Lucille Ball Portrayal
2025-05-01 10:30 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Jacob Henry Mansion, 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
In the 1950’s, actress and comedienne Lucille Ball captured the hearts of television viewers across the nation, while her production company brought new innovations off screen. You won’t want to miss this portrayal by historian Leslie Goddard.
Lunch Entree: Chicken Apricot – Seasoned breast of chicken dressed with a delicate apricot sauce served on a bed of wild rice and chefs choice vegetable.
Price: $50 per guest.

Karaoke Night
2025-05-01 19:00 - 23:00, 2025-05-08 19:00 - 23:00, 2025-05-15 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!

Rival Sons
2025-05-01 19:30 - 22:00 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
Rival Sons play rock ‘n’ roll in its purest form without apology or pretense.
They simply plug in, turn up, and rip on a path of their own. Along the way, they’ve architected a critically acclaimed catalog, including Pressure & Time [2011], Head Down [2012], Great Western Valkyrie [2014], Hollow Bones [2016], and FERAL ROOTS [2019]. The latter represented a creative and critical high watermark, scoring a pair of GRAMMY® Award nominations in the categories of Best Rock Album and Best Rock Performance for the single Too Bad. Elevating the band to another level, Do Your Worst vaulted to #1 at Rock Radio as their biggest hit to date, tallying north of 60 million streams and counting. Speaking to their impact, Rolling Stone attested, Rival Sons have done their part to introduce new fans to rock. Beyond sharing stages with everyone from Black Sabbath, The Rolling Stones, and AC/DC to Guns N’ Roses and Lenny Kravitz, they’ve ignited television shows such as The Late Late Show with James Corden. During 2021, they launched their own label Sacred Tongue Recordings distributed by Thirty Tigers, and celebrated the anniversary of their debut album with live-streamed performances from Catalina Island Casino.
Hand-picked by Black Sabbath for their final tour, they’ve held their own on stage with the greats like The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, and Lenny Kravitz in addition to blowing the roof off television staples such as The Late Late Show with James Corden, Jools Holland and Jimmy Kimmel.

Streator Food Truck Festival
2025-05-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Streator City Park, 301 N. Vermillion St., Streator, 61364, United States
This annual event is the largest Food Truck Festival in Starved Rock Country. Grab your expandable waist pants, cut another notch in your belt and bring a friend for a food filled afternoon! Many selections, delectable delights, and scrumptious snacks will be available. Food Trucks will be announced in early May.
The event is free to attend. This event is outdoors with large grassy areas for guest seating. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets. Some on-site seating will be available.
The Streator Walldogs Food Truck Festival will return for its 9th year on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 12pm to 7pm on the 200 block of Hickory Street, south of Streator City Park, Streator, IL.
Proceeds from the food truck event will go towards Streatscapes (Streator Walldogs Committee), a fund for public art and beautification. The funds will go towards the next public art project in Streator.

Falconry at The Forge
2025-05-02 10:00 - 14:00 | 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, 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 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 free flight demos designed to highlight these amazing birds’ speed and agility.
About the American School of Falconry Established in 2014, the American School of Falconry started out with the mission of educating kids of all ages on the sport of falconry and the importance of raptor conservation. One of the most important parts of our mission is the support that we give to our brethren in the Raptor Rehabilitation community. We do this through food donations, conducting fundraisers and providing vital needed services (e.g. bird handling, training, etc.).
Duration – 3 hours each program 2025 Dates: May 2, May 3, May 4, June 6, June 7, June 8, July 25, July 26, July 27, August 22, August 23, & August 24
Available Sessions: 10:00 am & 2:00 PM

Talk Derby to Me: Girls' Night Out
2025-05-02 16:00 - 22:30 | Downtown Morris, 111 E. Washington St., Morris, IL, 60450, United States
4 – 8 PM “Run for the Roses” Shop and Dine Downtown Morris

Shop at over 15 downtown, independently owned and operated retail establishments and grab a snack or drink at our member businesses. For every $10 you spend with MRRA members, you will receive one ticket to potentially win merchant raffle baskets, which will be drawn at the Winner’s Circle Party.
8:30 PM “Winner’s Circle” After Party @Keg Grove Brewing Company

