Live Music on the Veranda - Steve Sharp Honors Jimmy Buffet
2024-08-09 20:00 - 23:00 (America/Chicago) | Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center, 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, 61348, United States
Steve Sharp honors Jimmy Buffet.
Join us every Friday and select Saturdays for live music on our Veranda. Come enjoy the views, great food, and grooves!

Starved Rock Saplings Storytime
2024-08-10 09:30 - 10:30 | Starved Rock State Park, One Lodge Lane, Oglesby, IL, 61348, United States
Don’t forget to register your kiddos for a fun-filled morning of activities!
This month’s Starved Rock Saplings theme is forests! IDNR staff will read a storybook about the different types of forests in our world. Afterwards, parents and children will take a guided hike to experience the oak-hickory forest at Starved Rock State Park. All Sapling programs are suitable for children ages 3 to 10 with a chaperoning adult.

Waterfowl Cruise
2024-08-10 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-08-11 13:00 - 14:00 | Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center, 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, 61348, United States
Board a trolley outside of the Great Hall of the Lodge. The Trolley takes you to the Eagle 1 to enjoy an hour long boat ride where you will get to spy the Waterfowl of the Illinois River. The trolley will return you to the Lodge. Reservations required.

Fire Fest - Lockport
2024-08-10 13:00 - 18:00 | Fire Fest Location, 10th & State St., Lockport, IL, 60441, United States
Rebuilt after the great fire of 1895, Fire Fest is HOT!! At the origin of the Great Lockport Fire of 1895, we’ll share the story of this historic event and how our Historic Townscape was rebuilt
~ Great Fire History Tours
~ Modern & Vintage Fire Engines
~ Food Court
~ Local Artists
~ Bounce House
~ S’mores Station
~ Kids Coloring
~ Storytelling
Performances by:

The Simple Remedy, 1 pm – 3pm
Petty Cash, 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Beer Garden featuring Nik & Ivy Brewing Co.

Tom's Place 100th Anniversary Celebration Festival
2024-08-10 16:00 - 22:00 | Tom’s Place, 110 Stephen St., Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Come join us as we celebrate Tom’s Place’s 100th Anniversary.
We will be closing off Stephen St for a party. There will be bands, food, a money machine, and so much more!
Musical Lineup
4:00 -5:00 pm The M80s
5:30 – 6:30 pm Good Jim & Kelly
7:00 – 8:00 pm Onoleigh
8:45 – 10:00 pm Ryan Jesse
No chairs or outside food and drink will be allowed inside the event.

"Bring Him Home" Opera Concert
2024-08-10 17:00 - 20:00 | Prairie Arts Center, 24 Park Ave. E, Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
Join us for a special evening of opera as the Prairie Arts Council proudly presents “Bring Him Home: Opera Concert for the Arts.” This special event features a selection of beautiful arias, art songs, and contemporary music performed by Princeton’s own, Dane Suarez, tenor, and Nick Towns, piano.
Saturday, August 10, 2024: Gala Experience $45– 5:00 PM, Gala – Enjoy appetizers and cocktails, view the Gallery Exhibit (located in Prairie Arts Center Gallery)
– 6:00 PM, Performance in Prairie Arts Center Theater
Tickets are General Admission. To reserve your ticket and set up payment, please email prairieartsprinceton@gmail.com or call 815-875-2631 X 1014.
If special seating is needed, please note at ticket contact. The venue is wheelchair accessible. Please contact us for any special accommodations.
Don’t miss this unforgettable night of opera in support of the arts. We look forward to seeing you there!

Morris Cruise Night
2024-08-10 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Morris, 111 E. Washington St., Morris, IL, 60450, United States
We actively contribute to the community by supporting local charities through generous donations. Every year, we carefully select five charitable organizations to participate in Morris Cruise Night. These organizations are given the opportunity to sell 50/50 raffle tickets and operate concessions during the event. The selection process takes place in January, and detailed information and application forms can be found on our website’s Become a Beneficiary page.
In addition to supporting local charities, we are committed to promoting the local merchants of Morris. We exclusively feature local vendors, ensuring a unique and authentic experience for our visitors. We encourage cruisers and spectators to arrive early and explore the historic downtown area, which offers a wide range of shops and restaurants. Conveniently situated between the Illinois River and Interstate 80 at Exit 112, our location provides easy access for all.
The Morris Cruise Night Committee is comprised entirely of passionate volunteers who work throughout the year to ensure the success of each event. From pre-planning and organization, to setup, registration, parking, and traffic management, our team is dedicated to creating an enjoyable experience for participants and spectators alike. If you would like to join the Morris Cruise Night Committee and contribute to this remarkable organization, please do not hesitate to contact us. We always welcome new volunteers!
Our event proudly showcases a captivating array of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. From timeless classics to the latest models, from muscle cars to creatively customized rides, you will find a diverse show that is constantly evolving. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets, immersing yourself in the exciting atmosphere accented by delightful music. Morris Cruise Night is a fun and family-oriented event that guarantees a memorable experience for all.

