Chicago Street Farmers Market
2026-05-22 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | 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, 2026-05-24 10:00 - 18:00 | 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.

First Time Fishing
2026-05-23 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 a pole, tackle and bait. Just bring yourself! Ages 8 or older. $5 per person. Registration required by Friday, May 22: 815-722-4121.

Create Your Own Spring Planter
2026-05-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Bronkberry Farms, 18061 Bronk Rd., Plainfield, IL, 60586, United States
A fully customizable spring planter experience Planter Workshop on the farm, a hands-on, creative class where guests design and build a planter that celebrates spring in their own unique way. From soft and simple to full, colorful, and overflowing, this workshop invites you to create something that feels joyful, fresh, and perfectly suited to your space. $20 per person plus cost of planter & plants you choose.

Utica Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony
2026-05-25 09:00 - 11:30 | Church & Mill St. Utica, Church & Milll St., Utica, IL, 61373, United States
9:00 am start at Church & Mill and ends at Carey Memorial Park.
10:00 – Ceremony at Oak Hill Cemetery
11:00 – Ceremony at Waltham Cemetery

Haunted Trails Memorial Day Unlimited Attraction Wristband
2026-05-25 12:00 - 20:00 | Haunted Trails Amusement Park & Picnic Grove, 1423 N. Broadway St., Joliet, 60435, United States
Kick off your summer with UNLIMITED FUN this Memorial Day Monday, May 25th! Enjoy UNLIMITED Fun on Trails Raceway Go-Karts, Jr. Go-Karts, Laser Tag, Miniature Golf, Monster Hop, Bone Shaker & Tornado Rides ALL DAY LONG for $29.95/guest*. See website for details!*In the event of inclement weather, our daily Indoor Max Pack special is available for purchase.Wristbands are valid on Monday, 5/25/26 only and can be used until 1 hour before closing. Height and safety restrictions apply. Outdoor attractions are open, weather permitting. All attractions are subject to availability. Not valid with other offers. Wristbands are non-refundable.

Book Bedazzling Workshop
2026-05-27 18:00 - 21:00 | Critical Grind Board Game Cafe, 852 Sharp Dr., Shorewood, IL, 60404, United States
Bring a book you love (or one you’re ready to glam up), and Critical Grind will provide:

Bedazzling Materials
Guidance & Instruction
Access to Cafe After Hours
A Barista & Special Menu
One Complimentary Cafe Beverage

Come and bring your vision to life!!

Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp Baseball Opening Night
2026-05-27 18:30 - 21:00 | Schweickert Stadium in Veterans Memorial Park, 2600 Plank Rd., Peru, IL, 61354, United States
The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp are a collegiate wood-bat summer league baseball team in the Prospect League, based in Peru, Illinois. They play at Veterans Memorial Park and won the league championship in 2024. The team serves as a development league for college players, with a 60-game season.
Gates Open at 5:35 PM | Food Trucks: Tony’s Butt Shack, Dog House LaSalle & Tropical Sno Two Rivers

Morris Summer Concert Series - The Wayne Messmer Combo
2026-05-28 17:30 - 20:00 | Grundy County Courthouse Lawn, 111 E. Washington St. Ste. 12, Morris, IL, 60450, United States
Come and enjoy The Wayne Messmer Combo singing “The Great American Songbook”!!

Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp Baseball Thirsty Thursday
2026-05-28 17:30 - 20:30 | Schweickert Stadium in Veterans Memorial Park, 2600 Plank Rd., Peru, IL, 61354, United States
Food Trucks: Salina’s Tacos & Diddough’s Pretzels!! Free admission to game.

Gouache Landscape Painting
2026-05-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Explore the rich, velvety world of gouache in this guided landscape painting workshop! Perfect for beginners and experienced artists, this class will walk you step by step through creating a beautiful landscape while still encouraging your own creative style and personal touches. $45 per person. All materials provided. Registration required. BYOB friendly for 21 plus.

Rialto Reels: Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid
2026-05-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
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.

Digging to Discover: Our Common Roots & Our Potential to Flourish in the FHC - 6th Annual Conference
2026-05-29 09:30 - 17:00 | Alliance Francaise MSP, 227 Colfax Ave. North, Minneapolis, MN, 55405, United States
We hope you will join us for the exciting activities comprising our sixth annual conference. You are welcome to participate in any and all elements that interest you by using the registration links below.

