Talk Derby To Me
2026-05-01 16:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Downtown Morris, 111 E. Washington St., Morris, IL, 60450, United States
It’s time to TALK DERBY TO ME! Gallop to Morris for the fun!! Run for the Roses!! Trifecta of Prizes! Winner’s Circle After Party!!
Grab your girls, throw on your cutest hat, and get ready for a night out you don’t want to miss. Shop, dine, and explore downtown Morris! Earn raffle tickets for every $10 you spend (We’re talking LOTS of chances to win). Enter to win amazing prize baskets + MRRA gift card.

Show up in your best Derby look for the Hat Contest! End the night at the After Party at Keg Grove!
Downtown will be decorated, businesses will have specials, and the energy is going to be unmatched!

Cars & Guitars - Sounds on 66
2026-05-01 17:00 - 20:00 | Joliet City Center, 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Join the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 as we kick off the Cars & Guitars Summer Season! We will be at our new location, Downtown Joliet City Square, to kick off the Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Weekend! Experience the evolution of the automobile up and down Chicago Street for a premier auto show! The first 75 cars receive a Cars & Guitars Dash Plaque.

Wine Glass Painting
2026-05-01 18:00 - 19:30 | Bronkberry Farms, 18061 Bronk Rd., Plainfield, IL, 60586, United States
A BYOB creative night at Handmade Happy Hour!!
Sip, paint, and unwind at our Paint Your Own Wine Glass Workshop, part of our Handmade Happy Hour series. This BYOB, adults-only craft night on the farm invites you to design a custom wine glass that’s as fun, bold, or elegant as you’d like. $40 per person.

Tom Papa: Grateful Bread Tour
2026-05-01 19:00 - 21:30 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
The comedian has had 6 highly rated stand-up specials including his most recent Netflix stand-up special, Home Free, which premiered on October 29th. Filmed at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., Tom holds nothing back, as his kids are finally out of the house and it’s just him, his wife and a bunch of animals ready to return to their glory days. Tom has seen a lot over the years, from close calls with a pachinko ball to late night 7-Eleven runs, and he’s sharing all his thoughts as he parties on into the next stage of life. The special trended in the Top 10 TV Shows the first week of release. Papa’s other specials include What A Day!, You’re Doing Great!, Human Mule, Freaked Out and Tom Papa Live in New York City, two of which were directed by Rob Zombie.

Midwest Morel Fest & Burger Bash
2026-05-02 07:30 - 13:00 | Washington Square Park, 101 E. Lafayette St., Ottawa, Illinois, 61350
It’s all part of a weekend that honors Tom Nauman’s legacy and the Midwest way of life: good people, great food, and plenty of laughter!!
Join us at Washington Park, where you can shop and peruse a large Botanical Market and Morel Market featuring everything… You guessed it… MUSHROOMS! We’ll even host MOREL UNIVERSITY, where you’ll learn to identify morels, so you know exactly what to look for on your guided hunt. (Please note: The educational hunt has limited availability.)
Schedule:

7:30 am: Hunt and Morel Market sign-in

8-8:30 am: Morel University

8:45 am: Busses depart for guided hunt

9 am-3 pm: Morel Market – morel mushrooms only

8 am-3 pm: Vendor Market

9 am-11:30 am: Guided Hunt

Noon: Burger Bash

12:30 pm: Awards

Repot & Refresh: A Houseplant Styling Bar
2026-05-02 10:00 - 14:00 | Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 County Rd. 1140 N, Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
Refresh your indoor plants at our Houseplant Restyling Bar! Browse a curated selection of houseplants, containers, and soil available for purchase and create a freshly styled plant ready for your home. You can also bring your own plant and/or container and we will provide fresh soil based on your plant’s needs. Our team will be on hand to offer tips on pairing plants with pots, proper repotting techniques, and styling ideas to help your houseplants thrive and look their best. Whether you’re upgrading a favorite plant or starting something new, this relaxed, drop-in experience is a fun way to give your indoor space a fresh update. $10 per person.

