I & M Canal

Princeton Community Band
2025-06-29 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Soldiers & Sailors Park, 14 Park Ave. E, Princeton, 61356, United States
Enjoy the sound of the Princeton Community Band!
Bring lawn chairs.
FREE ADMISSION
Food stand.

Sidewalk Chalk Contest
2025-07-01 10:00 - 2025-07-31 16:00 | Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm, 475 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
This ongoing event will be held from Tuesday, July 1, to Thursday, July 31. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesdays to Fridays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Enjoy the summer in the preserves and let your creative side shine!
Become inspired by all the wildlife and beautiful sights and sounds around you and create a chalk masterpiece for all to appreciate. The Tackle Box bait shop will supply the chalk; you supply the work of art. Once youre done, enter your chalk art into our contest. Winners will be picked in the following categories: most creative, most nature themed and best artist in the making! To enter, take a picture with your phone and text it to the entry number found at the concessions building.
Make sure to include the artists name with your submission.
One entry per artist.
All Ages!

Summer Spinner Challenge
2025-07-01 10:00 - 2025-07-31 16:00 | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
This ongoing event will be held from Wednesday, July 2, to Thursday, July 31.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesdays to Sundays.
Get outside this summer and take on a few nature challenges! Start by visiting the front desk at the nature center to pick up your spinner card. Then head to the play area or take a hike spinning along the way. Spin to see which challenge to do first. Challenges include searching for items, rolling logs, acting like animals and more. Spin a few times or spin 10 times. Each card will be randomized and have different activities so the fun can continue during multiple visits. When you are all challenged out, come back to the front desk for a reward.
All ages!

Lemont Farmers Market
2025-07-01 16:00 - 19:00, 2025-07-08 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!

Hairspray - The Musical
2025-07-01 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-07-02 14:00 - 16:30, 2025-07-02 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-07-03 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-07-05 14:00 - 16:30, 2025-07-05 19:30 - 22:00 | Grace Theatre, 316 Main St., Princeton, 61356, United States
The 1950s are out, and change is in the air! Hairspray
Winner of eight Tony awards, including Best Musical, is a family-friendly musical, piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance, and deliriously tuneful songs.

It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire-to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show”. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob, Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network…all without denting her ‘do’.

Admission:
Adults $33
Seniors $30
Students (with ID) $17

Stars, Stripes & Santa: Berkeley's Independence Day
2025-07-03 17:00 - 23:00 | Berkeley Park Gazebo, 5900 Electric Ave., Berkeley, 60163, United States
Join us for the Berkeley Park District’s 1st Annual Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 3 at Berkeley Park! Admission is free with
pre-registration. This family-friendly event is packed with patriotic fun for all ages. Kick off the day with a Patriotic Scavenger Hunt for kids, featuring exciting prizes for young adventurers. Get creative with the Kids Bike Parade, where children can decorate their bikes and show off their patriotic spirit. Compete in our Cornhole Tournaments—one for kids and one for adults—with prizes for the top teams. Savor delicious bites from a variety of food trucks on-site. Embrace the festive spirit with a special Christmas in July surprise — Santa will be available for kids to take pictures! More details to come on our Facebook page. As the sun sets, settle in for a Movie in the Park screening of Captain America: The First Avenger under the stars. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and patriotic cheer for an unforgettable evening of community fun!
TIMELINE OF EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
5:00-5:30PM – KIDS SCAVENGER HUNT
5:00-9:00PM – INFLATABLE SOCCER TARGET
INFLATABLE BOUNCE HOUSE
5:00PM – CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT SIGN-UP IN ADVANCE
6:00-7:00PM – MAGIC SHOW with SANTA
6:30PM – CORNHOLE ADULT TOURNAMENT – 16 Teams Max.
5:00PM-9:30PM – FOOD TRUCKS –
(Cha Cha’s Kitchen and Del Called Street Tacos)
7:00PM – WATERMELON EATING CONTEST with SANTA
7:00-7:30PM – KIDS BIKE DECORATING WORKSHOP
7:30PM – KIDS BIKE PARADE with SANTA as GRAND MARSHALL
8:00PM – SNOW CONE EATING CONTEST with SANTA
8:00PM – CORNHOLE PARENT & CHILD (13 & UNDER) TOURNAMENT
8:15PM – GLOW NECKLACES GIVE-A-WAY
8:30PM – MOVIE – CAPTAIN AMERICA

