Land & Water Cruise

Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, United States

Tour begins with lunch in our restaurant followed by a narrated trolley tour. Learn about Starved Rock's history and legends of the area. The trolley takes passengers to the Eagle 1 to see the east end of Starved Rock State Park by water. Restrooms are available throughout

Mindful Paddle

Lake Chaminwood Preserve 24251 W. Shepley Rd., Minooka, IL, United States

Enjoy a guided reflective experience as you glide on the waters of Lake Chaminwood. Connect to nature through all your senses in an immersive and regenerative way. This isn't just a journey on the water but a time to reflect, recharge and let your stress melt away.

Live Music on the Veranda – Aaron Kelly, Indie/Folk

Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, United States

Join us every Friday and select Saturdays for live music on our Veranda. Come enjoy the views, great food, and grooves! 8-11 pm.  

Yachtley Crew – The Forge

The Forge Adventure Park and Ziplines 227 Heritage Quarries Drive, Lemont, Illinois

Prepare to set sail on a musical voyage like no other at The Forge in Lemont, IL, on Friday, August 2nd, for a nigh of yacht rock starring the Yachtley Crew. Join us for an evening of smooth grooves and laid-back vibes as Yachtley Crew takes the

Joliet Slammers vs. Evansville Otters: Princess & Pirates Night

Joliet Slammers Stadium 1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr., Joliet, IL, United States

Ahoy, mateys and majesties! Join us for a grand slam affair as we transform the ballpark into a kingdom of princesses and captains! It's a diamond dynasty where princesses reign over the bases and pirates plunder the outfield.  

Fridays in the Park – In the Pocket

Lincoln Landing 200 E. 9th St., Lockport, United States

Come Early! Stay Late! Food starts at 6:30. Band plays from 7 to 9. This Friday pet supply donations would be appreciated for TLC Animal Shelter.

I Spy Paddle

Lake Chaminwood Preserve 24251 W. Shepley Rd., Minooka, IL, United States

I spy with my little eye a new way to paddle this summer! As the sun sets, enjoy a sensory experience on the waters of Lake Chaminwood. Take part in a series of challenges to discover what you can find along the nooks and crannies of the

Sunset Cruise Featuring Kaedon Cronkright

Sainte Genevieve Riverboat 231 Albin Stevens Dr., Ottawa, IL, United States

Embark on a captivating two-hour sunset cruise in the picturesque Illinois River Valley, where you'll be treated to a delightful blend of scenic beauty, live music, and a relaxing atmosphere. As you step aboard the Sainte Genevieve, you'll be greeted by the friendly crew and find yourself

Jordan Block Jams – Fueled by Whiskey

Jordan Block 123 W. Main St., Ottawa, United States

Our FREE Jordan Block Jams Summer Series continues featuring Fueled by Whiskey. Join us for an unforgettable night of music, food, and fun! But that's not all! Quench your thirst with refreshing drinks from our vendor, Cat's Eye, and tantalize your tastebuds with delicious food options from

All About Bats

Hammel Woods Black Rd. east of Rte 59, Shorewood, IL, United States

Join a naturalist to learn about these often misunderstood fascinating creatures of the night. Learn about our local bat species and find out how they are essential to a healthy ecosystem. As the bats silently leave their daytime roost, we'll use bat-detecting equipment to reveal exactly who

40th Annual Car Show – Ottawa

LaSalle County Car Show Site 234 Albin Stevens Dr., Ottawa, IL, United States

Come check out this spectacular car show! Open to all cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Music provided. Hosted by LaSalle County Cruisers.  

Ottawa Canal Day

Downtown Ottawa 223 W. Madison, Ottawa, United States

Join us a fun-filled day with activities the entire family can enjoy. Demonstrations from a blacksmith, canoeing on the canal, music, tours and so much more.

Kids Fest

Joliet City Center 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL, United States

Kidz Fest is a free event for children over 2 years old that takes place in the City Center. Activities include magic shows, face painting, pony rides, petting zoo, roller skating, inflatable slide, and more! Sponsorships are available as well as vendor opportunities.  

