Moonlight Hike
2026-02-02 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Sagawau Learning Center, 12545 W. 111th St., Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Hike by the light of the full moon.

Eagle Walk & Talk
2026-02-04 09:00 - 10:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Dont be frightened by the cold! Its the perfect weather to see bald eagles! Warm up with a hot beverage and a fun chat about bald eagles, then take a short hike with a naturalist to hopefully see a few of these spectacular birds. Registration required by Monday, Feb. 2: 815-722-9470.

Modern Terrariums - A Guided, Social Plant Experience
2026-02-04 18:30 - 21:30 | Juliet’s Tavern, 205 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Join us for Modern Terrariums, a hands-on terrarium experience where participants will create a unique, living terrarium of their own in a relaxed and social setting. Guided instruction and all materials are provided, making this experience approachable for both beginners and plant lovers alike. All terrarium supplies are included in workshop registration.
This event takes place at Juliet’s Tavern, a beautifully restored historic restaurant known for serving some of the best American comfort food and cocktails in the area. Throughout the workshop, guests are welcome to order food and beverages directly from the Juliet’s Tavern menu. Price per person is $65.(Menu items and drinks are available for purchase and are not included in the ticket).

Trail Club: February at Lake Chaminwood
2026-02-05 15:00 - 16:00 | Lake Chaminwood Preserve, 24251 W. Shepley Rd., Minooka, IL, 60447, United States
Welcome to Trail Club! Each month we will meet at a different preserve for a brisk weekly walk to promote fitness and community! Join other walkers to beat the winter blues and embrace the beauty of the season. Trail Club will be held from January through March. Februarys walks will be two laps totaling 1.5 miles around Lake Chaminwood. Enter the preserve from Shepley Road and follow the access drive to the left for parking. Meet the group at the picnic shelter at the edge of the lake. Join us for any or all Trail Club sessions! Participants who attend at least three walks this season will earn a Trail Club sticker. If inclement weather affects a program, an update will be posted on this page the morning of.

Adult Lecture Series: Winter Sowing for Monarchs
2026-02-06 18:00 - 19:30 | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
Stay curious by discovering something new with Hidden Oaks Adult Lecture Series. Join naturalists as they share fascinating stories, science and natural histories of the wild world. This time around we will be getting our hands dirty! We will study the importance of common milkweed the host plant for the monarch butterfly and home to an assortment of other garden friends!Learn the ins and outs of winter seed sowing. You can help provide the migrating monarch butterflies an advantage by getting a head start on gardening season with the winter sowing method. Participants will leave with an upcycled greenhouse ready to be put outside to endure the winter weather while waiting for spring to arrive. Ages 16 and older. Registration required by Thursday, Feb. 5: 815-722-4121.

Four Rivers Wedding Open House
2026-02-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Dreaming of a beautiful, eco-friendly celebration? Start your journey at the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center open house!Plan a truly unique wedding or event surrounded by nature. Stroll through our facility to get a feel for the space, view photos of past events and collect inspiration for your own green decorations. You can also chat with our friendly staff and meet approved caterers. Other vendors will be on-site to help you with your planning process. View our 2,000-gallon fish tank and hands-on exhibit gallery that you and your guests can enjoy during your event. The first 50 couples will go home with a special swag bag! Ages 18 or older. Registration recommended by calling 815-722-9470 or emailing fourrivers@fpdwc.org.

Motorcycle Swap Meet
2026-02-08 08:00 - 14:00 | Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
All kinds of great things can be found HERE!!! Grab all that old stuff sitting in the garage, and come out to Walneck’s motorcycle swap meet. $10 admission. Vending is $50 for a 10′ x 10′ spot. Please call to reserve spots 630-985-2905.
Admission $10.00 Under 15 are ‘FREE” Plus “FREE” Parking
Heated & connected buildings. Free Tables.
ONE LOW PRICE.$50.00. Great Food in Building.

Yoga & Hike
2026-02-08 09:00 - 10:30 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Start the day off right with yoga and a hike! This program includes a 35- to 45-minute all-levels yoga session and a 35- to 45-minute hike along our scenic trails. Ages 14 or older. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required by Saturday, Feb. 7: 815-722-9470.

Lunar New Year
2026-02-08 10:00 - 14:00 | Little Red Schoolhouse
Embrace the promise of luck and prosperity in 2026 by honoring the Year of the Horse through festive activities, hands-on crafts, and lively performances.