Bat Night for Families
2024-08-10 19:30 - 21:00 | Hammel Woods, Black Rd. east of Rte 59, Shorewood, IL, 60404, United States
Enjoy an evening at Hammel Woods exploring the habitat of our local bat species. Play bat-themed games and discover fascinating facts about these flying mammals. Watch the bats emerge from their sleeping quarters to go out on their nightly hunt and enjoy a short night hike.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. Registration required by Friday, Aug. 9, by calling 815-722-9470 or online.
Please dress for the weather. This family-friendly hike will be approximately 1.5 miles on both paved and uneven natural trails. 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.

Hummingbird Hangout
2024-08-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, 60401, United States
Hummingbird migration is underway, and the birds are fueling up for their journey south. This is a perfect time to hang out in Plum Creek Nature Center’s hummingbird courtyard. Bring your chair, enjoy some refreshments and delight as the birds flit back and forth right overhead. Drop in anytime from 9 a.m. to noon. Stay an hour or all morning; it’s up to you. A roving naturalist will share hummingbird facts and answer questions about these tiny, winged jewels. A light breakfast will be provided.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. No registration required.
The visitor center and adjacent outdoor areas are accessible. 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.

Boat Tour: Learn with Lincoln!
2024-08-11 11:30 - 14:00 | Lock 14 Access, Canal Rd &, IL-351, LaSalle, IL, 61301, United States
I&M Canal Boat Tour with Special Guest, Abraham Lincoln
Get ready for a celebrity cameo like no other! Former Illinois Congressman Abraham Lincoln joins us on August 11th, 2024 for two very special I&M Canal Boat Tours. Hop aboard our mule-powered, 1840s-replica packet boat and watch history come alive as Mr. Lincoln recounts the role he played in the creation of the I&M Canal, which ushered in a new era of trade and travel for the entire nation.
One day only! Don’t miss this exclusive 1-hour experience. Book your Boat Tour: Learn with Lincoln trip now >
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Tour Times: 10 am, 11:30 am, and 1 pm
Tickets
Adults: $29
Seniors: $24
Children (4-16): $9
Children (3 and under): Free
Family 4-Pack (2 Adults, 2 Kids): $63

Second Sunday Lecture Series: " Casting An Historic Vote" Suffrage for Women in Illinois
2024-08-11 14:00 - 15:00 | Joliet Area History Museum, 204 Ottawa St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Prior to 1920, women were denied the vote in the majority of elections in the United States. The struggle for enfranchisement began with the birth of our nation and was strategized differently in our local, state, and federal elections. Despite what people today believe to be a straightforward goal, the path to women’s suffrage was infused with sexism and racism and triggered a fear of feminism whose roots are still seen today. While wealthy women advocates played a vital role in the suffrage movement, they were not the only ones seeking enfranchisement. From attorney Ellen Martin, the first woman to vote in Illinois, to Ida B. Wells, a woman who did not let racism silence her voice, women’s suffrage has been a battle hard fought by a diverse group of activists in Illinois. Jeanne Schultz Angel is the Director of Learning Experiences & Historical Resources for Naper Settlement. She is a nonprofit administrator and museum professional with more than 24 years working within cultural institutions. She holds a BA in Anthropology and an MA in History from Illinois State University. Angel has been the executive director of three Chicagoland historical organizations: St. Charles Heritage Center, Lombard Historical Society/Sheldon Peck Homestead, and the Nineteenth Century Club in Oak Park. In addition, she served as the executive director of the Illinois Association of Museums. Most recently, she was the lead historian in Seeking Charlie: Connecting the Dots Left by a Freedom Seeker in Illinois, a grant funded by the Association of African American Life & History and the National Park Service.