2026 Swinging Bridges Art Festival & Red Carpet Corridor
2026-05-02 10:00 - 19:00, 2026-05-03 10:00 - 19:00 | Downtown Pontiac, Downtown, Pontiac, 61764, United States
Join us for the 18th Annual Red Carpet Corridor Festival on Saturday, May 2nd and Sunday, May 3rd as we celebrate 100 miles of Route 66 through Illinois! This exciting event spans 14 communities, each hosting their own unique activities and attractions.
Pontiac is packed with exciting events you won’t want to miss! The celebration features the Swinging Bridges Art Festival, hosted by the Pontiac Community Art Center. During the festival, two blocks of Madison Street will be closed to traffic and filled with local artists and vendors creating and showcasing their work, live music performances, and more.
In celebration of the Route 66 Centennial, we’ll also unveil our newly constructed Centennial Plaza this weekend. The plaza is located behind the Historic Museum Complex and next to the iconic Route 66 shield mural.
Be sure to check out the Skoolie Swarm as well – a gathering of 30 to 50 converted vans, buses, and other unique vehicles taking over Downtown Pontiac for the entire weekend. This Route 66 Swarm honors the legacy of Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire and adds a vibrant, one-of-a-kind element to the festivities.

Route 66 Skoolie Swarm
2026-05-02 10:00 - 19:00, 2026-05-03 10:00 - 19:00 | Downtown Pontiac, Downtown, Pontiac, 61764, United States
Join us in Downtown Pontiac for the first-ever Skoolie Swarm during Red Carpet Corridor Weekend. In honor of the beloved Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire and his Road Yacht, what better way to celebrate the Route 66 Centennial than with a gathering of conversion vehicles? Explore 50+ unique rigs displayed throughout downtown Pontiac while enjoying the Red-Carpet Corridor and Swinging Bridges Art Festival, all happening simultaneously. This free, walkable event invites you to take photos, meet the vehicle owners, and tour their one-of-a-kind homes on wheels.

Route 66 Spring Social
2026-05-02 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-03 12:00 - 16:00 | Duncan Manor House & Gardens, 1002 Towanda-Barnes Rd., Towanda, IL, 61776, United States
Join us during the annual Red Carpet Corridor Festival as Duncan Manor opens its grounds for a lively spring weekend just steps off historic Route 66. Visitors are invited to wander the property, explore a curated outdoor vendor market, enjoy drinks and food from local vendors, and soak in the energy of one of the most celebrated travel weekends along the Mother Road. Throughout the day we will also be offering small-group guided tours of the historic 1866 Duncan Manor, where guests can step inside the Italianate home and hear the story of its restoration and the generations of life that have unfolded within its walls. Whether you’re traveling the Route 66 corridor or visiting from nearby Bloomington-Normal, we invite you to stop by, explore the grounds, and experience a piece of Towanda’s history. Grounds access is free. Historic house tours are $20 and offered in limited small groups throughout the day. Duncan Manor is a 501c3 Not for Profit Organization. A ll proceeds benefit the restoration and preservation of the house and its grounds.

The Amazing Race
2026-05-02 14:30 - 18:00 | Historic Downtown Lemont, Canal & Stephen St, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Downtown is your game board.Think youve got what it takes?Grab your team and take on The Amazing Race: Downtown Lemont a fast-paced afternoon of challenges, clues, competition, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.Race through local businesses. Compete for prizes. Discover downtown in a whole new way. individual $40 (we will match you). Teams $130. $300 + $200 prizes. Limited spots Register: lemonthistory.org/amazing-race.

Market on Canal
2026-05-03 09:00 - 15:00 | Historic Downtown Lemont, Canal & Stephen St, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
We’ve waited all winter to be reunited with the amazing vendors at Market on Canal hosted by Mabel’s Market. We are so proud of this sweet outdoor vintage and handcrafted market that includes over 50+ talented vendors, live music, food truck, and drinks. It’s a vibe you can find nowhere besides Downtown Lemont!

Run the Rock
2026-05-03 10:00 - 13:00 | Old Joliet Prison, 1125 Collins St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Get ready to run into summer with the most exciting and energetic event of the season! The Giant Summer Kickoff Run is not just a race—it’s a celebration of sunshine, good vibes, and the start of an unforgettable season. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just in it for the fun, this event has something for everyone! $45 per person.

