I & M Canal

Fishing for Trash
2025-10-21 10:00 - 2025-10-31 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm, 475 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
This ongoing event will be held from Tuesday, Oct. 21, to Friday, Oct. 31.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday.
Pick up some dirty tricks to earn some treats! Help Hidden Lakes Trout Farm look its best by picking up litter in the preserve. Fishing line and other debris pose serious threats to our furry and feathered friends. Animals may become entangled in fishing line or swallow hooks or bits of plastic. Check in with the front desk for a bucket and grabbers. Fill the bucket and return it to earn a treat from the Tackle Box.

Taste of Nature: American Lotus Flower
2025-10-21 18:00 - 19:15 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
This big, beautiful, fragrant flower has wilted, but now the roots are ripe and ready for harvesting. Join us on a lovely fall evening to learn about this native aquatic plant, a historical food of our region. After a brief presentation, the tasting will begin. The roots and perhaps the seeds will be prepared in a variety of dishes for you to try. This will not be a substitute for dinner, but a small sample of each dish will be available for everyone.
Registration required by Tuesday Oct. 21: 815-722-9470. All ages.

The Mansion is Not Haunted Tour!
2025-10-23 18:00 - 2025-10-25 21:00 | Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 7th St., LaSalle, 61301, United States
Digging up the history of the dead! In this fully immersive experience, the macabre aspects of death in the Victorian era will come back to life!The Mansion is NOT Haunted Tour: As you move through the Main Floor, stationed and costumed guides will entangle you in a web of customs and superstitions unique to the Gilded Age. Was being buried alive a real cause for fear? Who might you find lurking about in a Victorian cemetery, and why? Appropriate Victorian dress for guests is encouraged but not required (no spiked shoes). This is approximately a 1-hour tour and guests will be directed in intervals on a first come, first serve basis. Persons under 18 are allowed with an adult, but please note that the content is related to Victorian Funeral and Halloween traditions and may be a bit macabre for some audiences (not recommended for those under 10).
Note: Tickets are non-refundable. Tour Dates: October 23, 24, and 25, 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
Ticket Prices: General Admission – $40; 4 Pack – $140 https://square.link/u/7xdw8H69.

Karaoke Night
2025-10-23 19:00 - 23:00, 2025-10-30 19:00 - 23:00 | The Twisted Pin, 15610 Joliet Rd., Plainfield, IL, 60544, United States
Get ready to unleash your inner superstar!
Start your weekend on a high note with delicious food, a self-serve beer wall, craft cocktails, and awesome giveaways!
Don’t miss out on the fun – bring your friends and let’s make some unforgettable memories!

Kids Cooking Club
2025-10-24 16:15 - 17:15 | Seneca Public Library District, 210 N. Main St., Seneca, IL, 61360, United States
Aspiring chefs are invited to cook with us as we demonstrate yummy, kid friendly recipes. This month we will be making Apple Monster Teeth, Boo Bananas & Halloween treat bags. Registration required.

Come Rockabilly with the Skip Grip Band
2025-10-24 19:30 - 22:00 | Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre, 201 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Enjoy live rockabilly music from the Skip Grip Band. According to a news release, Skip Griparis is a lifelong performer, whose popular Rockabilly Heroes Series features the heroes, hits, humor and history of legendary artists like Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison.

Museum Campus Day
2025-10-25 10:00 - 16:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Have you ever wondered what’s going on in our 18th-century Traders Cabin or wanted to peek inside the Native American longhouse above the pollinator garden? This is your chance to explore all the buildings at Isle a la Cache Museum and learn about the Potawatomi and the French fur traders who once called this area home. Drop in for self-guided exploration during normal operating hours.