"Bring Him Home" Opera Concert
2024-08-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Princeton High School, 103 S. Euclid, Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
Tickets are General Admission, $35. To reserve your ticket and set up payment, please email prairieartsprinceton@gmail.com or call 815-875-2631 X 1014.
If special seating is needed, please note at ticket contact. The venue is wheelchair accessible. Please contact us for any special accommodations.
Don’t miss this unforgettable afternoon of opera in support of the arts. We look forward to seeing you there!

"Right of Bang: After the Trigger is Pulled" Seminar
2024-08-11 16:00 - 18:00 | American Legion Post 489, 9054 E. Veterans Parkway, Yorkville, IL, 60560, United States
Owning a firearm is a responsibility. Carrying one is a bigger responsibility. But having to make a split-second decision to use up to and including deadly force to defend yourself or someone else, determining who will go home to their loved ones that night, is a decision no one wants to have to face. With a growing amount of offenders being juveniles, the burden of making that decision can become too much to bear for many. It may not affect you that day, that week, that month or that year but somehow, someway, that trauma will present itself and affect you physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, spiritually, even impacting personal or professional relationships. It can even lead you to attempt or complete “the long-term solution for a short-term problem”, something that’s all too common. Are you prepared for what comes after you pull the trigger, commonly referred to as “Right of Bang”?
Tickets are $40.

Back to School Pool Party ~ Canceled
2024-08-11 17:30 - 20:30 | Riordan Pool, 600 Utica Dr., Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Swimming – Food – Snacks – Fun!!! Free Admission!

Perseids in the Preserve
2024-08-11 20:00 - 22:00 | Whalon Lake, Royce rd. West of Rt. 53, Naperville, IL, United States
Have you ever seen a shooting star? You can up your odds by checking out the night sky during the Perseids meteor shower. This is considered one of the brighter meteor showers of the year. This year, peak activity will be from Aug. 11 to 13. Pack a chair, a blanket and snacks and join us in the preserves at night when the gates are usually locked.
Drop in at Whalon Lake’s Lakeside Shelter any time between 8 and 10 p.m. for star viewing and take a break by the fire to roast a marshmallow. Want to stay all night? Consider camping at one of the Forest Preserve District of Will County campsites. This offers you the chance to be outdoors all night to view meteors when conditions are best. Camping is by reservation only, and fees apply. Make sure to reserve your spot now to view this annual astronomical event.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. No registration required.
The event is hosted along paved pathways and natural surfaces across 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.

Land & Water Cruise
2024-08-12 11:00 - 15:00, 2024-08-14 11:00 - 15:00, 2024-08-16 11:00 - 15:00 | Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center, 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, 61348, 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 the tour and minimal walking is involved. Both the trolley and boat are wheelchair accessible. Please inform us when booking if special accommodations are needed.

Heatwave! Vintage Songs of Summer - Matt & Cynthia
2024-08-12 11:30 - 14:45 | Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center, 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, 61348, United States
Matt and Cynthia Gruel of Nostalgia Entertainment bring you Heatwave! Vintage Songs of Summer!
This musical show captures the essence of summer with Heatwave, Summer in the City, Summertime Blues, California Girls, Cruel Summer, Hot Stuff, Too Darn Hot, Summertime, Under the Boardwalk, Surfin’ USA, Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay, Summer of 69, Walkin’ on Sunshine and more! Songs range from the 1920’s-1980’s and feature artists like The Beach Boys, Martha and the Vandellas, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Van Morrison, The Beatles, Donna Summer, Otis Redding, The Drifters, Chicago, and Irving Berlin! Let the Sunshine In!

Take It Outside
2024-08-13 18:00 - 19:00 | Hadley Valley, 18304 Goougar Rd., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Looking for a way to connect with fellow Goosechasers?
Join us for this meetup to get to know other Take It Outside challenge participants and maybe even complete some missions together. Stop by the shelter to let us know what you’re enjoying about the challenge and meet other Goosechasers then set out on an adventure of your own.
This is not an interpretive hike. Forest Preserve staff will be on hand to answer questions and troubleshoot for challenge participants. Those who attend are welcome to hit the trails with others to complete missions and make plans to meet up for future Take It Outside outings. We will meet up rain or shine; if the meetup must be canceled due to severe weather, a message will be sent to participants via the Goosechase app. No registration required.
Meet at the Gougar Road Access shelter. The parking lot and shelter area are accessible. Preserve trails are on paved surfaces over 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.

