I & M Canal

Trick-or-Treat in the Woods: Hidden Oaks Nature Center
2025-10-10 19:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
Experience the woods like never before! Come dressed in costume and hike along a glowing trail to learn what goes bump in the woods at night. Visit spooky stations, but beware! Will tricks or treats await? Enjoy a crackling fire while roasting marshmallows for smores. This program is a night hike, not a parking lot trunk or treat.
Two sessions will be offered:

Session 1: 6-7 p.m.
Session 2: 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Registration required by Thursday, Oct. 9: 815-722-4121.

Disney's Frozen - The Hit Broadway Musical
2025-10-10 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-10-11 14:30 - 17:00, 2025-10-11 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-10-12 18:30 - 21:00 | The Roger C. Claar Performing Arts Center, 375 W. Briarcliff Rd., Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
For the first time in forever, experience the musical phenomenon that has taken the world by storm! Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney’s Frozen includes all the film’s beloved songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, along with new music written exclusively for the stage.
In the beautiful mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world and increasingly distant from each other. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. As a ferocious winter descends on Arendelle, Anna sets off on an epic journey to find Elsa and bring her home – with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf.
Full of magic, humor, and a stunning musical score, Frozen is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and finding the real meaning of true love.
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NOTE: Tickets prices are an additional $5 at the door.

Farmers Market - Jackson Street
2025-10-11 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!

Rec Bike Club
2025-10-11 09:00 - 10:30 | McKinley Woods – Kerry Sheridan Grove, 25055 Walnut Lane, Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Join our recreation coordinator on the trail for some fun, leisurely bike rides this fall! Meet at McKinley Woods Kerry Sheridan Grove in Channahon for a 12-mile ride at a comfortable group pace. Register and complete all four Rec Bike Club rides in this series and receive a 2025 Rec Bike Club shirt!
All rides are at 9 a.m. Saturday mornings.
Additional dates are as follows:

Oct. 4: Hammel Woods Crumby Recreation Area.
Oct. 18: Hadley Valley Gougar Road Access.
Oct. 25: Hickory Creek Preserve Hickory Creek Junction.

Registration required by Friday, Oct. 10: 815-727-8700. Ages 16 and older.

Junior Paleontologists
2025-10-11 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-11 13:00 - 14:30 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Join a naturalist as we dig deeper into the role of a paleontologist. What do they do? What do they look for? Participants will have the chance to be paleontologists themselves as they learn about prehistoric wildlife. Participants will play some games, get crafty and do some scientific work!
Two sessions will be offered:

Session 1: 10:30 a.m.-noon.
Session 2: 1-2:30 p.m.

Registration required by Thursday, Oct. 9: 815-722-9301. Ages 8-12.

Historic Pullman House Tour
2025-10-11 11:00 - 17:00 | Pullman Exhibit Hall, 11141 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, 60628, United States
Don’t miss the 52nd Annual Historic Pullman House Tour at Pullman National Historical Park. This beloved tradition offers visitors a rare opportunity to step into some of the most historically significant and beautifully restored homes in one of America’s most celebrated planned industrial communities.
Pullman House Tour is more than an invitation to explore history—it’s a vital fundraiser. Proceeds support ongoing preservation, restoration, and educational programming that help maintain Pullman’s architectural treasures so that its unique story can be shared with the world.
This year’s tour features eight residential properties, each carefully selected to showcase the neighborhood’s rich architectural diversity and heritage. It’s an incredible chance for National Park visitors to see one of Chicago’s most historic neighborhoods, inside and out.
Pullman House Tour sites:

Eight restored Pullman homes including a unique Pullman apartment
A home currently under renovation as it transitions from a two-flat into a spacious single-family residence
Explore the Pullman School on Forrestville Avenue, erected circa 1910 as a symbol of the community’s dedication to education
Saturday: Live jazz with the Qombo Jazz Group
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the tour covers multiple sites within the neighborhood.

Tickets:

$27 – Adults (at the door)
$21 – Seniors (65+) & Military (at the door)
$21 – Advance purchase

Burgoo Festival- 2025
2025-10-11 11:00 - 18:00 | LaSalle County Historical Museum, 101 E Canal St, Utica, 61373, United States
Established in 1969, the Burgoo Festival is one of the longest-running, and largest, fall festivals in northern Illinois. The Burgoo Festival is best described as an annual village street party featuring antiques sellers, craftsmen, musicians, and food vendors. More than 350 vendors will present their wares at this annual event. Sponsored by the non-profit LaSalle County Historical Society, it is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year!