Cave Tasting Experience

August Hill in Peru 21 N 255 1st Rd., Peru, IL, United States

Experience where the magic begins at our winery location in Peru, Illinois! Step into our Winery Caves where your favorite August Hill & ISC wines are produced and stored. Enjoy a unique wine journey presented to a small group of up to 20 people (approximately 45 minutes

Event Series Waterfowl Cruise

Waterfowl Cruise

Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, United States

Board a trolley outside of the Great Hall of the Lodge. The Trolley takes you to the Eagle 1 to enjoy an hour long boat ride where you will get to spy the Waterfowl of the Illinois River. The trolley will return you to the Lodge. Reservations

Utica Brew Bazaar

Utica Brew Bazaar Site Mill St. & E. Canal St., Utica, United States

Utica Brew Bazaar!!! The NEW and IMPROVED Craft Beer Street fest. We have listened to your voices over the years and have designed a whole new event!!! Not only can you get tastings of brews from some of Illinois's best breweries, you can now BUY the brew

Sightseeing Cruise with Narration

Sainte Genevieve Riverboat 231 Albin Stevens Dr., Ottawa, IL, United States

Light on the narration, heavy on the ambience and views, our guests will enjoy the beautiful sights of the Illinois River Valley and learn a thing or two along the way.  

Taco & Margarita Festival

The Forge Adventure Park and Ziplines 227 Heritage Quarries Drive, Lemont, Illinois

Welcome to the Lemont Taco & Margarita Festival! Join us & Brew Avenue Events on Saturday, August 3rd, for a day filled with delicious tacos and refreshing margaritas. Get ready to indulge in a variety of taco creations from 8+ food trucks while sipping on mouthwatering margaritas,

Joliet Slammers vs. Florence Y’alls – Star Wars Night/Scout Sleepover

Joliet Slammers Stadium 1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr., Joliet, IL, United States

Prepare for a journey to a galaxy far, far away as we summon the force for an epic Star Wars Night at the ballpark. Join us for an intergalactic showdown between the Florence Y'alls and the Joliet Slammers. May the hits be with you as we create

Sunset & Small Bites Featuring Chris Farrell

Sainte Genevieve Riverboat 231 Albin Stevens Dr., Ottawa, IL, United States

As the sun sets, you'll head west out of Ottawa under the railroad bridge and travel to Buffalo Rock. The breathtaking rock faces that edge the river will offer the perfect backdrop as you wind down your day. Guests will enjoy our cocktail buffet featuring heavy appetizers

Ottawa’s Taylor Swift Dance Party

Ottawa's Old Central School Lot 400 Clinton St., Ottawa, IL, United States

Get ready to shake it off, Ottawa! 🎶 Mark your calendars and dust off your dancing shoes because the City of Ottawa is thrilled to announce the ultimate summer bash: a TSwift Dance Party to close out our 2024 Friendship Days Festival on August 4th! 🌟 🎤

Meet a Beekeeper

Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, United States

Meet local beekeeper Mike Rusnak to discuss the art of beekeeping. Ask questions, chat and troubleshoot your own hive. Rusnak has more than 18 years of beekeeping experience. Pick up specific beekeeping tips or simply learn more about the world of bees. Fee: Free! Age: All ages.

The Gaylord Building – Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

Gaylord Building, Lockport 200 W. 8th Street, Lockport, IL, United States

The Gaylord Building played a vital role in the creation of the Illinois & Michigan Canal.  A landmark since 1838, this handsome limestone warehouse originally stored canal construction materials and later housed a variety of commercial ventures. Today the Gaylord Building is a national example of adaptive

Gospel Music in Washington Park

Washington Square Park 101 E. Lafayette St., Ottawa, Illinois

Family friendly music event is back again this year! Pack a cooler and bring a lawn chair for this FREE event at Washington Park.

National Night Out – Monee Reservoir

Monee Reservoir 27341 S. Ridgeland, Monee, United States

Celebrate National Night Out at Monee Reservoir with the Forest Preserve District of Will County police officers and other eastern Will County police agencies. See emergency vehicles up close, participate in fun activities and enjoy some delicious snacks. The event enhances relationships between residents and law enforcement