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.

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.

National Night Out – Monee Reservoir

Monee Reservoir 27341 S. Ridgeland, Monee, United States

Celebrate National Night Out at Monee Reservoir with the Forest Preserve District of Will County police officers and other eastern Will County police agencies. See emergency vehicles up close, participate in fun activities and enjoy some delicious snacks. The event enhances relationships between residents and law enforcement

National Night Out

Riordan Pool 600 Utica Dr., Ottawa, IL, United States

Come hang out with your first responders at Riordan Pool. Join our first responders for a fun-filled night! Free food, Free swim, and Free goodies for all the kiddos! National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our

Sidewalk Sales – National Night Out

Goold Park 308 Northern Avenue, Morris, United States

This family-friendly event brings neighbors together, creating positive interactions with law enforcement and making connections to services that improve the quality of life for all. Our local businesses make this event entirely free for everyone, giving us all the ability to participate in fun activities!  

Joliet Slammers vs. Gateway Grizzlies – Groundhog Day Game

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

Get caught in the time warp at the Groundhog Day Game – where every inning is a chance to break the cycle! Join us at the ballpark for a game that pays homage to the classic movie with a twist of baseball excitement.  

Event Series Summer Finale at Four Rivers

Summer Finale at Four Rivers

Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, United States

Celebrate the last days of summer break at Four Rivers! Is summer camp over? Has school not started yet? Head over to Four Rivers for a new activity every day from Tuesday, Aug. 6, through Friday, Aug. 9. Activities will include scavenger hunts, science experiments and more!

Land & Water Cruise

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

Discovery Isle: Snakes

Isle a la Cache Museum 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, United States

Don't hate! Appreciate the fact that snakes are amazing! Did you know that snakes smell with their tongues? Or that they can eat animals 75% to 100% larger than their own heads? Come out to Isle a la Cache and get a new appreciation for our slithery

BYOB Bingo

Prairie Bluff Preserve 2025 Renwick Rd., Crest Hill, United States

Come on out for a night to socialize outdoors and enjoy the beautiful Prairie Bluff 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

Cruise Nights & Block Party

Cruise Nights & Block Party Location Main Street & Canal Street, Lemont, IL, United States

Exotic Cars STEM NIGHT & Expo 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

Joliet Slammers vs. Gateway Grizzlies – Teacher Appreciation Night

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

Calling all educators! It's time to hit it out of the park with Teacher Appreciation Night! Join us in celebrating the all-star lineup of educators who knock it out of the park every day!!  

Garden Walk Series

Hornbaker Gardens 22937 County Rd. 1140 N, Princeton, IL, United States

Join us for a journey through the seasons! We are excited to offer 4 garden walks to showcase the gardens throughout the year. All Garden Walks are free to attend. Participate in all four walks to be entered to win a $75 gift card to use in

Joliet Slammers vs. Gateway Grizzlies – Irish Heritage Night

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

Shamrocks and strikeouts at Irish Heritage Night! Join us at the ballpark for a grand celebration of Irish culture, with music, dance, and the crack of the bat!  

Think & Drink – Rise from Ruins: The Great Lockport Fire of 1895

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

For this month’s Think & Drink, we’re doing something a little different: we’re opening a new history exhibit! Beginning Thursday, August 8, our 3rd floor gallery will feature Rise from Ruins: The Great Lockport Fire of 1895. This exhibit coincides with Main Street Lockport’s Fire Fest, taking

Sunset Soiree – Whiskey Road perform Country Hits

Sunset Soiree Location Stephen & Talcott, Lemont, United States

Free concert series! Join us in downtown Lemont on Stephen Street. Bring your blankets & chairs for free open seating.  Seating opens at 6:00 p.m., music begins at 7:00 p.m.  Food and drink will be available on site.  

Sounds of Summer

Isle a la Cache Museum 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, United States

As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, the natural world comes alive with a chorus of sounds. But do you know what, or who, is making the symphony? Learn some of the most common calls around this time of year and how to ID them.

Land & Water Cruise

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

Rooftop Summer Series – Great Moments in Vinyl

Joliet Area History Museum 204 Ottawa St., Joliet, IL, United States

Great Moments in Vinyl plays ZZ Top - The Rooftop Summer Music Series 2024 Live music on the Museum's Outdoor Rooftop! Register/Info: www.Jolietmuseum.org (815) 723-5201 Doors Open at 6:15pm Show starts at 7:00pm  

NCC Summer Splash Blast

Riordan Pool 600 Utica Dr., Ottawa, IL, United States

Join us for this free event to celebrate Natalie's  birthday!!

Live Music on the Veranda – Steve Sharp Honors Jimmy Buffet

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

Starved Rock State Park One Lodge Lane, Oglesby, IL, 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