Lemont Unlocked

Explore the most unique and wild event in Lemont as hundreds of pirates descended upon Lemont Downtown this past weekened for Pirate Fest from the Pirates of the Canal. The money raised goes to charities throughout the area and the event draws some of the most interesting people and vendors. Unlock it all with us! Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free...

On a rainy Saturday, Lemont showed up for Pollyanna Oktobertfest at The Forge. We're chatting with Brian Pawola and Ryan Weidner about their special anniversary brew and the Oktoberfest offering that is always one step closer to perfection. Plus, get a look at the German food created by Weber Grill for this annual event! Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe f...

Lemont has seen incredible car shows, outstanding concerts, striking events and powerful storms over the past few months. Who springs into action for all of that? Meet Director of Public Works Ralph Pukula and join us as he shows off his department. From snow removal in the winter to summertime clean-up, his staff does a little bit of everything for Lemont. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait...

One of the best events of the year returns as the 2026 Taste of Lemont gets even bigger on September 12th. Preview the entire event and sample the same dishes you can taste from Bonita Bowls and Rustic Knead. From the musical lineup to new participants, we've got you covered. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and ne...

The Daily Blend is new to Lemont, family-owned and not a coffee shop. They are all about eating well and providing fuel for the soul. From pre-workout drinks to post-workout protein smoothies and acai bowls, the goal is to provide natural energy and incredible taste. Unlock what they are all about. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorit...

State Representative Nicole La Ha shows off one of her favorite local spots, Digs on McCarthy. Ed Gricus shows off the new location of Digs and hosts our conversation highlighting what your local state representative does for you. Get a tour of the new Digs and a tour of what it is like to represent the 82nd District with Lemont Unlocked. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont fo...

Discover why owner Bobby Hitz says that Rosebud in Lemont is a destination restaurant. From live music to free weekend valet service to enormous portions of delicious Italian food, Rosebud brings folks from Lemont and beyond together. Feel the warmth of friends greeting each other in this lively location! Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your...

Discover a club created by the Bee Well Collective out of Hive Fusion Fitness in Lemont Downtown that brings people together. Lemont Walking Club is good for the body as well as the spirit and is open to all. Take a walk this week on the Cal-Sag Trail at Sag Quarries and find out why these folks come back every week to take a walk, share some stories and get out into nature.  Chris Lanuti and Tess...

Experience the cars, the food, the music and the fun at this year's Lemont Cruise Nights. Check out the new truck at Nick's Tavern! Learn about three generations of local sausage makers! Get the scoop on the food truck about to get a Lemont Downtown restaurant location! There is a lot to unlock in this episode. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on...

We check out the Sunset Soirée from Corner Stone Tavern and sit down with owner Nancy Arndt to taste the new summer drink menu. Learn a little more about this Lemont establishment, including the origin of its name. Also hear why these summer concerts are such a big deal for the businesses in Lemont Downtown. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on yo...

Who says a bunch of genius scientists can't be entertaining? We joined huge crowds exploring Argonne National Laboratory for the first time in several years as they opened their campus to the public. Explore the event with us and learn about the unique connection between Argonne and Lemont Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast...

Little Mountain Community Theatre is presenting Grease from July 17 thru July 19th. We learn all about this Lemont-based group performing around the area, including at Lemont High School. Find out why this version of Grease will be closer to the original musical while still providing your favorite movie moments, and discover why their name is all about the Village of Lemont. Chris Lanuti and Tess...

The 2026 version of the Lemont Farmers Market may be the biggest and best yet! Curator Amanda Thomsen shows off this summer's lineup and we hit some of the best tents (and hottest sauces) as Lemont Downtown's Tuesdays get a little better. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and never miss an episode! Lemont Unlocked i...

Experience the first-ever Whiskey Fest at The Forge as distilleries from Illinois and beyond show off their creations. Plus, sit down with Jeremie Bacon for a rundown on what is new and coming soon to The Forge as Lemont's summer is just heating up! Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and never miss an episode! Lemont...

An idea turned into a conversation and brought two Lemont couples to the creation of a mobile pub company. Get the story of Pull Up Pubs and check out the driveway experience that you could have at your next big event. The creativity of Lemont residents turned small business owners is once again featured on Lemont Unlocked! Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscrib...

Two sister cities unite to celebrate their origins on Route 66. Lockport Mayor Steven Streit and his wife Wendy bring their love of art to the forefront with unique benches marking 100 years of The Mother Road. Local artist Rob Moriarty then shows off the bench he created for the Village Green in Lemont Downtown. Get a detailed look at this work of art along the "Original Detour." Chris Lanuti and...

As Route 66 celebrates 100 years, Lemont discovers that Main Street was once part of the historic cross-country road. Join us from the patio at Hughie McClafferty's as local author and historian Jason Berry explains how Lemont and Lockport found out they were part of The Mother Road.  Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast play...

The Lemont Garden Club is behind all of the beautiful flowers you see planted every year in Lemont Downtown. Join them for Planting Day 2026 as this group plants a whole lot of flowers in just one day. Find out how Lemont gets primed for summertime! Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and never miss an episode! Lemont...

Discover a new business in Lemont Downtown that offers personal chef services, cooking events and so much more. Unlock Southernish with us as we make tortillas from scratch. We found a family and veteran owned business that adds another unique experience to Lemont. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and never miss an...

Out and about on a Saturday in Lemont Downtown, we check in with two locations embarking on something new. B-Sides By Moose Vinyl is a record store you may have visited under another name that now is under new ownership with a very exciting direction. Pollyanna brews beer, distills spirits and now produces coffee. Have a cold brew and hear about barrel-aged coffee beans with us! Chris Lanuti and T...

A small (really small) business in Lemont with big flavors, The Bakery Box has done a lot in very little space. Discover a hidden nook in Lemont Downtown with fresh desserts from several area bakeries that will definitely surprise you! Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and never miss an episode! Lemont Unlocked is a...

Discover the oldest retail store that doesn't serve libations in Lemont Downtown. Lange's Woodland Flowers has a rich history that includes a major motion picture and serving generations in Lemont. Find out how they continue to be part of the fabric of this community and learn a little about the flower business. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free o...

Dan Ganzer tells us about Lemont's run club that meets every Thursday at Pollyanna Brewing Company. YOLO (Young Old Lemonters Outdoors) isn't all about running. Instead this club is about getting outside, meeting your neighbors and having some old-fashioned fun! Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and never miss an ep...

A family business that is supported by a group formed out of flying aces, Lemont's Ace Hardware gets us ready for Spring. From grilling options to getting that lawn ready for the summer, we get the tips and tricks for all of Lemont. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and never miss an episode! Lemont Unlocked is a po...

A new cafe in Lemont Downtown presents next-level cheesecake and family recipes along the canal. Meet a mother and son determined to bring you new flavors to have alongside your coffee. Plus, find out why a family business couldn't do this episode without a croissant on the table! Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player a...