I & M Canal

Chris Vallillo Forgottonia
2026-03-21 18:00 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | The Eagle Theater, 319 N. Plum St., Pontiac, IL, 61764, United States
Pontiac Tourism and the Pontiac Public Library are excited to present Forgottonia: An Intimate Portrait in Rural America! Join us for an evening of music and storytelling with historian and folk musician Chris Vallillo. Admission $6.25 per person.

The Starved Rock Murders - A Presentation by the LaSalle County Historical Society
2026-03-22 13:00 - 14:30 | Bruce & Ollies, 166 Mill St., North Utica, IL, 61373, United States
The LaSalle County Historical Society invites you to examine the Starved Rock Murders tragedy and its ongoing impact on the local community.
The LaSalle County Historical Society cordially invites you to explore the history and enduring effects of the Starved Rock Murders on our local community. Admission to this program is available with a $10 donation to the LaSalle County Historical Society, which includes a complimentary cup of Bruce & Ollies regular coffee.

The Journey of Mollie's War: WACS and WWII
2026-03-22 13:30 - 15:00 | Joliet Area History Museum, 204 Ottawa St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Cyndee uses excerpts from her mother’s letters written home during WWII to provide a romantic yet frightful glimpse into the life of a woman in uniform during this crucial time in history.
Cyndee will detail her mother’s experiences from basic training in 1943 to a dramatic image of seeing the Statue of Liberty in the midst of darkness in November 1945 when she returned home.
Seniors – $9.00
Youths – $5.00 (3-12)
General Public – $10
Museum Members – Free
Children under 3 – Free

Driving Forces: 100+ Years of Women & The Automobile Industry
2026-03-22 14:00 - 15:00 | The Old Stone Church, 306 Lemont Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Join us in person to celebrate the incredible journey of women who have shaped the automotive world for over a century. Discover stories, achievements, and the fierce passion that drove these amazing trailblazers. Whether you’re a car lover, history buff, or just curious, this event promises inspiration and some great conversations! Join us for a fascinating journey through automotive history! 100+ Years of Women Influencing, Buying, Designing & Driving Automobiles. From Bertha Benz’ historic 1888 outing to Mary Barras leadership at GM today, women have always been at the wheel. Join guest speaker Barbara Barrett for a lively slide and lecture presentation exploring the trailblazers who shaped the industry. Cost is $5, free for members.

Sunday With the Rat Pack
2026-03-22 14:00 - 15:30 | Stage 212, 700 1st St., LaSalle, IL, 61301, United States
Enjoy a Sunday afternoon concert with The Rat Pack: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. Performed by Jerry Armstrong of Marseilles, who performs nationally, the crooners of the mid 1900’s will come alive! Admission $15 per person.

The She Gees - A Tribute to The Bee Gees
2026-03-24 19:00 - 22:00 | Pontiac Township High School, 1100 Indiana Ave, Pontiac, 61764, United States
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, March 24th, and join the Livingston County Concert Association for the next concert of the season! The all-female band, The She Gees, will perform a tribute to the famous Bee Gees during this concert. Held at the Pontiac Township High School Auditorium, the performance begins at 7:00 PM.

Joliet Iron Works Tour
2026-03-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Joliet Iron Works Park, 31 Columbia St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Explore the stone foundations of Joliets once-thriving industrial plant that rivaled Pittsburgh. An interpretive naturalist will share fascinating stories of the men and machines that worked at the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site and challenge you to imagine working there more than 100 years ago. Ages 16 or older. Registration required by Sunday, March 22: 815-722-9301.

New Route 66 Starting Point Dedication
2026-03-25 10:30 - 18:00 | Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611, United States
The new Route 66 starting point sign will be dedicated at 10:30am on Navy Pier’s South Dock (N Breakwater Access, Chicago Loop, IL). It will be open to the public and free to attend. After the dignitaries speak, they will unveil the sign.
Throughout the day, guests can look forward to a full lineup of roadside attractions, including live music and entertainment featuring special performances by Tom Higgenson of the Plain White T’s; classic car displays from the Volo Auto Museum; vintage Route 66 memorabilia; and alpacas from the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, representing those found along Route 66 in Arizona.