** Events and times are subject to change without advance notice due to unforeseen circumstances.**
***ALCOHOL AND FIREWORKS ARE PROHIBITED IN BERKELEY PARK!!***

Independence Celebration at Billie Limacher Park
2025-07-03 18:00 - 22:00 | Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre, 201 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Independence Celebration at Billie Limacher Park
LIVE MUSIC ON TWO STAGES!!!
1) PAVILION STAGE (main park, north of Jefferson St)
6:30 – 8:00 pm SELECTONES (reggae fusion)
8:30 – 10:00 pm BAND OF LINCOLN (hits of IL musicians)
2) RIVER STAGE (parking lot, south of Jefferson St)
6:30 – 8:00 pm VELVET ROSE (R&B, dance)
8:30 – 10:00 pm PORTRAIT OF SOUND (classic rock)
* Food trucks, beer tent & venders
* Bring your blankets and lawn chairs
* Kids’ games courtesy of ByronySeries – A better reading experience!
Fireworks 9:30 PM
FREE ADMISSION

Karaoke Night
2025-07-03 19:00 - 23:00 | The Twisted Pin, 15610 Joliet Rd., Plainfield, IL, 60544, United States
Join us for Karaoke with Host Joe Son!
Start your weekend on a high note – Food, Fun, Self Serve Beer Wall, Craft Cocktails & Giveaways!

Princeton's 4th of July Celebration
2025-07-04 10:00 - 22:00 | Zearing Park, S. Euclid & E. Thompson, Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
Princeton Chamber of Commerce invites you to celebrate the 4th of July holiday with an entertaining fireworks display at Zearing Park.
Come early and enjoy other activities happening before the big show.
Featuring Birdchild!

July 4th Unlimited Attraction Wristband at Haunted Trails Joliet
2025-07-04 12:00 - 19:00 | Haunted Trails Amusement Park & Picnic Grove, 1423 N. Broadway St., Joliet, 60435, United States
July 4th Unlimited Attraction Wristband at Haunted Trails Joliet
This July 4th enjoy UNLIMITED Fun on Trails Raceway Go-Karts, Jr. Go-Karts, Laser Tag, Miniature Golf, Monster Hop, Bone Shaker & Tornado Rides ALL DAY until 6 pm for $36.95/guest.
Plus Enjoy Half-Price Games ALL DAY LONG! *In the event of inclement weather, our daily Indoor Max Pack special is available for purchase.
Wristbands are valid on 7/4/25 only and can be used until 6 pm. Height and safety restrictions apply. Outdoor attractions are open, weather permitting.
All attractions are subject to availability.
Not valid with other offers. No refunds due to inclement weather.
Park closes at 7 pm on July 4th.
*Half-Price Games special not valid towards group and birthday party packages, Escape Rooms/Games, or with VIP Card discounts.
$36.95 for Unlimited Attraction Wristband!

Independence Day Celebration - Joliet Slammers vs. Florence Y'alls
2025-07-04 18:30 - 22:00 | Joliet Slammers Stadium, 1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Fireworks, freedom, and fun!
Celebrate America’s birthday with a night of baseball, patriotic spirit, and a dazzling firework show to light up the sky!

Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing
2025-07-05 08:00 - 12:00 | Lake Renwick Preserve, 23113 W. Lockport Street, Plainfield, IL, 60455, United States
See the dazzling spectacle of nesting herons, egrets and cormorants and maybe even see one of our resident bald eagles!
The preserve has controlled access during nesting season to minimize disturbances to nesting birds. The only way to view these amazing creatures at Lake Renwick during this time of year is to attend a viewing program.Volunteers and staff will be at the viewing platform and visitor center to answer questions. Bringing your own binoculars or spotting scope is recommended.All ages.

Farmers Market - Jackson Street
2025-07-05 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!