This is where the after shopping magic begins. With your purchased ticket you receive one craft drink made locally with a value of $6. You can start perusing the merchant raffle baskets, using the merchant tickets you received from shopping and dining during the day as well as the six received with your purchased ticket to try and win your favorite baskets. There will be music, a food court, and photo ops at the party.
9:00 PM “Dress for the Photo Finish” Derby Hat Contest

Wear your fanciest hat and strut your stuff to be a winner. Prizes given out for Best in Class, Win, Show, and Place. The contest will be held at the Winner’s Circle Party held at Keg Grove Brewing Co.
9:30 PM “Raising the Stakes” Merchant Raffle Basket

There will be over 20 merchant baskets available to give away. Take the merchant tickets you have received for spending money at MRRA merchants and food and drink establishments and use them to potentially win your favorite baskets at the Winner’s Circle Party held at Keg Grove Brewing Co. You MUST be present to win.
10:00 PM “The Most Exciting Two Minutest in Sports” Raffle for MRRA Spending Spree

Your purchased ticket includes a raffle ticket to be placed in the shopping spree raffle. There will be three gift certificates given away.
Two for $200 and one for $100 to MRRA member businesses.
You MUST be present to win.

Michigan MOMsemble
2025-05-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Festival 56, 316 S. Main St., Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
MOMsemble performances feature musical parodies in the styles of musical theater, pop, 80s rock, and country, with skits and monologues that tackle stressful, silly, or touching situations parents experience—for moms and everyone who has a mom!

Toast - The Ultimate Bread Experience
2025-05-02 19:00 - 22:00 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
TOAST is the No. 1 Tribute in the world to the 70’s hit band, BREAD!
With a surprising fidelity rarely heard from a live tribute band, their sound is often described as spot on to the original recordings. Audiences everywhere rave about closely their live performances sound like the cherished records they listened to back in the day.
BREAD VIRTUALLY INVENTED soft rock in the early Seventies, and the group’s biggest hits — ‘Make It With You,’ ‘If,’ ‘Baby I’m-a Want You’ and ‘Everything I Own’ — remain staples on lite-rock radio. – Rolling Stone
TOAST takes the audience on a journey back in time, engaging a spectrum of emotions; from the tender moments that tug on the heartstrings to the upbeat classics that compel them to jump out of their seats and dance. And when combined with the timeless music of Bread, this concert has risen to the top as one of the absolute favorites of audiences everywhere!

Morel Fest
2025-05-03 08:00 - 16:00 | Jordan Block, 123 W. Main St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Join us at the Jordan Block (100 Main Street) where you can shop and peruse a large Botanical Market and Morel Market featuring everything… you guessed it… MUSHROOMS!
We’ll even host MOREL UNIVERSITY, where you’ll learn to identify morels, so you know exactly what to look for on your guided hunt. (Please note: The educational hunt has limited availability.)
Schedule:
7:30 am – Hunt and Morel Market sign-in
8-8:30 am – Morel University
8:45 am – Busses depart for guided hunt
9am – 3pm – Morel Market – morel mushrooms only
8am – 3pm – Vendor Market
9am – 11:30 am – Guided Hunt
12:30 pm – Awards

Red Carpet Craft & Flea Market
2025-05-03 09:00 - 16:00 | North Water Street – Wilmington, 616 Davy Lane, Wilmington, IL, 60481, United States
The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce’s Craft and Flea Market on North Water Street in Downtown Wilmington is one of the biggest stops of the annual Red Carpet Corridor Festival.
Visit us on Saturday May 3 between 9AM and 4PM. Stop by the Chamber tent to pick up your giveaway item. Check out the craft and flea market vendors lining the street, and be sure to stop in to the downtown stores to see all the unique shopping available right in downtown Wilmington, IL.
Live music and food available throughout the day.
On your way to the next town make sure you visit the new home of the Gemini Giant, just a short walk from downtown.

Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival
2025-05-03 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-05-04 09:00 - 17:00 | Route 66, Joliet, IL, United States
This two-day festival is all about family fun on the most famous two-lane highway in America – Route 66.
Sponsored by the fourteen communities which make up the 100-mile linear museum from Joliet to Bloomington, the annual festival invites everyone to experience the good life in the slow lane. Each community will produce its own events. From full-blown festivals to antique and craft sales, art sales, car and motorcycle shows, live entertainments, and plenty of yard, garage, and sidewalk sales along the way, everyone is sure to discover something unique. Food, snacks and treats will be in abundance, and there are plenty of historic sites, outstanding free museums and unique mom & pop businesses to help create a nostalgic journey for all to enjoy. Visitors can simply enjoy the drive, or stop and get out of the car to have their picture taken with Elvis, or do a little shopping in any of the great stores along the Mother Road.

Storytime at The Illinois Aviation Museum
2025-05-03 11:00 - 14:00 | Illinois Aviation Museum, 110 Clow Parkway, Bolingbrook, IL, 60490, United States
Get ready to let your imagination soar!
Join us for Storytime at the Illinois Aviation Museum on Saturday, May 3rd at Bolingbrook’s Clow International Airport.
We’ll have special reading sessions throughout the day, designed for different age groups: 11:00 AM 12:00 Noon: Storytime for children ages 4-.7 Noon 1:00 PM: Special guest author Liese Hearth reads her book, “My Dog Burps”. 1:00 PM 2:00 PM: Storytime for children ages 8-11. Free admission! Fun for families! Limited seating arrive early! Come explore the world of aviation and enjoy a day of storytelling surrounded by real airplanes and history! We look forward to seeing you there!

Lockport Council of Arts Presents Mission: 1895
2025-05-03 13:00 - 14:00 | White Oak Public Library, 121 E. 8th St., Lockport, IL, 60441, United States
MISSION: 1895 is a fantastical story set in an alternative Lockport where an ancient talisman’s dark spirit rules over the small canal town. The emergence of the Infernal Crystal has plunged the city into chaos but if it is relinquished, it can be destroyed; just don’t be overcome by its forceful energy.
Told through 41 collector cards and an immersive online map, this dark tale mixes a dash of history, including a few real Porters, and a very large dose of imagination. Cards are dispersed through local participating businesses, during regular business hours. Certain cards will lead seekers to the crystal and then guide these sleuths to the ultimate treasure.
Join Mayor Steve Streit and Joe Gentile of Lockport’s Amazing Fantasy as they present their book and this summer’s exciting initiative!

It's Totally 80's in Downtown Joliet
2025-05-03 16:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Joliet, Downtown Joliet, Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Downtown Joliet bringing the ’80s BACK!
The City Center Partnership and the downtown businesses are celebrating the decade that brought us The Golden Girls, Top Gun, Back to the Future, Cheers and more!

CoComelon: Sing-A-Long LIVE
2025-05-04 14:00 - 16:00 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
Tickets for CoComelon: Sing-A-Long LIVE will go on-sale Friday, February 21st.
Pre-sales beginning today, Tuesday, February 18th. For tickets and additional information, visit Rialtosquare.com. CoComelon’s favorite teacher Ms. Appleberry welcomes JJ, his friends and YOU to come along on a Melon Patch Musical field trip! In CoComelon: Sing-A-Long LIVE, dance and sing along with JJ, Nina, Cody, Cece and all of their friends to some of your favorite bops, including If You’re Happy and You Know It, Wheels on the Bus, Animal Dance, Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, Freeze Dance, and many more! Jam with the fam and dance every chance you get in this new musical journey, coming to a city near you!

A Dance with Death - A Murder Mystery
2025-05-07 11:15 - 15:00 | Jacob Henry Mansion, 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
This 1950’s sock hop is a doo wop disaster!
When a death on the dance floor makes this fun night a disaster, it is up to you to get this dance back on track. Gather clues about the crime to reveal the punk that made this hop go to nowheresville.
Lunch Entree: Jake’s Chicken Cordon Bleu: Grilled chicken breast served open with ham, cheese, and bearnaise sauce, with a side of chef’s choice starch and vegetable.
Price is $60 per guest.

