/2026

☕🍫 HOT CHOCOLATE CRAWL TICKETS ARE OFFICIALLY ON SALE! 🎄✨

The sweetest night of the season is BACK in Downtown Frankfort, and you're invited!

Grab your favorite people, bundle up, and get ready for an evening filled with holiday cheer, delicious hot chocolate, sweet treats, and shopping your favorite downtown businesses! 🎅🏼

✨ HERE'S THE SCOOP!

This is a ticketed event, and your ticket includes:
☕ Our 2026 Limited Edition Hot Chocolate Crawl Mug — yours to keep!
🎁 A festive gift bag filled with holiday goodies!
🍫 A chance to sip, snack, and stroll your way through participating Downtown Frankfort businesses!

🎄 DOWNTOWN FRANKFORT HOT CHOCOLATE CRAWL
📅 Thursday, November 12th, 2026 • 5pm - 8pm
📍 Downtown Frankfort, IL
🎟️ TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!

A FEW IMPORTANT DETAILS:
✨ This event is rain or shine — a little chilly weather just makes the hot chocolate taste better!
✨ All ticket sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable for any reason.
✨ No physical tickets will be mailed. Simply pick up your mug and goodies during event check-in!
✨ CHECK-IN: 5–6 PM inside the Trolley Barn at 11 White Street.

There's just something magical about Downtown Frankfort during the holidays, and we can't think of a sweeter way to celebrate the season! ❤️

🎟️ GRAB YOUR TICKETS HERE:
www.shopdowntownfrankfort.com

10/19/2026

From marvelous musicals to edge-of-your-seat stage productions, the Southland knows how to put on a good show! Catch the next great performance with the Curtain Call Chicago Southland Pass, a mobile passport that showcases stage productions, concerts and more across the Southland. Plus, each check in earns you points toward Southland swag. Get your pass today!

10/16/2026

10/16/2026

Sweetest Day Saturday Oct.17th.

10/16/2026

Today we’re celebrating our incredible President & CEO, Mary Patchin! Her leadership, vision and passion for Chicago Southland tourism inspire our team every day. We’re grateful for the energy, dedication and heart she brings to everything she does!
Thank you, Mary, for being a leader who makes a difference and a boss who makes our team better. We appreciate you today and every day! 💙👏

10/16/2026

Happy Boss’s Day! Today, we celebrate the leaders who inspire, support and bring out the best in their teams. Here’s to great leadership! ❤️