Into the Wild Art Exhibition
2025-07-05 10:00 - 2025-08-30 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
This ongoing program will be offered from Saturday, July 5, through Saturday, Aug 30. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays.
Step into the wild as you make your way through our art gallery! The Nature Artists’ Guild of the Morton Arboretum is showcasing gorgeous artwork featuring a variety of flora and fauna. The exhibit will include a variety of mediums to explore. Take in and appreciate all the detail, colors, effort and expression and see if you can identify the species. Once you have tapped into your wild side, cast a vote for your favorite work of art in the People’s Choice and the Kids’ Choice Awards. Voting will end at 4 pm Friday, Aug. 22. All Ages

Rooftop Hummingbird Hangout
2025-08-01 10:00 - 2025-08-31 16:00 | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
This ongoing event will be held from Friday, Aug. 1, to Sunday, Aug. 31. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesdays to Sundays.
Visit Hidden Oaks Nature Centers green roof anytime during business hours to get a vantage point youve never experienced before. You’ll find hummingbird feeders on the roof and feeders on the ground. Take a seat to relax as hummingbirds zip by or grab a pair of binoculars to follow their movements and see what other birds you can find.While youre there, have fun learning about hummingbirds with hands-on self-guided activities. Hummingbirds have an amazing set of skills that make them great at being hummingbirds. Do your skills match up to that of a hummingbird? How fast can you flap your wings? How are your bug-catching skills? How light is a hummingbird compared to other birds?
All Ages.

Farmers Market - Jackson Street
2025-08-30 08:00 - 12:30, 2025-09-06 08:00 - 12:30 | Ottawa Visitor Center, 1028 LaSalle St., Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Start your Saturday with an exciting market experience!
Enjoy fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, and delectable local treats. Indulge in farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. Explore unique, handcrafted treasures from talented local artisans. Relish mouthwatering baked goods and tasty treats from food stalls.
Bring your family, friends, and even your pets for a day of fun and community spirit.
Let’s celebrate and support our local farmers and makers together.
See you there!

Dog Days of Summer: Remembering KC
2025-08-30 08:00 - 17:00 | Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 County Rd. 1140 N, Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
Join us at Hornbaker Gardens on Saturday, August 30th, 2025 for the Dog Days of Summer: Remembering KC.
This free event is from 8am-5pm for visitors and their leashed dogs. 10% of our retail proceeds on this day will go to Princeton’s Friends of Strays Animal Shelter. We are planning enrichment events and activities for pets and their people- including games and an agility course anyone can try. Friends of Strays will be on site with details on their pets available for adoption and more ways you can help.
KC was a Friends of Strays rescue that the Hornbaker family adopted in 2015. KC was a hard worker, spending most of his days at Hornbaker Gardens greeting visitors, overseeing Hosta Digs and soaking up the sunshine and the endless love that he received from all of us. KC’s family encourages you to visit and enjoy this day with your pets.

Threshermen's Reunion
2025-08-30 08:00 - 19:00 | Threshermen’s Park, 14975 E. 2200 N. Rd., Pontiac, IL, 61764, United States
The Annual Central States Threshermen’s Reunion ​is held over Labor Day weekend and is the second oldest steam show in the USA (beginning in 1949.) This show features a variety of entertainment including a parade held in Downtown Pontiac, a flea market, craft shows, tractor rides, a blacksmith shop, and the newest edition – the Alvin H Immke, Jr. Farm Museum. Admission – $10 per person, per day.
8:00 am Country Tractor Drive
10:00 am Plowing Horse Pull
​10:30 am Saw Mill
Pedal Tractor Pull
11:00 am Threshing
12:00 pm Noon Whistle – Dinner
1:00 pm Parade of Power
Saw Mill
2:00 pm Pedal Tractor Pull
Threshing
Rock Crushing
3:00 pm Plowing
4:00 pm Baling
5:00 pm ITPA Sanction Tractor Pull
Antiques
Classics
6850 Pro Farm
9500 Pro Farm

Music in the Park - Washington Square Park
2025-08-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Washington Square Park, 101 E. Lafayette St., Ottawa, Illinois, 61350
Music in the Park – Washington Square Park
Embrace Ottawa’s small-town charm: bring a lawn chair, spread a blanket on the grass, or settle on one of the park benches to listen to the smooth sounds.
Concerts run from 6-8pm on Saturdays in downtown’s historic Washington Park.
Admission is free.
At this time, no indoor venue is available, so if bad weather postpones a performance, it will be rescheduled later in the year.