Create Your Own Spring Planter
2026-05-03 10:00 - 13:00 | Bronkberry Farms, 18061 Bronk Rd., Plainfield, IL, 60586, United States
S
tart the Season in STYLE and deck out your porch patio, or garden area with a gorgeous, handmade planter…done by YOU!
We are there to help and guide you as you create, but the sky is the limit on what you bring to life. The class is a $20 sitting fee and the pot and flowers you choose are additional and dependent on your choices.
Customize to your hearts desire! Your final total will be based on the flowers and add-on’s you chose as you create away. These classes are ALL AGES so whether 6 or 60 – planters can be made!
Have a favorite planter or two you want to use, feel free to BRING YOUR OWN POT and dive into your beautiful creation!

Oil Painting Workshop
2026-05-03 13:00 - 16:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Join Marjorie Myers, a local artist who has learned from Dana Jester, Steve Ross and Kevin Hill as she helps you step by step create a beautiful landscape oil painting. All materials provided. We will be painting on a 16×20 canvas. Ages: All ages welcome | Instructor: Marjorie Myers (Margie Paints) $65 per person. Preregistration required. BYOB friendly for 21 plus!

Intro to Watercolor
2026-05-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Looking for a jumping off point to get into watercolor? In this beginner class, we will cover a variety of techniques to help get you started! We will be making multiple small paintings experimenting with masking, layering, wet-on-wet, and dry brushing techniques. All supplies will be provided but feel free to bring any you wish to experiment with. $45 per person. Preregistration required. BYOB friendly for 21 plus.

Painted Planter Workshop
2026-05-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Get ready to bring some personality to your plants in this playful Funny Face Planter Workshop! In this hands-on class, you’ll design and decorate your own one-of-a-kind planter featuring a quirky, expressive face—goofy, grumpy, glamorous, or anything in between. All materials provided. $40 per person. Pre-registration required. BYOB friendly for $21 plus!

Cyanotype Workshop
2026-05-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Embark on a mesmerizing journey into the world of cyanotype printing in our immersive Cyanotype Workshop! Discover the magic of this historic photographic process that harnesses the power of light to create stunning blue-hued prints. Our knowledgeable instructor will guide you through each step of the process, from coating paper or fabric with light-sensitive chemicals to arranging and exposing objects or negatives to light. Learn how to create intricate designs or experiment with the spontaneity of found objects to produce unique and captivating compositions. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a mixed-media artist, or simply curious about alternative printing methods, this workshop offers a hands-on experience suitable for all levels. All materials will be provided, just bring your artistic spirit and a sense of adventure! $45 per person. Pre-registration required. BYOB friendly for 21 plus!!

Think & Drink: These ARE the Droids You're looking For!!!
2026-05-07 19:00 - 20:00 | Gaylord Building, Lockport, 200 W. 8th Street, Lockport, IL, 60441, United States
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… people imagined a future filled with intelligent machines, hovering drones, and robots that could think for themselves. As it turns out, that future may be closer than we think.
Join us for our next Think & Drink as researchers from Argonne National Laboratory explore the real-world science behind robots, drones, and artificial intelligence, and connect it to the futuristic technologies imagined in Star Wars. This engaging presentation will look at how today’s scientists are developing tools that once belonged purely to science fiction, and examine how pop culture continues to inspire real scientific discovery.
Whether you’re a lifelong Star Wars fan, a technology enthusiast, or just curious about the future, this promises to be a fascinating evening of science, storytelling, and big ideas.

Craft Night: Pressed Flower Workshop
2026-05-08 18:30 - 20:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
This laid-back workshop is all about slowing down, enjoying the process, and making something beautiful with your hands. Using delicate pressed flowers you’ll design your own set of dreamy, botanical candles. $45 per person. All materials provided. Pre-registration required. BYOB friendly for 21 plus!

Joliet Slammers Opening Night - Joliet Slammers vs. Washington Wild Things
2026-05-08 18:30 - 22:00 | Joliet Slammers Stadium, 1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Joliet Slammers vs. Washington Wild Things Opening Night. Fireworks to follow game!!

