Concerts on the Hill - 3rd City Brass Band
2025-07-24 18:30 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre, 201 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Join us for our 50th Season of FREE Concerts on the Hill!
Every Thursday June through August join us outside on our hill to see wonderful local talent share their gifts.
Remember to bring your chairs and blankets!
We hope to see you there!

Karaoke Night
2025-07-24 19:00 - 23:00, 2025-07-31 19:00 - 23:00 | The Twisted Pin, 15610 Joliet Rd., Plainfield, IL, 60544, United States
Join us for Karaoke with Host Joe Son!
Start your weekend on a high note – Food, Fun, Self Serve Beer Wall, Craft Cocktails & Giveaways!

Dancing for Our Tribe: Potawatomi Traditions in the New Millennium
2025-07-25 10:00 - 16:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Four Rivers is collaborating with the Three Rivers Public Library District for a special temporary exhibit, “Dancing for Our Tribe.” From the artist Sharon Hoogstraten: “This legacy Potawatomi portrait collection is for our future seven generations and for the artful education of those who presume Great Lakes Native America to be a vanquished race. Using high resolution photography and image processing technology, I’ve blended richly detailed regalia with backgrounds of native woodlands or points west where so many of our tribe were forcibly relocated — a visual effect reminiscent of the painted backdrops of the 1900s Indian portraits. In ‘Dancing for Our Tribe,’ I portray a fresh reality of the descendants: People who live in a world of sewing machines, synthetic fabrics, military service, favorite sports teams, high-resolution digital cameras and a new millennium. They have merged loss, optimism and contemporary life by creating a riveting celebration of continued existence — loudly declaring, ‘WE ARE STILL HERE!’”

Christmas in July - Streator
2025-07-25 14:30 - 18:00, 2025-07-26 10:00 - 14:00 | Heritage Park – Streator, 222 E. Main Street, Streator, 61364, United States
Even with summer temperatures soaring, Streator will be in the Christmas spirit this week as over 20 local businesses will participate in the Streator Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Christmas in July event at Heritage Park.
Food trucks will be present on both days, along with family activities and a visit from a vacationing Santa Claus on Saturday at the clock.
To kick off the festivities, a free public screening of the movie “White Christmas” will be shown at 10:20 a.m. Friday at the Streator Eagle 6 theater, courtesy of an anonymous donor.
Santa is expected to arrive at 11:00 am on Saturday.
Maps can be downloaded from the Streator Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page, picked up in advance at the Chamber office at 320 E. Main St. or collected during the event at participating businesses and the Heritage Park clock tower during the event.

Meet the Artist: "Dancing for Our Tribe"
2025-07-25 17:00 - 19:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Four Rivers is collaborating with the Three Rivers Public Library District for a special temporary exhibit, “Dancing for Our Tribe.” At this drop-in event, meet the artist, Sharon Hoogstraten, and view the portraits that highlight the rich lives of the Potawatomi. The artist will be available to answer all your questions regarding her work. Discover how she chooses her subjects, the stories behind them and how she brings those stories to life in her photographs.
No registration required.
This is an inclusive program, welcoming individuals of all abilities. Four Rivers is an accessible facility. Four Rivers is an accessible facility. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online(Opens in a new window) no later than 48 hours before the program.

Drinkin' with Lincoln Brewfest
2025-07-25 17:00 - 21:00, 2025-07-26 12:00 - 21:00 | Washington Square Park, 101 E. Lafayette St., Ottawa, Illinois, 61350
Drinkin’ with Lincoln Brewfest is almost here — and you won’t want to miss this lineup!
Raise a glass with these amazing breweries, wineries, and distilleries:
🍺 Tangled Roots Brewing Company
🍺 Nik & Ivy
🍷 Unpossible Mead
🍷 August Hill
🥃 Whiskey Acres
🥃 Star Union
🍺 Obscurity
🍺 Noon Whistle
🍺 Maplewood
🍺 Revolution
🍺 Firestone Walker
🍺 Go Brewing
🎟️ Early Bird Ticket Pricing: $25 for 28 tasting tickets — get yours now!
At the door: $1 per ticket.
🍻 Sampling Details:
2 tickets = 3 oz. beer sample or 1 oz. spirit sample
7 tickets = 16 oz. beer or 5 oz. spirit
Grab your tickets and get ready to sip, sample, and savor downtown Ottawa! 👉 https://www.visitottawail.com/drinkin-with-lincoln