Arachtober
2025-10-11 13:00 - 14:30 | Camp Sagawau
October is a great time to observe our eight-legged friends. Sweep net for spiders as you learn about them.

Jaden Decker - Festival 56
2025-10-11 19:00 - 21:30 | Festival 56, 316 S. Main St., Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
From the rugged beauty of Missoula, Montana to his new home in Nashville, 19-year-old country artist Jaden Decker is quickly emerging as one of the most compelling new voices in the genre. With a sound rooted in grit, soul, and lyrical honesty, Jaden has already built a national following through relentless touring, standout songwriting, and performances that hit with emotional weight.
Admission: $15.00 per person.

Bird Hike
2025-10-12 08:00 - 21:30 | McClaughrey Springs Woods, 119th & Kean Ave., Palos Park, IL, 60464, United States
Join a naturalist for a morning bird hike. Binoculars available for loan.
Registration required; call/email organizer to sign up at (630) 257-2045.

Burgoo Festival - 2025
2025-10-12 09:00 - 17:00 | LaSalle County Historical Society and Museum, 101 E. Canal St., North Utica, 61373, United States

Historic Pullman House Tour
2025-10-12 11:00 - 17:00 | Pullman Exhibit Hall, 11141 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, 60628, United States
Don’t miss the 52nd Annual Historic Pullman House Tour at Pullman National Historical Park. This beloved tradition offers visitors a rare opportunity to step into some of the most historically significant and beautifully restored homes in one of America’s most celebrated planned industrial communities.
Pullman House Tour is more than an invitation to explore history—it’s a vital fundraiser. Proceeds support ongoing preservation, restoration, and educational programming that help maintain Pullman’s architectural treasures so that its unique story can be shared with the world.
This year’s tour features eight residential properties, each carefully selected to showcase the neighborhood’s rich architectural diversity and heritage. It’s an incredible chance for National Park visitors to see one of Chicago’s most historic neighborhoods, inside and out.
Pullman House Tour sites:

Eight restored Pullman homes including a unique Pullman apartment
A home currently under renovation as it transitions from a two-flat into a spacious single-family residence
Explore the Pullman School on Forrestville Avenue, erected circa 1910 as a symbol of the community’s dedication to education
DJ Entertainment plus Pullman Classic Car Show 11 am to 2 pm

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the tour covers multiple sites within the neighborhood.
Tickets:

$27 – Adults (at the door)
$21 – Seniors (65+) & Military (at the door)
$21 – Advance purchase

Birds & Beans
2025-10-14 08:30 - 09:30 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Birdwatch with hot, fresh-brewed, bird-friendly coffee from the comfort of Isle a la Cache Library.
Chat about the birds that show up at the feeders through the picture windows and enjoy the company of others over winter morning muffins.
Registration required by Friday, Dec. 12: 815-722-9301. Ages 16 or older.

A Night of Comedy & Bluegrass About Public Records
2025-10-14 19:00 - 21:30 | The Eagle Performing Arts & Conference Center, 319 N. Plum St., Pontiac, 61764, United States
One night only! Great comedy and incredible bluegrass music.
Get ready for a night of laughter unlike anything you’ve seen before! The FOIA Comedy Show is coming to Pontiac, and it’s turning public records into pure comedy gold. With over 10 years of performances in New York, Washington DC, Amsterdam, London, and Los Angeles, this one-of-a-kind show has been making audiences laugh all around the world. The premise may sound unusual—are public records funny?—but we promise, the answer is a resounding yes! Expect a hilarious, unique, and memorable evening that you won’t want to miss. Head over to their website here to get more information and grab your tickets today!
This is unlike any comedy show you’ve seen. All the humor is inspired by actual, strange public documents, such as: FCC complaints about Big Bang Theory being too violent, FBI profiles of sports stars, and creative immigration applications.

