I & M Canal

Third Friday - Madison Street
2025-08-15 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Downtown Ottawa, 223 W. Madison, Ottawa, 61350, United States
Arts, culture, and entertainment come alive every Third Friday in downtown Ottawa, Illinois MAY – SEPTEMBER.
Art vendors, music, food, and live events hosted by Open Space Gallery. Enjoy later shopping hours at many downtown retailers and enjoy custom food and drink specials at several of our fantastic restaurants.

Third Friday Lecture: How Canals Shaped Chicago
2025-08-15 18:30 - 21:00 | Chicago Maritime Museum, 1200 W. 35th St., Chicago, IL, 60609, United States
Join us on August 15th as Dr. Wayne Duerkes discusses the far-reaching impact of canals and how they have influenced daily life and helped shape the development of the City of Chicago.
Dr. Duerkes is a professional historian and author with over 30 years of experience on Illinois history with emphasis on the northern tier of the state and the Illinois & Michigan Canal. He is on the Board of Directors for the Illinois State Historical Society and the Illinois State Genealogical Society.

Bat Night for Adults
2025-08-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Hammel Woods, Black Rd. east of Rte 59, Shorewood, IL, 60404, United States
Enjoy an evening at Hammel Woods exploring the habitat of our local bat species. Watch the bats emerge from their sleeping quarters to go out on their nightly hunt. Using echolocation technology, listen for bats and discover some fascinating facts about these flying mammals. Registration required by Wednesday, Aug. 13: 815-722-9301. Ages 21 and older.

End of Summer Movie Night Featuring Kid's Balloon Painting
2025-08-15 19:30 - 22:30 | Berkeley Park Gazebo, 5900 Electric Ave., Berkeley, 60163, United States
Get ready for an unforgettable night under the stars!
We’re bringing the magic of the movies to Berkeley Park on August 15th with a special showing of the heartwarming family film, IF!
Join us for a night of fun, imagination, and free popcorn!
The festivities kick off at 7:30 PM with Kids’ Balloon Painting at the gazebo. It’s the perfect way to get creative before the main event!
Then, at 8:30 PM, grab a cozy spot and get ready to be swept away by the adventures of Ryan Reynolds and John Krasinski in this amazing movie.
Want to get your hands on some FREE popcorn? Be sure to pre-register!
Don’t miss out on this fantastic end-of-summer celebration!

Farmers Market - Jackson Street
2025-08-16 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!

Dragonfly Hike
2025-08-16 08:30 - 10:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Let’s go on an exploration to spot some colorful dragonflies! These aerial acrobats aren’t as delicate as they may seem; they are indeed voracious hunters. Learn about their fascinating adaptations and their strange life cycle while we search for them above and below the water’s surface.
Registration required by Thursday, Aug. 14: 815-722-9470.
REGISTER ONLINE
This is an inclusive program, welcoming individuals of all abilities. The hike will be less than 2 miles on paved and natural trails over 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.

Hummingbird Fest
2025-08-16 09:00 - 14:00 | Sagawau Learning Center, 12545 W. 111th St., Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Join us for activities, viewing, and demos of how the birds are banded for tracking and research purposes. No registration required.

Pontiac Cruise Night
2025-08-16 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Pontiac, Downtown, Pontiac, 61764, United States
You’re invited to join us for our 2025 Cruise Season.
Pontiac Cruise Nights are the 3rd Saturday of each month, May through August, located Downtown Pontiac, 2 blocks South of City Hall.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to construction in our downtown area, the entrance and location of our 2025 Cruise Nights will be a bit different. Please enter Mill St. from Water and follow the instructions of the volunteers. Cruise night cars will be parked in and around Block 59.
We ask that all participants avoid the Historic County Courthouse grounds due to safety.
Welcome Dustin & Donna Cook with Twizted Machinez Car & Truck Club as this years’ hosts, along with the return of Jd’s DJ Service.
We’re excited for an amazing Cruise Season this year!

Music in the Park - Washington Square Park
2025-08-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Washington Square Park, 101 E. Lafayette St., Ottawa, Illinois, 61350
Music in the Park – Washington Square Park
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.

Hummingbird Sit
2025-08-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Sagawau Learning Center, 12545 W. 111th St., Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Spend time in our garden where our staff will answer your hummingbird questions.

Historic Pullman Labor History Walking Tour
2025-08-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Pullman Exhibit Hall, 11141 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, 60628, United States
Historic Pullman Labor History Walking Tour
This guided experience will take visitors through the very streets where American labor history was made—highlighting the pivotal moments, people, and movements that emerged from this iconic South Side Chicago community.
Learn how the Pullman Company, the American Railway Union, and the groundbreaking Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters helped define the modern labor movement.
Along the way, you’ll hear powerful stories of worker solidarity, industrial innovation, and civil rights leadership—all set against the backdrop of one of the nation’s first planned industrial communities. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a curious first-time visitor, this tour offers a compelling look at how Pullman helped change the course of American labor.
Get your tickets today!

Collages & Conversation
2025-08-17 15:00 - 16:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Hang out with a naturalist as we chat about all things nature while getting crafty!
Create a collage and interpret nature your way while staying cool from that summer heat. All materials provided. This is a drop-in program. All ages

Sunset Serenity Hike
2025-08-18 19:30 - 21:00 | Little Red Schoolhouse
Enjoy the quiet of sunset as we explore the woods on a casual 2-mile hike.
Registration Required
Ages 13 & up.

Fishing for Trash
2025-08-19 10:00 - 2025-08-24 16:00 | Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm, 475 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
This ongoing event will be from Tuesday, Aug. 19, to Sunday, Aug. 24.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Help Hidden Lakes Trout Farm look its best by picking up litter in the preserve. Fishing line and other debris pose serious threats to our furry and feathered friends. Animals may become entangled in fishing line or swallow hooks or bits of plastic. Check in with the front desk for a bucket and grabbers. Fill the bucket and return it to earn a treat from The Tackle Box.