Threshermen's Reunion
2025-08-31 09:00 - 19:00 | Threshermen’s Park, 14975 E. 2200 N. Rd., Pontiac, IL, 61764, United States
The Annual Central States Threshermen’s Reunion ​is held over Labor Day weekend and is the second oldest steam show in the USA (beginning in 1949.) This show features a variety of entertainment including a parade held in Downtown Pontiac, a flea market, craft shows, tractor rides, a blacksmith shop, and the newest edition – the Alvin H Immke, Jr. Farm Museum. Admission – $10 per person, per day.
All Day Antique Car & Truck Display
9:00 am Church
10:00 am Plowing
11:00 am Threshing
12:00 pm Noon Whistle – Dinner
1:00 pm Parade of Power
1:15 pm Threshermen’s Parade (Downtown Pontiac)
2:00 pm Saw Mill
Threshing
3:00 pm Plowing
3:30 pm Baling
5:00 pm ITPA Sanction Tractor Pull
Antique
Classic
Light Super Stock

True North Fest
2025-08-31 12:00 - 17:00 | True North, 539 Bedford Rd., Morris, IL, 60450, United States
True North Vendors will be set up outside at BOTH True North Buildings!
Your favorite vendors will be set and selling their vintage find & handmade treasures!
A full list of vendors will be added closer to the event.

Fan Appreciation Night - Joliet Slammers vs. Lake Erie Crushers
2025-08-31 18:00 - 21:30 | Joliet Slammers Stadium, 1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Here’s to YOU, our MVPs!
Join us for Fan Appreciation Night at the Ballpark, where we’re swinging for the fences to say ‘thank you’ for all your support.
With giveaways, special surprises, and a night full of love for our biggest fans, it’s a celebration you won’t want to miss! FIREWORKS!!!

Woods Walk
2025-09-01 08:00 - 2025-11-30 20:00 | Sugar Creek Administration Center, 17540 W. Laraway Rd., Joliet, 60433, United States
Get out on the trail and enjoy the changing of the seasons with the 23rd annual Woods Walk challenge!
This ongoing program runs from Monday, Sept. 1, through Sunday, Nov. 30.
Experience 10 beautiful Will County trails during their fall splendor. Trails range from 0.5 miles to 3 miles in length, and each trail offers its own unique experience.
This year’s featured trails are as follows:

2.5 miles at Hammel Woods
3 miles at Kankakee Sands Preserve
2.5 miles at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve
2 miles at Messenger Woods Nature Preserve
1.5 miles at O’Hara Woods Preserve
0.5 miles at Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve
1.5 miles at Riverview Farmstead Preserve
1 mile at Rock Run Rookery Preserve
2 miles at Theodore Marsh
1.25 miles on Wauponsee Glacial Trail

To view all the routes, visit our interactive map(Opens in a new window) or pick up your booklet after Sept. 1. Don’t forget to log your walks as you go. To participate, pick up a Woods Walk travel log on or after Sept. 1 online or at select Forest Preserve visitor centers: Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township and Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. Returning this year is the option to track and log walks easily and conveniently using the Goosechase app.
Complete seven of the 10 Woods Walk trails and receive a 2025 Woods Walk hiking medallion featuring a fox. The deadline to submit a completed travel log is Sunday, Dec. 7.
Funding for Woods Walk has been generously provided by The Nature Foundation of Will County(Opens in a new window).
Event requirements
No registration is required.
The trails included in the program are asphalt, limestone or natural surfaces across uneven terrain. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should mention their request when registering or submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

Threshermen's Reunion
2025-09-01 10:00 - 13:00 | Threshermen’s Park, 14975 E. 2200 N. Rd., Pontiac, IL, 61764, United States
The Annual Central States Threshermen’s Reunion ​is held over Labor Day weekend and is the second oldest steam show in the USA (beginning in 1949.) This show features a variety of entertainment including a parade held in Downtown Pontiac, a flea market, craft shows, tractor rides, a blacksmith shop, and the newest edition – the Alvin H Immke, Jr. Farm Museum. Admission – $10 per person, per day.
10:00 am Saw Mill
Plowing
10:30 am Threshing
12:00 pm Noon Whistle – Dinner

Lemont Farmers Market
2025-09-02 16:00 - 19:00, 2025-09-09 16:00 - 19:00 | Lemont Village Green, 322 Main Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Join us for the Lemont Downtown Farmers Market at the Village Green, presented by Aster Gardens!
These markets will continue on Tuesday evenings through the September 30th from 4-7pm. Vendors feature vegetables and fruit, flowers, mushrooms, local honey, micro greens, crepes and more!
Stay tuned as we continue to add vendors and programming!