Spook-tacular Cake Decorating
2025-10-16 18:00 - 19:30 | Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 7th St., LaSalle, 61301, United States
Join us for an evening of spooky cake decorating. Decorate your very own 6-inch round, vanilla or chocolate Halloween-inspired cake in the Hegeler Carus Mansion in LaSalle, IL. All supplies included! Just bring yourself, an apron, and your creativity! This event is a partnership between the Hegeler Carus Mansion and Blue Eyed Rascal Baking Co. Cost: $50 per ticket. Disclaimer- This event is non-refundable. Limited space (16 seats), registration ends on October 10. Cake selection of Vanilla or Chocolate

Mocktober at Isle a la Cache
2025-10-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Say cheers! to this cozy and chilly time of year.
Guests will meet at the museum to view the exhibits and then join naturalists for a guided experience along our trails to trick or treat for some mocktails!
End the night by relaxing around the campfire. Light snacks will be provided.
Registration required by Tuesday, Oct. 14: 815-722-9301. Ages 21 and older.

Karaoke Night
2025-10-16 19:00 - 23:00 | The Twisted Pin, 15610 Joliet Rd., Plainfield, IL, 60544, United States
Get ready to unleash your inner superstar!
Start your weekend on a high note with delicious food, a self-serve beer wall, craft cocktails, and awesome giveaways!
Don’t miss out on the fun – bring your friends and let’s make some unforgettable memories!

Witches Walk of Utica
2025-10-17 16:00 - 21:00 | LCHS Canal Market, 210 Clark St., Utica, 61373, United States
Dust off your broom and grab your pals for a fun night out in Utica! Good witches and bad are all welcome!
YOU NEED A WRISTBAND TO PARTICIPATE: You’ll need to purchase a ticket to participate in all the fun activities. Only witches with our official Witches Walk wristband can participate in the treasure hunts, witches brew tastings, raffles, contests, and readings. You’ll get your wristband at the check-in on the day of the event.
WITCHES BREW TASTING: Many of the participating businesses will have a special 2 oz. witches brew for you to taste. Your entry includes 5 tasting tickets, but additional tasting tickets are available for $1.25 each.
FIND A HIDDEN TREASURE: Some of the businesses will have something hidden for you to find that is spooktacularly special. Find it and win a prize!!
PRIZES FOR BEST COSTUME, HAT & BROOM: You aren’t required to dress up, but there will be an awesome prize for the following: Best Witch Hat, Best Overall Witch Costume, Best Overall Warlock Costume, and Best Broom. Please note that each witch/warlock can can only enter one of the contests, so be prepared at check-in to let us know which contest you want to enter. Judges for the Best Costume will be located near 723 S Clark locations.
MORE FUN

The Hocus Pocus Hags will be performing during the event!
Live music on Mill Street by James Gedda & the Big Breakfast
Warm up at one of the fire pits
Readings from local psychics and card readers available at some of the businesses (additional cost)
Photo flip book to commemorate the evening available for purchase during the event
Additional vendors will be set up at the Canal Market

TICKETS
Advance tickets are $20 per witch and include a spooooky commemorative wine glass and 5 “witches brew” 2 oz. tasting tickets. Tickets are limited so don’t delay. Ticket sales end at midnight on 10/16. Tickets at the door will be $25. Tickets are non-refundable.
* Additional tasting tickets available for $1.25 each on day of event at check-in.
CHECK-IN IS AT THE CANAL MARKET
Check-in for the event is located at Canal Market, 208 S. Clark Street, Utica. You will receive your wine glass, list of participating business, and tasting tickets at check-in.
This fun event is put on by the Utica Business Association. Beware of the FUN!
Leave the kiddos at home and come get your witch on!

Oh Deer!
2025-10-17 17:00 - 18:30 | O’Hara Woods, 1034 W. 135th St., Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
As the days get shorter, the forest gets busier. Squirrels scurry to cache their winter food, birds are bulking up for migration and deer are showing off their antlers. Bring your binoculars to O’Hara Woods to get a closeup of the busy wildlife.
Registration required by Wednesday, Oct. 15: 815-722-9470.

Ghost Stories on the I & M Canal Boat - Ages 10 and Up
2025-10-17 18:30 - 19:30 | Lock 16 Visitor Center, 754 First Street, LaSalle, IL, 61301, United States
Come and enjoy family friendly ghost stories aboard the I&M Canal Boat, “The Volunteer ” docked at Lock 14, by Tricia Kelley – Storyteller & Presenter.