Hometown Halloween - LaSalle
2025-10-25 10:30 - 13:00 | Downtown LaSalle, 1st Street, LaSalle, IL, 61301, United States
Join us for a day of fun, fright, and festivities at La Salle’s Hometown Halloween!
This beloved community event promises to delight all ages with a lineup of exciting activities throughout the day.
Event Schedule:

10:30 AM: Kick off the celebration with a spirited performance by the **Hocus Pocus Hags** at the Knights of Columbus Parking Lot (209 Gooding St.). Get ready to be enchanted!
10:45 AM: Line up for the **Costume Parade** at the Knights of Columbus Parking Lot. Gather your friends and family and show off your creative costumes! It’s time for the **Costume Parade & Judging!** Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes in various age groups: 0-1 year old, 2-4 year old, K-2nd graders, 3rd-5th graders, 6th grade and up, as well as family/group costumes. Don’t miss your chance to shine! In the event of rain, the parade will be held at the Grove Center – 1055 6th st.
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Trick or treat your way through downtown as local businesses welcome you with candy and smiles. Bring your bags and enjoy the festive spirit!

Mark your calendars and come dressed in your best Halloween attire! La Salle’s Hometown Halloween is the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends. We can’t wait to see you there! It will be be a Spooktacular Celebration!!

LeMonster Trick-or-Treating
2025-10-25 12:00 - 14:00 | Historic Downtown Lemont, Canal & Stephen St, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Dress up in your Halloween costumes and join us in the fun as our participating downtown Lemont businesses hand out treats!
For more Halloween fun, visit with your favorite Lemontster Archie and his spooky friends, location yet TBD! More detailed event information to come!
FREE Event.

Halloween in the Park
2025-10-25 12:30 - 15:00 | Washington Park, Peru, IL, 1301 West St., Peru, 61354, United States
Join us for the annual Halloween in the Park event!
Costumes encouraged.
Didoughs pretzels available for purchase.
Hocus Pocus Hags performing at 2:30.

Spooky Trivia
2025-10-25 13:00 - 14:30 | Seneca Public Library District, 210 N. Main St., Seneca, IL, 61360, United States
Join Ms. Julianna to test your spooky knowledge of Halloween music, movies, and pop culture events at this fun trivia event.

Nightmare on Fifth Street
2025-10-25 14:00 - 16:00 | 408 Fine Arts Factory, 408 5th St., Peru, 61354, United States
Music Suite 408 is once again hosting “Nightmare on Fifth Street” our annual Halloween artsy party for the community.
Music by Music Suite 408 students (Flute Class & Apprentice Flute Ensemble at 2pm ~ more performances coming!); Make & Take Art while supplies last; Costumes, Treats.
Check out our 4-suite 10K square ft space and more!
Family-Friendly and FREE, come in costume.

A Victorian Haunting
2025-10-25 14:00 - 20:00 | The Reddick Mansion, 100 W. Lafayette St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Step back in time to a shadowy night of intrigue, secrets, and suspense at A Victorian Haunting: Murder at the Mansion.
Someone has met an untimely end inside the grand Reddick Mansion and it’s up to you to uncover the truth.Follow a trail of clues hidden throughout downtown Ottawa. Each stop reveals another piece of the puzzleand brings you closer to solving the mystery. Experience even more Victorian parlor activities, from palm readers to mediums and more. Don your finest Victorian attire and be entered to win a $100 Discover Ottawa Gift Card in our Second Annual Costume Contest! Whats New This Year? Extended Hours!We’re starting earlier. Festivities now begin at 2 PM, giving you even more time to explore Victorian-era Ottawa and immerse yourself in the mystery. Skip the Check-In Line!No need to wait in line! Just show your pass and start your haunting adventure. This years event is designed for guests 13 and older, so teens and adults alike can join in the mystery, thrills, and Victorian fun! Enjoy a Gourmet Snack! Grab a gourmet charcuterie cup filled with easy-to-eat snacks. Savor the flavors while you sleuth! Exclusive Add-On Experience: Fatal Footsteps: Tracing Ottawa’s Most Gruesome Crimes Tour. Enhance your outing with a 1-hour guided tour by Tom Aussem of the award-winning Awesome Ottawa Tours. Discover the dark side of local history with Fatal Footsteps: Tracing Ottawas Most Gruesome Crimes. A chillingly perfect companion to your night of mystery.Step back into a time when justice was swift, suspects vanished without a trace, and the line between the accused and the innocent blurred under the gaslight. In the gritty days of the 1800s, Ottawa, Illinois, was no exception to the chaos of the Wild Middle West where crime often went unanswered and death left whispers that still echo today. You’ll visit local cemeteries and crime scenes where killers and the killed now rest uneasily beneath the soil. Hear haunting tales of unsolved murders, brutal frontier justice, and the desperate measures ordinary people took in desperate times. This journey into the darker corners of Ottawas history is not for the faint of heart.Which fatal footsteps will you follow? Find outif you dare. Exclusive Add-On Experience: The Afterlife SpeakeasyThis extremely limited ticket includes full access to A Victorian Haunting: Murder at the Mansion plus exclusive entry to The Afterlife Speakeasy, a hideaway tucked deep in downtown Ottawa. From 810 PM, you’ll enjoy a bourbon flight and sample locally-made absinthe.
Limit 50 tickets, so don’t sleep on this one!_________________________With upgraded experiences, new twists, and a chilling mystery to solve, this is the ultimate autumn night out you wont want to miss.