WonderKids Fossils
2025-09-04 10:00 - 11:30 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Calling all families with preschoolers!
Join us for a hands-on program designed for your little one. This program is geared toward children ages 2 to 5 and is complete with tons of facts, singing, story time, table activities and crafts.
Registration required by Tuesday, Sept. 2: 815-722-9301.
We have limited space, so please register everyone attending, including all adults.

Live Nite Life Band at Our Last Car Cruise
2025-09-04 17:00 - 20:00 | Konow’s Corn Maze, 16849 S. Cedar Road, Homer Glen, IL, 60491, United States
Join Lemont Classic Car Club on our farm for an unforgettable evening at our last Car Cruise Night, where the classic cars meet the magic of music!
Enjoy live performances from a talented band playing all your favorite oldies and classic hits, creating the perfect backdrop for an evening filled with nostalgia and fun. Bring your friends, show off your ride, and dance to the timeless tunes as we celebrate the love of cars and brings our community together!

Creek Creatures
2025-09-05 17:00 - 19:00 | Hammel Woods, Black Rd. east of Rte 59, Shorewood, IL, 60404, United States
Experience Hammel Woods in a new and exciting way.
Join a naturalist in a hands-on exploration of the creek. While visiting the habitats in and around the water, were sure to spot some interesting creatures. Using a hand lens and nets, investigate both the small and large wildlife we find.
All Ages.
Registration required by Wednesday, Sept. 3: 815-722-9470.

Snakes: Our Misunderstand Friends
2025-09-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
Snakes are one of the most beautiful, yet misunderstood and important animals in nature.
Join a naturalist to learn snake basics, dispel some misconceptions, discover snake species that call Will County home and find out why snakes are our friends. Participants will have the opportunity to meet a live snake up close or admire from a comfortable distance.
Registration required by Thursday, Sept. 4. Call (815) 722-4121 to register.

Back Alley Walking Tour of Morrison
2025-09-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Grundy County Historical Society Museum, 510 W. Illinois Ave., Morris, United States
Enjoy a walk through historic downtown Morris, IL.
Learn about the historic buildings and the back-alley stories that go along with them – the first public hanging, murders, gambling, political bosses, and even brothels!
The walk will take approximately 90 minutes and will cover approximately 1.5 miles.
Please contact the Museum at 815.942.4800 to register.
Cost is $30 per person.

Adult Reading Retreat
2025-09-06 10:00 - 14:00 | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
Have you seen those BookTok read-a-thon challenges but thought who has the time?!
Well, calling all busy grownup bookworms your next chapter begins here! We know life can easily get in the way of your reading goals, so mark this four-hour program on your calendar to give a little time back to yourself. Pop into the nature center for bookish activities and get the lay of the land. Craft your own bookmark or decorate reading journal pages while sipping on complementary refreshments. Talk with other book lovers and share your favorite reads on our community board. Enter your name in bookish raffles and visit the Fountaindale Public Library District (Opens in a new window) booth for more goodies and a chance to win an ONN tablet. Take a stroll along our Quote Quest scavenger hunt and yes, theres a prize waiting when you finish! But most importantly grab your current read and cozy up under a tree, stretch out on the sunny lawn or wander deeper into the woods to find your perfect reading nook. No matter where you choose, you will be surrounded by natures soundtrack! Ages 16 and older.

Back Alley Walking Tour of Morris
2025-09-06 13:00 - 14:30 | Grundy County Historical Society Museum, 510 W. Illinois Ave., Morris, United States

4th Annual Grape Harvest: Slovenian Polka Fest
2025-09-06 13:00 - 17:00 | Croatian Cultural Club, 1503 Clement St., Joliet, IL, 60435, United States
The Slovenian Grape Harvest Festival is a cultural heritage celebration.
Hundreds will gather to enjoy the food, music, and culture of Slovenia. Enjoy live performances by Ray Koncar & The Boys, Bobby Mutz, The Marela Slovenian Folk Dancers, The Slovenian Singers with Slovenian Button Box Player Gasper Krek! Smokies, beer & wine, strudels & optics, Croatian Exhibits!!

Admission is $10 per person or $5 for Joliet Area Historical Museum members, and Children are Free.
Gates open at 1pm and tickets can be purchased at entry gate. E
njoy great polka music, food, beverages, and visit the Planinsek Grocery & Meat Market Museum from 1pm to 5pm!

All are welcome!

This event is presented by the Joliet Area Historical Museum.