Wild Bill Days
2025-05-08 08:00 - 18:00 | North Utica, 101 E. Canal, North Utica, 61373, United States
The LaSalle County Historical Society invites you to join us for a weekend filled with family fun and entertainment celebrating LaSalle County’s most famous native, Wild Bill Hickok. The weekend will include an 8 scene re-enactment of the life and times of James Butler Hickok (one performance each day). Also included on this wild west weekend will be the Buffalo Bill’s Best of the Wild West Show, an 80-minute live arena performance on Saturday &Sunday featuring numerous horse acts, rolling stock, trick shooters, as well as the legendary performers that made the Wild West THE extravaganza to see around the world. More information coming soon!

Think & Drink - Demystifying AI: How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping Our Future
2025-05-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Gaylord Building, Lockport, 200 W. 8th Street, Lockport, IL, 60441, United States
Artificial Intelligence isn’t just science fiction anymore—it’s changing the way we live, work, and explore the world. Join us at the Gaylord Building for a lively and accessible conversation about how AI is shaping our future!
For May’s Think & Drink, researchers from Argonne National Laboratory will explain what AI really is (and what it isn’t), how scientists are using it to accelerate groundbreaking discoveries, and what emerging technologies could mean for our everyday lives.
Whether you’re an AI skeptic, enthusiast, or just curious about the future, this program promises to be informative, accessible, and engaging.
Free! Registration recommended (includes Public Landing Restaurant discount – details below)
About the panelists:
Christopher Knight
Christopher Knight is a computational scientist at Argonne, leading efforts in materials and chemistry research. His team uses AI-enabled supercomputers to develop cutting-edge simulations that help solve complex scientific challenges across multiple disciplines.
Tim Hobbs
Tim Hobbs is a theoretical physicist whose research in quantum chromodynamics combines quantum field theory, advanced computing, and AI to better understand nucleon structure, particle interactions, and the fundamental building blocks of matter.
Gillian King-Cargile (moderator)
Gillian King-Cargile is a science communicator at Argonne, where she partners with scientists to tell powerful stories about groundbreaking research and the discoveries shaping our future. She’s also an author of books for children and adults that explore science and imagination.
Reserve your spot today!

#IMOMSOHARD
2025-05-08 19:30 - 22:00 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
From the creators of #IMOMSOHARD, Jen and Kristin are heading out on a Fall Tour, with a brand new show: LADIES NIGHT!
Guaranteed to make you laugh, and maybe pee your pants, these two dive into all things womanhood, motherhood, and friendship. There are new things to talk about and some old things to talk about in new ways like surviving marriage, fashion, and the tween-teen years. These two may be older but they are only getting better. Or bitter. Let’s go with better. Let’s all get together and find a way to laugh at the stuff that usually makes us cry. This show is rowdy, raucous, and a little bit naughty. Get a group of your lady friends, or fly solo, you can even bring your husband (make sure he sits in the front row) and get ready to laugh. #IMOMSOHARD LIVE: LADIES NIGHT! is the night you need and deserve.

Roses and Rose' for Mother's Day Workshop
2025-05-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Uptown Grill, 601 1st St., LaSalle, IL, 61301, United States
Join us as we team up with Petals By Peyton to create a beautiful and unique wine bottle bouquet perfect for Mothers Day gifting or for yourself to enjoy. Includes a bottle of Rose & all materials for your bouquet.

Seneca Lumberyard Farmers' Market
2025-05-10 08:00 - 14:00 | The Lumberyard, 113 W. William St., Seneca, IL, 61360, United States
Join us for The Lumberyard’s very first Farmers Market in Seneca!
We’re bringing together fresh produce, handmade goods, and one-of-a-kind finds to create a space where our community can gather, shop, and support local businesses.
Don’t miss out!

3 French Hens Market
2025-05-10 08:00 - 14:00 | 3 French Hens French Country Market, 402 Liberty St., Morris, 60450, United States
It’s 3 French Hens French Country Market weekend in Morris!
Back in its Downtown location, this open-air market runs 8AM-2PM.
Boasting nearly 100 vintage, handmade, and culinary vendors, the market is situated among more than 55 locally-owned shops, restaurants, bars and boutiques. We invite you to come for the market and spend the day in our charming Downtown.