The Coffee Barn Halloween Party
2025-10-25 16:00 - 19:00 | The Coffee Barn, 701 Illinois St., Mendota, IL, 61342, United States
The Coffee Barn is hosting a Halloween party featuring games, dancing, face painting, pizza, and a costume contest.
Tickets are $15 per child, and admission is free for parents.
Tickets are available for purchase at the Coffee Barn location.

Tickets: Available for purchase in-person at The Coffee Barn.

Trick-or-Treating at Round Barn Farm
2025-10-26 13:00 - 15:00 | Round Barn Farm, 24115 US-52, Manhattan, IL, 60442, United States
Get your Halloween costumes ready for Trick-or-Treating at the Round Barn Farm!
All ages are welcome for this free community event.

Meat-Loaf: Bat Out of Halloween
2025-10-26 19:30 - 22:00 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
This stunning concert is the only authentic reimagining of the legendary Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman songbook performed brilliantly by world-class alumni of Meat Loaf’s official band- the same musicians who brought his musical visions to life both in the studio and on stages around the world. Caleb Johnson returns with the band, having established his legitimacy as the premier lead vocalist for this timeless music through his powerful interpretations and furiously electrifying
stage presence. Led by Meat Loaf’s longtime record producer/ music director/ guitarist Paul Crook alongside fellow alumni John Miceli (drums), Randy Flowers (guitar), Lyssa Lynne (female lead/ backing vocals), Danny Miranda (bass) and including Andy Ascolese (piano), Mark Kelt (piano) and Kiley Baxter (featured vocals), the band and Caleb perform a thoughtfully curated set list of Meat Loaf’s best-loved classics such as “Bat Out of Hell”, “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” and “I Would Do Anything For Love”.
As an added second set bonus, the show includes hit songs from “Rocky Horror”. Meat Loaf starred as luckless delivery driver, Eddie, in the hit film and sang the showstopper, “Hot Patootie. Bless My Soul”. Created & produced by Paul Crook, this is the only band that was officially endorsed by Meat Loaf. “Do not miss this! This is the closest you could possibly get… This is NOT a tribute band but Meat’s incredible, actual band. Singer, Caleb, has all the power and glory of Meat in his glory
days, and this band ROCKS!!”
Ticket prices $56, $45 & $35.

Andrew Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth
2025-10-28 19:00 - 20:30 | Grundy County Historical Society Museum, 510 W. Illinois Ave., Morris, United States
Presenter: Terry Lynch has been a professional actor performing on stage, television, film and radio in the Chicagoland area for more than 40 years. He has also appeared regularly on the WGN Morning Show. He and his wife Laura, a certified educator, began Histories for Kids/HFK Presents more than 20 years ago as a way to bring history to life for all ages. Andrew Carnegie led the expansion of the steel industry during the late 19th century, becoming one of the wealthiest men in American history.After his retirement in 1901, he became a philanthropist, believing in the Gospel of Wealth, meaning wealthy people were obligated to give money back to members of society. Hear how Carnegies philanthropic interests centering around education and world peace led to the establishment of public libraries.
Doors open at 6:30. Program starts at 7:00. Admission is free.