Into the Wild Art Exhibition
2025-07-05 10:00 - 2025-08-30 16:00 | 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

Music in the Park - Washington Square Park
2025-07-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Washington Square Park, 101 E. Lafayette St., Ottawa, Illinois, 61350
Music in the 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.

Military Appreciation - Joliet Slammers vs. Florence Y'alls
2025-07-05 18:00 - 21:30 | Joliet Slammers Stadium, 1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
A night of respect, pride, and baseball! We’re honoring the brave men and women who serve our country with a salute to their courage and dedication!

Princeton Community Band - Soldiers & Sailors Park
2025-07-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Soldiers & Sailors Park, 14 Park Ave. E, Princeton, 61356, United States

Ottawa's Third Friday - Madison Street
2025-07-08 08:00 - 17:00 | Ottawa Visitor Center, 1028 LaSalle St., Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Arts, culture, and entertainment come alive every Third Friday in downtown Ottawa, Illinois MAY – SEPTEMBER. Art vendors, music, food, and live events hosted by Open Space Gallery. Enjoy later shopping hours at many downtown retailers and enjoy custom food and drink specials at several of our fantastic restaurants.

These Books are Made for Walkin'
2025-07-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Four Rivers is collaborating with the Three Rivers Public Library District(Opens in a new window) for a book club on the go!
Join us to discuss books about the environment while we stroll the trails around Four Rivers.
This months book is By the Fire We Carry by Rebecca Nagle. Books will only be available at Three Rivers Public Library’s Channahon branch beginning one month prior to the event.
Registration required by Monday, July 7: 815-722-9470.Ages 14 or older.
Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Lemont Cruise Nights & Block Party
2025-07-09 18:00 - 21:00 | Cruise Nights & Block Party Location, Main Street & Canal Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
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.
Chevy/Corvette
Wander the streets of historic Lemont Downtown viewing cars that take you back in time and make you dream of the future.

Discovery Isle - Dip Netting
2025-07-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Check out what’s living in the water at Isle a la Cache.
Use dip nets and scopes to get an up-close look at the creatures that live in the water.
This is a drop-in program; come any time between 1 and 3 p.m.
No registration required.
Wear clothing and shoes that can get dirty.
The program may include hiking less than 0.5 mile on preserve trails over uneven terrain. The museum is an accessible facility. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should mention their request when registering or submit a request online(Opens in a new window) no later than 48 hours before the program.

Needle Punch Workshop
2025-07-10 17:00 - 19:00 | Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 7th St., LaSalle, 61301, United States
Want to take a stab at a new craft? Then join us for our first Needle Punch Workshop in the Open Court Editorial Office of the Hegeler Carus Mansion!
Local artist Aubrey Sipula of Toil & Thyme will teach the class how to needle punch and assist participants in creating a landscape project to take home. The ticket price includes all supplies including an adjustable needle punch tool which will be yours to keep!
Disclaimer- This event is non-refundable.
Note: Limited space (16 seats), registration ends on July 3, 2025.

Concerts on the Hill: Veterans Night - "Just Us!" and The Joliet American Legion Band
2025-07-10 18:30 - 21:00 | Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre, 201 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
“Just Us” takes the stage at 6:30pm and the JALB follows at approximately 7:30pm.
It is also “Veteran’s Night” at the Park. We would love to see the hill filled with veterans! In addition to a special tribute to our nation’s heroes, veterans who may be interested in doing so will be given a chance to direct the band as it performs a march. The band’s march book includes popular selections from Sousa, Fillmore, Bagley, Huffer, and more. You pick it, we’ll play it. Need a little assistance, Director Fiske will be glad to help you. This should be fun for everyone! Hope to see you and your favorite veteran on the 10th.

Sunset Soiree - Reckless
2025-07-10 19:00 - 22:00 | Sunset Soiree Location, Stephen & Talcott, Lemont, 60439, United States
Join us in downtown Lemont on Stephen St for this free concert series! Put your dancing shoes on! The Annual Concert Series presented by the Lemont Park District and Village of Lemont is a crowd favorite with live music, dancing, and tons of family-friendly fun in Lemont Downtown.
Bring your blankets & chairs for free open seating. Seating opens at 6 pm, and music begins at 7 pm. Food and drink will be available on site.
