Cornhole enthusiasts and community supporters are invited to downtown Tinley Park on Sunday, May 17, as the Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce hosts its 11th annual Bag Crawl along historic Oak Park Avenue. The popular event combines friendly competition with a tour of local businesses, strengthening community ties one toss at a time.
What began in 2011 as a small community outing has blossomed into a major local tradition. The event was created to capitalize on the surging popularity of cornhole, also known as bags, a game that has become a staple of backyards, breweries, and tailgates across the Midwest. Participants form a traveling league for the day, visiting a series of neighborhood establishments to play a round of bags and accumulate points toward a final score.
Tom McNulty, the Executive Director of the Tinley Chamber, noted that the event’s inception coincided with the game’s explosion in popularity. Over the past decade, attendance has grown steadily, with last year’s crawl attracting more than 140 participants. Organizers anticipate an even larger crowd this year, with early interest suggesting a turnout of over 150 people.
A boost for local business
The Bag Crawl serves a dual purpose: providing a fun-filled afternoon for residents while also generating significant foot traffic for businesses in the Oak Park Avenue corridor. Events like this are crucial for the local economy, encouraging residents to explore new venues and support the establishments that form the backbone of the community. From breweries and restaurants to bike shops and fraternal lodges, the crawl offers a diverse snapshot of Tinley Park’s commercial landscape, similar to how the Y2K silent disco brought nostalgia to Mandurah.
The structure of the crawl ensures that multiple businesses benefit directly. Participants don’t just pass by; they stop, play, and enjoy complimentary food at each location, fostering direct engagement and creating future customers. This model has proven successful in strengthening the village’s commercial heart, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere that makes downtown Tinley Park a destination for both residents and visitors. More information on local events can be found in our guide to fun things to do in Tinley Park.
How it works
The day begins with registration at 11:30 a.m. at Banging Gavel (17400 Oak Park Ave.). From there, crawlers will make their way through a course of seven local spots, playing at each one to add to their progressive score. The stops for this year's event include:
- Banging Gavel (Registration)
- Ed & Joe's
- Bremen VFW Post 2791
- Durbin's Harmony Square
- Still Ride Bike Shop
- Harald Viking Lodge
- SIP Wine Bar (Cash prizes and awards)
The selection of venues highlights the variety of establishments in the area, from the craft beer setting of Banging Gavel to the community hubs at the Bremen VFW and Harald Viking Lodge. The inclusion of Still Ride Bike Shop alongside classic eateries like Ed & Joe’s and Durbin’s showcases the eclectic mix of businesses that contribute to the downtown district’s character. The event will conclude at SIP Wine Bar, where winners will be announced and cash prizes and other awards will be distributed.
Tickets and registration
Tickets for the Bag Crawl are $35 per person when purchased in advance and $40 on the day of the event. Registration includes a commemorative Bag Crawl T-shirt and a goody bag, which contains a $20 gift card from The Whistle Sports Bar and Grill. Participants will also enjoy complimentary food at every stop along the route and will be entered for a chance to win cash and other door prizes.
The game of cornhole, governed by organizations like the American Cornhole Organization, has simple rules but requires significant skill to master, making it accessible to players of all levels. This accessibility is a key part of the Bag Crawl's enduring appeal, allowing everyone from seasoned players to casual newcomers to participate and have fun.
As the Chamber prepares for the annual event, the focus remains on fostering connection. With an expected record turnout, the 11th Bag Crawl is poised to be another successful chapter in a tradition that celebrates both sport and community.
Advance tickets can be purchased on the Tinley Chamber of Commerce website. Day-of registration will be available at Banging Gavel.
