I & M Canal

2026 Rooftop Concert Series - South Side Exiles
2026-05-15 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Joliet Area History Museum, 204 Ottawa St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
The JAHM Summer Music Series returns! Join us for live music and cold drinks at the only rooftop venue in downtown Joliet! Doors open at 6:15 pm.
Admission:
General Public $16
Members $14

Adult Fishing Derby
2026-05-16 07:00 - 09:00, 2026-05-16 09:30 - 11:30 | Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm, 475 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
The Forest Preserve is hosting its annual Adult Fishing Derby at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm. We invite you to find the best spot along the shore and try your luck at catching fish. Bass Pro gift cards will be awarded for the biggest catch, with first, second and third place being awarded.
Pack a lunch and bring your favorite fishing pole. We provide a complimentary container of nightcrawlers! Sign up for one or both sessions. Winners will be announced once results are tallied. The first 25 registrants will receive a free giveaway!
Registration is required: 815-722-4121. Registration will be available the day of the derby if openings remain. $5 per person.
Hidden Lakes Trout Farm has paved accessible trails from the parking lot. Shoreline fishing takes place on natural surfaces over uneven terrain.  Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should mention their request when registering no later than 48 hours before the program.

Inside the Hive: An Introduction to Beekeeping
2026-05-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 County Rd. 1140 N, Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
Join us for an engaging workshop with Five Points Apiculture exploring the fascinating world of bees and honey. This workshop blends science and storytelling to explain honeybee behavior, pollination, and how honey is made from flower to hive. Participants will gain insight into the care of honeybees, the relationship between bees and plants, and what makes honey such a remarkable natural product. Ideal for gardeners, nature lovers, and the honey-curious alike, this session offers a deeper appreciation for the tiny pollinators behind every drop of honey. Free admission.

Spring Container Porch Pots
2026-05-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 County Rd. 1140 N, Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
Welcome Spring with a hands-on container gardening workshop at Hornbaker Gardens! In this session, participants will learn how to design and plant a beautiful container using fresh spring annuals. We’ll cover plant selection, color and texture combinations, proper planting techniques, and care tips to keep your container thriving all season long. You’ll leave with a custom-planted container ready to brighten your porch, patio, or entryway—perfect for celebrating the start of the growing season. $10 per person.

Reset Retreat
2026-05-16 10:00 - 13:00 | The Wildflower Boutique, 11877 County Rd. 2300E, Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
Enjoy a relaxing yoga flow, a calming meditation, and light refreshments. This is an outdoor event, please bring your own yoga mat. $46 per person.

Kites in Flight
2026-05-16 11:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-17 11:00 - 15:00 | Peck Park – Ottawa, 1498 State St., Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Get ready to look to the skies! Kites in Flight returns for its 6th year at Peck Park in Ottawa with two days of high-flying fun and family entertainment. We’re excited to welcome Chicago Kite back again this year, bringing their incredible professional kite displays that fill the sky with color and excitement. Admission is free.

You can look forward to:

FREE kite flying and professional kite demonstrations
Kids + family activities
Live entertainment
Community vendors + sponsors
A relaxed outdoor festival atmosphere
Important Admission Info:
Kite flying and kite demonstrations are FREE to enjoy
All other activities will require a $5 activity fee
(This helps support the event and allows us to continue offering engaging activities for families)
Grab your kite, gather the family, and help us celebrate six years of Kites in Flight!!

Walldogs Makers Market
2026-05-16 12:00 - 13:17 | Streator City Park, 301 N. Vermillion St., Streator, 61364, United States
The Food Trucks are coming back to Streator for our 9th year and we are looking for artisan, antique, garden and other unique vendors to join us on May 16th 12-7pm. Registration cost is $35. Email the Streator Walldogs at streatormarketmanager@gmail.com for a registration form. Looking forward to seeing you for a great day in the City Park (221 E. Hickory St) with great music, family fun and amazing food at the ready. Please, send all inquiries to our email and not facebook as it is easier to organize. Thank you.

The Streator Food Truck Festival
2026-05-16 12:00 - 19:00 | Streator City Park, 301 N. Vermillion St., Streator, 61364, United States
A family fun day of great food trucks, artisan vendors, and great music. Bring a lawn chair, and a healthy appetite for a full day of good food and fun.
The Streator Food Truck Festival was started in 2017 as a fundraiser for the Streator Walldogs Murals. The event continues to raise funds for murals and public art in Streator.