FHC Conference Registration Options Space for in person participation is limited, so it is recommended that you register soon!
Les Archéologues
Includes conference, lunch, and cocktail reception on May 29
$75 FHS Members | $100 non-members
Les Historiens
Includes all conference activities on May 29 and chartered bus tour
and the Dinner Soirée on May 30
Space is limited and registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis
$150 FHS Members | $200 non-members
Les Ethnologues
Includes all conference activities on May 29 and
Dinner Soirée on May 30
$125 FHS Members | $150 non-members
Les Techniciens
Virtually attend the FHC Conference on May 29 via Zoom
Zoom link will be furnished closer to the date of the event
$25 per person
Les Étudiants
Attend FHC Conference on May 29 for free
Students with valid student IDs only
Register Online

LaSalle Art & Music Festival
2026-05-29 16:00 - 22:00 | Pulaski Park – LaSalle, 1001 Fifth St., LaSalle, IL, 61301, United States
Kick off festival weekend in style at the La Salle Music & Arts Festival! FREE Entry | FREE Parking!
Live Music:
5:00 – 6:30 PM Zazzle
7:00 – 10:00 PM 303
Start your evening with high-energy 90s rock from Zazzle, then keep the party going with the hard-rockin’ 303 under the lights at Pulaski Park! Artist Pavilion Opens at 4 PM. Our Artist Pavilion showcases talented local and regional artists featuring a wide variety of mediums. Browse and shop: Paintings & mixed media, Handmade Jewelry, Woodworking, Photography, Pottery & Ceramics, Fiber Arts, Unique Handcrafted Goods. Meet the artists, learn about their creative process, and take home something one-of-a-kind. Beer Tent, Food Vendors. No Dogs and No Coolers. Bring your lawn chairs, invite your friends, and help us launch an unforgettable weekend of music and art in La Salle!

Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp Baseball Country Music & BBQ Night
2026-05-29 17:30 - 20:30 | Schweickert Stadium in Veterans Memorial Park, 2600 Plank Rd., Peru, IL, 61354, United States
Country Music & BBQ
Gates Open at 5:35 PM | Presented By: 96.5 The WOLF | Featuring Dirt Road Reckoning | Food Trucks: Tony’s Butt Shack & Dog House LaSalle. Admission is free.

2026 Rooftop Summer Concert Series - Hoodwink'd
2026-05-29 18:15 - 21:00 | 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

Full Day Exploring the Twin Cities Region - French Heritage Corridor 6th Annual Conference
2026-05-30 08:30 - 18:30 | Alliance Francaise MSP, 227 Colfax Ave. North, Minneapolis, MN, 55405, United States
Chartered bus tour of French heritage sites in the Twin Cities Region, including a French-Canadian lunch hosted by the Little Canada Historical Society.

Leaf Casting "Make & Take"
2026-05-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 County Rd. 1140 N, Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
Leaf sculptures can add beauty to any garden or indoor environment. Completed samples will be shown for inspiration. You may bring your own leaves, but all materials will be provided. Your leaf castings can be used as ornaments, birdbaths, wall hangings, etc. Information will be given about painting or embellishing your finished leaves at home after fully dried. $40 per person.

Wild Bill Days
2026-05-30 11:00 - 17:00 | LaSalle County Historical Society and Museum, 101 E. Canal St., North Utica, 61373, United States
The LaSalle County Historical Society, Mendota Museum & Historical Society and the Village of Troy Grove invite the community to commemorate its native son, the renowned Wild Bill Hickok, during the Wild Bill Days Celebration. A variety of family-friendly activities are scheduled for the weekend, including historical re-enactments, live performances, special exhibits, and more.

LaSalle Music & Art Festival
2026-05-30 16:00 - 22:00 | Pulaski Park – LaSalle, 1001 Fifth St., LaSalle, IL, 61301, United States
Kick off festival weekend in style at the La Salle Music & Arts Festival! FREE Entry | FREE Parking!
Live Music:
4:00 – 5:30 PM Radium City Rebels
6:00 – 7:30 PM Strangerz
8:00 – 10:00 PM Harmonix
Artist Pavilion Opens at 4 PM. Our Artist Pavilion showcases talented local and regional artists featuring a wide variety of mediums. Browse and shop: Paintings & mixed media, Handmade Jewelry, Woodworking, Photography, Pottery & Ceramics, Fiber Arts, Unique Handcrafted Goods. Meet the artists, learn about their creative process, and take home something one-of-a-kind. Beer Tent, Food Vendors. No Dogs and No Coolers. Bring your lawn chairs, invite your friends, and help us launch an unforgettable weekend of music and art in La Salle!