Joliet Slammers vs. Washington Wild Things - Blues Brothers Night
2024-08-13 18:30 - 21:00 | Joliet Slammers Stadium, 1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Join us for Blues Brothers night- a harmonious evening where the sounds of the diamond meet the soulful melodies of Jake and Elwood! Get ready to shake your tail feather as we pay homage to the iconic duo with a groovy evening of music, mischief, and baseball.

Teen Connection
2024-08-14 15:00 - 16:30 | Hickory Creek Preserve, 10537 W. LaPorte Rd., Mokena, IL, 60448, United States
Calling all teens looking for some inspiration on where to hike and what to do outside this summer!
Join our recreation coordinator for a hike and time to hang with teens from around the county for games and laughs. The program will also highlight recreational activities and hotspots to check out throughout the preserves. Teen Connection will also be offered July 17. Each program will offer unique elements, so grab some friends and join for either or both!
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 13-18. Registration required by Tuesday, Aug. 13, by calling 815-727-8700 or online.
This program will be at Hickory Creek Preserve — LaPorte Road Access. The hike will be up to 2 miles along paved and natural surface trails. 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.

BYOB Bingo
2024-08-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Hickory Creek Preserve, 10537 W. LaPorte Rd., Mokena, IL, 60448, United States
Come on out for a night to socialize outdoors and enjoy the beautiful Hickory Creek Preserve and some bingo! Compete for prizes and share some laughs in good company. Feel free to bring dinner or snacks and add some beverages (beer and wine only, please, for alcoholic beverages) to enjoy while you play.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 21 or older. No registration required.
Bingo will take place under the Hickory Hollow Shelter, located just off the second parking lot at Hickory Creek Preserve — LaPorte Road Access.
The walkways to the shelter and the nearby latrine are accessible. 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.

Cruise Nights & Block Party
2024-08-14 18:00 - 21:00 | Cruise Nights & Block Party Location, Main Street & Canal Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Emergency Vehicle Night – Kid’s Night
Light up your engines! The fastest and coolest cars are making their way to Lemont Downtown for our legendary cruise night car shows and block party. Wander the streets of historic Lemont Downtown viewing cars that take you back in time and make you dream of the future.

Joliet Slammers vs. Washington Wild Things - Dog Day #2
2024-08-14 18:30 - 21:00 | Joliet Slammers Stadium, 1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Round two of Dog Day at the ballpark is here, and we’re ready to hit it out of the park again with even more tail-wagging fun! So grab your tickets and leash and join us for another unforgettable day of baseball with your furry MVPs!

Wilmington Park District Farmers Market
2024-08-15 17:00 - 20:00 | Wilmington Farmers Market Site, 315 N. Water St., Wilmington, 60481, United States
Join the Wilmington Park District for a Farmers Market!
We will have tons of local goods. They include honey, backed goods, flowers and bread. We will also have live music, beer & wine garden & food trucks!

Concert on the Courthouse Lawn
2024-08-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Grundy County Courthouse Lawn, 111 E. Washington St. Ste. 12, Morris, IL, 60450, United States
Bring your lawn chairs…set them up on the courthouse lawn…do some shopping at your favorite downtown shop, enjoy the food trucks and maybe dance a dance or three! As always…come early—stay late!

Joliet Slammers vs. Washington Wild Things - 815 Night
2024-08-15 18:30 - 21:00 | Joliet Slammers Stadium, 1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Get ready to represent the heart of Illinois at our 815 night at the ballpark! Join us as we celebrate the pride and spirit of our local community with an evening dedicated to all things 815.

New Orleans North
2024-08-16 17:00 - 23:00 | Joliet Slammers Stadium, 1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
New Orleans North is an outdoor Mardi Gras-style music event. It features bands, beer tents, food and street entertainment. The New Orleans atmosphere is enhanced this year as the location moves to its a new home: The Joliet Slammer Stadium.
There will be plenty of Hurricane drinks, street performers, a hookah alley, local art and more to uplift the mood.
Rain or Shine, this event will happen! No refunds for inclement weather.
Hotel & Ticket Packages
One-night stay + New Orleans North ticket (8/16) + Blues Brothers Con ticket (8/17)
Starting at $185. Add more tickets if needed!