"Young Frankenstein"
2025-10-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
An American grandson of the infamous scientist, struggling to prove that his grandfather was not as insane as people believe, is invited to Transylvania, where he discovers the process that reanimates a dead body.
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 concert will begin when doors open, and all movies start at 7 PM*.
All seating will be general admission—first come, first served.
Bar and concessions (including freshly popped popcorn) will be available for purchase.

Adults ONLY Ghost Stories on the I & M Canal
2025-10-30 18:30 - 19:30 | Lock 16 Visitor Center, 754 First Street, LaSalle, IL, 61301, United States
Come and enjoy ghost stories aboard the I&M Canal Boat, “The Volunteer ” docked at Lock 14, by Tricia Kelley – Storyteller & Presenter.

Stories are suited for Adults ONLY (17 and up).
Check in at the I&M Canal Visitor Center starting at 6pm. There will be drinks for sale at this time.
The $15 ticket price includes a $5 Drink Voucher.
Guests will then drive down and park at Lock 14.
Once aboard the boat there will be an eerie safety talk and then ghost stories during the spooky twilight. The boat will stay at the dock.
FAQ’s

Do I need to wear a costume? No you do not have to dress up, but you are welcome to!
How long is the event? The ghost stories will last an hour.
Do I need to book a reservation now? It is recommended. You are welcome to come the day of the tour, but are not guaranteed a place on the boat.

Macabre Pullman Tour
2025-10-30 19:00 - 20:00 | Pullman Exhibit Hall, 11141 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, 60628, United States
Is Pullman haunted or simply tragic?
Decide for yourself on an evening walk through the historically rich Pullman neighborhood.
Tickets are $20.00 per person.

Trick-or-Treat Trail at Haunted Trails Joliet
2025-10-31 15:00 - 19:00 | Haunted Trails Amusement Park & Picnic Grove, 1423 N. Broadway St., Joliet, 60435, United States
Enjoy free trick-or-treating in a fun and safe environment! Follow our Trick-or-Treat Trail throughout the park for candy and Halloween fun!
(Candy available while supplies last. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.)
Admission: “Trick-or-Treat” Trail FREE; “Pay-As-You-Play” for park games and attractions.

Falconry at the Forge
2025-11-01 10:00 - 13:00 | The Forge: Lemont Quarries, 1001 Main St, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Join us for an immersive falconry experience that you will remember for a lifetime!
As part of this class, you’ll learn about the ancient sport of falconry and the biology and history of the many different types of raptors used in the hunt (including hawks, buzzards, falcons and owls). Each participant will learn how to handle a raptor while holding one of our Eurasian Eagle Owls before moving on to the individual flights. You’ll be taught how to properly fly a hawk to and from your gloved hand, one of the Five Skills of the Falconer. We will end the class with a series of interactive free flight demos designed to allow the participants to practice their newly acquired skills.

Whooo's Out There Scavenger Hunt
2025-11-01 10:00 - 2025-11-30 16:00 | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
This ongoing program will be offered from Wednesday, Nov. 1, through Sunday, Nov. 30.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays.
Owls large and small have flown in and are making Hidden Oaks their home throughout November! Whoooo is up for the challenge to find all the species roosting in the trees? Start inside the nature center to pick up your scavenger hunt checklist and then head outside to the play area to see whooo you can find. Bring back your observations and earn a prize. Take the hunt to the next level by coloring an owl of your own to hide in the nature center for others to find!
No registration required.
This activity will take place over uneven, natural terrain of less than a half-mile. Hidden Oaks Nature Center is an accessible facility. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should mention their request when registering, or submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

