I Spy Paddle

Lake Chaminwood Preserve 24251 W. Shepley Rd., Minooka, IL, United States

I spy with my little eye a new way to paddle this summer! As the sun sets, enjoy a sensory experience on the waters of Lake Chaminwood. Take part in a series of challenges to discover what you can find along the nooks and crannies of the

Sunset Cruise Featuring Kaedon Cronkright

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

Embark on a captivating two-hour sunset cruise in the picturesque Illinois River Valley, where you'll be treated to a delightful blend of scenic beauty, live music, and a relaxing atmosphere. As you step aboard the Sainte Genevieve, you'll be greeted by the friendly crew and find yourself

Jordan Block Jams – Fueled by Whiskey

Jordan Block 123 W. Main St., Ottawa, United States

Our FREE Jordan Block Jams Summer Series continues featuring Fueled by Whiskey. Join us for an unforgettable night of music, food, and fun! But that's not all! Quench your thirst with refreshing drinks from our vendor, Cat's Eye, and tantalize your tastebuds with delicious food options from

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.  

All About Bats

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

Join a naturalist to learn about these often misunderstood fascinating creatures of the night. Learn about our local bat species and find out how they are essential to a healthy ecosystem. As the bats silently leave their daytime roost, we'll use bat-detecting equipment to reveal exactly who

40th Annual Car Show – Ottawa

LaSalle County Car Show Site 234 Albin Stevens Dr., Ottawa, IL, United States

Come check out this spectacular car show! Open to all cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Music provided. Hosted by LaSalle County Cruisers.  

Event Series Ottawa Farmers & Makers Market

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

Ottawa Canal Day

Downtown Ottawa 223 W. Madison, Ottawa, United States

Join us a fun-filled day with activities the entire family can enjoy. Demonstrations from a blacksmith, canoeing on the canal, music, tours and so much more.

Kids Fest

Joliet City Center 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL, United States

Kidz Fest is a free event for children over 2 years old that takes place in the City Center. Activities include magic shows, face painting, pony rides, petting zoo, roller skating, inflatable slide, and more! Sponsorships are available as well as vendor opportunities.  

Cave Tasting Experience

August Hill in Peru 21 N 255 1st Rd., Peru, IL, United States

Experience where the magic begins at our winery location in Peru, Illinois! Step into our Winery Caves where your favorite August Hill & ISC wines are produced and stored. Enjoy a unique wine journey presented to a small group of up to 20 people (approximately 45 minutes

Utica Brew Bazaar

Utica Brew Bazaar Site Mill St. & E. Canal St., Utica, United States

Utica Brew Bazaar!!! The NEW and IMPROVED Craft Beer Street fest. We have listened to your voices over the years and have designed a whole new event!!! Not only can you get tastings of brews from some of Illinois's best breweries, you can now BUY the brew

Event Series Waterfowl Cruise

Waterfowl Cruise

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

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.  

Event Series Art Camp

Art Camp

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

Each day of the week will be a different class, take one or all of them! Morning Session will be from 9AM until 11AM Afternoon Session will be 1PM-3PM. On Saturday we will put the art made from all of the classes on display in the gallery

Event Series Music in the Park – Ottawa

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

Taco & Margarita Festival

The Forge Adventure Park and Ziplines 227 Heritage Quarries Drive, Lemont, Illinois

Welcome to the Lemont Taco & Margarita Festival! Join us & Brew Avenue Events on Saturday, August 3rd, for a day filled with delicious tacos and refreshing margaritas. Get ready to indulge in a variety of taco creations from 8+ food trucks while sipping on mouthwatering margaritas,

Joliet Slammers vs. Florence Y’alls – Star Wars Night/Scout Sleepover

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

Prepare for a journey to a galaxy far, far away as we summon the force for an epic Star Wars Night at the ballpark. Join us for an intergalactic showdown between the Florence Y'alls and the Joliet Slammers. May the hits be with you as we create

Sunset & Small Bites Featuring Chris Farrell

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

As the sun sets, you'll head west out of Ottawa under the railroad bridge and travel to Buffalo Rock. The breathtaking rock faces that edge the river will offer the perfect backdrop as you wind down your day. Guests will enjoy our cocktail buffet featuring heavy appetizers

Event Series Steeples & Saloons Walking Tour

Steeples & Saloons Walking Tour

Lone Buffalo Restaurant & Tap Room 812 LaSalle St., Ottawa, IL, United States

Embark on a journey through time with our Steeples & Saloons walking tour, a captivating exploration of Ottawa, Illinois' rich history and architectural marvels. This engaging tour is perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant past of a town

Ottawa’s Taylor Swift Dance Party

Ottawa's Old Central School Lot 400 Clinton St., Ottawa, IL, United States

Get ready to shake it off, Ottawa! 🎶 Mark your calendars and dust off your dancing shoes because the City of Ottawa is thrilled to announce the ultimate summer bash: a TSwift Dance Party to close out our 2024 Friendship Days Festival on August 4th! 🌟 🎤

Meet a Beekeeper

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

Meet local beekeeper Mike Rusnak to discuss the art of beekeeping. Ask questions, chat and troubleshoot your own hive. Rusnak has more than 18 years of beekeeping experience. Pick up specific beekeeping tips or simply learn more about the world of bees. Fee: Free! Age: All ages.

Event Series Streator Fest

Streator Fest

Northpoint Plaza 1 Northpoint Drive, Streator, IL, United States

Thursday, August 1- Fantasy Amusement Carnival, Northpoint, 5-11pm Craft Vendors and Food Vendors, 5-11:30p Beer tent, 5:30-11:30pm VIP Gates open at 5pm Opening Ceremonies at 6:45pm Music On Stage, Northpoint starting at 7pm 7pm - 3 Years Hollow 8:30pm - Blacktop Mojo   Friday, August 2 -

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

The Gaylord Building – Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

Gaylord Building, Lockport 200 W. 8th Street, Lockport, IL, United States

The Gaylord Building played a vital role in the creation of the Illinois & Michigan Canal.  A landmark since 1838, this handsome limestone warehouse originally stored canal construction materials and later housed a variety of commercial ventures. Today the Gaylord Building is a national example of adaptive

Gospel Music in Washington Park

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

Family friendly music event is back again this year! Pack a cooler and bring a lawn chair for this FREE event at Washington Park.