Growing Up “X”

Illinois State Museum - Lockport Gallery 201 W. 10th St., Lockport, IL, United States

The Growing Up X exhibition explores the toys, technologies and cultural touchstones surrounding Gen Xers in their childhood. Museum visitors will see items familiar to anyone who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s, from telephones with cords, record and cassette players, and an Apple IIe computer

Where Feathers Meet the Flash – Photo Contest

McKinley Woods - Kerry Sheridan Grove 25055 Walnut Lane, Channahon, IL, United States

This ongoing program runs from Wednesday, May 1, to Friday, May 31. Preserve hours are 8 a.m. to sunset. Take part in the inaugural Four Rivers bird photography competition! Submit your picture of a migratory bird at McKinley Woods for a chance to win a gift certificate

Migration Celebration at Four Rivers

Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, United States

This ongoing program runs from Wednesday, May 1, to Friday, May 31. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Enjoy this monthlong celebration of our migratory birds! Festivities will include ongoing crafts, family-friendly activities and hands-on exploration of

Nellie Becker – A Titanic Story and Part of the 1912 Exhibit

Bureau County Historical Museum 109 Park Ave., Princeton, IL, United States

The Titanic sank in the frigid Atlantic Ocean on the night of April 14-15, 1912. The tragic loss of over 1,400 lives that night, the failures of the great unsinkable ocean liner, the insufficient lifeboats, all would affect legislation of ship building and sea travel in the

Cicada Symphony

Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, United States

This ongoing program runs from Thursday, May 23, to Friday, June 7. Preserve hours are 8 a.m. to sunset. Travel along Four Rivers’ Woodland Loop Trail and discover the remarkably unique life cycle of the periodical cicada. “Cicada Symphony,” written by Sue Fleiss, is rhythmic, engaging and

Event Series Streator Park Fest

Streator Park Fest

Streator Park Fest 201 E. Hickory, Streator, United States

Annual Streator Park Fest. Come enjoy family fun in our beautiful downtown city park. Featuring a carnival, craft, flea market, magic show, safety demonstrations, food vendors and free stage entertainment.  

Turtles of Will County

Isle a la Cache Museum 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, United States

In shell-ebration of World Turtle Day on May 23, an interpretive naturalist will give an informative presentation on the different turtle species that can be found in Will County, followed by a feeding of our resident Blanding’s turtles. No registration required. Free. All ages welcome Isle a

Event Series Wild Bill Days

Wild Bill Days

North Utica 101 E. Canal, North Utica, United States

Join the Old West Regulators as they perform the life and times of James Butler Hickok! Re-enactments both Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. Family friendly entertainment, live blacksmithing, special exhibits and much more!  

Blues, Brews & BBQ at The Forge

The Forge Adventure Park and Ziplines 227 Heritage Quarries Drive, Lemont, Illinois

Experience the signature flavors & soul of Chicago in the suburbs, at The Forge in Lemont, IL on May 25th with "Blues, Brews & BBQ. " Enjoy live Chicago blues music from local talents like Windy City Rev Ups, Andrew Diehl, Big Dog Mercer, and The Blooze

Kids Tie Dye Party

Open Space Art Gallery & Studios 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, United States

Katie Goetz of Goetz Creative will be bringing all the materials for this fun tie dye class for kids of all ages. She will be teaching a heart design. 10 seats available - preregistration required Children 6 and under should be accompanied by an adult. Shirts run

BYOB Wine & Dye

Open Space Art Gallery & Studios 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, United States

Join Katie of Goetz Creative for a fun and unique tie dye workshop! Katie will teach you a variety of designs to choose from as you sip on wine, or whatever your preferred drink of choice may be! BYOW (Bring Your Own Wine) - this event is

Lock & Lunch – Ottawa to Starved Rock

Sainte Genevieve Riverboat 231 Albin Stevens Dr., Ottawa, IL, United States

Experience something new and fun when you're a passenger aboard the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat as it passes through the Starved Rock Lock on the Illinois Waterway. Lunch in the Main Dining Room of historic Starved Rock Lodge and transportation are included. From Ottawa to Starved Rock: 9:00am