Wilmington Catfish Days
2025-07-25 18:00 - 23:00 | North Water Street – Wilmington, 616 Davy Lane, Wilmington, IL, 60481, United States
Country Night!
9AM Medallion Hunt Clue (Facebook: Catfish Days)
5PM-8PM Wilmington Park District’s ‘Pickled on Water Street’ Youth Pickleball Tournament– Pre-Registration Required! (Wilmington’s Public Lot on Water Street)
6PM-11PM Carnival Open (Wilmington’s North Island)
6PM-8PM Wilmington Park District’s Hayrack Rides- FREE! (Wilmington’s North Island)
6PM-Midnight Beer Garden Open (Wilmington’s North Island)
6PM River Valley Defense Arts Performance (Wilmington’s North Island)
6:30PM Performance By Those Funny Little People (Wilmington’s North Island)
7PM Line Dancing with Doug Pfaff (Wilmington’s North Island)
7PM Crosstown Exotic’s Reptile Show- Free to Attend (Wilmington’s North Island)
8PM-11PM Live Entertainment: Hillbilly Rockstarz (Wilmington’s North Island, Main Stage)
8PM-Midnight Wilmington Park District’s ‘Pickled on Water Street’ Adult Pool Play- Pre- Registration Required (Wilmington’s Public Lot on Water Street)
9:30PM Firework’s Show (Wilmington’s North Island)

Farmers Market - Jackson Street
2025-07-26 08:00 - 12:30 | Ottawa Visitor Center, 1028 LaSalle St., Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Start your Saturday with an exciting market experience.
Enjoy fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, and delectable local treats. Indulge in farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. Explore unique, handcrafted treasures from talented local artisans. Relish mouthwatering baked goods and tasty treats from food stalls.
Bring your family, friends, and even your pets for a day of fun and community spirit. Let’s celebrate and support our local farmers and makers together. See you there

Behind the Scenes: The Four Rivers Aquarium
2025-07-26 09:00 - 10:30 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the 2,000-gallon aquarium at Four Rivers. Join a naturalist to learn about the native fish species in the tank. Follow a professional aquarist downstairs to see the equipment and preparation that goes into keeping our aquarium healthy and the fish happy.
Registration required by Thursday, July 24: 815-722-9470.
This program will be held indoors. Participants must be able to use stairs to view basement tanks. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online(Opens in a new window) no later than 48 hours before the program.

Food Drive Benefitting the Bethany Lutheran Church Food Pantry
2025-07-26 09:00 - 16:00 | Lemont Public Library, 50 E Wend Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Please bring non-perishable items such as:

Canned Chicken
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Pop Tarts
Canned Soup
Spam
Rice
Skillet Dinners
Condiments
Canned Fruit
Cooking Oil
Noodles
Juice Boxes
Granola Bars

Museum Campus Day
2025-07-26 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 replica 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. All Ages

Cut It Out - Plant Day
2025-07-26 12:00 - 17:00 | True North, 539 Bedford Rd., Morris, IL, 60450, United States
Plant lovers of Grundy County where you can ask questions, swap, and give tips! (No selling.)

trade cuttings
start a seedling
buy a plant
crafts
learn something new

Giving Back to Lemont
2025-07-26 16:00 - 21:00 | Next Mex, 319 Front Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
The 13th Annual Giving Back to Lemont Concert is back!
This free, five-hour concert takes place on the grass lot directly west of Next Mex.
✶ Please bring non-perishable food or monetary donations to be collected and distributed between Lemont’s two open-food pantries.
✶ Raffles, prizes and giveaways throughout the evening!!!
✶ Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets and enjoy a night of music under the stars.
Concert is free ❤︎ All bands donate their time
Thank you for your support and generosity!
BAND LINE UP
School of Rock
Ralph Johnson & Friends
Pauly & The Shakers
Revdog
Heartless

Music in the Park - Washington Square Park
2025-07-26 18:00 - 21:00 | Washington Square Park, 101 E. Lafayette St., Ottawa, Illinois, 61350
Embrace Ottawa’s small-town charm: bring a lawn chair, spread a blanket on the grass, or settle on one of the park benches to listen to the smooth sounds.
Concerts run from 6-8pm on Saturdays in downtown’s historic Washington Park.
Admission is free.
At this time, no indoor venue is available, so if bad weather postpones a performance, it will be rescheduled later in the year.

