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

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

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

Gelli Plate Printing Workshop

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

Dive into the vibrant world of Gelli plate printing in this hands-on workshop! Perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike, this class will guide you through the basics and beyond of monoprinting using Gelli plates. You'll learn how to create stunning, one-of-a-kind prints using a variety of

Sightseeing Cruise with Narration

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

Light on the narration, heavy on the ambience and views, our guests will enjoy the beautiful sights of the Illinois River Valley and learn a thing or two along the way.  

Joliet Slammers vs. Gateway Grizzlies – Ghostbusters Night

Joliet Slammers Stadium 1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr., Joliet, IL, United States

Who ya gonna call? Come down to the ballpark as the Slammers, with appearances by the Windy City Ghostbusters, Slimer, and maybe even a certain team owner...take on the Gateway Grizzlies on this Thirsty Thursday night.    

Sunset Soiree – Spun

Sunset Soiree Location Stephen & Talcott, Lemont, United States

Free concert series! Join us in downtown Lemont on Stephen Street.  Bring your blankets & chairs for free open seating.  Seating opens at 6:00 p.m., music begins at 7:00 p.m.  Food and drink will be available on site.  

Firefly Hike for Families

Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, United States

Come out to enjoy nature's fireworks — those blinking, twinkling fireflies! As the sun sets, learn what makes fireflies so special. Surprise — it's more than just their glow! Create some glow of your own before heading out for a hike to get up close to the

Morning Paddle

McKinley Woods - Frederick's Grove 27110 S. McKinley Woods Rd., Channahon, IL, United States +1 more

Enjoy a morning paddle with certified instructors at the confluence of the DuPage and Des Plaines rivers. Along the way, interpretive naturalists will highlight some of the wonderful things nature has to offer. Fee: $20 per person. Age: Ages 18 or older. Registration required by Tuesday, July

Wild Child on the Road

Kankakee Sands Preserve 23338 IL-113, Wilmington, IL, United States

We are taking Wild Child on the road this season, visiting different preserves around Will County. Answer the call of your wild child by getting your toddler outside with this monthly nature-themed program. Join a naturalist for hands-on activities, such as games, stories, crafts, hikes and more!

Land & Water Cruise

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

Tour begins with lunch in our restaurant followed by a narrated trolley tour. Learn about Starved Rock's history and legends of the area. The trolley takes passengers to the Eagle 1 to see the east end of Starved Rock State Park by water. Restrooms are available throughout

Oil Painting Workshop

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

Join Marjorie Myers, a local artist who has learned from Dana Jester, Steve Ross and Kevin Hill as she helps you step by step create a beautiful landscape oil painting. All materials provided. We will be painting on a 16x20 canvas. Ages: All ages welcome | Instructor:

Summer Concert: Steve & Steve

Hegeler Carus Mansion 1307 7th St., LaSalle, United States

Band: Steve & Steve, Classic Rock | Volunteer Appreciation Night Summer Concert Series: Every Friday the Hegeler Carus Foundation presents the Summer Sunset Concert Series (with the exception of the 4th of July weekend) there are 11 performances in total between the months of June and August.

S’more Summer

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

Although the lazy days of summer are almost over and it will soon be back to you know where, there is still so much to do outside! Need a little inspiration on how to continue to make the most of the outdoors as your routine changes? We

Treasure Island by Mary Zimmerman

Limestone Stage Community Theatre 1463 Farrell Rd., Lockport, IL, United States

Adapted from the legendary Robert Louis Stevenson novel, we invite you to come to set sail for a hidden island and take part in this tale of piracy, mutiny, treasure and adventure. Performed over 2 weeks, this will be one of the grandest shows in Limestone's history

Event Series Cabarets

Cabarets

Grace Theatre 316 Main St., Princeton, United States

Come see the actors, production staff, and team in a new light on the Cabaret stage. This is a great opportunity to be entertained with songs from a variety of genres as you get to know the entire company better.  

Comedy Night with Rocky Laporte

Clarion Hotel & Convention Center 411 S. Larkin, Joliet, IL, United States

Ready for a night of laughter? Join Clarion Hotel & Convention Center Joliet for back-to-back comedy shows on Friday, July 26, and Saturday, July 27! Doors open at 7 PM, and the show kicks off at 8 PM. Get your tickets now with promo code VIP to

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

Willow Springs Blues Fest

Willow Springs Village Center 8156 Archer Ave., Willow Springs, IL, United States

Leave your Pet at home, but bring your chair. You can bring a cooler but no outside ALCOHOL is allowed.  The BEVERAGE Sales pay for the festival.  The Festival is free! 12:30 – 1:10 The John MIllard Band 1:25 – 2:45 Women in the Blues Featuring Sonia

Backpacking Part 1: Introduction to Backpacking

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

Have you always wanted to go backpacking but were intimidated by the process? Join a naturalist in this three-part series to learn the basics of backpacking. How to select a sleeping bag? What food to pack? How to choose a location? In this first of the series,

Ottawa Brew Fest – Drinkin’ with Lincoln

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

Join us for the inaugural Ottawa's Brew Fest Drinkin' With Lincoln as part of Friendship Days at Washington Square Park! The festivities kick off on Saturday, July 27 from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM and continue on Sunday, July 28 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Enjoy

Music in the Park – Ottawa

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

Music in the Park Ottawa's free concert series, Music in the Park, kicks off its 2024 season in late June with musical acts delivering a delightful blend of retro rock, country and contemporary that'll carry audiences on a music journey from the '50s to the present. Concerts