Lemont Farmers Market
2025-08-19 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 4-7 pm.
Vendors feature vegetables and fruit, flowers, mushrooms, local honey, micro greens, crepes and more!
Stay tuned as we continue to add vendors and programming!

Joliet Iron Works Tour
2025-08-20 09:00 - 10:30 | Joliet Iron Works Park, 31 Columbia St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Which city carried the nickname City of Stone and Steel?
Joliet’s once-thriving industrial plant rivaled Pittsburgh’s steel power. Explore its stone foundations that are more than 100 years old. A naturalist will share the fascinating stories of the men and machines that worked at the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site.
Registration required by Sunday, Aug. 17: 815-772-9301. Ages 16 or older.

Lemont Cruise Nights & Block Party
2025-08-20 18:00 - 21:00 | Cruise Nights & Block Party Location, Main Street & Canal Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Emergency Vehicle Night – Expo Night
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.

Craft: Butterfly Stickers
2025-08-21 11:00 - 17:00 | Three Stories Bookstore, 310 Canal Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Unleash your creativity with a colorful butterfly craft and coloring adventure!
Join us on August 21st anytime from 11 AM to 5 PM for some hands-on fun you won’t want to miss.

Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall
2025-08-21 13:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-22 08:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-23 08:00 - 20:00 | Romeoville Village Hall, 1050 Romeo Rd., Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
As Vietnam War Veterans Day approaches (March 29), the Village of Romeoville is honored to announce that the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be displayed in Romeoville from August 21 – August 24. Arriving by trailer, a welcome parade will escort the wall into town on the morning of the 21st. The wall will then be assembled in the football field parking lot between Village Hall and the Recreation Center. The public will be welcome to view the wall starting at 1 pm on the 21st. Viewing hours are dawn to dusk, ending when the sun sets on the 24th.
Securing the wall took significant advanced planning. Village staff initially reached out to the group behind the wall in July of 2023. The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is six feet tall at the center and covers nearly 300 feet from end to end. It is a 3/5 scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C.
“As the son of a Vietnam War veteran, it is especially moving for me that Romeoville will be hosting the wall,” said Mayor Noak. “I encourage everyone to come view this display and to honor those who served in Vietnam and perished or remain missing.”
More details on the wall and accompanying festivities will be available on romeoville.org as August approaches. You can learn more about the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall at www.travelingwall.us.

Cruisin' Tunes: My Dad's Cover Band
2025-08-21 17:00 - 20:00 | Konow’s Corn Maze, 16849 S. Cedar Road, Homer Glen, IL, 60491, United States
Join Lemont Classic Car Club at our farm for our weekly Thursday Cruise Night, where the atmosphere sizzles with excitement and great music!
This week, we’re thrilled to feature My Dad’s Cover Band, bringing their lively tunes to the open air. Enjoy a nostalgic evening of classic hits and foot-tapping rhythms as you roll in with your favorite cars. Bring your friends and family for a fun evening filled with good vibes, delicious food, and unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out on the perfect way to kick off the weekend!

Saints Cyril & Methodius Summer Fest
2025-08-21 18:00 - 22:00 | Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, 608 Sobieski St., Lemont, 60439, United States
This is the ultimate summer celebration that you won’t want to miss!
Join us for a four-day extravaganza filled with thrilling carnival rides, electrifying DJ performances, live music, delicious food and drinks, and endless fun. Get ready to experience heart-pumping excitement on our carnival rides. From spinning teacups to roller coasters, we have something for everyone. For those who want to dance the day away, our talented DJs will keep the party going with their electrifying beats. And for those who prefer live music, we have an amazing lineup of musicians who will keep you entertained all day long.
Saints Cyril and Methodius Summer Fest 2025 is the perfect place to make new friends, bond with family, and create unforgettable memories.
Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind celebration!
Mark your calendar from August 21st to 24th and join us for four days filled with endless fun and excitement.

Third Thursday Concerts - Kev Roy & The Overjoyed
2025-08-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 7th St., LaSalle, 61301, United States
We have a new day, new name, and new logo!
Kev Roy & the Overjoyed take the stage on August 21st!
Tickets are $5 a person. Gates open at 6:00pm with the concert from 6:30 to 8:00pm.
Enjoy live music by Kevin & The Overjoyed, Ina Mae Grazing Co., and a 50/50 raffle with our evening emcee Dr. Tracy Morris from Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC). Go Eagles!
Guests bring their own chairs or blankets and enjoy music under the tree canopy on the Mansion’s West Lawn.
Bring your friends and family for a spectacular evening! Be sure to check our website prior to the Concert for rain cancelations.

Concerts on the Hill - Women in Action
2025-08-21 18:30 - 21:30 | 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!

Craft: Bug Hotel
2025-08-22 11:00 - 17:00 | Three Stories Bookstore, 310 Canal Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States

Saints Cyril & Methodius Summer Fest
2025-08-22 18:00 - 23:00 | Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church, 607 Sobieski St., Lemont, IL, 60439

Farmers Market - Jackson Street
2025-08-23 08:00 - 12:30 | Ottawa Visitor Center, 1028 LaSalle St., Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
Start your Saturday with an exciting market experience from 8am to 12:30pm.
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!

Accessible Hummingbird Sit
2025-08-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Sagawau Learning Center, 12545 W. 111th St., Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Watch hummingbirds from an accessible area.
Bring a chair or use ours.
Staff will answer questions about feeding and attracting hummers.

Museum Campus Day
2025-08-23 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 are welcome!