Stories are suited for ages 10 and up.
Check in at the Lock 16 Visitor Center starting at 6pm. There will be drinks for sale at this time.
The $15 ticket price includes a $5 Drink Voucher.
Guests will then drive down and park at Lock 14.
Once aboard the boat there will be an eerie safety talk and then ghost stories during the spooky twilight. The boat will stay at the dock.
FAQ’s
Do I need to wear a costume? No you do not have to dress up, but you are welcome to!
How long is the event? The ghost stories will last an hour.
Do I need to book a reservation now? It is recommended. You are welcome to come the day of the tour, but are not guaranteed a place on the boat.

5th Annual Witches Night Out
2025-10-17 18:30 - 22:30 | Royalty West Banquet Hall, 8675 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs, 60480, United States
Where Glamour Meets Mischief 🧙‍♀️
💫 $85 Ticket & Group Tickets Includes:
🌙 6:30 PM – Enchanted Entry: Step through mystical doors as the night of magic begins
🍴 7:00 PM – Feast of the Coven: A family-style banquet fit for witches & friends
🔥 8:00 PM – Eye Candy Spectacle: Wickedly delicious show that will mesmerize your senses
🎶 Mischief & Music: Dance, play games, and stir a little chaos with your coven
🛍️ Mini Witches Market: Handpicked magical vendors offering charms, potions & delights
🎭 Costume Enchantment: Come cloaked in magic or simply sparkle — all attire is welcome
💀 Cash-o-Lanterns Ready? Sip on spellbinding potions at the cash bar & summon luck in our mystical raffle!
🍸 21+ Only
✨ More than a night out — it’s a magical escape!
Gather your coven, reserve your table, and let the enchantment begin.
💖 All proceeds conjure support for our BCA Hub Emergency Initiative

Third Friday Lecture - The Canal That Made Chicago: The 200th Anniversary of The Erie Canal
2025-10-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Chicago Maritime Museum, 1200 W. 35th St., Chicago, IL, 60609, United States
Join us for a fascinating discussion by CMM’s very own Bill Derrah on how the Erie Canal opened Great Lakes shipping to the world and built Chicago into a major city.
Two hundred years ago the Erie Canal opened, completely transforming western settlement, economic development and Chicago.
Bill Derrah joined the Chicago Maritime Society as a volunteer more than a decade ago to help with the museum’s burgeoning artifact collection. A University of Chicago geography major, Bill also holds a master’s degree in history education. More recently, he completed the U of C Artifact Collection Care Certification Program so that he could better address CMM’s collection’s needs. Derrah is also a member of the Chicago Yacht Club’s Island Goat Society, having sailed more than 25 Chicago to Mackinac races.

Trout Season Celebration
2025-10-18 06:00 - 08:00 | Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm, 475 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
Its fall trout season at Hidden Lakes!
To celebrate, we are opening the gates and concessions building for fishing at 6 a.m. Find your perfect spot along the two stocked lakes. Head to the Tackle Box bait shop for a free hot chocolate, tea or coffee. Plus top off the morning with a complimentary doughnut to keep you fueled to fish. Need a fishing license and trout stamp? No problem! The Tackle Box sells those too.

Rec Bike Club
2025-10-18 09:00 - 10:30 | Hadley Valley, 18304 Goougar Rd., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States

"The Cat's Meow" Lace Making Workshop
2025-10-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 7th St., LaSalle, 61301, United States
Learn the lost art of Bobbin Lacemaking with Donna, a seasoned lace artist that has been working in lace for over 20 years providing demos and classes, and a member of the Lacemakers and Collectors Exchange. In this 3-hour class you will learn the fundamentals of lacemaking while creating a purr-fectly adorable cat! Cost: is $65 per person. This event is non-refundable. A lacing kit of a 18×20 foam board, bobbins for the project, pins, pincushion, thread, and handouts will be provided.

Bronzeville's Fall Festival 2025
2025-10-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Absolutely Anything Essential, 3521 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL, 60653, United States
Join us for a solo and family-friendly celebration filled with fun, shopping and resources designed to lift up the community.
This year’s theme is Wealth Wellness & Wisdom.
Tickets are $20.