Everyone in Nature
2026-02-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Little Red Schoolhouse
Join us for a sensory class where individuals with disabilities and homeschoolers can learn about nature. Participants must be with an adult.

Audrey Hepburn: A Portrayal by Historian Leslie Goddard
2026-02-12 10:30 - 14:00 | Jacob Henry Mansion, 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
It is 1988, and Audrey Hepburn has returned home after visiting Ethiopia for UNICEF. As she ponders whether to take on more work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, she shares stories about her childhood during World War II, her remarkable success in Hollywood in films such as Roman Holiday and Breakfast at Tiffany’s and her lifelong efforts to find real love.
Luncheon includes: fresh tossed garden salad, warm rolls, tuscany chicken (italian herb chicken breast sauteed with garlic, red pepper, spinach in a white cream sauce). Also includes dessert and coffee. Option to upgrade your dessert to chocolate cake for $6.00 per person.
10:30 AM: Self guided tour of the Jacob Henry Mansion
11:00 AM: Dining room open
11:30 AM: lunch is served
1:00 PM: Living history portrayal of Audrey Hepburn
2:00 PM: Departure – thank you!
$52 per person.

Trail Club: February at Lake Chaminwood
2026-02-12 15:00 - 16:00 | Lake Chaminwood Preserve, 24251 W. Shepley Rd., Minooka, IL, 60447, United States
Welcome to Trail Club! Each month we will meet at a different preserve for a brisk weekly walk to promote fitness and community! Join other walkers to beat the winter blues and embrace the beauty of the season. Trail Club will be held from January through March. February’s walk will be two laps totaling 1.5 miles around Lake Chaminwood. Enter the preserve from Shepley Road and follow the access drive to the left for parking. Meet the group at the picnic shelter at the edge of the lake. Join us for any or all Trail Club sessions! Participants who attend at least three walks this season will earn a Trail Club sticker. If inclement weather affects a program, an update will be posted on this page the morning of.

Love You A Latte Decorating Class
2026-02-12 17:30 - 20:00 | Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 7th St., LaSalle, 61301, United States
Love is in the air…and it smells like coffee! On February 12, come decorate your very own 6-inch round, espresso cake at the Hegeler Carus Mansion in LaSalle, IL. All supplies included! Just bring yourself (and a friend or two), an apron, and your creativity! This event is a partnership between the Hegeler Carus Mansion and Blue Eyed Rascal Baking Co. $55 per person.

Mocktails at The Museum
2026-02-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Mark your calendars for some mocktails! During this program, guests will enjoy different mocktails, learn about their connection to the preserves, participate in activity stations and explore the museum after hours. Light snacks will be provided. $5.00 per person. Registration required by Tuesday, Feb. 10: 815-722-9301.

Think & Drink: Ichabod Codding & The Fight for Freedom
2026-02-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Gaylord Building, Lockport, 200 W. 8th Street, Lockport, IL, 60441, United States
We’re excited to announce our first Think & Drink of the year, and it’s a special one.
Our February Think & Drink will feature Lindsey Minas, whose research on 19th-century abolitionist Ichabod Codding forms the foundation of our newest Story Wall exhibit, Ichabod Codding: Lockport’s Forgotten Voice of Freedom (details below). Lindsey is a recent graduate of Lewis University and a graduate student at the University of Chicago. Her work explores Codding’s role in the abolitionist movement, his ties to Lockport and Illinois, and his influence on Abraham Lincoln and the political coalitions that helped shape the era.
Although Codding is little-known today, some people have called him the most nationally significant person to have lived in Lockport. We’re honored to share Lindsey’s student research on Codding with the wider public.
We’re also thrilled to welcome Dr. Larry McClellan, a leading scholar of the Underground Railroad aabolitionist activity in the Midwest, who will open the evening with a short presentation before introducing Lindsey’s talk. His perspective helps place Lindsey’s research within the broader story of abolition and resistance in northern Illinois.
Registration is encouraged to gauge audience size.