Morris Beer Fest
2025-09-06 13:00 - 18:00 | Goold Park, 308 Northern Avenue, Morris, 60450, United States
The 4th annual Morris Beer Festival is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, September 6th, 2025 from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm in lower Goold Park in Morris, IL, Early VIP Pass holders will be let in at 1pm. This year’s festival is open to public ticketholders over the age of 21 and is projected to bring approximately 50 breweries, live musical acts and food vendors to Goold Park.
Attendees who are at least 21 years of age and who have pre-purchased a festival pass will be issued a lanyard, festival pass, and commemorative 5oz sample glass at the event entrance. Attendees who did not pre-purchase an event pass may buy one at the entrance gate. Those who wish to enter the festival grounds but do not wish to partake in the beer sampling may purchase a $10 non-drinking wristband, but must still be over the age of 21.
Stay tuned for ticket information, vendor details, music, and entertainment announcements.
Expect all the highlights you loved and enjoyed in previous years.
We hope you can join us,
Cheers everyone!

Music in the Park - Washington Square Park
2025-09-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Washington Square Park, 101 E. Lafayette St., Ottawa, Illinois, 61350
Embrace Ottawa’s small-town charm: bring a lawn chair, spread a blanket on the grass, or settle on one of the park benches to listen to the smooth sounds.
Concerts run from 6-8pm on Saturdays in downtown’s historic Washington Park.
Admission is free.
At this time, no indoor venue is available, so if bad weather postpones a performance, it will be rescheduled later in the year.

Quote Quest
2025-09-07 10:00 - 2025-10-28 16:00 | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
This ongoing program will be offered from Sunday, Sept. 7, to Sunday, Sept. 28.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays.
In every walk with nature one _________ than he seeks. John Muir. Calling nature explorers of all ages! We have quest than needs to be solved. Our trail is whispering with words, but theres a problem. A few of the words are missing! Adventure down our red path to not only become inspired by these famous words but see if you can fill in all the blanks.Make sure to start in the nature center for a Quote Quest card and return with all the missing words to earn your prize.
There will be both adult quotes and kid quotes to be solved.
All Ages.

Living History Exhibit: A Voyageur's Life
2025-09-07 12:00 - 15:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Do you think you have what it takes to be a voyageur?
Can you properly pack a canoe? Trade goods? Navigate the wilderness? During this Living History Encounter, you will meet voyageurs and settlers who journeyed to this land and made it home. Learn about their journeys and give them a helping hand!
This is a drop-in program; come anytime between noon and 3 p.m.
No registration required.
Depending on the weather, this program is offered indoors or outside. Isle a la Cache Museum is an accessible facility; outdoor activities may take place on uneven terrain. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

I & M Canal Boat Tour
2025-09-10 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-10 11:30 - 12:30, 2025-09-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Lock 16 Visitor Center, 754 First Street, LaSalle, IL, 61301, United States
Picture it: 1848 Illinois. Prairie covers the state. Overland transportation is slow and treacherous. And only a few small communities exist, including a small port town on Lake Michigan called Chicago. Then the I&M Canal opens, and everything changes. Relive the fateful turning point in our history that led to a new era of transportation and the growth of our region by taking a trip on The Volunteer, our Canal Boat. This vessel is not only a replica of those from the 1840s. It also runs on the same energy source: mule power! Your journey includes: a Mule Tending 101 class in which you’ll meet one of our mules, interact with crew of period dressed guides, hear tales of the canals heyday and enjoy a 60-90 minute boat ride. Catch the boat at I&M Canal State Trail Lock 14 Access, LaSalle IL. Its near our I&M Canal Visitor Center and Lock 16 Gift Shop and Cafe, which is located at 754 First Street, so pop in if you have questions, want to buy tickets in person, need to use the restrooms before you embark or are looking for a breakfast, lunch, snack or beverage. The boat runs from late May through September and is accessible to those who use manually-powered mobility aids, such as walkers, crutches, canes and non-motorized wheelchairs. Ticket purchases are available all year long making this a lovely gift you can purchase or get-together you can plan any time of year.
Adults – $24.00
Seniors & Veterans – $19.00
Youth (4 to 16) – $10.00
Under 3 – Free

Fall Drum Circle
2025-09-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Join us in welcoming fall with a fun participatory drum circle.
James Evans, a representative from Three Rivers Drum Circle, will guide you on your journey as you learn about the instruments and basic techniques for playing them as well as how to create authentic rhythms.
No experience necessary!
Registration required by Wednesday, Sept. 10: 815-722-9470.
Ages 18 and older.
