Join us in Downtown Ottawa for the Annual Scarecrow Festival. 38 years and running! Kids activities, food, music, fundraising, and, of course, the Scarecrow Competition. New fundraising activities this year: Pet Costume Contest--Famous Duos (you and your pet), Pie Eating Contest--all age groups, plus adult relay round!
Celebrate this special month by making unique skulls, flowers and banners in preparation for Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). All materials provided.
Mad Lab on October 4th! FREE EVENT! Come one, come all to Mansion Explorers: Mad Lab on October 4th! This FREE event will include science experiments and demonstrations, face painting, trick-or-treat stations, old time games, and so much more! Come in your best Halloween costume and take
Hike under ancient oaks to learn about their natural history and why they are keystone species. Ages 18 & up.
Oktoberfest on October 4 2025 From 2pm to 9pm. Bands play from 2-4 and 6-9. Food and Oktoberfest beers. Family friendly
Dance into the Roaring Twenties with this dazzling Broadway-style ballet. Immerse yourself in the jazzy world of flappers and champagne with this new and entirely original production from World Ballet Company. Experience the glitz, glamor, and tragic romance of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel LIVE on stage,
The Joliet Area Historical Museum (JAHM) will be showing a 45th anniversary screening of The Blues Brothers in the yard of the Old Joliet Prison Saturday October 4, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Tours of the Old Joliet Prison will begin that day at 4:00 p.m. It was
General W. H.L Wallace was killed while leading his Division during the Civil War battle of Shiloh in 1862. He and his family are buried in this private, land-locked cemetery on the north bluff in Ottawa. Registration for tours will begin at 8:30am at the Ottawa Historical
Learn about the world’s first nuclear reactor. Presentation at Sagawau, followed by a moderate hike at Red Gate. Ages 18 & up.
Enjoy a lovely morning by taking time for yourself and discovering the wonders of the natural world. This program includes a 30- to 35-minute all-levels seated yoga session and a 25- to 30-minute natural world exploration. Depending on the weather, yoga may take place outside under a
General W. H.L Wallace was killed while leading his Division during the Civil War battle of Shiloh in 1862. He and his family are buried in this private, land-locked cemetery on the north bluff in Ottawa. Tours will begin at the LaSalle County Historical Society. The trolley
General W. H.L Wallace was killed while leading his Division during the Civil War battle of Shiloh in 1862. He and his family are buried in this private, land-locked cemetery on the north bluff in Ottawa. Tours will begin at the LaSalle County Historical Society. The trolley
As the Hunter’s Moon shines above, we’ll hike and discuss white-tailed deer in the world’s largest Urban Night Sky Place.
Do you believe in ghosts? Join two-time Moth storytelling champion Errol McLendon for a spine-tingling journey through his years as a paranormal investigator. From a ghost panther in Mississippi to a chilling night in an Illinois asylum, Errol’s true encounters with the supernatural will leave you questioning
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
October is a great time to observe our eight-legged friends. Sweep net for spiders as you learn about them.