Vermillion Players Present: "A Dog's Life"
2026-02-12 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-13 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-14 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-15 14:00 - 16:00 | The Eagle Performing Arts & Conference Center, 319 N. Plum St., Pontiac, 61764, United States
A Dog’s Life is a heartfelt and humorous musical that explores love, loyalty, and the unexpected bonds that change us. When Joel reluctantly adopts a dog to try to win back his girlfriend, and two very different shelter dogs search for their forever homes, hesitant relationships grow into meaningful friendships. Filled with both laugh-out-loud moments and tender emotion, the show celebrates companionship and unconditional love. Directed by Dylan Webster, produced by Terri Heinz-Butler, and musically directed by Beth McCleary, performances run February 12–15 with tickets priced at $20. Adding to the fun, the Humane Society will bring real, adoptable dogs to the performances, with concessions available throughout the run.

Coal Creek Brewing Company Valentine's Party: Shop & Sip Affair
2026-02-13 16:00 - 19:00 | Rachel Rene: Handcrafted Bath & Body Products, 620 S. Main St., Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
Join us Friday February 13th from 4-7 pm for a fun night out with your best Gal Pals! Late night shopping hours, special Valentine’s Day products, snacks, and a very special Make & Take!
Stop in from 4-6:30pm and make your very own Melt & Pour Heart Shaped Shaving Soap for only $10 per person. You can choose your color and scent from our huge scent board (essential oils available for a small addition charge). Please note that each soap will take approximately 5-10 minutes to make (after choosing your scent) and approximately 15-30 minutes to set up before it can be taken. While walk-ins will be accepted, contact us to set up an appointment to secure your spot as there are only 35 spots available. Message us here, email info@rachelrene.com or call 815-915-2001 to book your spot in advance.
Buttercream Bake Shop will also be here with her amazing treats, so you don’t want to miss out on that!! If you’ve never tried Buttercream Bake Shop before, you need to because they are delicious and you’ll need to get some extra so you’re not kicking yourself for devouring them too quickly and not having a treat or two for the next day!
We can’t wait to see you!

Gabby's Dollhouse Live! Presented by Walmart
2026-02-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! Presented by Walmart brings the hit DreamWorks Animation series to life in a brand-new stage production. Filled with music, dance, and larger-than-life puppetry, this interactive adventure invites the audience to jump inside the dollhouse for an a-MEOW-zing journey with Gabby and her friends!

Lantern-Lit Hike for Lovers
2026-02-13 18:00 - 21:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
This is your chance to enjoy each other’s company under the quiet night sky. Take time for just the two of you in the warm glow of lanterns along the trail. Get cozy indoors with a hot chocolate bar, a gourmet smores station and fun optional games and activities. Be reminded of just how much you enjoy being together. Join us anytime between 6 and 9 p.m. and participate as much or as little as you like. Valentines Day-themed trivia competitions will be held at 6:30 and 8 p.m. This BYOB program (beer and wine only, please) is for adults only. Ages 21 or older. Registration required by Thursday, Feb. 12: 815-722-9470.

Model Train Fair & Farm Show
2026-02-14 09:00 - 14:00 | Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
NEW & USED & ANTIQUE TRAINS AND TOYS
Registration form here!
Space Available for Train Layouts
Vendors Wanted with all scales of trains – HO, N, O, G, Thomas, Lionel, Marx plus accessories; Farm Toys & Tractors, Die Cast, Trucks, Hot Wheels, Ertl, NASCAR & Racing Collectibles and other types of toys. For info call Kathy 815-866-3606.

Love Stories
2026-02-14 14:00 - 15:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Fall in love with stories this Valentines Day. Be entertained by a storyteller sharing tales of critters and people finding their other half, inspired by natural history and the lore of Illinois Countrys past. Hot chocolate and tea provided! Registration required by Thursday, Feb. 12: 815-722-9301. Admission is free. All ages. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

A Historic Date: An Unforgettable Valentine Experience
2026-02-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 7th St., LaSalle, 61301, United States
Make this Valentine’s Day a historic one by having it at the Hegeler Carus Mansion!
Couples and double dates can have private and semi-private dinner parties in rooms on the Main Level of the Mansion. Food and drink will be catered by Thyme Craft Kitchen. Tickets are per couple. $200 to $300 per couple.