Lockport Historic District - 50th Anniversary Celebration
2025-05-10 16:00 - 18:00 | The Roxy
Lockport Historic District – 50th Anniversary Celebration
This year marks 50 years since downtown Lockport was officially designated a historic district and placed on the National Register of Historic Places—and you’re invited to celebrate this milestone!
Hosted by our friends at Main Street Lockport, this special event will highlight the formation of the historic district, major renovations over the decades, and the ongoing efforts to preserve Lockport’s architectural treasures. Enjoy presentations by distinguished speakers Jerry Adelmann, Ron Lif, and Lance Thies, each offering unique insights into Lockport’s remarkable journey from canal town to heritage destination.
Your ticket includes:
-First drink on the house (cash bar after)
-Appetizers by Lock & Mule
-Anniversary cake to close the event
-An afternoon at the beautiful ROXY Lockport!
Lockport’s downtown remains one of the best-preserved examples of a canal-era commercial district in Illinois—thanks to decades of dedication by the community. Come be part of this celebration of history, resilience, and pride!
Tickets are limited—reserve yours today!
Looking for a place to eat before or after the event? Make reservations at Public Landing Restaurant! Located inside the Gaylord Building along the historic I&M Canal. Call 815-838-6500.

Education Day 1 - Slammers vs. Quebec Capitales
2025-05-13 10:00 - 13:30 | Joliet Slammers Stadium, 1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Get your game face on for Education Day at the ballpark!
It’s where textbooks meet baseballs, and fun facts fly as fast as the pitches. From math in the stands to history on the scoreboard, we’re making learning a home run! Grab your glove, it’s time to hit the books and the ballpark!

Education Day 2 - Joliet Slammers vs. Quebec Capitales
2025-05-14 10:00 - 13:30 | Joliet Slammers Stadium, 1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Welcome to Education Day – where the only thing more exciting than a grand slam is a learning curve!
It’s a day filled with trivia, teamwork, and taking a swing at knowledge. School’s in session, but the classroom is the ballpark!

Cody Calkins - Hegeler Carus Mansion Third Thursday Concerts
2025-05-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 7th St., LaSalle, 61301, United States
Hegeler Carus Mansion presents Third Thursday Concert Series May and September.
Enjoy live music, food trucks, 50/50 raffles, mansion fun facts, and more. Guests bring their own chairs or blankets and enjoy music under the tree canopy on the Mansions West Lawn. Bring your friends and family for a spectacular evening! Bands play on the west lawn of the Mansion.
Special sponsors are acknowledged at the beginning of each concert.
For the latest concert updates at Facebook.com/hegelercarus
Gates open at 6:00 pm Concerts begin at 6:30 pm Bands play until 8:00 pm.

Peru's TBM Avenger Reunion & Salute to Veterans
2025-05-16 11:00 - 22:00 | Illinois Valley Regional Airport, 4251 Ed Urban Dr., Peru, IL, 61354, United States
Peru’s TBM Avenger Reunion & Salute to Veterans
Friday Schedule:
11 AM – Gates Open
1 PM – 4 PM Airshow featuring:
-USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon VIPER Demo Team
-US Air Force Heritage Flight (F-16/P-51)
-TBM Avengers
-Illinois Air National Guard C-130H Flyby
-Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star
-2x AD-1 Skyraider
-Fairchild PT-26 Cornell
-Vultee BT-13 Valiant
-North American SNJ/T-6 Texans
-Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor
-Douglas C-47 Skytrain
**Evening Activities INCLUDE concert & beer garden. Plus tons of terrific aircraft on display and MORE!
6 PM – Evening Airshow Begins featuring:
-USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon VIPER Demo Team
-US Air Force Heritage Flight (F-16/P-51)
-JP Mellor Aerobatics in the T-6 Texan “Spanish Lady”
-2x AD-1 Skyraider
-Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star
-Fairchild PT-26 Cornell
-Vultee BT-13 Valiant
-North American SNJ/T-6 Texans
-Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor
-Douglas C-47 Skytrain
After 8 PM:
-Titan Aerobatic Team Night Airshow
-The World Famous TBM Avenger Glow
-FIREWORKS to close the night