Cover to Cover Tour: Women's Edition
2026-03-26 12:30 - 15:00, 2026-03-27 12:30 - 15:00, 2026-03-28 12:30 - 15:00 | Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 7th St., LaSalle, 61301, United States
Mothers, daughters, workers, and writers; the women of the Hegeler Carus Mansion were quite a busy bunch! This March, join us on a fantastically female-centered tour that begins in the Reception Room, covering areas of the home both public and private, all the way to the 7th floor Cupola. See our collection of gowns, gloves, letters, and lace that help tell the story of these remarkable women. This tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and features walking breaks. Tickets are $125 per person with a maximum capacity of 10 (If your group is larger, please contact us directly to schedule a private tour). Note: Tickets are non-refundable. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your tour. This will allow you time to hang up your coat, use the restroom, and be ready before your tour group departs at its scheduled time.

The Legend of Coyote Cal
2026-03-26 18:30 - 21:00, 2026-03-27 18:30 - 21:00, 2026-03-28 14:00 - 16:30 | Wheaton Academy Theatre, 900 N. Prince Crossing Rd., West Chicago, IL, 60185, United States
An Original Musical The Buffalo Bill Wild West show needs a new act. With the departure of Sitting Bull, and the problem of Bill Cody’s deteriorating health, Buffalo Bill turns to an old friend-the greatest and most mysterious legend of the west: Coyote Cal. But when Cal brings the ancient Ghost Dance to the show he sparks a fire between the US Government, The Lakota Sioux, and the cast of the Wild West…and in the middle of it all looms the shadow of the Crow.
Adults: $12.00
Seniors: $10.00
Children, 8-14: $10.00
Children, Under 8: $5.00
Children, Under 4 seated on a lap: Free

Marvelous March Hike
2026-03-27 14:00 - 15:30 | Hammel Woods, Black Rd. east of Rte 59, Shorewood, IL, 60404, United States
Uncover the marvelous mystery of who has awakened from their winter slumber and which plants dared to emerge in this fickle weather. In rain, snow or shine, join a naturalist to experience the unpredictability of a forest in March. Registration required by Wednesday, March 25: 815-722-9470.

Women in the Woods Hike
2026-03-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Join a naturalist on this hike celebrating women’s role in nature. Along the trail, learn about the historical women who have quite literally paved the way. Discover the women blazing their own trails today and explore the paths chosen by the women of the future. Ages 12 or older. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration required by Friday, March 27: 815-722-9470.

John Piontek
2026-03-28 14:00 - 17:00 | Clarks Run Antiques, 215 N. Division St., Utica, IL, 61373, United States
Accomplished acoustic performer John Piontek will entertain us!! Admission is free.

Beach Boys Tribute - Sounds of Summer
2026-03-29 10:30 - 14:30 | Jacob Henry Mansion, 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
Sounds of Summer tells the story of America’s band – The Beach Boys. These four incredibly talented performers have shared their love of the Beach Boys’ harmonies since 2015, giving audiences an authentic depiction of the 1960’s.
Lunch Entree: Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken – Chicken breast with with a sweet and tangy pineapple brown sugar sauce, accompanied with rice and green beans
Itinerary:
10:30 AM Doors open for self-guided tour of The Jacob Henry Mansion
11:00 AM Group arrival for Luncheon
11:30 PM Luncheon Served
1:00 PM Show Begins “The Sounds of Summer- Beach Boys”
2:15 PM Self-guided tour of The Old Central Church
2:30 PM Departure! Thank you for spending the afternoon with us
Price: $64 per guest.

Kids Spring Break Art Camp - Painting Adventure
2026-03-30 09:00 - 11:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Each day of the week will be a different class, take one or all of them! Morning Session will be from 9am until 11am. On Saturday we will put the art made from all of the classes on display in the gallery and hold an opening reception from 3pm-4pm so the public can see what we made all week! Ages 5-12. Monday, March 30 Painting Adventure $25 Tuesday, March 31 Discovering Clay $25 Wednesday, April 1 Sculpture Fun $25 Thursday, April 2 Exploring Collage $25 Friday, April 3 Textile Art Techniques $25. Saturday, April 4, Opening Exhibition Free to the public 3-4PM!