Wilmington's Catfish Days
2025-07-27 10:00 - 18:00 | North Water Street – Wilmington, 616 Davy Lane, Wilmington, IL, 60481, United States
The Finale!!

8AM-Noon Wilmington’s VFW Breakfast Buffet (Wilmington VFW)10AM-4PM Rusty Nutz Car Show (Wilmington’s North Island)11AM Wilmington Park District’s Color Fun Run, Registration Required at https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Wilmington/CatfishDaysColorFunRunAndWalk (Run begins at Wilmington Park District)Noon-1PM Sensory Hour at the Carnival-Please register on our Sensory Page(Wilmington’s North Island)Noon-6PM Beer Garden Open1PM-6PM Carnival Open, $25 Wristbands Available! (Wilmington’s North Island)1PM Wilmington’s Annual Catfish Day’s Parade (Starts at Steven’s Intermediate School​, and Ends at Wilmington Park District)2PM-6PM Live Entertainment: Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones (Wilmington’s North Island, Main Stage)3PM Old School Brewing’s ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament’ (Route 66 Old School Brewing)3PM St Rose + Wilmington Coalition’s Fear Factor Finals (Wilmington’s North Island)3PM Color Contest Winners Announced (Wilmington’s North Island, Main Stage)6PM Wilmington’s Community Band- Jazz Through the Ages (Veteran’s Memorial Park)6PM Ice Cream Social (Veteran’s Memorial Park)

Touch A Truck
2025-07-27 11:00 - 15:00 | River Front Park
Free family fun brought to you by the Illinois Valley Contractor’s Association and the Illinois Valley Building Trades.

Activities
Snacks
Free Lunch

Princess & Hero Walk - Downtown Lemont
2025-07-27 12:00 - 15:00 | Lemont Village Green, 322 Main St., Lemont, 60439, United States
Gather up your princesses, superheroes and even those tiny villains for a magical day in downtown Lemont. Eight characters will be found inside downtown businesses for your kids to meet, greet, get photographs with and best of all…autographs! The first 150 families to register will get a free autograph book upon check in! Families should check in at our tables set up in Lemont’s Village Green where you’ll receive a map and list of clues as to which character you’ll meet.
This is a self-guided walk, so your family is welcome to visit any character in any order. As it gets closer to the end time, please be aware that our characters must return to their castles and lairs at 3pm.- so beware of long lines!
*****The $5 fee is per family, not child.***You will check in with the name on the registration, no paper ticket will be mailed. Costumes encouraged but not required!
We cannot wait to share this afternoon with Princess Fairy Tale Parties and Events and YOU!
Special thanks to Lemont Downtown and the Village of Lemont for co-sponsoring this amazing event and of course our amazing participating business neighbors!
Follow along our FB event for more details and parking tips closer to the event.

Music in the Park - Washington Square Park - David Hilliker Trio
2025-07-28 14:30 - 16:30 | Washington Square Park, 101 E. Lafayette St., Ottawa, Illinois, 61350
Embrace Ottawa’s small-town charm.
Bring a lawn chair, spread a blanket on the grass, or settle on one of the park benches to listen to the smooth sounds.
Admission is free.
At this time, no indoor venue is available, so if bad weather postpones a performance, it will be rescheduled later in the year.

Lemont Farmers Market
2025-07-29 16:00 - 19:00 | Lemont Village Green, 322 Main Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Join us for the Lemont Downtown Farmers Market at the Village Green, presented by Aster Gardens!
These markets will continue on Tuesday evenings through the September 30th from 4-7pm.
Vendors feature vegetables and fruit, flowers, mushrooms, local honey, micro greens, crepes and more!
Stay tuned as we continue to add vendors and programming!

