• Big Helpers: Mutualism Magnified

    Hidden Oaks Nature Center 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, United States

    This ongoing event will be held from Wednesday, April 15, to Sunday, July 19. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. Contemporary oil painter Elizabeth Schnura will debut a collection of works highlighting the symbiotic relationships between plants and animals found in your backyard

  • Mother’s Day Appreciation at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm

    Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm 475 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, United States

    Happy Mother's Day, Mom! This day is for you. Get out of the house and unwind in the great outdoors by fishing or hiking at Hidden Lakes. Make sure to visit the Tackle Box Bait shop for a free giveaway. Fishing poles are also available to rent

  • Breakfast with the Birds

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

    Celebrate peak migration season with an unparalleled view of the Four Rivers bird feeders! View the resident birds and new spring arrivals indoors from the exhibit room and the Grand Hall. Enjoy provided warm beverages and muffins. Need more than a muffin? Bring your breakfast. A naturalist

  • Barn Babies

    Siegel's Cottonwood Farm 17250 Weber Rd., Crest Hill, IL, United States

    Get ready for an unforgettable day at Siegel's Cottonwood Farm, where the Barn Babies event is back and better than ever! Bring your friends and family to get up close and personal with the most adorable baby animals you've ever seen! From pint-sized chicks to fluffy little

  • A Garden Party to Celebrate the Women Who Raised You

    Duncan Manor House & Gardens 1002 Towanda-Barnes Rd., Towanda, IL, United States

    Celebrate Mothers Day weekend with a relaxed garden gathering at Duncan Manor. A Garden Party for the Women Who Raised Us is a two-day celebration honoring mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and the women who shape our lives. Guests are invited to wander the historic grounds, enjoy live music,

  • River Road Trio

    Clarks Run Antiques 215 N. Division St., Utica, IL, United States

    Enjoy a Sunday Funday at Clarks with accomplished musicians River Road Trio!! Free admission!  

  • Lithuanian Opera

    Rialto Square Theatre 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, United States

    Chicago Lithuanian Opera proudly presents its 70th Anniversary production of Friedrich von Flotow's Martha (,,Marta) — a celebration of music, heritage, and generations united through song. Performed by the Chicago Lithuanian Opera Chorus, together with renowned soloists from Lithuania and USA, the Opera Choreographic Group, and accompanied

  • The Great Pages Circus

    Bureau County Fairgrounds 811 W. Peru St., Princeton, IL, United States

      Bureau County Fairgrounds will host The Great Pages Circus. A family-friendly, traveling circus that features international acts, liberty animals, aerial, juggling, clown acts, and motorcycle mayhem.  

  • The Great Page Circus

    Bureau County Fairgrounds 811 W. Peru St., Princeton, IL, United States

    Bureau County Fairgrounds will host The Great Pages Circus. A family-friendly, traveling circus that features international acts, liberty animals, aerial, juggling, clown acts, and motorcycle mayhem.    

  • Needle Felting Workshop

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

    All materials are provided, and artist Jacqueline JoAnn will guide you step by step through the entire process, making this workshop approachable for beginners and enjoyable for experienced crafters alike. You'll leave with charming, handmade felted pieces like mushrooms or cute animals perfect for décor or gifting.

  • Still Life Speed Drawing

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

    Like speed dating, but you leave with art instead of regrets. Challenge your creativity and sharpen your observation skills in this dynamic still life speed drawing class! Artists will rotate through five unique still life setups, each offering a range of difficulty levels to keep things engaging.

  • Sensory Night Hike

    Hammel Woods Black Rd. east of Rte 59, Shorewood, IL, United States

    The moon is nearly new, the night is still and dark. It's a magical time to explore the forest. Join a naturalist on a hike through the forest, test your senses and enjoy an after-hours evening in the preserve. Ages 7 and older. Registration required by Wednesday,

  • Ottawa’s Third Friday Makers Market

    Downtown Ottawa 223 W. Madison, Ottawa, United States

    Arts, culture, and entertainment come alive every Third Friday in downtown Ottawa! This free lively street festival features 40 handmade and homegrown makers, live music, food, and rotating themed experiences each month that keep every event fresh and exciting. Bring the whole family! We offer a free kids