Bunny Hop Sip & Shop
2026-02-20 12:00 - 15:00 | Downtown Pontiac, Downtown, Pontiac, 61764, United States
Hop into spring with one of Downtown Pontiac’s exciting spring events — the Bunny Hop Sip & Shop! Join us for an afternoon of sipping, shopping, and celebrating the season with friends.
Check in and register at The Eagle, where you’ll receive your bunny ears, a special day-of item, and a punch card before hopping off to explore downtown. Your ticket includes custom event drinks, one from each participating location: Mill Street, Bob & Ringo’s, Acres Inn, and B’s Rally Point.
As you shop at participating stores, you’ll also unlock exclusive event-only discounts, revealed in festive Easter eggs at checkout — because shopping is always more fun with surprises. After completing your punch card, turn it in at the final stop to be entered into a raffle for prizes, making sure the fun continues until the very end.
Pre-event tickets are $30. $40 if purchased the day of the event. Participants must be 21+.

Book Signing by Theodore J. Karamanski - "Great Lake: An Unnatural History of Lake Michigan"
2026-02-20 18:30 - 22:00 | Chicago Maritime Museum, 1200 W. 35th St., Chicago, IL, 60609, United States
Due to extreme cold and dangerous wind chill, the Chicago Maritime Museum has made the difficult decision to reschedule our Friday, January 23rd program with Dr. Theodore Karamanski. The program will now be held on Friday, February 20th.
If you already purchased a ticket to the January 23rd event, your ticket will be accepted for the rescheduled program. If you’d like your ticket refunded, please feel free to call the museum or email info@chicagomaritimemuseum.org. Tickets to the February 20th event will be available on our website soon.
Stay warm!
Join Ted Karamanski at the Chicago Maritime Museum on February 20th for a book signing and discussion of his new book, Great Lake: An Unnatural History of Lake Michigan.
Unlike the mountains, deserts, and oceans of North America, Lake Michigan is unique in that it has always interacted with human populations. Karamanski’s book explores the way the lake has shaped and been shaped by the people who have lived along its shores, from the Indigenous Native Americans to the invasive Euro-Americans.
The presentation is $5 for members and $10 for non-members, and includes Bites & Beverages, the museum’s volunteer-operated hospitality service, which begins at 6:30. Seating is limited, so reserve your place today. Virtual seats are also available with a live connection to the Q&A that follows.
Join us at chicagomaritimemuseum.org or call (773) 376-1982. The Chicago Maritime Museum is located on the lower level of the Bridgeport Art Center at 1200 W 35th Street. Parking is free in the north lot.

Stamped Into History
2026-02-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre, 201 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
“SPECIAL DELIVERY”
Created by Larry Crawford of LWCLeads, the production uses U.S. postage stamps honoring African Americans to highlight their cultural contributions through theatre, music, and dance.

Event Details: The production features performances, storytelling, and inspirational programming suitable for all ages.

Focus: It highlights African American history, artistry, and achievement, showcasing “Black excellence”.

Background: Now in its fourth year at Bicentennial Park Theatre, the show has a history of performances across the region, including at St. Francis University and Lewis University.

Goal: The series aims to celebrate the legacy of Black excellence and look toward the future with hope.

This event is not to be confused with the 2016 book Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi or its 2023 Netflix documentary adaptation, which analyze the history of racist ideas in America.
Admission is free. Lobby opens at 6:00 pm.

Crocheting in the Quercus for Wildlife
2026-02-21 16:00 - 18:00 | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
Get hooked on helping wildlife! Use your crochet skills to create small nests that will be utilized by local wildlife rehabilitation centers. These nests provide substitute dens, burrows and bird nests for animals in need. A naturalist will guide you through the crochet pattern process. Ages 12 and older. Registration required by Friday, Feb. 20: 815-722-4121.

Exhibit Opening Night: Rebel Music - Women of Color Who Changed the Beat
2026-02-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Joliet Area History Museum, 204 Ottawa St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Rebel Music is here! Women of Color who changed the beat! Free with museum ticket. Cash bar, film and unapologetic grove. Don’t miss it!!
Rebel! Women of Color Who Changed the Beat — Documentary Film & Q&A This opening program features a 30-minute documentary celebrating the trailblazing women of color who reshaped the sound and spirit of rock ’n’ roll. Through archival footage, interviews, and narration, audiences will meet Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Big Mama Thornton, Grace Jones, Alejandra Guzmán, and others. A nostalgic Route 66 thread ties these stories to Chicagoland roots and family road trips. Following the film, a 30-minute live Q&A with Black & Brown Femme Films (BBFF) and guest speakers invites audiences to reflect on legacy, culture, and the future of music history.