Kids Spring Break Art Camp - Discovering Clay
2026-03-31 09:00 - 11:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States

Messy Art
2026-03-31 11:00 - 12:00 | Children’s Museum of Oak Lawn, 5100 Museum Dr., Oak Lawn, IL, 60453, United States
Using non-traditional tools and methods helps little artists practice thinking outside the box. New textures and effects promotes exploration and playfulness in art and helps us break free from the perfectionism that can surround art. Included with admission. Admission $5 – $15.

Kids Spring Break Art Camp - Sculpture Fun
2026-04-01 09:00 - 11:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States

Clean Up the Oaks
2026-04-01 10:00 - 2026-04-30 16:00 | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
This ongoing program will be held from Wednesday, April 1, to Thursday, April 30. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. To celebrate Earth Month, do a little bit to help your mother (Earth)! Hidden Oaks will provide a bucket and picker to help you do your part. Pick up litter around the preserve to contribute to a cleaner environment and earn a prize! Remember: A clean Hidden Oaks is a happy and healthy Hidden Oaks for the squirrels, birds, deer, coyotes and you!

Kids Spring Break Art Camp - Exploring Collage
2026-04-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States

The Landing Pad Re-Opening
2026-04-02 10:00 - 16:00 | The Landing Pad, 110 S. Park St., Suite C, Wilmington, IL, 60481, United States
Mark your calendars! The Landing Pad re-opens on April 2nd, 2026 open Thurs-Mon, 10am-4pm! Start your centennial trip off with a blast, and stop by the Gemini Giant and The Landing Pad. There’s something out-of-this-world for everyone inside!

Easter Egg Cookie Class
2026-04-02 17:30 - 19:00 | Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 7th St., LaSalle, 61301, United States
Need a dessert for Easter? Why not make one yourself! Decorate your very own chocolate chip cookie cake inside the Hegeler Carus Mansion. All supplies included! Just bring yourself, an apron, and your creativity! This event is a partnership between the Hegeler Carus Mansion and Blue Eyed Rascal Baking Co. Disclaimer- This event is non-refundable. Cost: $55 per ticket. Note:Limited space (16 seats), registration ends on March 27, 2026.

Kids Spring Break Art Camp - Textile Art Techniques
2026-04-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States

Joey Figgiani Plays The Tasting Room
2026-04-03 18:00 - 21:00 | Star Union Spirits, 300 5th St., Peru, IL, 61354, United States
Joey Figgiani (born 1970) is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist originally from Staten Island, New York, now based in Illinois. Joey mainly performs solo with an acoustic guitar & harmonica. He also plays bass, piano & drums. With a repertoire spanning several hundred cover songs, Joeys performances bridge generations and genres, from classic country and early rock & roll to contemporary rock. His influences include iconic artists such as Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Kris Kristofferson, Neil Diamond, The Beatles, Bread, America, The Eagles, Tom Petty, and Pearl Jam. Since his early teens, Joey has written hundreds of original songs and has released multiple albums, available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and other streaming platforms. A true independent artist, he has recorded much of his music himself, performing all of the instruments. His 2004 album Under the Memphis Sun was recorded at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis and in Nashville. The project features collaborations with Elvis Presley’s original drummer, D.J. Fontana, and the renowned vocal group The Jordanaires. No cover charge.

The Forge Celebrates Easter
2026-04-04 09:00 - 15:00 | The Forge Adventure Park and Ziplines, 227 Heritage Quarries Drive, Lemont, Illinois, 60439
The Forge has gone a bit Topsy-Turvy and we need clever explorers to help make sense of it all! In this unusual scavenger hunt, participants are given six egg halves and must scout the area to find their perfect matches. Along the way, you’ll encounter the Mad Hatter’s Riddle – solve it for a special surprise! Once your eggs are whole, show them to the Forge Staff to claim your prize. The Mad Hatter will be available on the hour, every hour to guide you through his whimsical course.

Easter Egg Hunt with Princeton Rotary Club
2026-04-04 10:30 - 11:30 | Soldiers & Sailors Park, 14 Park Ave. E, Princeton, 61356, United States
Hop on over to Soldiers and Sailors Park for the Princeton Rotary Club’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4, 2026!