Lock & Lunch – Starved Rock to Ottawa

Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, United States

Experience something new and fun when you're a passenger aboard the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat as it passes through the Starved Rock Lock on the Illinois Waterway. Lunch in the Main Dining Room of historic Starved Rock Lodge and transportation are included. From Starved Rock to Ottawa: 11:00am

Will-Derness Women’s Weekend

Hickory Creek Preserve 10537 W. LaPorte Rd., Mokena, IL, United States

Join us for a women's camping weekend to connect with nature and friends new and old! Take time to unplug and enjoy the outdoors with camping, hiking, evening campfires, camp cooking, outdoor skills, mindfulness activities and more. This three-day, two-night campout is held in a safe, supportive

Kid’s Free Fishing Tournament

Lock 14 Access Canal Rd &, IL-351, LaSalle, IL, United States

37th Annual event at Lock #14, LaSalle For boys and girls - two different age groups: 4-12 and 13-15. Registration 8:00 a.m. Fish: 9:00 am - 11:00 am.  Bring your own tackle (one pole and one hook). No artificial lures. Snacks & drinks provided! Bait provided! Prizes

Ottawa Farmers & Makers Market

Washington Square Park 101 E. Lafayette St., Ottawa, Illinois

Come to Ottawa Farmers & Makers Market to purchase freshly picked, home-grown vegetables and fruits! Also featured are home baked goods, jams and jellies, dog treats, handmade soaps and fresh roasted coffee. With a motto of we BAKE it, we GROW it, we SELL it FRESH, your

Travel Tales Trail Exploration

Plum Creek Nature Center in Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, IL, United States

It's summer vacation time, but humans aren't the only animals that travel. Whether a short leap or a long migration, wildlife is also on the go! Hike the shoreline of Snapper Pond to follow Travel Tales, an outdoor exploration trail. Ten resident animals are featured at the

Pullman Railroad Days 2024: People, Progress, Innovation

Pullman Exhibit Hall 11141 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, United States

Come celebrate Pullman Railroad Days – a whole weekend of historic railcars, exciting exhibits, tours, food, music & family-fun! One of Chicago’s greatest events is back for a third incredible year – Pullman Railroad Days: People, Progress & Innovation. Don’t miss your chance to see these historic

38th Annual Cabin Festival

Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area 5010 N. Jugtown Road, Morris, IL

38th Annual Cabin Festival Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 10 AM to 3 PM FEATURING the Cragg Cabin Cabin Festival 2024 will be held at Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area, 5010 N. Jugtown Road, Morris, IL 60450 on Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to

Visit a Canyon & a Boat Ride

Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, United States

Board a trolley with a guide and head to the entrance of one of Starved Rock's most scenic canyons. The walk is less than a mile and takes about 45 minutes. Following the hike, relax with a boat ride on the picturesque Illinois River. A snack, bottle

River Fest

Cantigny 1 S, 151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton, IL, United States

Join the family friendly fun!  Great music, food, games, etc. Tickets are $15 for 15+. $10 for 8-15. Under 8 free. Don't miss it!   Basil and the Wrath Bones Brendan McCormack Nick Wiesner   Craft Fair/Makers' Mart Food Trucks Lawn Games Lemonade/Bake Sale    

Gone 2 Paradise (Ultimate Jimmy Buffett Tribute)

The Forge: Lemont Quarries 1001 Main St, Lemont, IL, United States

Escape to Margaritaville without leaving Lemont, IL! Join us on June 1st at The Forge for a night of island vibes and tropical tunes at Jimmy Buffett Tribute Night starring Gone 2 Paradise, the Ultimate Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band. Indulge in the laid-back atmosphere as Gone 2

The Underground Railroad & Abolitionist Movement in LaSalle County

Starved Rock State Park One Lodge Lane, Oglesby, IL, United States

Dr. Jeanne McDonald from Waubonsee Community College will share from her extensive research on the Illinois Antislavery movement, including those citizens of LaSalle County that were directly involved in the abolition movement from 1830-1860. Admission is free.