Downtown Pontiac Cruise Nights
2026-05-16 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pontiac, Downtown, Pontiac, 61764, United States
Join us for Pontiac Cruise Night, hosted by Twisted Machinez Car & Truck Club! This is a welcoming event for car and truck enthusiasts of all kinds, featuring classic vehicles, food, music, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a casual car fan, or just looking for a fun night out, everyone is invited to cruise, connect, and enjoy the Pontiac community.Get ready for a historic year of cruising, classic cars, and community fun! 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of both Route 66 and the Pontiac, and we’re celebrating in style with Pontiac Cruise Night!!

Monthly Craft & Vendor Fair
2026-05-17 09:00 - 15:00 | Bronkberry Farms, 18061 Bronk Rd., Plainfield, IL, 60586, United States
Every third Sunday from the months of May through October, Bronkberry Farms hosts vendors from the Chicagoland area and beyond who showcase, share, and sell their unique products to the community. See what our talented crafters and vendors have to offer this season and mark your calendars to come out and enjoy a day at the farm, supporting local!
Admission into our Craft & Vendor Fairs is ALWAYS FREE!
FOOD TRUCKS. FARM ANIMALS. COFFEE TRUCKS. AND MORE!

Natural Dye Tea Towels
2026-05-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Discover the beauty of natural color in this hands-on Natural Dye Tea Towel Workshop. In this class, you’ll explore the art of botanical dyeing using plants, flowers, and kitchen scraps to create one-of-a-kind textiles. Guided step by step, you’ll learn how to prepare fabric, extract color from natural materials, and use simple techniques to transfer those pigments onto cotton tea towels. $45 per person. All materials provided. Registration required. BYOB friendly for 21 plus.

Annual Dinner Meeting
2026-05-19 18:00 - 20:30 | Maria’s Ristorante, 1591 N. Division St., Morris, IL, 60450, United States
Join us for our annual dinner meeting. Joe Schmitz will be sharing with us the history of Operation St. Nick. $35 per person. Reservations and payment can be made on our website https://grundycountyhs.org/upcoming-events/.

Girl Dinner 90's Edition
2026-05-19 18:00 - 22:00 | Mauve Cocktail Lounge, 1146 W. Jefferson St., Shorewood, IL, 60404, United States
Step into a night of nostalgia, indulgence, and elevated chaos… Welcome to Girl Dinner: 90’s Edition at Mauve.
We’re taking everything you loved about the 90’s—snack plates, sleepovers, strawberry everything, pizza nights, and late-night sweets—and transforming it into a luxury 5-course pairing experience designed for the grown-up palate.
This isn’t your average dinner. This is your inner child… with a cocktail. $125 per person.

Journaling Night
2026-05-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Slow down, reflect, and reconnect at our Journaling Night. This relaxed, creative session is designed to help you carve out intentional time for yourself—whether you’re new to journaling or already have a well-loved notebook. Journaing supplies provided. Bring your journal. $20 per person. Registration required.

New Lenox Farmers Market
2026-05-21 16:00 - 20:00 | New Lenox Commons, 1 Veterans' Parkway P, New Lenox, IL, 60451, United States
In its second year, Chicago Street Markets continues to collaborate with the Village of New Lenox to expand the New Lenox Farmers Market, offering more variety from local farmers, growers, makers and bakers.

Mexican Board Game Night
2026-05-21 17:30 - 19:00 | Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Join us for a board game night featuring tradition and modern Mexican table games (Age K+). Ottawa Street Branch.

Third Thursday Concert - Rox Populi
2026-05-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 7th St., LaSalle, 61301, United States
Our summer concert series is back!
Come see Rox Populi perform on the Grove at the Hegeler Carus Mansion. Tickets are $5 a person. The 7th Street Gate opens at 6:00pm.
Enjoy live music, popcorn, Thyme Craft Kitchen, and a 50/50 raffle with our guest emcee Dani Holland from Shaw Media.
Purchase tickets here!
After the concert, join us on a trip to the stars and see the cupola of the Mansion! Tickets are an additional $15 and can be purchased here: https://square.link/u/3xKtkTne
Guests can bring their own chairs and blankets and enjoy music under the tree canopy on the Mansion’s West Lawn (the Grove). Bring your friends and family for a spectacular evening!

