Events

Led by the University of Illinois Extension, discover something new in nature when the buildings are closed.  

Celebrate the last days of summer break at Four Rivers! On Day 3, discover how explorers engage with the natural world around them. Use maps and clues to solve puzzles, explore new places in the preserve and face (family-friendly) challenges just like real explorers. Each day of

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

Join us on August 15th as Dr. Wayne Duerkes discusses the far-reaching impact of canals and how they have influenced daily life and helped shape the development of the City of Chicago. Dr. Duerkes is a professional historian and author with over 30 years of experience on

Enjoy an evening at Hammel Woods exploring the habitat of our local bat species. Watch the bats emerge from their sleeping quarters to go out on their nightly hunt. Using echolocation technology, listen for bats and discover some fascinating facts about these flying mammals. Registration required by

Get ready for an unforgettable night under the stars! We're bringing the magic of the movies to Berkeley Park on August 15th with a special showing of the heartwarming family film, IF! Join us for a night of fun, imagination, and free popcorn! The festivities kick off

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

Let’s go on an exploration to spot some colorful dragonflies! These aerial acrobats aren’t as delicate as they may seem; they are indeed voracious hunters. Learn about their fascinating adaptations and their strange life cycle while we search for them above and below the water’s surface. Registration

Join us for activities, viewing, and demos of how the birds are banded for tracking and research purposes. No registration required.  

You're invited to join us for our 2025 Cruise Season. Pontiac Cruise Nights are the 3rd Saturday of each month, May through August, located Downtown Pontiac, 2 blocks South of City Hall. PLEASE NOTE: Due to construction in our downtown area, the entrance and location of our

Music in the Park - Washington Square 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.

Spend time in our garden where our staff will answer your hummingbird questions.  

Historic Pullman Labor History Walking Tour This guided experience will take visitors through the very streets where American labor history was made—highlighting the pivotal moments, people, and movements that emerged from this iconic South Side Chicago community. Learn how the Pullman Company, the American Railway Union, and the groundbreaking Brotherhood

Hang out with a naturalist as we chat about all things nature while getting crafty! Create a collage and interpret nature your way while staying cool from that summer heat. All materials provided. This is a drop-in program. All ages  

Enjoy the quiet of sunset as we explore the woods on a casual 2-mile hike. Registration Required Ages 13 & up.  

This ongoing event will be from Tuesday, Aug. 19, to Sunday, Aug. 24. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Help Hidden Lakes Trout Farm look its best by picking up litter in the preserve.

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 4-7 pm. Vendors feature vegetables and fruit, flowers, mushrooms, local honey, micro greens, crepes and more! Stay tuned as

Which city carried the nickname City of Stone and Steel? Joliet's once-thriving industrial plant rivaled Pittsburgh's steel power. Explore its stone foundations that are more than 100 years old. A naturalist will share the fascinating stories of the men and machines that worked at the Joliet Iron

Emergency Vehicle 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 time

Unleash your creativity with a colorful butterfly craft and coloring adventure! Join us on August 21st anytime from 11 AM to 5 PM for some hands-on fun you won’t want to miss.  

As Vietnam War Veterans Day approaches (March 29), the Village of Romeoville is honored to announce that the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be displayed in Romeoville from August 21 – August 24. Arriving by trailer, a welcome parade will escort the wall into town on the

Join Lemont Classic Car Club at our farm for our weekly Thursday Cruise Night, where the atmosphere sizzles with excitement and great music! This week, we’re thrilled to feature My Dad’s Cover Band, bringing their lively tunes to the open air. Enjoy a nostalgic evening of classic

This is the ultimate summer celebration that you won't want to miss! Join us for a four-day extravaganza filled with thrilling carnival rides, electrifying DJ performances, live music, delicious food and drinks, and endless fun. Get ready to experience heart-pumping excitement on our carnival rides. From spinning

We have a new day, new name, and new logo! Kev Roy & the Overjoyed take the stage on August 21st! Tickets are $5 a person. Gates open at 6:00pm with the concert from 6:30 to 8:00pm. Enjoy live music by Kevin & The Overjoyed, Ina Mae

Join us for our 50th Season of FREE Concerts on the Hill! Every Thursday June through August join us outside on our hill to see wonderful local talent share their gifts. Remember to bring your chairs and blankets! We hope to see you there!