The Creative Outlet

07/25/2026

🎮💜 Thank You for Making Our Gaming Tournament a Success! 💜🎮

What an incredible afternoon of competition, learning, and community.

On behalf of everyone at The Creative Outlet, thank you to every player, family, volunteer, and community member who joined us for our Super Smash Bros. and Tekken Gaming Tournament. Your energy, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship made this event one to remember.

Congratulations to all of our tournament competitors, our champions, our TV giveaway winner, and our Nintendo Switch raffle winner! We hope you enjoy your prizes, and we appreciate the positive spirit each of you brought to the competition.

While the tournament was full of exciting matches, one of the most meaningful parts of the day was the opportunity to explore how video games can help develop real-world skills. Together, we discussed how gaming encourages strategic thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, and conversations around ethics and technology. These are skills that extend far beyond the screen and can positively impact how we learn, work, and engage with our communities.

Events like this remind us that video games can do more than entertain. They can create opportunities to connect with others, build confidence, encourage teamwork, and inspire thoughtful conversations in a welcoming environment.

We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors Back in the Back in The Game Video Games, Portillo's, and Target for their generous support. Your contributions helped make this event possible and allowed us to provide an unforgettable experience for our participants.

A special thank you to Cook County Digital Equity for supporting initiatives that create meaningful educational and community-centered programming. Your investment helps organizations like The Creative Outlet continue providing opportunities that empower young people and families through creativity, technology, and lifelong learning.

Finally, thank you to I Play Games, and everyone who attended, volunteered, shared photos, tagged us on social media, and helped spread the word. Every event brings us one step closer to building stronger, more connected communities through creativity and education.

We're already looking forward to the next one.

💜 Creativity Over Circumstance.

07/25/2026

07/22/2026

✨ Calling All Creatives, Small Businesses, and Community Supporters! ✨

The Creative Outlet is bringing another incredible Vendor Market to Krema Coffee Roasters, and you’re invited!

🗓 Saturday, August 15
⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
📍 Krema Coffee Roasters | Tinley Park

APPLY HERE : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeqpdMkCJ0swJ2wur_F1Y3LhfT-VJs6AzDKsO1psNL7NZXmsQ/viewform

Whether you’re searching for unique handmade products, original artwork, delicious treats, or one-of-a-kind gifts, this is the place to be.

Every purchase you make directly supports local artists, entrepreneurs, and small businesses in our community.

As a nonprofit, The Creative Outlet is committed to creating opportunities for creatives to showcase their talents, grow their businesses, and connect with new audiences. When you shop with us, you’re investing in the people who make our communities more vibrant.

🎨 Are you a vendor? We’d love to have you join us! Applications are now open, but space is limited.

🌟 Here’s how to get involved:

✨ Want to attend? Let us know in the comments !

✨ Want to be a vendor? CLICK THE LINK ABOVE

Tag a friend who loves supporting local businesses, and let’s make this our biggest Vendor Market yet! 💛

07/18/2026

07/17/2026

06/13/2026

Showcase Day! 🎨✨ Three talented creators under one roof Workbox

At The Creative Outlet, our showcases are about more than displaying art. They are about creating opportunities. Since the beginning, we have been committed to giving artists a space to present, perform, connect, and grow while building the confidence to share their creative voice with the community.

Our artists do not just show up on showcase day. We meet with them virtually leading up to each event, helping them prepare their presentations, refine their performances, and feel confident telling their stories. We also professionally photograph and film each showcase, creating lasting digital content that artists can use to build their portfolios, strengthen their online presence, and open doors to future opportunities.

Every showcase extends beyond the stage. Through virtual collaboration, media production, and digital storytelling, we are creating more ways for artists to share their work, expand their reach, and continue building sustainable creative careers.

A special thank you to Juan for taking the time to meet with several of our artists, helping them strengthen their stage presence, prepare their presentations, and perform with confidence. Your mentorship continues to make a meaningful impact.

And thank you to Workbox and Cook County Digital Equity and Inclusion for making opportunities like this possible and for investing in local artists, creative entrepreneurs, and community centered programming. Your partnership allows us to continue creating spaces where creativity, collaboration, and opportunity come together.

What a beautiful Friday to celebrate creativity, community, and the incredible artists who continue to inspire us. 💛

06/09/2026

🎮🚨 GAMERS! THIS IS YOUR SIGN TO PULL UP! 🚨🎮

Think you’re the best at SMASH BROS or TEKKEN 8 ? PROVE IT ! 😎

📅 June 27
⏰ 3PM–6:30PM
📍 Matteson Community Center
206142 Matteson Avenue, Matteson IL 60443

🔥 Spots are limited, so register now:
https://forms.gle/DGJNfnTt1Yx5pmHn6

🏆 Win a BRAND NEW TV
🎮 Enter to win a Nintendo Switch

🎟️ Earn EXTRA raffle tickets by learning how video games can improve decision-making and problem-solving skills with CenYoko who has an expansive background in robotics and gaming!

Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive beast, this tournament is for YOU.

Bring your friends. Bring your skills. Bring that energy.
Who do you think is taking home the TV? 👀👇


Thank you to our sponsors Cook County Digital Equity , Back in The Game Video Games and Portillo's

06/02/2026

🎮🚨 GAMERS! THIS IS YOUR SIGN TO PULL UP! 🚨🎮

Think you’re the best at Smash Bros or Tekken? Prove it. 😎

🏆 Win a BRAND NEW TV
🎮 Enter to win a Nintendo Switch
🎟️ Earn EXTRA raffle tickets by learning how video games can improve decision-making and problem-solving skills with Cynthia Shafford who has an expansive background in robotics and gaming!

Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive beast, this tournament is for YOU.

📅 June 27
⏰ 3PM–6:30PM
📍 Matteson Community Center
📍 Matteson, IL

🔥 Spots are limited, so register now:
https://forms.gle/DGJNfnTt1Yx5pmHn6

Bring your friends. Bring your skills. Bring that energy.

Who do you think is taking home the TV? 👀👇



Thank you to our sponsors Cook County Digital Equity Back in The Game Video Games and Portillo's