Lemont Cruise Nights & Block Party
2025-07-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Cruise Nights & Block Party Location, Main Street & Canal Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Buick, Oldsmobile & Pontiacs
Light up your engines! The fastest and coolest cars are making their way to Lemont Downtown for our legendary cruise night car shows and block party. Wander the streets of historic Lemont Downtown viewing cars that take you back in time and make you dream of the future.

Plant Bingo - Summer Edition
2025-07-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Rejuvenate – Plants & Wellness, 2212 Plainfield Rd., Crest Hill, IL, 60403, United States
Join us for Plant Bingo – Summer Edition the last Wednesday of each month! With the exception of August!
August PLANT BINGO will be on August 20th – the following week your Plant Bingo host will be out of town and unable to Bingo it up!
$30 buy in for 10 games, equaling $3.00 a game. One card per person, per game! 3 FREE games after the initial 10!
Win Rare Plants, Hand-painted pots, Gift Certificates, Home Goods, Workshop Gift Certificates, Cool Stuff & MORE!
Bring your own beverages and snacks to enjoy while you play!
First game starts at 6:00pm each game day!
Limited spots available. Please pre-register to claim your spot!

Discovery Isle: Insects
2025-07-31 13:00 - 15:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
What insects do we have crawling or flying around at Isle a la Cache? Come out to get a closer look by using sweep nets and bug boxes, observe pinned specimens and learn the difference between insects, bugs and arachnids. All equipment is provided, and all insects will be released at the end of the program.
This is a drop-in program; come any time between 1 and 3 p.m.
No registration required.
The program may include hiking less than 0.5 mile on preserve trails over uneven terrain. The museum 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(Opens in a new window) no later than 48 hours before the program.

Sunset Soiree - Reckless
2025-07-31 18:00 - 22:00 | Sunset Soiree Location, Stephen & Talcott, Lemont, 60439, United States
Join us in downtown Lemont on Stephen Street for this free concert series!
Put your dancing shoes on! The Annual Concert Series presented by the Lemont Park District and Village of Lemont is a crowd favorite with live music, dancing, and tons of family-friendly fun in Lemont Downtown.
Bring your blankets & chairs for free open seating.
Seating opens at 6 pm, and music begins at 7 pm.
Food and drink will be available on site.

Concerts on the Hill - Eddie Korbos & The Boys & Girls from Illinois and The Ukelele Moonshiners
2025-07-31 18:30 - 21:30 | Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre, 201 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL, 60432, United States

Rooftop Hummingbird Hangout
2025-08-01 10:00 - 2025-08-31 16:00 | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
This ongoing event will be held from Friday, Aug. 1, to Sunday, Aug. 31. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesdays to Sundays.
Visit Hidden Oaks Nature Centers green roof anytime during business hours to get a vantage point youve never experienced before. You’ll find hummingbird feeders on the roof and feeders on the ground. Take a seat to relax as hummingbirds zip by or grab a pair of binoculars to follow their movements and see what other birds you can find.While youre there, have fun learning about hummingbirds with hands-on self-guided activities. Hummingbirds have an amazing set of skills that make them great at being hummingbirds. Do your skills match up to that of a hummingbird? How fast can you flap your wings? How are your bug-catching skills? How light is a hummingbird compared to other birds?
All Ages.

Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing
2025-08-02 08:00 - 12:00 | Lake Renwick Preserve, 23113 W. Lockport Street, Plainfield, IL, 60455, United States
See the dazzling spectacle of nesting herons, egrets and cormorants and maybe even see one of our resident bald eagles! The preserve has controlled access during nesting season to minimize disturbances to nesting birds. The only way to view these amazing creatures at Lake Renwick during this time of year is to attend a viewing program.Volunteers and staff will be at the viewing platform and visitor center to answer questions. Bringing your own binoculars or spotting scope is recommended.

Farmers Market - Jackson Street
2025-08-02 08:00 - 12:30 | Ottawa Visitor Center, 1028 LaSalle St., Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Start your Saturday with an exciting market experience! Enjoy fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, and delectable local treats. Indulge in farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. Explore unique, handcrafted treasures from talented local artisans. Relish mouthwatering baked goods and tasty treats from food stalls.
Bring your family, friends, and even your pets for a day of fun and community spirit. Let’s celebrate and support our local farmers and makers together.
See you there!