Chicago Street Farmers Market
2026-05-22 10:00 - 14:00 | Downtown Joliet, Downtown Joliet, Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Our markets celebrate local creativity and entrepreneurship while bringing unique, handcrafted goods and fresh, locally sourced products to the heart of our community. Since 2023, Chicago Street Markets has partnered with municipalities, park districts, and private spaces to plan and manage events of all sizes.

Streator Park Fest
2026-05-22 17:00 - 22:00, 2026-05-23 10:00 - 22:00 | Streator City Park, 301 N. Vermillion St., Streator, 61364, United States
Come enjoy family fun in our beautiful downtown city park!! Featuring a carnival, craft, flea market, food vendors and free stage entertainment.

First Time Fishing
2026-05-22 17:30 - 19:30 | Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm, 475 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
Theres no time like the present to learn a new skill! Learn fishing basics, such as putting tackle on the pole and baiting the hook. Practice casting and gain hands-on experience while fishing along the shoreline with the guidance of an instructor. All materials are provided, including pole, tackle, and bait. Just bring yourself! Ages 8 or older. $5 per person. Registration required by Thursday, May 21: 815-722-4121.

Lorcana: Wilds Unknown Pack Rush
2026-05-22 18:00 - 23:00 | Critical Grind Board Game Cafe, 852 Sharp Dr., Shorewood, IL, 60404, United States
A Lorcana Pack Rush Tournament
Pack rush is very simple format, each player will open packs and just play with those packs as if they were a deck. You ignore the color identity rule and use every card from the packs. It’s fun, super casual and you don’t need anything but the packs you’ll get there. $20 per person.

Trackside Farmers Market
2026-05-23 09:00 - 13:00 | Lockport Metra Station, 133 W. 13th St., Lockport, IL, 60441, United States
The Trackside Farmers Market is a curated, locally driven market dedicated to supporting farmers, makers, bakers, and growers while elevating small businesses. Through a partnership between Chicago Street Markets and the City of Lockport, the market brings a diverse selection of fresh produce, artisan foods, handcrafted goods, and locally made products to historic downtown Lockport.

Prairie in a Pot Butterfly Garden
2026-05-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 County Rd. 1140 N, Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
Join retired USDA Biologist and Pollinator Habitat Advocate Ellen Starr for a special pollinator-focused make-and-take workshop. During this informative and hands-on session, Ellen will talk about native plants and how they support and attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. Participants will learn how different plants play specific roles in a pollinator’s life cycle, then put that knowledge into action by creating their own prairie in a pot to take home. This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to support pollinators while creating a beautiful, meaningful container garden. $10 per person.

Year Round Porch Pots
2026-05-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 County Rd. 1140 N, Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
Learn how to create porch pots that look great in every season—and don’t stop thriving when the weather changes. In this session with Carol, you’ll design versatile porch containers using houseplants and select annuals that can transition indoors to overwinter when temperatures drop. Carol will walk you through plant selection, container design, seasonal care, and tips for successfully moving plants from porch to home. Perfect for anyone who wants beautiful containers now and lasting plants all year long. $10 per person (does not include plants & pot).

Museum Campus Day
2026-05-23 10:00 - 16:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Have you ever wondered whats 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 French fur traders and Potawatomi who once called this area home. Drop in for self-guided exploration during normal operating hours.

Local Author Book Fair
2026-05-23 11:00 - 15:00 | Critical Grind Board Game Cafe, 852 Sharp Dr., Shorewood, IL, 60404, United States
Join us celebrating local authors with our 2nd Local Author Book Fair. 13 different local authors from various genres will be joining us with their books, as well as a curated special cafe menu for the event. Admission is free.

Blues, Brews & BBQ Fest
2026-05-23 12:00 - 19:00 | The Forge Adventure Park and Ziplines, 227 Heritage Quarries Drive, Lemont, Illinois, 60439
Beer tastings from 15+ regional breweries, smoky barbecue and live Blues music all day! Experience the signature flavors and soulful sounds of Chicago at Blues, Brews & BBQ, an outdoor festival featuring live blues music, smoky barbecue and craft brews from more than 15 regional breweries.
