Events

Step back in time to Illinois during the 1750s. Students practice the barter system used by the French and American Indians to exchange goods. By participating in a trade, students learn and see the benefits of this economic process. This is an opportunity for homeschooled or remote-learning

Every Third Thursday the Hegeler Carus Mansion presents Third Thursday Concert Series May and September. Enjoy live music, food trucks, 50/50 raffles, mansion fun facts, and more. Guests bring their own chairs or blankets and enjoy music under the tree canopy on the Mansions West Lawn. Bring

Our next Think & Drink brings us a story at the very heart of Lockport’s history.  In the 1970s, the Old Central School building, a Lockport landmark since its construction in 1896, was threatened with demolition. A determined group of citizens, business leaders, and preservationists, including a

Tickets are $5 each and will be available in advance or on the day of the reel at the Rialto Square Theatre Box Office. Tickets are unavailable online and are now on sale at the box office. Doors will open 30 minutes before showtime; a free organ

Thank goodness its Friday and were set to savor one last summer weekend! Grab some friends or make it a date night and get out on the trail with us for a bike ride to kick off the weekend and squeeze in one last summer ride! Registration

Lucky you! You’ve been invited to the Bolingbrook Chamber Speakeasy for a night of mystery and mayhem! At this roaring ‘20s-themed event, secrets are hidden behind every corner and danger lurks where you least expect it. Someone won’t make it through the night—and it’s up to you

To celebrate the last two months of CMM’s current temporary exhibition, Maritime Midwest Modern, renowned architect Dirk Lohan will be sharing his thoughts on the interplay between architecture and the waterways in Chicago and his own career. As CMM’s chairman, Dirk designed the museum’s interior space, which

Calling all anglers! Come on out to Hidden Lakes Trout Farm and close out summer while you try your hand at fishing. We invite you to find the best spot along the shore and try your luck at catching fish. We will provide one free container of

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 us for our Fall Craft Fair! Featuring over 60 vendors, the Craft Fair will offer jewelry, home decor, artwork, candles, cards and stationery, and much more. Free admission! All attendees will receive three free chances to win one of over 50 prizes! In addition, Nothing Bundt

Experience one of the largest family friendly kite festivals in the Midwest, and on Route 66, where you will find displays of giant show kites; precision stunt teams performing amazing aerial ballets to music with their kites; and spectacular and colorful ground displays! Vendors will be selling

The migrating American white pelicans are coming in for a landing here at Four Rivers! Enjoy seeing a pelican close up at one of the 45-minute live-bird presentations scheduled for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Meet naturalists at each of the pelican hotspots to observe these huge

We’re celebrating the 22nd anniversary of Vintage Illinois in Utica this September, in partnership with the Village of North Utica and the Canal Street Market. Plan now to attend. We have a great weekend planned! You’ll enjoy some amazing music on stage, while literally wine-ing through the

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

Mark your calendars for the finale of the summer season on Saturday, September 20th! As a farewell to the summer season, join us in Pontiac for live music & entertainment, food, and the final Cruise Night of the year. This event will be held in the Humiston

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

BEYOND the STARS is a musical duo composed of Author TM Shaw and Christina Forever. Their sound, born of radical differences and deep kinship, developing through vocal harmony and the interplay of two guitars, or the pairing of guitar and electric piano, is uniquely their own. It