Gore Fest Arts & Oddities Expo
2025-11-01 12:00 - 19:00 | Gore Fest, 555 Gore Road, Morris, 60450, United States
Join us for a day of thrills and chills as we celebrate the strange and unknown!
If Halloween is more than just a day to you, but a way of life, then you won’t want to miss this event! On Saturday November 1st, from 12-7pm, head over to 555 Gore Road, Morris, IL 60450 to explore:
– 50+ vendors providing horror, witchy, oddities, and spooky delights
– Haunted and paranormal items to send chills down your spine
– Cosplay performers bringing your darkest fantasies to life
– Live DJ performance to keep the energy dark and pulsing
– Immersive and terrifying spooky decor to transport you to a realm of darkness with decor
– Free entry and parking, because we want to make it easy for you to indulge in the darkness
– Cash bar to quench your thirst for the macabre & food to be purchased!
– Free entry and parking, because we want to make it easy for you to indulge in the darkness
– All ages welcome, because the love of darkness knows no bounds
Awesome flyer created by local artist: @sinisterrex
*Vendors Wanted!* Hosted by @theapothecarycupboard as part of the @magicalmenageriemarket. Message The Apothecary Cupboard & Magical Menagerie Market on FB or Instagram.
*Important:* Be cautious of scams! Only The Apothecary Cupboard and Magical Menagerie Market are authorized to accept vendor applications and fees. Report any suspicious activity!
Hope to see you there, fellow lovers of darkness!

Morning Fresh Air Hike
2025-11-02 08:30 - 09:45 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Take a deep breath of crisp, fall air. Move between colorful trees in the forest, frosted grasses in the prairie and glittering water in the river. This naturalist-led hike will let you experience the beauty of nature on this fall morning.
Registration required by Saturday, Nov. 1: 815-722-9470. Ages 8 or older.
The hike will be up to 2 miles and take place on paved and natural surfaces over uneven terrain.

Utica Veterans' Parade & Air Show
2025-11-02 12:00 - 15:00 | Amerirican Legion Post #731
Veterans Day will be celebrated in prime fashion in Utica.
The 18th Annual Parade/Air Show will take to the Utica roadways and airways on Sunday, Nov. 2 p.m. as opening announcements will begin at noon and the parade and air show will start at 1 p.m.
Not only will there be a parade and air show, but the Utica American Legion Pierce Davis Post #731 will also have a complimentary brunch for all veterans at the downtown community hall from 8 a.m.-noon.
The event will also include the Great Lakes Navy Band, TBM Word War II Torpedo Bombers, T-6 Marine Trainers, military vehicle displays, veteran groups and color guards, Chicago Police bagpipes and drums of the Emerald Society, Legion Riders, Starved Rock A.B.A.T.E. and floats.

Needle Felting Workshop
2025-11-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Fiber Artist- Jacqueline JoAnn will be showing you how fun and interesting needle felting is. Needle felting is the process of taking raw fibers with a special barbed needle to sculpt into any desired form. Flat or 3 dimensional. In this class we will be able to make snowmen and Santa’s. This class is good for beginners or experienced. Pre-registration required. Ages: All ages. BYOB permitted to guests over 21. Admission $35.

Wet Felt Workshop
2025-11-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Explore the Art of Creating with Wool!Dive into the captivating world of wet felting with our hands-on workshop designed for beginners. In this class, you’ll discover the ancient craft of transforming raw wool fibers into beautiful felted creations using water, soap, and agitation. Led by experienced instructor Jacqueline JoAnn, you’ll learn fundamental wet felting techniques, including laying out fibers, adding embellishments, and shaping your piece. Throughout the session, you’ll have the opportunity to experiment with various colors, textures, and design elements to create a unique vessel. Whether you’re drawn to the tactile nature of wool or simply eager to explore a new creative outlet, this class offers a welcoming environment for all skill levels. By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for the versatility of wool and the satisfaction of crafting your own felted masterpiece. You will create a felted vessel. Pre-registration required. All ages welcome. BYOB for ages 21+. Admission $45. All Sales Final

Wonderkids: Nature's Sounds
2025-11-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Calling all families with preschoolers! Join us for a hands-on program designed for your little one.
This program is geared toward children ages 2 to 5 and is complete with tons of facts, singing, story time, table activities and crafts.
Registration required by Tuesday, Nov. 4: 815-722-9301.
