A Victorian Haunting
2025-10-25 14:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Karaoke Night
2025-10-30 19:00 - 23:00, 2025-11-06 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!

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.

BYOB Crafts & Crows
2025-11-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Grab your friends and head to Four Rivers for a crafty evening.
Learn about murders of crows that are gathering outdoors and the long history of trying to scare them off. Celebrate the fall season with a homemade, not-so-scary crow decoration. All crafting materials will be supplied.
BYOB wine and beer only.
Registration required by Tuesday, Nov. 4: 815-722-9470. $5.00 per person.
Ages 21 or older.

Shop, Sip & Sparkle Weekend!
2025-11-07 16:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-08 16:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Ottawa, 223 W. Madison, Ottawa, 61350, United States
Kick off the holiday season in the Middle of Everywhere with a magical weekend full of festive fun!
Happenings All Weekend Long
Downtown Ottawa Christmas Open Houses
Ornament Hunt & Lamp Light Carolers (Friday)
King Carriage Rides (Friday 4-9 PM)
Freshly Baked Cobbler by the Ottawa Boy Scouts (Friday)
Wine & Art Walk at Heritage Harbor (Saturday, Nov. 8, 2–6 PM)
Exploreum’s Sparkle Spectacular Christmas Tree Auction
Shop Local & Win!Bring 5 receipts from any downtown Ottawa businesses you shop at during Shop, Sip & Sparkle Weekend to the Ottawa Visitors Center. Each set of 5 receipts enters you for a chance to win a $250 Downtown Discover Gift Card! Drawing will be held Tuesday, November 26 at noon.
Wine & Art WalkSip, stroll, and shop as you enjoy wine tastings and beautiful works from local artists at Heritage Harbor. Tickets are on sale now—don’t wait!
It’s the perfect way to jumpstart your holiday spirit, find unique gifts, and make magical memories with family and friends.

Frosty on First - Winter Festival
2025-11-07 17:00 - 22:00, 2025-11-08 10:00 - 22:30 | Downtown LaSalle, 1st Street, LaSalle, IL, 61301, United States
Frosty on First is La Salles ultimate winter festival celebration, held downtown on First Street.
This two-day, family-friendly event features live bands, inflatables, an ice skating rink, delicious food trucks, real reindeer, and spectacular fireworks. Bundle up and bring the whole family for nonstop winter fun, festive cheer, and magical memories!
Festival Highlights: Ice rink and kids activities: Glide into the season on our synthetic ice rink or explore the excitement of our inflatable maze, slide, and snowman perfect for kids and kids at heart!
Delicious Culinary Delights: Indulge your taste buds with a mouthwatering array of food vendors. From savory street food to sweet treats, every bite is a new adventure in flavor.
Live Music Entertainment: Groove to the beats of live performances featuring talented bands and musicians. The stage will be alive with music that will get you dancing and singing along all night long. Cap off your evening with a breathtaking fireworks show that lights up the night sky in a dazzling array of colors. It’s the perfect grand finale to an incredible day of festivities.
Bundle up, bring your family and friends, and experience a weekend full of winter magic, local pride, and unforgettable memories. From live entertainment and cozy treats to family activities and holiday surprises, theres something for everyone.

The Red Roses in Concert
2025-11-07 19:00 - 21:30 | Joliet Area History Museum, 204 Ottawa St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
The Red Roses band performs live in the Joliet Area Historical Museum’s Auditorium Theater on Friday, Nov. 7th at 7pm (doors open 6:15pm).The Red Roses are a fantastic Chicago-based 5-piece band that plays rock, alternative & indie hits that you know and love! Awesome guitar, buzzy synths, driving beats and soaring vocals played with passion and authenticity. You’ll hear songs by The Strokes, The White Stripes, The Killers, The Black Keys, The Flaming Lips, Coldplay, Beck and more!Beverage bar (beer, mixers, wine, soda, etc.), snack vendor, access to museum galleries & exhibits. Only $13 for Museum Members or $15 for General Public. General seating for all, with reserved highboy tables available for additional fee.Museum located at 204 N. Ottawa St. in downtown Joliet. Register/Info go to www.jolietmuseum.org or call (815) 723-5201.

Migratory Bird Hike
2025-11-08 08:00 - 10:00 | Lake Renwick Preserve, 23113 W. Lockport Street, Plainfield, IL, 60455, United States
Many birds use Lake Renwick to rest and refuel during migration.
Join us for a guided hike in search of amazing waterfowl, soaring eagles and beautiful songbirds.
Registration required by Thursday, Nov. 6: 815-722-9470.
Bring binoculars and dress for the weather.
A limited supply of binoculars will be available for loan.
The group will meet at the visitor center at the Renwick Road entrance.
No dogs or bicycles please.
Participants will hike up to 1.5 miles on natural surfaces across uneven terrain.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program. Ages 7 or older.

Stories from the Shelf
2025-11-08 10:30 - 12:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Do you have an interesting item sitting on your shelf? A fossil? A rock? A rare postcard?
Objects are powerful they’re scientific evidence, they’re story tellers and sometimes they are just curious. Join a naturalist to discover how interesting items, weird collections and curiosity cabinets morphed into the museums we have today. After the presentation, we will learn from each other! Guests are invited to bring their own item to share the objects story or facts and answer questions from the rest of the group. You do not need to bring an object to attend the program.
Registration required by Thursday, Nov. 6: 815-722-9301 Ages 18 and older.

Pumpkin Smash - Ages 18 & Older
2025-11-08 12:00 - 16:00 | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
Come smash and bash pumpkins in the name of saving the Earth!
Choose how your jack-o-lantern will meet its demise pounded to a pulp, launched over a railing and more. It’s going to be a smashing good time! Work up an appetite smashing your pumpkin then enjoy roasting hotdogs and smores over an open fire. Stay a while and enjoy the rest of the festivities as well. Pumpkin Smash is a regional event spearheaded by SCARCE to promote composting and wise use of resources. By composting your pumpkin, you are keeping waste out of landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating a natural fertilizer for soils.

Stories from the Shelf for Kids
2025-11-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Do you have an interesting item sitting on your shelf?
Objects are powerful they’re scientific evidence, they’re story tellers and sometimes they are just curious. Join a naturalist to discover how interesting items and weird collections morphed into the museums we have today. Guests are invited to bring their own item. A pretty rock, a fossil, a seashell, a skull found in the backyard you name it! After the presentation, we will learn from each other! Guests will have time to share their objects story or facts and answer questions from the rest of the group. You do not need to bring an object to attend the program.
Registration required by Thursday, Nov. 6: 815-722-9301.
Ages 6 and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Natural Ink Making Workshop
2025-11-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Learn the process of making inks and watercolors from plants as well as othermaterials. Take home at least one bottle of ink, recipes and reading suggestions. All ages welcome. BYOB for 21+. Admission $45. All sales final