  • Two-Headed Giant Commander

    Critical Grind Board Game Cafe 852 Sharp Dr., Shorewood, IL, United States

    Two-Headed Giant Commander Night is a monthly Commander event in which players can earn promo cards by pairing up to battle other two-player teams. Each player has their own 100-card Commander deck, but they share a 60-point life pool. Play follows the normal Two-Headed Giant rules. This

  • Grosse Point Lighthouse National Landmark

    Chicago Maritime Museum 1200 W. 35th St., Chicago, IL, United States

    The life-saving beacon of Grosse Point Lighthouse in Evanston first sailed over the waters of Lake Michigan on March 1st, 1874, as the leading navigational aid into Chicago’s harbor. In this presentation, keeper Don Terras will discuss the history and adaptive use of Grosse Point Lighthouse operating

  • Mother’s Day Roses Paint Night

    SOL Art Solutions 81 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL, United States

    Florals, brushes, and Mother's Day vibes! A soft, elegant floral paint night. No experience is needed - just bring your mom and have a great time. $40 per person.

  • 2026 Rooftop Concert Series – South Side Exiles

    Joliet Area History Museum 204 Ottawa St., Joliet, IL, United States

    The JAHM Summer Music Series returns! Join us for live music and cold drinks at the only rooftop venue in downtown Joliet! Doors open at 6:15 pm. Admission: General Public $16 Members $14    

  • Adult Fishing Derby

    Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm 475 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, United States

    The Forest Preserve is hosting its annual Adult Fishing Derby at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm. We invite you to find the best spot along the shore and try your luck at catching fish. Bass Pro gift cards will be awarded for the biggest catch, with first, second and third

  • Adult Fishing Derby

    Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm 475 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, United States

    The Forest Preserve is hosting its annual Adult Fishing Derby at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm. We invite you to find the best spot along the shore and try your luck at catching fish. Bass Pro gift cards will be awarded for the biggest catch, with first, second and third

  • Inside the Hive: An Introduction to Beekeeping

    Hornbaker Gardens 22937 County Rd. 1140 N, Princeton, IL, United States

    Join us for an engaging workshop with Five Points Apiculture exploring the fascinating world of bees and honey. This workshop blends science and storytelling to explain honeybee behavior, pollination, and how honey is made from flower to hive. Participants will gain insight into the care of honeybees,

  • Spring Container Porch Pots

    Hornbaker Gardens 22937 County Rd. 1140 N, Princeton, IL, United States

    Welcome Spring with a hands-on container gardening workshop at Hornbaker Gardens! In this session, participants will learn how to design and plant a beautiful container using fresh spring annuals. We'll cover plant selection, color and texture combinations, proper planting techniques, and care tips to keep your container

  • Reset Retreat

    The Wildflower Boutique 11877 County Rd. 2300E, Princeton, IL, United States

    Enjoy a relaxing yoga flow, a calming meditation, and light refreshments. This is an outdoor event, please bring your own yoga mat. $46 per person.  

  • Kites in Flight

    Peck Park - Ottawa 1498 State St., Ottawa, IL, United States

    Get ready to look to the skies! Kites in Flight returns for its 6th year at Peck Park in Ottawa with two days of high-flying fun and family entertainment. We're excited to welcome Chicago Kite back again this year, bringing their incredible professional kite displays that fill the sky

  • Walldogs Makers Market

    Streator City Park 301 N. Vermillion St., Streator, United States

    The Food Trucks are coming back to Streator for our 9th year and we are looking for artisan, antique, garden and other unique vendors to join us on May 16th 12-7pm. Registration cost is $35. Email the Streator Walldogs at streatormarketmanager@gmail.com for a registration form. Looking forward

  • The Streator Food Truck Festival

    Streator City Park 301 N. Vermillion St., Streator, United States

    A family fun day of great food trucks, artisan vendors, and great music. Bring a lawn chair, and a healthy appetite for a full day of good food and fun. The Streator Food Truck Festival was started in 2017 as a fundraiser for the Streator Walldogs Murals.