My Rustic Roost
2026-05-09 08:00 - 10:00 | Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 County Rd. 1140 N, Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
At My Rustic Roost, we specialize in creating handcrafted birdhouses that combine quality craftsmanship with rustic charm, offering a safe and sturdy home for your backyard birds year after year. Each custom bird house is thoughtfully built to ensure lasting durability while adding warmth and character to any outdoor space. Admission price to be determined.

Thumbprint Treasures: Mother's Day Terracotta Pots
2026-05-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 County Rd. 1140 N, Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
Little hands make big memories in this special Mother’s Day kids workshop! Children will decorate terracotta pots using their own thumbprints to create colorful lady bugs and butterflies—each one a unique, handmade gift for Mom or a loved one. Finished pots will be filled with an annual and ready to take home and treasure. $10 per person.

Barn Babies
2026-05-09 10:00 - 16:00 | Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm, 17250 Weber Rd., Crest Hill, IL, 60403, United States
Get ready for an unforgettable day at Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm, where the Barn Babies event is back and better than ever! Bring your friends and family to get up close and personal with the most adorable baby animals you’ve ever seen! From pint-sized chicks to fluffy little lambs, playful baby goats and get ready to bask in farmyard bliss with your crew. Admission is $14.95 – $24.95.

Mother's Day Brunch
2026-05-09 11:00 - 13:00 | Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 7th St., LaSalle, 61301, United States
Give your mom an experience she won’t forget! Come to the Hegeler Carus Mansion and enjoy an indoor picnic brunch with your family. Each party will receive a basket full of delightful sandwiches from Bruce and Ollie’s, potato chips, and broccoli salad to share while sipping on tea and coffee inside one of the rooms on the Main Floor of the Mansion. Sugar cookies from Blue Eyed Rascal will be provided for dessert. Tables can be reserved for parties with 2-4 people. Larger parties can call the Mansion at (815)224-5892 to reserve a spot. Sandwich options: Italian Sub-Ham, Salami, provolone cheese and pepperoni with lettuce, tomatoes, onion and pepperoncini. Dressed with Italian dressing, mayo, oregano, salt and pepper. Chicken Salad Sandwich-Housemade chicken salad served on a butter croissant with lettuce and tomato. $65.00 per person.

A Garden Party to Celebrate the Women Who Raised You
2026-05-09 12:00 - 16:00 | Duncan Manor House & Gardens, 1002 Towanda-Barnes Rd., Towanda, IL, 61776, United States
Celebrate Mothers Day weekend with a relaxed garden gathering at Duncan Manor. A Garden Party for the Women Who Raised Us is a two-day celebration honoring mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and the women who shape our lives. Guests are invited to wander the historic grounds, enjoy live music, sip cocktails, browse a curated selection of local makers, and experience tarot and astrology readings inside The Meadows. Lawn games, croquet, and garden seating will invite guests to slow down and enjoy the beauty of spring at the manor. Throughout the weekend we will offer small-group guided tours of the historic Duncan Manor, allowing visitors to step inside the 1866 Italianate home and experience its story firsthand. Garden attire is encouraged florals, linen, hats, and vintage charm welcome. Bring your mother, your daughter, your best friend, or simply come celebrate the women who raised you. Grounds access is free. Historic house tours are $20 per person in limited small groups. Duncan Manor is a 501c3 Not for Profit Organization; All proceeds benefit the restoration and preservation of the house and its grounds.

Sound Healing in The Gardens
2026-05-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 County Rd. 1140 N, Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
Join Abby Zukowski from Unwind@Westclox for a deeply nourishing Sound Healing experience held outdoors, nestled within the serene beauty of Hornbaker Gardens in Princeton, Illinois. Surrounded by open land, blooming gardens, and the quiet wisdom of nature, this gathering invites you to slow down, soften, and return to your natural rhythm. Admission to be determined.

Mother's Day Make & take
2026-05-09 13:00 - 18:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Celebrate the mothers in your life with an afternoon of creativity! Our Mother’s Day Make + Take Market brings together a variety of fun, hands-on crafts guided by local artists. Whether you’re dropping in with mom for a special day together or sneaking away to make her something truly one-of-a-kind, you’ll leave with something beautiful and handmade. $15 – $35.
